Sustainability Seattle style
With programs from composting household waste to conservation-oriented utility rates, Seattle has become a leader in sustainable initiatives.
Seattle City Council president Richard Conlin will be on Bainbridge Thursday to discuss the work of greening the Emerald City.
Conlin will speak from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at IslandWood, at an event organized by Sustainable Bainbridge.
Conlin said his talk will focus on how sustainable policies muyst be built on a structure that includes economic improvement, social justice and environmental benefit.
City-supported affordable housing developments are one example, Conlin said. The new homes provide work for contractors and provide equal opportunities for housing, while including green building elements.
Conlin said a challenge has been maintaining community community involvement in environmental intiatives during the economic slowdown.
“In these times when people’s economic futures are uncertain, it’s easy to withdraw back in and say ‘I’m just going to take care of myself,’” Conlin said. “We try to tell people that it’s a strong community that will take care of you in the future.”
For more information on the event, see www.sustainablebainbridge.net or call 842-4439.
– Tad Sooter
Weigh in on park design
At a Sept. 28 charrette, neighbors and community members developed a host of designs for Stawberry Plant Park, the city-owned waterfront property at the end of Weaver Road.
Tbe public at large will have a chance to view and comment on work from the charrette at an open house 6-8 p.m. Oct. 16 at the park district’s Stawberry Hill Center, off High School Road.
Comments on the park design will be accepted through Oct. 22.
Plans are being drafted for both environmental restoration and recreation on the 4.2 acre site.
Questions and comments can be directed to city shoreline planner Peter Namtvedt Best at 780-3719; pbest@ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us; or park district planner Perry Barrett at 842-2306; perry@biparks.org.
A report from the Strawberry charrette is available on the city’s website at http://www.ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us/strawberry_plant.aspx
