FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2024
A Make-or-Break Moment for Public Input
Crucial Milestone Approaching for
Comprehensive Plan and Winslow Subarea Plan Update
Important instructions coming soon for your much needed feedback.
Bainbridge Island, Wash., (July 17, 2024) – In the coming weeks, the City of Bainbridge Island will send out city-wide postcards to all residents, providing information about the upcoming release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), a public comment portal and dates for informational open houses in September. This will be a critical phase for public feedback. The public’s involvement will shape Bainbridge Island’s future.
Prepared by experts and reviewed by city planners, the DEIS assesses the effects of accommodating population growth, housing, and city services as required by the Growth Management Act. The DEIS will help influence decisions about future land use planning and development in the Winslow Subarea and throughout Bainbridge Island.
The DEIS evaluates the environmental effects of three scenarios for Bainbridge Island's potential evolution over the next two decades. Public feedback on preferences among these options – what they like and don’t like in each – is vital. Public input offers essential community perspectives, which, combined with environmental data, will shape the development of a preferred scenario. The comment period opens on July 26 and runs through October 10, 2024. Several outreach and engagement events are also planned during the public comment period.
"Keeping our residents up to date during this key phase is always crucial as we plan for the future," said Blair King, City Manager. "This environmental report reflects extensive research, early community feedback and careful consideration of our city’s unique needs and aspirations."
For more information about the DEIS, including digital copies for download after July 26, visit the City’s website HERE. A few loaner thumb drives will be provided at City Hall for individuals to take and print the DEIS. Physical copies will be available for viewing at the Bainbridge Library and City Hall after July 26.
The City is committed to fostering an inclusive and participatory approach to planning, ensuring that our community continues to thrive while preserving the unique character of Bainbridge Island.
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Media Contact
Shannon Hays
Communications Coordinator
shays@bainbridgewa.gov