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Residents tell planning commission to slow process, raise parking and procurement concerns over Winslow site
Summary
Multiple residents urged the commission to delay major policy votes and criticized the city's outreach and procurement related to a proposed Winslow ferry‑terminal housing project, citing parking impacts for commuters, impacts on downtown character, and lack of public vetting of developers.
During the public‑comment portion of the Jan. 22 Bainbridge Island Planning Commission meeting several residents urged commissioners not to advance housing or transportation policies without broader public participation and clearer procurement transparency for the Winslow area site.
Nina Pelton told commissioners she was "strongly urging" them not to approve staff‑written transportation and housing policies before the city council sets goals, and she said a housing project proposed at the ferry terminal appeared to have been advanced without competition for developer selection. "There was no request for public comment before this developer was engaged... and my understanding is that if this housing project advances, that this developer ... would have a lease for 99 years," Pelton said.
Priscilla Zimmerman, a long‑time Winslow resident and business owner, said a proposed project at 625 Winslow Way would "damage the very fabric of our island, our historic downtown, or our business community," and argued the location should be part of broader sustained planning rather than a piecemeal response.
Other commenters urged commissioners to transmit public concerns to the city council where leases, developer selection, and levies are decided. Chair Blossom and staff reminded the public that the planning commission reviews comprehensive plan language and applications forwarded by council but does not execute property leases or negotiate developer agreements; they advised commenters to share procurement concerns with the council.
Commissioners acknowledged the public's frustration with communication and asked staff to provide clearer information and to return with more data and visualizations for upcoming housing discussions. The commission did not take any procurement decisions at the meeting; follow‑up on developer selection or leases would occur in council forums if the topics are scheduled there.
