The plans for the Winslow Hotel have been changed to include 11 studio units in the hotel for employee housing and 11 new parking spots, according to officials with the city of Bainbridge Island.
The city announced it will open a two-week public comment period for the hotel, which will run from Friday, Nov. 1 through Friday, Nov. 15.
City officials said the new revisions were submitted Oct. 9.
The controversial 87-room hotel, planned for two downtown lots on Winslow Way, will be reviewed by planning staff, then go back to the city’s planning commission for additional consideration and a recommendation on the proposed changes, the city announced Friday.
Following the commission’s review, the city’s planning department director will issue a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) determination before the hotel plan goes to the city’s hearing examiner for a final decision.
A revised plan set for the hotel was not yet posted to the city’s website early Friday, but a notice to nearby property owners said the changes would add 4,432 square feet of residential floor area, and 108 square feet of lot coverage, to the project.
More than a half dozen islanders have already submitted comments on the plan — all against the hotel.
“I urge the city of Bainbridge Island not to put a hotel downtown. It will destroy the village feel of the area, which is already besieged by traffic and tourists. Please protect our unique and livable way of life,” wrote Cecelia Goodnow.
“No! We don’t need this hotel,” wrote Nita Conlan. “Parking is already an issue. This doesn’t serve the general population of the Island. It’s only purpose is to serve the businesses. I already avoid downtown Winslow and prefer shopping in Poulsbo. Don’t push us away even more! We are tired of the continued over development of downtown!”
“Please deny the Winslow hotel in every way it does not comply with the comprehensive plan. It is too big!” wrote Dianne Lauer. “It’s a residential area and the hotel will bring chaos to the area.”
Added Jan Weber: “A couple of bushes do not negate traffic, pollution, noise and unnecessary tree removal. Please honor the your neighbors that live here year round. They are seniors in need of and deserving of a little peace and quiet!”
“I’m concerned about the availability of water to sustain us all with this rapid building,” wrote Kathy M. Beck.
“We as residents feel it’s all about the tourist, the visitor to the Island, the making money off developers, and their building seems to be running roughshod over all of us. There will be no charm left in Winslow…it’s nearly gone now. I and many of my friends don’t even use Winslow any more, except for trying to get to Town and Country now and then, and that has become increasingly impossible because of the congestion,” Beck added. “Please have enough concern for all those living on the Island to say NO to this out of control Winslow hotel and all the problems it will inevitably bring…stand up for those of us who live here.”
The project is being pursued by Bainbridge businessman Mike Burns and his company, Madison Avenue Development. The hotel has been designed by the local firm, Cutler Anderson Architects.
New comments related to the proposed revisions may be submitted by email to pcd@bainbridgewa.govor by mail to Planning and Community Development, 280 Madison Ave. North, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.
