About Bremerton's West Bremerton

Authored By: Jo Soss : WestSoundLive.com

Check this out from Bremerton’s Mayor Bozeman’s October Newsletter….

Bremerton Housing Authority Receives 20 Million Dollar Grant
Congratulations to Executive Director Kurt Wiest and the Board of the Bremerton Housing Authority for being awarded a Hope 6 grant of 20 million dollars to be used in the redevelopment of the Westpark Housing Community. Only five grants were given out by HUD throughout the country. These funds will allow the Housing Authority to move ahead with the redevelopment of the 60-year-old low-income housing community. New housing and support services will be built in the next five years. This has been a goal of mine since I was elected seven years ago.

If you are not aware of the WestPark Sub-Area Plan, you can read all about “Re-Envisioning Westpark” at the City’s website.  (Westpark Sub-Area Plan)  This project is so exciting and fascinating to me.  Located just off Highway 3 on Kitsap Way, you know the exit where Denny’s and DQ are.  Right across from the newer Fire Station #2 located at 5005 Kitsap Way. 

Westpark was originally constructed in 1941 as temporary housing for shipyard workers during the time that was World War II and Bremerton played an important roll in keeping the Navy prepared.  Westpark today is owned and operated by the Bremerton Housing Authority.  The “re-design” of Westpark was envisioned in 2006 with the Westpark Sub-Area Plan and was adopted per Ordinance 4998 in February 2006.  The Sub-Area Plan is the development standards for the transformation.  Click on the below links to read about all the exciting projects!

• I. Introduction
• II. Public Process & Comp. Plan Consistency
• III. Westpark Sub-Area Plan
• IV. Zoning & Development Regulations
• V. Design Guidelines

Westpark – from what some would call “slums” to high quality design!

From the City of Bremerton’s Website: 

Westpark is envisioned as an urban mixed-use, mixed-income, pedestrian oriented community. In the new Westpark, a variety of types and styles of housing will meet the needs of a range of income groups, and retail and commercial opportunities will satisfy everyday shopping needs.

The Bremerton Housing Authority's website has posted the following information about community meetings that are now in progress.

Community meetings are scheduled to discuss the changes.  They will be on Thursdays, September 25, 2008 running through October 30, 2008 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at the WP Community Center at 76 Russell Rd, Bremerton.

The 82-acre Westpark site is located in West Bremerton, bounded by Kitsap Way on the north, Oyster Bay Way on the east, and State Route 3 on the west.

Authored By: Jo Soss : WestSoundLive.com

It is the little things of an area that always intrigue me. Since I moved back to Bremerton and restarted my real estate career with blogging I have wanted to take a picture of the "Welcome to Bremerton" sign that greets those leaving Highway 3 at Kitsap Way. I always thought it nice for a city to have these types of signs. There is one on Wheaton Way in East Bremerton too and I am sure a few more I haven't seen.

I just kept putting off my stop to the sign because it was in need of cleaning. One day I even took a jug of water and a Magic Eraser with me so that I could clean off the green mossy stuff that grows on stuff here in the Bremerton area of the Kitsap Peninsula. I pulled in the parking lot of the Dairy Queen across the street but just didn't have the nerve to go and clean the sign! I do some pretty kooky things around town getting pictures for my blog and all I could think of was two words, "Crazy Lady".

I spent 3 weeks up in Alaska the end of July and into August and on my way home after my return flight I turned off Highway 3 onto Kitsap Way and there it was - the sign - all shiny and new! A new color, a new design and WOW how cool!! This is the style of the new signs downtown around the Bremerton Boardwalk. I was just too excited. So after a couple of weeks getting back into the groove of business I made a special stop to take the picture. I know this sounds silly - but this is where I live and I love it!

Jo Soss-Olson · WestSoundLive · Copyright © 2008 · All Rights Reserved

West Bremerton Revitalization

It's not just downtown Bremerton that is going thru some "revitalization", West Bremerton is enjoying some as well. About a year ago the new Rite Aid on the corner of Kitsap Way and National Ave opened just in time for the Holiday season. The building was a huge improvement to the corner and area in general.

Rite Aid wasn't a new neighbor, just moved into the new building. Now of course where there is a Rite Aid there must be a Walgreens!! Right? I am not kidding. The property that is a vacant / abandoned used car dealership was purchased this spring by a developer out of Bellevue.

I have seen the plans for a Walgreens - and guess what else??? A Starbucks! With a drive thru!! This drab corner will be turned into a fun new neighbor. The plans are still in the prelim stage but I am sure that you will see the ground break sometime in 2008.

Did you receive a pamphlet in the mail from the Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority about the Lead Hazard Control Program? I did. My house was built in 1941. I don't qualify for the program but would really like to make sure the information reaches as many households as possible. Lead poisoning is a tragedy.

If you are eligible you may receive up to $7,000.00 in free repairs to correct the lead hazards in your home. This program is in partnership with Washington State Community Trade and Economic Development in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency.

This program has a Maximum Income Limit.

Click for Pamphlet Here.

Lead poisoning is a very serious concern and can cause severe health problems in all ages. If you or anyone in your home suffers from headaches, stomachaches, nausea or irritability it could be a sign of lead poisoning. Only a doctor's exam can be conclusive.

See the pamphlet or Contact Mary Barton at 360-535-6131

Main Sources of Lead in Homes

Pealing or chipping paint (if lead based)

Dust from sanding old paint

Contaminated soil

I have always enjoyed walking, but while raising a family I never lived in an area that was close to much of what I needed. The house I own now is very close to shopping but feels very remote, I have the best of both worlds. I chose my home based on how close it was to certain establishments. I wanted to be able to be close to services in case of some kind of emergency. I never thought about the exercise or the green effect walking could do for me.

When it snows here in the Oyster Bay area of Bremerton for some reason the elevated area I live on gets more snow than other areas close to the Charleston district. When it snows I can not pull out of my garage and get up the hill in front of my home. It makes me feel more in control when I know that I can walk to shopping if I needed.

With gas prices and environmental concerns many buyers in the Bremerton area are really looking at what is in walking distance to the properties they are viewing. Buying a house in a walkable neighborhood is also good for your health.

Here are some facts about walking from the new site that is assisting buyers and real estate agents on the "walkability" of neighborhoods in their area. WalkScore.com

• Better health
• Reduction in greenhouse gases
• Transportation options
• Social interaction
• Stronger local businesses

Below is what a WalkScore would look like. This is one if you lived on High Ave in Bremerton. You can use this tool on any address, just remember that it isn't fool proof. My home has a 58 score but the large QFC grocery store isn't listed and is about .09 miles from my home. Click on the WalkScore link above to find your WalkScore.