PORT ANGELES — The eight lots at the former Kmart store east of Port Angeles are being consolidated into two lots for the future Wal-Mart Supercenter at U.S. Highway 101 and North Masters Road.

The three Clallam County commissioners Tuesday signed the final plat approval for applicant John Clarke on behalf on Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

One main lot of 18.71 acres will be adjacent to a 1.06-acre lot that will be used for future development or sale.

“This is a cleaner way to match their long range development plans, by consolidating those lots into one big one,” said Clallam County Planning Manager Steve Gray.

The eight lots being changed date back to the original commercial plat, Gray said.

The next step is the approval of a demolition permit to tear down the Kmart store that closed in early 1988. Wal-Mart has applied for a demolition permit. The permit is awaiting Wal-Mart’s response to Olympic Region Clean Air agency.

“It’s basically pending,” Gray said.

“We’re waiting for Wal-Mart to meet those [clean air] requirements.”

Building permit

After approving a demolition permit, the county will consider the building permit that Wal-Mart has already filed.

Gray said the two pending permits are nearing approval.

Wal-Mart operates a store at 3500 E. U.S. Highway 101 that will close when the larger store is built nearby.

Company officials are eyeing 2010 for the 10-to-12-month construction phase.

Nine conditions set forth by Clallam County Hearings Examiner Christopher Melly have been met, planner Donella Clark said.

Melly approved the preliminary subdivision on Nov. 19, 2008. A public meeting was held one week prior.

Commissioner Mike Doherty, who participated in the board meeting via speakerphone, encouraged staff to investigate whether or not cinder block could be salvaged from the demolition, perhaps to fill a gravel pit for the Mount Pleasant Road widening project.

Meanwhile, in the wake of Monday’s multi-jurisdictional response to a bank robbery in Port Angeles, Clallam County commissioners signed a joint proclamation with the city of Port Angeles recognizing the week of Sept. 11 as Public Safety Awareness Week.

Law enforcement praise

Clallam County Sheriff’s Bill Benedict and the three commissioners praised the strong working relationship between the Sheriff’s Office, Port Angeles Police and the other law enforcement agencies on the Peninsula.

A Sept. 11 monument was dedicated at Francis Street Park on Sept. 11, 2002. It was organized by a citizen’s group led by Alan Barnard.

Benedict and the board thanked Barnard for his leadership, and 80 volunteers in the Sheriff’s Office.

Since 2002, a re-dedication ceremony has been held every Sept. 11 at the monument, which reads: “The grateful citizens of Clallam County present this monument as our tribute to the men and women of Public Safety who are dedicated to the protection of life and property — Law Enforcement, 911 and Firefighters.”

The commissioners also passed a proclamation recognizing September as alcohol and drug addiction recovery month. An estimated 22 million Americans struggle with addiction, at a national social cost of more than $450 billion per year, the proclamation says.

The board also passed a possession and use agreement for stream bank stabilization at milepost 13.2 on Hoko Ozette Road in the West End of the county.

County crews will work on Emil Person’s property to repair erosion at a bend in the Big River.

Melissa Turner was appointed as alternate director of the Washington Counties Risk Pool. She was also appointed to management representative of the Safety and Health Committee.

Turner replaces the retired Toni Gilbert, whose last day was Friday.

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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.