Another affordable housing project is making its way through the planning process on Bainbridge Island.

The BI Planning Commission was set to review the Site Plan and Design Review for the Housing Resources Bainbridge 100% affordable housing proposal at Ericksen Avenue and Knechtel Way.

The meeting was Aug. 29. Its options were: approval, approval with conditions or denial. It was to make a recommendation to city planning director Patty Charnas.

The goal of construction completion is summer 2025.

City documents say the project would be four stories with 18 multifamily units. The 12 one-bedroom units would be 450 square feet each, with the six three-bedroom units 950 square feet each. The building would be 35 feet high. Normal parking requirements would provide 24 spaces. However, this project requests 16, with four for guests, along with four bicycle parking spots. Eight spots would need electric vehicle charging capability.

The project also requests a modification for trees. “If the significant tree and tree stand retention requirements … create an unnecessary hardship.” However, overplanting will provide even more trees overall, the applicant says. The applicant opts to provide 40 tree units per acre.

The project meets many city Comprehensive Plan goals, including: affordable housing, density in Winslow, reduces sprawl, different housing types, socio-economic diversity and reduce automobile use.

The city’s Design Review Board recommended approval with conditions that included a rain garden within the Highway 305 roadside buffer. Other deviations requested included parking reduction due to proximity to the ferry and tree units in the roadside buffer.

During the public comment period, only five were received. Regarding parking, concerns were about only 16 spaces for 18 homes, meaning some may park elsewhere in the neighborhood. Regarding affordable homes, some questioned why more are needed considering so many similar developments. Density concerns were similar.

Also at the meeting, the Planning Commission was to hear an introduction to the draft environmental impact statement for the Comprehensive and Winslow Subarea plans. The three alternatives are no action, to build up or to build out for growth. Both plans guide city services and decisions regarding land use, capital facilities, housing, transportation and more. They unify work done elsewhere including on climate and sustainable transportation. The state’s Growth Management Act requires such periodic updates.

The commission also planned to discuss allowing public comments at meetings via Zoom if people register by noon the day before.