Freeland residents press Island County over Whispering Firs development, citing single access and wetlands

Several residents of the Whispering Firs plat in Freeland told the Board of Island County Commissioners on April 1 that they are concerned about a proposed expansion of housing on a 1960s plat that has a single road in and out and mapped wetlands.

The residents said they had spoken with a representative of Eagle Builders who, they reported, told them the company would proceed under the existing plat and did not consider community input a deciding factor. "Community impact or community input is irrelevant. This is legal. This is a done deal," said "Miss Gabellein," a Freeland resident who identified herself during the public-comment period.

The complaint was echoed by Cheryl Ross, who said she lives on Twin Oaks Lane above the same area and has seen diminished water pressure since four houses were built uphill. "There are issues of drainage and runoff," Ross said, adding that a pond by her home has been designated as a wetland and a neighboring property hosts an alternative drain field. Elaine Mossman and Penny Clayton, also Whispering Firs residents, reiterated concerns about the single entrance and the potential for up to 32 new homes plus 10 additional lots that could double the development on the existing access.

The board addressed the comments during commissioner remarks. Acting Chair Commissioner St. Clair said the Whispering Firs plat was approved in the 1960s and noted that a plat is an entitlement: "Once something's platted and approved, people have the right to take their actions as was approved by the county at that time." St. Clair said she had met with the developer and county planning staff and that conversations continue but that the county does not have the authority to change the original plat layout.

Commissioner Johnson agreed that safety and water concerns are legitimate and described the plat as an entitlement that allows the property owner to seek the uses permitted by the plat. Johnson said the planning director and the county's permitting process, including possible hearings before a hearing examiner on appeal, are the parts of the process designed to apply code provisions rather than political influence.

Residents said they will file complaints with the county and urged more oversight. The commissioners asked residents to provide written comments and contact information so staff can follow up. The meeting record shows the commissioners promised to consult with planning staff and return with additional details.

No formal action or vote on the Whispering Firs permits occurred at the meeting; commissioners described the matter as an ongoing administrative and permitting process that the county will continue to monitor and discuss with planning staff.