August 2008 Olympic OPG and Port of Kingston announce collaboration for “sustainable tourism” Recently Olympic Property Group (OPG) announced the launch of a collaborative sustainable tourism project with the Port of Kingston. If you visit downtown Kingston this summer, you may see a little green and white bug shaped car. This Global Electric Motorcar, or GEM, is part of an experiment to study new ways to promote sustainable tourism in the area. The GEM car is a street legal electric vehicle that can run at speeds up to 25 mph, making it perfect to zip around town in. Owned by OPG, the car has been loaned to the Port of Kingston who will allow visitors on their guest dock to utilize the vehicle for errands and tours of the Kingston area. Although the car has only been available to use since June 27 it has already created excitement among boaters and Kingston residents alike. “Feedback is extremely positive and a great way to promote Kingston,” said Port of Kingston Director, Mike Bookey. “The idea of a port having an electric car available to see the local community and visit local stores shocks guest boaters in a good way. We tell them it’s just another example of the uncommon good service boaters can expect from the Port of Kingston. Not only does having the GEM car available allow boaters more access to the town of Kingston than they would have otherwise had, visitors are more likely to buy from local merchants than they were when they had to walk long distances or carry purchases with them.” In order to use the GEM you must have your boat moored on the guest dock at the Port of Kingston. After that, it is just a matter of putting your name on the list and filling out a comment card after your drive. Due to the popularity of the car, usage time has been limited to 1 hour time blocks. Even so, there is frequently a waiting list. The GEM could have much broader uses than just as a visitor vehicle at the Port. “An ideal application is for traveling from outlying housing to small commercial villages such as Port Gamble, Kingston, and Poulsbo” said Jon Rose, president of OPG. “It reduces congestion, noise, and emissions, and parks in about half the space of a conventional vehicle.” With the rising costs of fuel, crowded ferry boats, and full parking lots, Rose foresees a day when owners of mini-vehicles are rewarded by having access to reduced ferry fees and half-sized parking spaces. The information gathered from the GEM project will be used to help OPG design its master planned communities, many of which will not be completed for decades. “Designing with an eye to the future is critical in creating communities that maintain their vitality” said Rose. “Plus, the GEM car is just really fun to drive.” Information about the GEM project can be obtained from OPG at (360) 394-0519, opg@orminc.com or from the Port of Kingston at (360) 297-3545, info@portofkingston.org. Article courtesy of: The Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal, August 2008 For more information on Chatham properties, click here. | 
