The city received two waterfront project proposals from community groups interested in pursuing the options presented by Washington State Ferries for either $2 million or the lease opportunity for the approximate one acre of Eagle Harbor waterfront land.
The city requested project proposals from the community by Nov. 22. Meanwhile, the ad-hoc committee, composed of both Harbor Commission and City Council members, have continued conversations with David Moseley, the assistant secretary of the Ferries Division, to hammer out the details of the proposals.
On Dec. 8, the council’s ad hoc committee is scheduled to report its recommendation on the project proposals to the full council, which will subsequently make a decision on choosing either the lease, $2 million settlement or choosing neither option. The offer for the $2 million expires at the end of the year.
The following two groups presented projects:
The Parker Group (PG) proposes leasing the .9 acre to operate a boatyard and boat service company – complete with haulout capabilities, boat/engine repair and various other boat services. The facility would be owned and operated by four Bainbridge residents, all of whom are lifelong sailors and have lived on the island for over 20 years.
Andy Parker, a licensed architect, created the original business plan and will manage the design and construction of the capital facilities with help from Ken Lane, Brad Butler and Nick Taylor as the project carries forward. The proposal estimates an annual budget of $404,152, which includes a monthly lease of $5,748 paid to the city; gross income was estimated to be $473,466.
The vessel haulout would use an articulated trailer and a new 10-degree boat ramp, which would cost-effective and eliminate penetration of the EPA cap, according to PG. There would be enough space for a dozen 40-foot boats with potential for more capacity during the busy season. There would be a truck-mounted crane and forklift for heavy objects; and a building for tools, office space and restrooms. There would also be space for a pressure wash-down pad and water-collection system.
The facility plans include a boat ramp that will be available to the public, “offering increased slope and wider tidal range than the Waterfront Park ramp,” and would provide opportunities for future waterfront developments – including transient moorage, public rowing and sailing facilities.
The facility will employ five people with the possibility of more as business develops and will give work to numerous local independent contractors.
PG stated the project would need approximately 12 months for land use permits.
A group titled “Friends of Waterfront Park” proposed using the $2 million financial settlement to create a transient marina and multipurpose recreation center. The center would “serve the diverse Bainbridge Island boating community, improve waterfront access for all residents, provide more space and enhanced amenities for visiting boats and tour boats, and allow historical vessels to visit,” according to the proposal.
The project would cost $1.9 million and is backed by a commitment from Bainbridge Island Rowing to raise up to an additional $50,000 if the project exceeds $2 million. The project hopes to attract more visitors and boost the economy while replacing the aging municipal dock and improve the environmental impact on the waterfront. The proposal was signed by Mark Leese, Mark Julian and Grant Dull.
The vision of the waterfront recreation center would benefit numerous water-based activities, including: a new information kiosk; new moorage floats; a new low-level float for hand-carried boats; a new main float to replace the “creosote-impregnated wood that visibly leach creosote into the water”; and four short-term parking stalls.
The total project time was estimated at 18 to 24 months and includes permitting and construction. Proposal is supported by several yacht clubs in addition to Bainbridge Island Rowing.
