No more backroom dealing

To the editor:

Citizens may know that dramatic upzones to Winslow are before the Planning Commission right now. This process began in the backroom with consultants and city staff. Our elected officials had no input on proposed upzones. Staff claims to not even know how much new population is represented in the “Proposed Preferred Alternative” Winslow zoning map, because “the consultant created it.” What we do know is that five or six-story buildings are proposed, and historic neighborhoods will be “re-created” to push in density. At the same time, virtually no affordable housing will be allowed, in favor of thousands of units of market-rate housing.

Meanwhile, city staff and consultants are drafting changes to our Comprehensive Plan. Again, our elected officials have no input. Again, we have been carved out. On Feb. 2, I requested copies of any changes drafted by the city staff and consultants, and to date the city has refused to provide the changes.

Similarly, everyone is worried about the sustainability of our water supply, but the Public Works director has suggested that we not be allowed to review the Draft Groundwater Management Plan unless the City Council votes to approve the release of this public record.

The GWMP was and is a crucial element of the environmental impact analysis required before Winslow may be upzoned. The failure to timely complete the GWMP, and the suggestion we will be kept in the dark, should alarm everyone. Please email the City Council to object: council@bainbridgewa.gov.

Lisa Neal

Bainbridge