Gig Harbor To Consider Millville Restaurant Development Stoppage

GIG HARBOR, WA - The City Council will consider a zoning change in the downtown area that would prevent new restaurants from opening in the Millville area. City officials say Millville residents are bothered by the noise and traffic of restaurants, and don't want the neighborhood to accommodate more.

The change was brought to Council on Monday by Councilwoman Jeni Woock. In 2015, the Council voted to end a ban on restaurants in Millville, Woock said. Before that, only "level 1" eateries, which close at 7 p.m., were allowed.

Four full-service restaurants have opened in the neighborhood since that 2015 vote. Millville is unique in Gig Harbor because single-family homes abut the busy downtown harborfront. The restaurant ban in Millville would affect a small portion of downtown, from about Skansie Park to Novak Street and southwest to Ross Avenue.

Woock said that residents of the neighborhood are bothered by the busyness and late hours of the restaurants. Scarce parking is also a problem for locals.

"In a residential neighborhood, it's a problem if you want to have family quiet time," Woock said.

The zoning change would not force restaurants in the neighborhood to move out. But, any changes to the restaurant would have to conform with whatever use permit the restaurant already has. The restaurants in Millville include Netshed No. 9, Brix 25, Susanne's Bakery and Deli, and Millville Pizza Co.

Woock said the City Council will hold one or two public hearings on the issue before a final vote, which might not happen until next fall.

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