Protect land

To the editor:

My well has beautiful water. That’s what a Kitsap laboratory determined. I get it tested every so often, and last time the lab tech straight up asked me, “Where are you getting this from?” “My well.” “It’s beautiful water.”

I live in the 1910 farmhouse directly downslope from the proposed Bethany Lutheran Church affordable housing pilot project, currently estimated at 21 residences, a 400% density increase over existing zoning. With no available sewer system, this could mean a septic field for 84 people, upslope from several Finch Road wells. The Bainbridge Island Comprehensive Plan designates concentrated growth in areas supported by infrastructure for a reason.

The Planning Commission is currently crafting Ordinance 2022-02, which will allow density bonuses for island church affordable housing projects. Concerned island residents at a recent public hearing expressed a range of views, from strictly adhering to the Comp Plan, to limiting density bonuses to 200%.

Siting affordable housing based on donated property, while disregarding the consciously crafted Comp Plan, will undoubtedly have lasting impacts throughout the island and should be carefully considered. Hastily crafted legislation runs the risk of repeatedly pitting well-intentioned church congregations, who live elsewhere, against neighbors, who will live with the daily impacts of oversized projects.

The Planning Commission meetings begin with recognition that we occupy ancestral territory of the Suquamish Tribe, who’s ethic is to live in harmony with the land. The least we can do, as current stewards, is take the time to keep this in mind. Let’s proceed sensitively.

Susan M. Bisnett

Bainbridge Island

Move on transportation

To the editor:

As an island mother of two, transportation planning professional, member of the Sustainable Transportation Task Force, Squeaky Wheels board member, and part of Bainbridge GreenWays, I am writing to express my support for the Sustainable Transportation Plan.

My son, now 17, has been riding to school almost daily since fifth grade. Biking to school and activities was a relief for me as a working mother, while proving him with independence. However, I recall being anxious at work until the time had passed where I knew he must have arrived safely or I would have received a call telling me otherwise. To me, the benefits of independence, sustainability and exercise outweighed the potential costs.

But it doesn’t have to be a calculus of risk vs. reward. Having been involved in island bicycle advocacy for over 10 years, I’ve seen slow progress that has frustrated many, myself included. We are finally at a momentous moment – the Sustainable Transportation Plan can help direct implementation of infrastructure that will make it safer and more comfortable to walk or roll whether you are 8 or 80. I support Scenario 2 “Connecting Centers” because it would create a core network of high-quality infrastructure in our main areas of density and development.

Let’s get this plan approved and get busy building. My hope is that my 4-year-old daughter can continue in her brother’s footsteps and ride to school. And perhaps I won’t have to sit by my phone with anxiety because we’ll have infrastructure that prioritizes safety and works for all ages and abilities.

Alyce Nelson

Bainbridge Island

Broncos fan

To the editor:

I still can’t seem to activate the drop-down tab. I’d like to submit this letter.

And just like that, I became a Broncos fan.

PJ McEwan,

Bainbridge Island

Renewable energy

To the editor:

As we all struggle with increasing gas prices, it’s worth keeping a couple of things in mind.

The cost of our renewable energy sources statewide hasn’t increased and represents a good hedge against the instability of oil prices, as well as the fact that so much of the global oil supply comes from countries we’d rather not have such a dependency on, including Russia.

Reps. Derek Kilmer and Dan Newhouse introduced a bipartisan bill, the Blue Energy Innovation Act, that would increase investments in “blue” renewable energy – the kind that comes from water and the ocean. This is a valuable step for our state and a good example of bipartisan action.

But we need much more investments in renewables, and a carbon fee could help generate those investments. While it may seem an odd time to propose a fee that would keep gas prices high, in some ways now is the best time. We could use the fee to put a floor on gas prices, rebate most of it to Americans to help offset the short-term impact and use the rest to invest in a path forward with renewables that will help address climate change and reduce our dependence on oil.

Mike Kelly

Bainbridge Island

Transportation choice

To the editor:

Bainbridge City Council will meet March 22 and review the Sustainable Transportation Plan that has been developed the past two years. There is much to support for this plan with its forward-thinking transit and cycling-walking projects.

Several funding options for the cycling-walking projects have been developed by city staff. Option 2 offers a way to fund cycling-walking projects that connect neighborhood centers in a six- to seven-year period. The main idea is to create a safe and attractive network of cycling-walking paths for people of all ages.

The Sound to Olympics Trail can also be incorporated into this transportation plan so federal and state funds can be obtained. Here’s to safe cycling and walking transportation paths on BI.

Barb Zimmer

Bainbridge Island

Great education

To the editor:

I want to thank the Bainbridge Island School District school board for its stewardship of our children’s learning. Both of my kids attended Blakely, Woodward, Sakai and Bainbridge High School. They left our schools confident, prepared and excited to continue learning in college.

I appreciate that year after year, my children’s teachers met them at their learning levels. I was often surprised when our kids would ask us questions about people and events unfolding around us that I didn’t realize they were paying attention to.

They learned through personal stories of local islanders about the Japanese internment during World War II and the pain endured from discrimination based on race. My kids taught me that they could learn and grow from uncomfortable truths. Their classroom discussions supported my wife and I as parents to deepen our conversations at home.

I appreciate that you designed an inclusive process to invite community input for the District Improvement Plan. I’m grateful that you honored the voices you heard by focusing on equity, anti-racism, inclusion, diversity and justice.

Our children learn a more complete history that honors diverse voices and experiences. I’ve read several books in the curriculum and was impressed by the contributions people of color have made to our history, and saddened because those stories were often absent from the history I learned.

You’re supporting our kids by opening their eyes and hearts so much earlier in their learning journey. You’re inviting our students to engage with challenging issues like the history of racism, understanding white privilege and how to build inclusive cultures that give us all a better sense of belonging.

I trust our teachers to know how and when to engage our children. And I trust our children to rise to the challenge and become more knowledgeable, compassionate and engaged citizens of our world.

Doug Nathan

Bainbridge Island