To the editor:

Few would or should argue the very special nature and beauty of Bainbridge Island — or what has been special until the fairly recent spate of development, both commercial and residential, seemingly without much regard for either architectural elegance or creativity. One of the best (or worst) examples of the commercial efforts is the property on the corner of High School Road and Highway 305 which is to house a chain drug store and some other ill-defined operations.

Residentially, we’re beginning to see major efforts virtually to fill any available space with little regard for what that development will look like. Having just returned from Denver, where much effort is being put forth to accommodate the social, cultural and physical needs and wants of an extremely livable community, I could not help but see what is evolving both in the larger Seattle area as well as right here on the island. And what is happening hardly speaks well for the future.

No one can fault property owners who want to realize as much profit as possible from developing their property, nor can government tell anyone what their development should look like so long as what happens meets legal requirements, as apparently the previously mentioned and heavily protested development did. Sadly, that development and all the commercial property that relates to it do not express even the slightest suggestion of any of it being part of the community, either by design or signage or much of anything else.

We are seeing the same realities affecting residential neighborhoods in efforts to achieve so-called “affordable” housing.

As a businessman and someone long associated with housing and other industries, I know only too well the difficulty in promoting design concepts. But, unless we at least begin to press developers to think in terms of more creative design as well as simply practical construction, what has been a highly desirable and attractive place both to live and do business can quickly and easily lose all sense of identity and architectural attractiveness.

What does all of that look like? The answer is not just what the writer feels necessary, but should be the expression of planners and other professionals right here on the island who might come together to begin a process. It is worth noting the major differences between how long- established T&C market is fashioning its massive remodeling job, promoting not only its neat “fit” on Winslow but also having created a careful plan with its contractors and personnel to engage the public warmly and sensitively — while a chain drug store and some other operations at High School Road and Highway 305 are simply construction operations that could care less about any relationship to the community, either in terms of communications or appearance, as it contributes not only to inevitable traffic congestion when completed as well as to what I call the “architectural uglification” of our island.

Frankly, I don’t feel much better for having brought this to light because the processes that have permitted the situation may well be out of the control of the community by now, unless there are respectful and resounding voices to urge, perhaps even demand change that argues for better design, more open space and less density already on the books.

Time to begin the debate for our future of island livability.

JOSEPH J. HONICK

Bainbridge Island