Bainbridge Island Metro Parks and Recreation District encourages citizens to participate in City of Bainbridge Island’s comment period of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
At their regular meeting on August 1, 2024, the Park District Board of Commissioners decided to make this initial and early comment to indicate strong support for Alternatives 2 and 3 for its inclusion of future Park Zoning currently under consideration in the City’s Comprehensive Plan Update.
Read the Board of Commissioners Letter of Support for Alternatives 2 and 3 with Park Zoning for the Comprehensive Plan Update.
See the City of Bainbridge Island’s statement, below:
Draft Environmental Impact Statement NOW available to view and comment on for the Comprehensive Plan and Winslow Subarea Plan ou Update
Bainbridge Island, Wash., (July 26, 2024) – The City of Bainbridge Island is excited to announce the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for its Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update and Winslow Subarea Plan Update. This critical document, released July 26, marks a pivotal step in the public’s opportunity to help shape the future of Bainbridge Island.
The DEIS provides a comprehensive analysis of three distinct alternatives for accommodating potential future growth on Bainbridge Island mandated by the Growth Management Act. Each alternative explores various strategies and their potential impacts on both the physical and natural environment of the island. As the city prepares to adapt to future needs, the DEIS serves as a vital tool for evaluating the implications of different planning approaches.
“The DEIS is not just a document; it is a tool for public engagement and a reflection of our thoughtful commitment to the future,” said Blair King, City Manager. “It provides a thorough examination of the environmental consequences of different scenarios and provides the community with the opportunity to weigh in and craft the future of Bainbridge Island.”
The Comprehensive Plan Update is designed to assist Bainbridge Island decision-makers in managing the future of the island in alignment with the community’s vision and environmental goals. The Winslow Subarea Plan Update focuses on the specific needs and opportunities within the Winslow area, integrating these considerations into the broader planning framework.
Community engagement is a cornerstone of this process. The City invites islanders to review the DEIS and provide their feedback on the alternatives. The City suggests starting with the Executive Summary of the DEIS. Public input is invaluable in guiding the development of Bainbridge Island, helping to ensure that the chosen path forward reflects the collective aspirations of both current and future generations. Public feedback and environmental impact data will shape the creation of a preferred alternative.
The DEIS is available for public review on the City’s website and in person at City Hall, Bainbridge Library, and the Senior Center. A series of open houses and pop-ups are scheduled in September. An online public comment portal is now live and on the City’s website.
For more information on the DEIS, to access the document, or to learn about upcoming community engagement opportunities, please visit the City’s website.