Save police station

Letter to the editor:

In December 2023, the Bainbridge Island City Council voted to issue a demolition permit for the old police station. As a member of the BI Historic Preservation Commission, I believe that decision was made too hastily because:

1. The building meets Local Register criteria and is recommended as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

2. Other alternatives that would preserve the building in place were not considered. The budgeted demolition cost is $610,000. Could these monies be used to renovate the building to another use?

3. Demolition of this iconic, historic structure is the antithesis of city policy directions identified in the BI Comprehensive Plan. Guiding Principle #1 of the plan is to “preserve the special character of the island, which includes downtown Winslow’s small-town atmosphere and function, historic buildings….”

Situated at the intersection of Winslow Way and Highway 305, the gateway to Winslow and BI, the old police station is one of the first buildings that visitors see when they debark the ferry. We, as BI residents, also see that iconic clock tower whenever we enter Winslow from Highway 305. Replacing that piece of BI history with new multi-story, affordable housing at the gateway of our island will be a historical mistake. While the city needs affordable housing, why at the expense of its historic buildings, especially in the historic downtown area? If you agree, please write to your City Councilmembers and the city manager before the bulldozers arrive.

Susan S. Hughes

Bainbridge