— from Victoria Compton for SJC Economic Development Council —
The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) Board of Directors would like to urge commercial and residential property owners to extend extraordinary leniency to tenants during this financial downturn.
Extending repayment times, halting payments during enforced closure times, waiving penalty clauses, and offering rent forgiveness during this time are all ways to ensure that tenants will be able to weather the financial downturn and will be able to make better decisions regarding community health.
This, in turn, will enable property owners to have continued income when an economic recovery begins, as it is typically more difficult to find tenants after an economic downturn.
“An empty building is generally a poor investment decision,” noted EDC Vice-President, John Evans.
For more information on this or any other business concern during this time, please email info@sanjuansedc.org or phone 360-378-2906.
The EDC thanks San Juan County, the Raynier Foundation, the Town of Friday Harbor, the San Juan Island Community Foundation, Valmark, Walt Corbin, the Orcas Island Community Foundation, Islanders Bank, Heritage Bank, and the Washington State Department of Commerce for their support of EDC initiatives.
The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) strives to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County. We believe a strong economy builds a strong community.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
I have a residential rental unit. My tenant has a good payment history but just got laid off along with many other local workers in the hospitality industry. I gave her a pass on the April rent and hope that all of the business closures will end in a few weeks.