It took a handful of well-intentioned islanders many hours of tenacious research of public documents, and then the courage to endure some pointed criticism by other community members to eventually get the attention of city officials regarding the Island Gateway development.

And as the result of a remarkable public meeting held last month, city officials, including Planning Director Kathy Cook, now acknowledge that at least one error (staff not seeking a shoreline development permit from the state) had been made and that there was merit in some islanders’ concerns that in many ways the planning process failed the community.

Cook told the City Council Wednesday night that the meeting was a little painful but helpful in that there were many constructive suggestions. “I actually appreciated the public forum because, something like that, if you stand back and really listen you can learn from it.” She sees value in the city holding voluntary public meetings on major developments, but scheduling them before the process is completed rather than afterward.

She said the biggest issue was the community’s perception that the project wasn’t visible enough for them to know what was coming. Plus, there wasn’t enough public involvement encouraged before some specific decisions were made – primarily involving the Critical Areas Ordinance and the right-of-way street vacation,

The department is already initiating steps that will ensure better public access to the process, including a tracking system for applications, more detailed agendas on the city Web site and specific information on Design Review Board recommendations and revisions. She also welcomes more council involvement, specifically to revisit procedural and code-related issues that would make the process better.

Cook said the well-attended public meeting was productive and she hopes it won’t be regarded as being held just for the sake of the process. It won’t if the city’s response leads to change.

“I just want us to do the best job we can,” Cook said.