The Bainbridge Island Planning Commission received updates on two long-range plans and an affordable housing project at its recent meeting.
Planning director Patty Charnas gave updates on the draft environmental impact statement for the Comprehensive and Winslow Subarea plans, including maps of what growth would look like comparing the option of building up or building out.
Both plans guide city services and decisions regarding land use, capital facilities, housing, transportation and more. They unify work done by the city elsewhere, including on the climate and sustainable transportation. The alternatives also consider groundwater management, equity and inclusion goals and policies. The state’s Growth Management Act requires the periodic updates.
“We decided with all we had to consider to do an EIS to look at the mitigating we would have to do,” Charnas said of the city. “We’re setting the table for our work ahead.”
She said because the DEIS came out in the summer the city decided on a long public comment period from July 26 to Oct. 10. “We knew a lot of people were on vacation.” She added many opportunities for public comment are taking place this month.
Charnas said the GMA requires communities to look at “capacity” — which includes not only population but also housing and jobs. For the first time affordable housing must be included, she explained.
“Winslow does not have sufficient capacity” for all the growth required. So upzoning will be required there, along with “modest additional densities in designated centers” like Lynwood, Rolling Bay, Island Center and the Day Road business-industrial area.
Whether growth is in adding or distributing density both will influence public services, the environment, utilities, air quality, environmental justice, aesthetics, land use and more.
The Winslow Subarea Plan is similar to the Comp Plan, except it is for that specific area. She said Winslow, because it has more services, will be asked to accommodate the capacity numbers as much as possible.
During public comments, City Councilmember and former Planning Commissioner Jon Quitslund advised the commissioners. “I know the work you have ahead of you,” he said, adding they and the council will need to work together to work methodically through the two plans. He said the deadline is June 2025, including a grace period of six months. Having been in their position before, he said, “Don’t let it bring you down” as it can be overwhelming. But if they look at the elements that went into the plan, it’s easier to digest. “There’s some risk in getting lost in the information.” He said they need to focus on the new obligations. “Don’t let the tail wag the dog,” he said.
Ericksen Project
On another topic, the commission listened to a presentation about the Housing Resources Bainbridge Ericksen Project and voted to approve it to planning director Charnas to make a decision. It is 100% affordable with 18 multifamily units. The building would be 35 feet high.
The goal of construction completion is summer 2025. City staff said it will be done with minimum site alteration. It is a heavily wooded compact .66 of acre site with slope, allowing for lower-level parking. The four-story building would be in the middle of the site, with a buffer between Highway 305 averaging 35 feet. There will be a small play area and small raindgarden.
There will be 12 one-bedroom studio-type homes at 450 square feet each, along with six 3-bedroom homes at 950 square- feet each. Developers are asking for fewer parking places than required because it is so close to transportation and downtown services. Normal parking requirements would provide 24 spaces. However, this project requests 16, with four for guests.
DEIS public meetings
Sept. 14: At Island Center Hall, 8395 Fletcher Bay Road, 10 a.m. to noon, drop in anytime. Learn how Island Center could change and make comments.
Sept. 14: At Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, 11042 Sunrise Drive NE, 3-5 p.m., drop in anytime. Learn how Rolling Bay could change and make comments.
Sept. 15: At Lynwood Commons, 4779 Lynwood Center Road NE. Learn how Lynwood Center could change and make comments.
Sept. 16: At Seabold Hall, 14450 Komedal Road NE. 4-6 p.m., drop in anytime. Learn how the Day Road Business/Industrial area could change and provide input.
Sept. 18: At Bainbridge High School, 5-7 p.m., Citywide Open House, drop in anytime. Free childcare ages 1-12.
