Analysis: Upzones needed for Winslow growth

Published 1:30 am Sunday, February 6, 2022

An analysis says the Winslow Master Plan does not do enough for future population growth.

To solve that problem, Bainbridge Island needs to upzone downtown and expand its sewer service area. The analysis, done by the University of Washington, will be discussed at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Making those changes would generate more tax revenue and create a more equitable and sustainable community through controlled growth, the UW analysis says. It also says the current master plan lags behind expansion of sewer and water services, especially to the north and west.

If Winslow develops all vacant lots and uses all underdeveloped buildings to their potential, Winslow could hold 5,000 more people. However, since it’s “extremely unlikely” for that to happen, the UW analysis said the more likely number is around 2,000.

In related matters, the council Tuesday also will look at updating that master plan, discuss the subarea planning process and hold a public hearing on Housing Design Demonstration Project Program and adopt revisions with a goal of increasing affordable housing.

2022 Legislative Policy Guidelines

The council will vote on the following priorities, including:

•Climate Action Plan: Funding for renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation measures; Funding for alternative fuel vehicles and charging stations; Electrification of fleets; Markets for recycled goods; Improve air quality; Plan for sea-level rise; Regulate methane emissions; “Cost of carbon” decisionmaking.

•Green building: Retrofit existing buildings to lower carbon footprint.

•Sustainable transportation: Funding for alternative transportation; Improve bikeability and walkability in BI; Expand public transit; Transition to electric vehicles; Sound to Olympics Trail.

•Comprehensive Plan: Support local control of housing needs.

•Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Support legislation that funds new equity investments in the state budget.

•Transportation and utilities: Oppose legislation that would relinquish State Routes to local governments without concurrence; Enhance funding for BI ferry service; Improve Highway 305 funding; Replace Agate Pass bridge with enhancements for non-motorized transportation; Improve water quality in Puget Sound; Utilize reclaimed/recycled water; Reuse, divert and treat urban runoff; Fund fish-passage culvert replacements.

•Public health and safety: Funding for primary health care operations; Protect public from dangerous use of weapons; Protect public from crimes, including by electronic means; Fund law enforcement technology.

•Local government finance: Reimburse cities for mandated programs.

•General government: Oppose legislation that would increase employee benefits without offsetting increased employer costs; reduce system abuse.

In other news

•Buy two new police vehicles for a total of about $125,350.

•Look at a travel budget of $1,500 for each councilmember.

•Discuss Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training.

•Accept a $100,000 state grant for BI’s Housing Action Plan.

•Declare February “Black History Month.”