PORT ANGELES — Dry Creek area residents are forming a property development company to try buying the 113-acre former Critchfield property slated for a Washington Alder sawmill.
Dry Creek Coalition spokesman Herman Laugallies made the surprise announcement during Monday’s Port of Port Angeles commissioners’ meeting.
He said the proposed Dry Creek Development LLC would buy the property for recreation and business purposes that would fit better with the homeowners in the area.
The possibility of a sawmill has drawn angry protests from homeowners that formed the Dry Creek Coalition.
Calling it a good project at a bad location, coalition members say they’re concerned about the sawmill’s proximity to Dry Creek School, traffic from log and lumber trucks, pollution and noise.
Asked Monday afternoon about the potential competition for buying the property, Washington Alder president Richard Tinney said he had no comment.
The company reportedly is now negotiating with another landowner for a site away from the homeowners and Dry Creek School.
The company wants to build a new $23 million alder sawmill identical to one it already operates in Mount Vernon.
The Port now owns the 113 acres located between William R. Fairchild International Airport, Lower Elwha Road and Edgewood Drive.
The Port’s board of commissioners declared the property surplus following an Aug. 23 public hearing.
