by MANDI JOHNSON
Sounder reporter
Many questions were asked, few were answered.
It was emphasized at the start of the town hall meeting about revisions to the Eastsound Subarea Plan that any statements made would not be public record, and any questions should be written so they could be recorded and addressed at the public hearing at 10:15 a.m., Dec. 8 in the Eastound Fire Station.
The gathering held at the Eastsound Fire Station on Dec. 3 was not meant to be an open conversation but an overview of the items slated to be discussed at the public hearing.
“This is akin to a study period before a test,” said County Council member Rick Hughes, who acted as a liaison for the Eastsound Planning Review Committee, the agency that faciliated the subarea plan changes.
Colin Maycock, county planner, presented the proposed changes to the small audience. Changes include: defining what retail businesses would be permitted in the Service Light Industrial District; where off site A-frame signs will be allowed; restrictions on kiosks, food vending trucks and trailers; and termination of the non-existent “Parking Fund.”
When the council began discussions about changing and updating the subarea plan, they originally decided to remove the parking fund in its entirety.
Hughes hesitated, saying, “I have concerns with something we move without public comment.”
Hughes said the council will take public testimony during the hearing on Dec. 8 and it may vote to approve the Eastound Subarea Plan. If voting does not occur at the public hearing, then a final vote is to scheduled for Dec. 15 on San Juan Island.
Since planning started, the most controversial change was what will happen to the land where the dog park currently is. It is slated to move to a new location within the next few years. The parcel is split between two zones: residential and industrial. The intention of the plan is to expand the industrial zone from its current boundary through to North Beach Road, making it only one zone in that parcel.
One of the driving forces behind this change, besides the fact that it’s been only minutely adjusted since the plan was adopted, is an attempt to simplify the rules, and make the plan easier to understand. Maycock said review began as a very focused concept, the scope of the project has expanded from there into the plan it is today.
Today, changes made to the existing Subarea Plan are only permitted once a year. Along with the zoning arrangements being amended, the proposition will allow adjustments to be made at any time of the year rather than annually. This will allow for the details not being addressed currently to be reviewed and possibly altered in the future.
“[The Subarea Plan] allows us more flexibility, and to be more adaptable,” Hughes said.
Although the plan has elicited a lot discussion in the community, both positive and negative, it was apparent that many attendees are thankful that the alteration of the Subarea Plan appears to have forward momentum.
Patty Miller, a former county council member, thanked Hughes and Maycock for holding the meeting. She commented that the county previously hadn’t designated staff to address the issue.
“Thank you for sticking with it,” Miller said.
