The general public good as well as the economic future of the commercial marina district along Parfitt Way received yet another black eye last week at a city Planning Commission meeting during its review of the proposed Parfitt Inn & Gardens.

The project, as proposed, intends to place a 16-room boutique inn and 12 multifamily condominiums on its downtown parcel at the corner of Wood Avenue and Parfitt Way.

The city planning director recommended its approval, finding full compliance with Bainbridge’s Comprehensive Plan and noting no need for variances (except to add parking above the maximum proscribed).

But that did nothing to dissuade a roomful of project detractors – led by the Harbourside Condominium Owner’s Association – to take to the microphone to find fault.

The HCOA, riding high after defeating the Harbour Pub’s expansion proposal, enlisted the same team of Seattle lawyers at Jameson, Babbit, Stites & Lombard to provide highly critical written opposition to the city’s actions on the proposal brought forward by the late Junkoh Harui and his family.

After hours of criticism, the beleaguered planning commission cautiously tabled the discussion without recommendation until its April 9 meeting.

The main arguments raised were anticipated quality-of-life degradation as well as the perceived – albeit red herring argument – lack of parking.

While I do find public discourse a useful tool to governance, I am particularly distraught when the chartered “keepers of the comprehensive plan” falter in front of the bullies that impose their will through shrill and manufactured arguments.

Parfitt Way has always been the social center of Winslow (and its predecessor, Madrone).

Along Parfitt and its intersection with Madison Avenue were placed Winslow’s first school houses; churches; feed and hardware stores; wharfs; farms; ferry and fuel docks; post offices and other necessities of the community.

Every successive plan that this city or the previous municipal corporations produced recognized its commercial and social importance by retaining its highest commercial zoning designation.

Yet, the arguments proffered by the HCOA and its allies belittle commerce and social vitality as value-deflating.

What community, resort or condominium today doesn’t use convenient access to commercial services as value-added amenities?

From our home across the street, I watch in amazement as each successive condo sale exceeds the previous one, each exhorting their proximity to restaurants, marinas and other nearby services.

The planning commission shouldn’t let HCOA board president Dick Daniel and his cohorts throw them off course.

Get on with it…recommend approval and reaffirm the people’s only legally binding written goals as stated in the Bainbridge Island Comprehensive Plan.

Jeff Waite, co-owner

Harbour Pub