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Public commenters accuse Bremerton planning staff of favoring developers; council did not act
Summary
During public comment, several residents accused the Department of Community Development of prioritizing developers and undermining due process in the comp‑plan and permitting process; the remarks were allegations and no formal investigation or council action was announced.
Multiple speakers used the public‑comment period on May 21 to allege that the Bremerton Department of Community Development (DCD) and city attorneys have acted to favor developers and to subvert public process in the comprehensive planning and permitting work.
"DCD does dirt for developers," Jose Camacho said, accusing the department and the city attorney's office of misrepresenting law and omitting facts in comp‑plan work and other development approvals. Camacho referenced prior actions he described as "a murder of due process" and asserted the department's work created additional liability including potential civil‑rights and antitrust claims.
Robin Weldon and Gayla Breach also addressed developer favoritism and related concerns. Weldon said she had spent substantial time at the permitting office over many years and that since Andrea Spencer became director, she perceives the department as biased toward developers. Breach said she reviewed property records and believes some developers have unusually low assessed values or tax arrangements that reduce local revenue.
The council did not take action on these allegations during the meeting. No city staff response or formal referral to investigate the claims was recorded on May 21; speakers said they plan to pursue public‑record research and to press the council on these issues in future meetings.
