To the editor:

We can all acknowledge that the proposed Bainbridge Island Shoreline Management Program is the result of very hard work, good intentions and substantial monetary expense.

However the document if very flawed and inconsistent. It is bloated and would be difficult to implement rendering it ineffectual and it is laden with many potential lawsuits.

It is now in the hands of our city council to review and make changes. There are several unbiased evaluations of the proposal that the council can review before deciding if it is worth pursuing further.

One such evaluation has been completed by a very credible resident of the Sand Spit. He spoke up at the last North Ward meeting and offered it to council for review. It is highlighted and color-coded. I highly recommend the council review this objective analysis and others available. Throughout the planning process citizens attempted to point this out but no one would listen.

I hope that after the review they will seriously consider doing what Kitsap County and many cities in Washington (including the city of Burien) have done. Adopt the State of Washington’s Shoreline Master Program and grandfather existing legally built residences as conforming. The state’s Shoreline Master Program has been created by professionals in the fields of ecology and law.

The Bainbridge Island shoreline proposal is a very frustrating learning experience. Hopefully in the future we recognize when we do not have the expertise that is needed.

CONNIE GOLON

Bainbridge Island