Bainbridge Islanders,
I hope our cold snap is behind us. We were warmer than much of the Midwest and Northeast, but it was cold enough for me. The City opened our Severe Weather Shelter at the Senior Community Center last Thursday (Jan. 11), and it stayed open night and day until Tuesday (Jan. 16). The people who used the shelter came to warm up and avoid the bitter cold at night.
I want to thank the people and organizations who provided a helping hand to those who used the shelter. The shelter was supported by over 40 Bainbridge Prepares volunteers who worked five-hour shifts throughout the day and night. Helpline House brought fresh fruit and snacks. Via Rosa restaurant donated dinner Saturday night. Bainbridge Prepares Executive Director, Loren Bast, made dinner Sunday night. Two Rotarians brought sandwiches on Saturday, and an anonymous community member brought pastries on Sunday. Our Emergency Management Coordinator, Anne LeSage, managed the activities.
Fred Rogers (a.k.a. “Mr. Rogers”) said, “look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Those words were intended to comfort children during times of stress. Fortunately, we do not need to look far for helpers on Bainbridge Island. We are blessed with the helpers in our community, and we are grateful for them. Our threshold to activate the Severe Weather Shelter is two or more consecutive days of freezing temperatures. If we need to activate again, I know we can count on our helpers.
Best,
Blair King
City Manager
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Affordable Housing Update |
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LATEST UPDATE:
At this week's City Council meeting, Council authorized the City Manager to prepare a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) which will solicit expertise from affordable housing developers on developing 625 Winslow Way. Council will review the prepared RFQ at a later date before authorizing its distribution.
Why is this site ideal for affordable housing?
Last year, City Council authorized City staff to explore the feasibility of redeveloping 625 Winslow Way (the old police station site) for affordable housing. The site is in an ideal place for financing with the federal 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program due to its proximity to transit, employment, and services, and because of how large the site is.
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What would redevelopment look like?
The proposed, conceptual development is expected to be four stories (within the city allowance) and high in quality.
The plan includes
- first-floor commercial space,
- mix of studio and 1-3 bedroom apartments, and
- below ground parking.
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Who would qualify?
Housing would be for residents whose income does not exceed 60% of Area Median Income. Eligible income levels in Kitsap County currently range from $35,000 to $75,000, depending on household size.
Note about the current structure on property:
The unreinforced masonry building currently existing on 625 Winslow Way has been extensively reviewed since 2008. After multiple reviews, conclusory determinations reveal the building to be in poor condition, undergone too many modifications, and is extremely cost prohibitive to rehabilitate (costing upwards of $17-$20 million).
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How does BI's council-manager form
of government work?
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Severe Weather Shelter STATS |
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THANK YOU to our volunteers and businesses
who made the shelter a warm and inviting place to be.
Check it out:
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Climate Change Impacts Birch Trees at City Hall |
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The three white-barked birch trees located east of City Hall, by the main entrance to the building, were removed due to continued decline related to climate change. They suffered from summer drought intolerance and bronze birch borer damage. The birches added a lot of beauty in front of City Hall and will be missed.
Stay tuned for the climate ready plants that will be planted in the Spring!
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How to Select and Care for Climate Ready Trees |
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Our arborist, Drue Morris, recently created a preferred list of tree and plant species expected to be favored by climate change projections for Bainbridge Island. While the primary focus of this list is to inform city planning and restoration efforts, it can also advise residents on planting new climate ready trees.
This list was developed with input from the Bainbridge Island Land Trust and the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District. It also meets one of our priority actions identified in the 2020 Climate Action Plan.
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Examples of what NOT to plant now: |
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BI Resident Advisor for TV |
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The Bremerton Kitsap Access Television (BKAT) Advisory Committee is seeking a Bainbridge Island resident representative to be a part of their regional advisory committee. |
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City Council Meeting Updates |
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Councilmembers from left to right: Leslie Schneider (Central Ward - District 4), Clarence Moriwaki (Central Ward - District 5), Ashley Mathews (South Ward - District 6), Brenda Fantroy-Johnson (North Ward - District 2), Joe Deets (North Ward - District 7), Kirsten Hytopoulos (At Large - District 1), Jon Quitslund (South Ward, District 3) |
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Jan. 23 Regular Business Meeting key topics:
- Receive Update to Tsunami Ready Community Project from the National Weather Service
- Introduce Short Term Rental Ordinance
- Receive Report and Recommendation from Council Ad Hoc Committee on City Advisory Groups
Ways to Watch
- In-person at the City Hall City Council Chambers
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City website livestream (visit the Agendas & Minutes page, then click on "In Progress" when the meeting starts)
- BKAT (Channel 12 on Comcast & Channel 3 on WAVE)
The public is invited to contact members of the City Council to express concerns, questions and praise. Some council members are holding virtual office hours and others are available to meet upon request.
Please visit the City Council page for more information on individual City Council members.
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