04/21/2005: "Projected Growth Rates For Eastsound Concern Many"

Martin Blackman of the SJ Planning Department, and Donovan Kehrer, a consultant for the County, came to Eastsound (Thursday night) and gave a presentation outlining the basic planning concepts, and elements, of the Growth Management compliance issues that remain to be resolved for Eastsound, that are partially based on projected growth rates.

Gene Knapp (former County Prosecuting Attorney and current member of the Land Bank Board) and EPRC member Brian Ehrmantraut asked how the County arrived at the projected growth numbers. It appeared that many at the meeting may not have understood that the Eastsound projected growth rate means Eastsound will become larger than Friday Harbor currently is.

Martin stated that the first step in their process will be to evaluate population projections, to determine an expected rate of growth for the Eastsound area. Consultant Kehrer explained the process takes into account a number of factors,, and while the Market Factor for the state is 25%, it is expected the Eastsound study will show the factor to be higher than 25%. Martin hopes to have a proposed projection for the public meeting on May19th.

The Planning Department expects the projected population growth in the Eastsound UGA may go from 1,162 now, to 3,084 +/- in the year 2025. The basic minimum standard for residential development of land within the UGA is 4 units per acre. At issue are what should the basic boundaries of the UGA be. Planning may now revisit the whole issue of what densities are appropriate in each land use district. This has been done more than once in the past.

At this time the Eastsound Urban Growth Area is considered by the State to be non-compliant, thus the reason for the meeting and the on-going planning.

Some of the items presented that must be evaluated and discussed were the following:

1. Complete the UGA (Urban Growth Area) capital facilities analysis, which will include wastewater and drainage services. (there must be a plan in place with funding identified to implement the plan)

2. Reconsider the market factor for Eastsound. The Western Washington Growth Board has typically accepted 25% as a reasonable assumption for the amount of property that will be unavailable for development. Other factors that limit the amount of land actually available (wetlands, airport overlay, etc) are also being considered in determining what the densities and boundaries should be. allow for the fact that some property owners within the growth boundary will not sell nor sub-divide their properties.

3. Reconsider the inclusion of some of the low density properties on the West side of the UGA which do not necessarily need to be in the UGA, and establish "appropriate" urban densities for a non-municipal UGA.

It appeared the Planning Department now takes the position that properties outside of the UGA can be provided with sewer service, which is contrary to the position taken by planners when the Interim Boundaries were adopted.

Fred Klein spoke in favor of including the property in the Northeast quadrant of Eastsound in the UGA. It was previously excluded from the interim boundaries. There also were questions about future water availability, affordable housing, and concerns that families are being priced out of affordable housing; even inside the UGA.

The next public meeting will be May 19th at the Orcas Senior Center. Hearings and deliberations are tentatively scheduled for July 15th and 26th in Friday Harbor. The Growth Board deadline for submittal of a revised plan is August 15th.