Kitsap County extends Arborwood development agreement with Pulte Homes and Taylor Morrison

Kitsap County Commissioners are poised to make a significant decision regarding the future of the Arborwood development project, as they consider a resolution to extend and modify a 2010 development agreement with Pulte Homes of Washington and Taylor Morrison Northwest. This extension is crucial, as the original agreement was set to expire soon, and the board has been actively negotiating terms since a public hearing in February.

During a recent meeting, Director of Community Development Ray Fleisham presented the proposed changes, highlighting three main options for the commissioners: approve the extension, allow the agreement to expire, or seek a limited extension for further negotiations. The recommended option is to approve a five-year extension, which includes several key modifications aimed at addressing community concerns and ensuring compliance with updated regulations.

Fleisham detailed the changes made to the development agreement, including updated stormwater management standards, enhanced fire safety measures, and clearer stipulations regarding phasing and clearing activities to prevent large-scale clear-cutting. Notably, the agreement now requires an arborist risk assessment for tree removal and mandates that the developers mitigate impacts on critical areas.

The commissioners will deliberate on this resolution at the end of the meeting, with public comments scheduled to ensure community input is considered. The outcome of this decision will not only affect the Arborwood project but also set a precedent for future developments in Kitsap County, emphasizing the balance between growth and environmental stewardship. As the board prepares to make its decision, the community remains engaged and attentive to the implications of this development agreement extension.