Silverdale project design faces scrutiny over parking structure and cost estimates

The Kitsap County Hearing Examiner meeting on June 3, 2025, focused heavily on the ongoing Silver View appeal, with significant discussions surrounding the design and parking requirements of the proposed development. A key point of contention arose regarding the adequacy of the parking plan, which some experts argued does not align with the county's comprehensive plan or design standards aimed at promoting walkability and transit use.

During the meeting, one participant emphasized that the current design has not evolved significantly over the past five years, suggesting that the developers should adapt their plans to meet updated standards. "They could have redesigned five years ago and been at the same place that they are now," the participant stated, urging for a more innovative approach to the building's design.

The conversation also delved into the specifics of the parking structure, with questions raised about whether it meets the necessary criteria for a mixed-use development. The expert acknowledged that while the parking garage is primarily above grade, it does involve some excavation, which complicates its classification. "If you had to choose... I'd say this is far more all above grade construction than below grade," they noted.

Concerns were raised about the project's cost estimates, particularly regarding the assumptions made in the WGI report used for financial projections. The expert clarified that while they review cost estimates, the actual data gathering is performed by specialized estimators. This led to discussions about potential additional costs that could arise from environmental evaluations and materials testing, which could significantly impact the overall budget.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that while reducing the number of parking spaces could visually benefit the site, it must still comply with Kitsap County's code requirements. The expert acknowledged that the applicant needs to better consider the design implications of their parking strategy, stating, "I hope that the applicant will do a better job of designing something given... the few hours that I spent doing my diagrams."

As the appeal process continues, the outcome will likely hinge on how well the developers can address these concerns and align their project with the county's vision for a more integrated and accessible community.