New Lynwood development raises fear of traffic troubles

If the roads near a proposed Lynwood Center development get as crowded as a community meeting this week on the project, islanders aren’t going to be happy.

If the roads near a proposed Lynwood Center development get as crowded as a community meeting this week on the project, islanders aren’t going to be happy.

A standing-room-only crowd of nearly 100 filled the Pleasant Beach Village Marketplace on Monday as islanders shared their concerns about potential traffic and parking problems with the developers of the proposed residential and commercial development. Residents were invited to ask questions and express any concern for the development that’s currently in the pre-application phase.

The developers, Jeb and Belinda Thornburg, are also founders of Indigo Architecture & Interiors. They gave the crowd an overview of the design of the proposed project that’s expected to be built west of a vacant lot and paved parking area on Lynwood Center Road, between Baker Hill Road and Point White Drive. The 5-acre development includes two inns, a mix of single-family homes and townhomes, a restaurant and a market g.

“We know that change is part of what happens in a community,” said Jeb Thornburg. “Part of growth is figuring out ways to accommodate it in a positive way.”

Four-year resident Heidi Huber came out to the meeting after reading about it in the newspaper. She lives in the nearby Blakely Heights neighborhood and said she came to find out exactly what the new development would entail.

She, like other residents, worried about potential traffic snarls.

“It seems a little faster than normal,” she said of the development plans. “I’m just trying to stay informed about what’s happening.”

Huber lives with her daughter and husband, and said she would “prefer to see it stay the same” when it comes to the Lynwood area.

“It was hard to see this property pop up,” she said, referring to the Lynwood Center.

Traffic will get a closer look in the coming months.

Bainbridge Island city officials said during the meeting that a traffic study will be conducted soon to gauge the possible impact of the development.

The traffic study should be available to residents in about a month, the developers said.

The development will also add 118 parking stalls on site, including 90 spots for the general public, the Thornburgs said.

Developers expect to break ground in April, starting with utilities and other site preparation.

Sewer and water — another point of concern for residents — will be handled by the South Bainbridge Island Water System and Sewer District No. 7.

City officials added that a recent study done on the island’s water supply showed it would not be burdened by additional growth.

Not much clearing will be done. According to Jeb Thornburg, 90 percent of the tree canopy is expected to stay, including a blue spruce that will be used as a holiday tree.

The first phase will include the construction of 18 homes — including townhomes — that vary in size.

While prices are not set, the expected price range is expected to be between $430,000 and $725,000 for the houses.

Townhomes would be “work-live” spaces and average around $815,000 to include commercial space.

The second phase would add a commercial space in three buildings that may include a restaurant. Six freestanding inn cottages, called “Gypsy Wagons,” would be built next to a pocket park that would also be developed on the property as well.

A boutique hotel is planned, and the Indigo founders expect to own it and run it, Belinda Thornburg said.

“We will continue to be involved,” she said. “It’s not the next Best Western coming to town.”

While some residents worried about a new commercial space coming in, local business owner Walt Hannon thinks it will be fine.

Hannon, owner of Walt’s Lynwood Market, said as long as the developers consider what is already in the commercial district, the new development is a bonus to the already thriving area.

“You can’t put the same thing in there,” he said. “(Because) then you slice the pie too thin and nobody gets anything.”

Parking may still be an issue, Hannon said, but he hopes it won’t be since the increased activity could be a good thing for his own business.

“Overall, so far, I feel like it’s been good for us,” he said. “People had general concerns about the parking, sewer and water. I hope they will be sensitive to what they put in there. I also live in the neighborhood, so I have a vested interest, too.”

The land is currently undeveloped. A portion of the land was previously used by Larson Lumber, and the eastern part of the property has been used as a horse and cattle pasture for the past 40 years.

The project is not being designed to fit with the Tudor-style that’s much on display in Pleasant Beach architecture, according to Indigo’s current plans.

Plans also include three water storage towers, which Indigo noted would be used for storing surface rainwater runoff for landscaping irrigation.