Bainbridge Island is on the verge of losing an important part of its history. One of the historic houses (216)on Ericksen Avenue has been initially approved for demolition. This is one of seven contiguous homes on the east side of the street where shipyard workers lived in the early 1900s.

The distinctive architecture of that row of houses attracts residents and tourists alike, and serves to educate us about those who came before.

Citizens spoke out for their preservation when the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance were adopted.

Both documents include these provisions: “The purpose of the Ericksen Avenue overlay district is to preserve the unique and historical features of the Ericksen Avenue neighborhood”; and “Historic (pre-1920) single-family, residential structures on Ericksen may be converted to non-residential use. However, any additions to the structure must be added to the rear and must be compatible with the character of the original structure.”

These laws have been upheld in the past when the demolition of 292 Ericksen was not permitted, and when a new structure was added to the backyard of 266 Ericksen. In recognition of historic preservation, the latter was allowed to increase its lot coverage. Now the city has hired an attorney who reinterpreted the law to allow demolition of the home at 216 Ericksen in disregard of the purpose and conditions to preserve this historic neighborhood.

If this new interpretation is accepted, it will eventually be applied to the remaining six historic homes.

Citizens need to come to the city’s Planning Commission meeting at City Hall at 7 p.m. on April 23 when the application for the demolition of 216 Ericksen will be considered. Show them you care about our island’s history.

Bainbridge residents:

Jon Quitslund, Charles Schmid, Barbara Winther