Coupeville wants to publicize public deck

While the Front Street Grill has been a popular destination for hungry people visiting Coupeville, the historic district’s newest building also provides access to the pristine views of Penn Cove.

The deck wrapping around the wooden building is open for public enjoyment. But several town residents are concerned that people aren’t aware of the free access to view picturesque Penn Cove.

“People need to know there is access,” Coupeville resident Katherine Moulten said during a recent town council meeting. Some people want signs put in place notifying pedestrians of the public access point.

A public deck surrounds two sides of the two-story building. Making the deck public was a requirement for the owners to get a permit allowing for construction of the new waterfront building. People can access the Front Street Grill public deck from the Windjammer Gallery building and from a small passageway wedged between the Grill and the Kingfisher Bookstore.

The deck behind the Front Street Grill, however, may not be everyone’s idea of a pristine viewpoint since there’s a large trash bin sitting there.

Prior to the Front Street Grill, a ramshackle structure that had been vacant for years sat in part of the lot. Proponents of the deck wanted it in order to preserve a public viewing area of Penn Cove.

Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard understood the need for the new signs. She met with town council members during a workshop recently to discuss the possibility of placing signs at the entrance.

She hopes to have signs placed around the Front Street Grill in several weeks.

Contact Whidbey News Times Staff reporter Nathan Whalen at nwhalen@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5058.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.