New Ferry Terminal Pedestrian Walkway Open

After many months of construction, the new overhead pedestrian walkway at the Bainbridge terminal opened this week.

Work has been underway since summer 2022 to replace the former 50-year-old wood-supported walkway with a new seismically safe steel-fortified walkway set on concrete and steel columns.

Beyond safety considerations, the new wider, ADA-compliant walkway offers benches, heaters and windows along both sides, as well as a more direct route to the boat from the terminal.

Look for the old pedestrian walkway to be taken down in the next few weeks. 

February Maintenance Work = Traffic Delays on SR 305

Beginning the evening of Tuesday Feb 6, SR 305 will have one-way alternating traffic for three nights. Lane closures will begin at 8pm and last until 6am each following day, ending at 6am on Friday Feb 9.

This will allow contractor crews working for the WSDOT to install storm drainage and utilities beneath the roadway. This work is part of a safety improvement project to build roundabouts on SR 305 at Adas Will Lane and West Port Madison Road.

Also this month, daytime Agate Pass Bridge work is scheduled between February 20 through February 23 from 9am and 2pm as part of WSDOT's annual cleaning project. Between those times, there will be one-way alternating traffic on the bridge and the potential for delays.

BI Parks to Wade into New Pool Commitment

Instead of diving into building a new pool on Bainbridge Island the parks district has decided to wade in to see if the swimming community wants to add two more lanes to the planned project.

The BI Metro Parks and Recreation District already has plans for renovations at Ray Williamson pool at the Aquatic Center.

Phase I could begin in early summer and go through spring of 2025. It would include rehabilitating the old locker room area, concrete repairs, electrical upgrades, and replacement of the HVAC system. Some work will require pool closure.

Phase II addresses everything related to the pool deck and pool itself. Stemper Architecture projects that the work could be accomplished between late spring to fall of 2025 and will require the pool to be closed.

The cost for Phase I is estimated at $3.045 million For Phase II the cost is estimated at $2.085 million.

ECONorthwest: Bills Controlling Rent & Taxing Rental Income Would Reduce Housing Supply

The Legislature is considering two bills that would impose statewide rent control and tax rental income.

A new analysis from the Washington Research Council states that these bills would negatively impact both renters and landlords and further reduce the statewide housing supply.

House Bill 2114 would limit annual rent increases to 7%, among other requirements. Senate Bill 6136 would add a business and occupation (B&O) tax on rental income on both residential and commercial properties (even as the WA Supreme Court ruled in 1960 that a B&O tax on rental income was unconstitutional).

In 2021, a study by economic consulting firm ECONorthwest projected that rent control policies would result in 26,000 fewer units being built over the next 10 years and a reduction of approximately $3.5 billion in economic activity related to housing investment.

City's Climate Mitigation & Adaptation Manager Steps Down

Bainbridge Island’s Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Manager, Autumn Salamack, is stepping down on Feb. 23 to accept a position with King County Metro Transit as their Sustainability & Climate Manager.

City Council identified the Climate Mitigation and Adaptation position as a priority in the 2021-2022 budget cycle to help implement the 2020 adopted Climate Action Plan (CAP). 

The plan includes more than 180 actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare the community for the impacts of climate change.

City staff are working on a transition plan with a consultant team to keep projects moving forward in the interim period as they work to refill this position.

Youth Meal Bags Available For Mid Winter Break

Helpline House, in partnership with Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island, is offering Youth Meal Bags during Mid Winter Break—February 18-23.

Youth(ages 0-18) or households experiencing unexpected financial stress may benefit from the Kids' Pantry bags and bridge the food gap so no one goes hungry. 

They can be picked up at Helpline House on February 20, 22 and 23 between 10am and 4 pm. 

Edward Jones - 

Christy Givans & John Baggett

Christy Givans and John Baggett are a full-service wealth management team with Edward Jones.

They are expanding with the addition of two new advisors at their 435 Ericksen Ave #100 office.

As fiduciaries, they leverage our MBA expertise and hold industry leading CFP certifications.

Christy & John specialize in helping families, small businesses, non-profits, and women in transition with all their financial planning and investing needs.

Love is in the Air with PacWesty's 2-Night Valentine's Special

Spread the love in your very own PacWesty camper this Valentine's season.

The Westfalia Weekender vans sleeps two in the bottom bunk and includes a jump seat, fold-out table, and a super roomie fold-out bench/bunk.

Cozy up for a special 2-night trip from Feb 17 - Feb 19 for only $500.

Volunteer with Rotary Readers 

(and you don't have to be a Rotarian)

Do you like to read with students? Do you want to make a difference in a students life?

Join Rotary Readers Mondays 10am- 11am, March 4-June 3.

Registration ends Feb 19 - You don't have to be a Rotarian.

New Website: Coates Design Architecture + Interiors

Exciting news! Matthew Coates & Coates Design has launched their new website.

Dive into their best projects, check out their comprehensive offerings, & reach out for collaborations or inquiries.

IVC Launches a Grievers Library: Source of Healing & Hope

Island Volunteer Caregivers (IVC) continues to expand its mission of aiding those in our community dealing with grief.

Today, IVC proudly introduces the Grievers Library, a project that extends its commitment to supporting individuals on their grief journey.

In collaboration with The Grievers Library of Seattle, this initiative aims to provide companionship through books to those living with grief, furthering IVC's mission of compassion and assistance.

IVC formed a valuable partnership with Bloedel Reserve to offer Grief Support Groups in the Japanese Guest House.

Advertise Your Business on the Big Screen

Advertising on movie screens before the movie starts is a highly effective way to engage with a captive audience, target your message to the right demographic, reach a large and engaged audience, and do so in a cost effective way.

89% of adults take their seats before the start of the trailers. Your ad would play before every movie and would play an average of 28 times per week at the Historic Lynwood Theatre.

Plus Looking Glass Media will create an ad for you...for :15 second ad is $799 or for a :30 second ad is $899 for 12 months.

Spring Farm Camp with Scrappy at Wardwell Farm

Spring Farm Camp for ages 6-12 will take place April 1-5 (Monday - Thursday) 9:30am-3pm, with half day on Friday 9:30am-12:30pm.

Scrap studio time, indoor/outdoor, new chicks, digging and planting, and nature exploration.

Pack a rain layer and boots, and a hearty lunch with afternoon snack provided.

Tax Tips for your Small Business

Feb 20, 6-7:30pm

Get tax ready at this roundtable discussion hosted by Certified Business Advisor, Joyce Oswald of the Kitsap SBDC. Focus will be on federal taxes for LLC's and sole proprietorships.

This is an in-person event held at the Kitsap Credit Union corporate office in Bremerton, Washington, no virtual option available.