Blossom Hill moves forward
The hillside overlooking LynÂwood Center may sprout 80 new homes and street-level shops.
Developer Bill Nelson submitted his application Wednesday for the mixed use development on 16 acres along portions of Lynwood Center Road and Baker Hill Road. The “Blossom Hill†project would also include 1,300 square feet of commercial space across the road from the Lynwood Theater.
Nelson filed for site-plan review by the city as part of the permitting process.
Construction is slated for fall of 2007. Nelson estimated the project could be completed in two to five years.
The project elicited pointed questions from neighbors during recent public meetings. Concerns included how the project will affect water quality, tree preservation, housing prices, traffic and the aesthetics of the neighborhood.
Architect Charlie Wenzlau, who designed the development, characterized Blossom Hill as a carefully orchestrated effort that reflects local values.
The project would fill about 38 percent of Lynwood’s residential zoning capacity. The 54 acres surrounding the Lynwood Center/Point White Drive intersection will accommodate about 211 new homes, according to city planners.
Most of Blossom Hill’s homes are planned as stand-alone, single-family residences ranging from 1,600 to 2,200 square feet.
The project’s plans include open spaces for use by the surrounding community, the preservation of some significant trees, landscaped features that encourage foot traffic and a design plan that complements the Tudor stylings of the existing retail center, which dates to the 1930s.
– Tristan Baurick
Candidates to spar Tuesday
State Legislature and county commission candidates will field questions from voters Tuesday at a forum sponsored by the island’s American Legion post.
Candidates confirmed for the event include Rep. Beverly Woods and challenger Christine Rolfes, a Democrat and former Bainbridge Island councilwoman. Republican Jack Hamilton will square off against Democrat Josh Brown for the county commission.
Earl Johnson, a Bainbridge Island fire commissioner vying for Rep. Sherry Appleton’s House seat, also plans to attend. Appleton has not yet confirmed whether she will take part in the forum.
A dearth of candidate forums on the island in recent years spurred legion members to organize the event.
“In an open government, if you can’t ask candidates questions, how can you vote for them?†said Fred Scheffler, member of the American Legion’s Colin Hyde Post 172.
Island resident and Kitsap News Group reporter Charles Bermant will moderate the forum. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions of the candidates.
The Tuesday forum will begin at 7 p.m. at the Legion Hall on Bucklin Hill Road.
– Tristan Baurick
Stroll among the pumpkins
The 13th Annual Pumpkin Walk, hosted by Bainbridge Gardens, will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 20 and 21.
Some 300 carved pumpkins will light the nursery’s nature trail, leading the way to a harvest maze. There will also be music by Kitsap Konnection, photo opportunities with the Great Pumpkin, food and hot drinks.
Children will enjoy the bounce house, face painting and carnival games.
This non-scary, family event takes place outdoors, so attendees should dress for the weather. Costumes are optional.
Admission is free, although there is a suggested donation for most attractions. Proceeds benefit the Bainbridge Island Boys and Girls Club.
The community is welcome to carve a pumpkin for the Pumpkin Walk. Carvers will have their picture taken and featured in the “Pumpkin Patch Party†display in the nursery’s main building. Young carvers will receive a prize and a certificate.
Completed pumpkins should be brought to Bainbridge Gardens, located at 9415 Miller Road, by 4 p.m. Oct. 20.
Candles will be provided.
