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Neighbors raise concerns about shoreline buffers, property assessments and Old Brewhouse preservation during public comment
Summary
Public commenters told commissioners that Thurston County’s 250‑foot shoreline buffer has restricted private use of waterfront property, raised assessments and created permitting burdens; they also urged county support for the Old Brewhouse Foundation amid a reported $6 million seismic retrofit need.
Several members of the public used the March 18 public comment period to raise concerns about county shoreline buffers, property assessments, permitting costs and local historic preservation.
John Pettit, an East Olympia resident who regularly addresses the board, urged commissioners to keep public comment access meaningful and warned against taking on “too many different goals.” Pettit also expressed opposition to future tax increases while noting he pays significant property taxes on his own home and urging commissioners to stay within their legislative role.
A Henderson Inlet resident told the board the family purchased five acres in 1988 when the parcel was zoned one dwelling per acre; it was later downzoned and the county established a 250‑foot shoreline buffer that the speaker said rendered two‑thirds of the front acre untouchable. The commenter described a doubled assessment and difficulty obtaining response from county staff on a protest. The resident said removing ivy and routine maintenance was met with requirements and fees, and that they believe the 250‑foot buffer is excessive compared with neighboring counties’ 25‑foot recommendation from a shoreline committee. The speaker also urged county action on the Old Brewhouse site, saying the Old Brewhouse Foundation cannot alone manage a roughly $6 million seismic retrofit and called for countywide support.
Commissioners did not take immediate action during public comment, but county staff later summarized items and moved on to departmental business.
