The Port of Ridgefield recently released a Conceptual Site Plan for the waterfront (https://portridgefield.org/ridgefield-waterfront), indicating its intention to develop the land to maximum density, despite its proximity to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Development planning has been in the works for years, but the way it has played out feels like a classic “bait and switch” con. The most recent public input has focused on the public park space, which is a small fraction of the development. The result of that input was published in November 2024 and can be found here: https://ridgefieldwa.us/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/128?arc=233. I would argue that much of the space touted as “park” could not be developed anyway because it is in the flood plain. Meanwhile, the Port was working on a plan to maximize development on a scale the vast majority of Ridgefield residents had no idea about. If the Port were being honest, the concept drawings of what this would look like from the boat launch or the Wildlife Refuge perspective would be included. I’ve lived in downtown Ridgefield for 30 years, and I knew development would come to that land at some point. But 5-story buildings are not compatible with the fabric or infrastructure of the existing community.
Respectfully-
Jon Cole
Ridgefield
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