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Bainbridge council narrows language in transportation element, forwards plan for final review
Summary
The Bainbridge Island City Council debated and amended multiple policies in the transportation element of the comprehensive plan — including restoring a ‘community character’ paragraph and adding a study of an Erickson/Hildebrand connection — then voted to forward the element for future consideration (6–1).
Council members spent more than an hour amending and debating the draft transportation element of Bainbridge Island’s comprehensive plan before voting to forward the document to a future business meeting for formal consideration.
The council reinserted a ‘‘community character’’ provision after a motion to restore Section M, and removed the phrase "open drainage ditches" by friendly amendment to avoid discouraging future shoulder or safety work. The motion to reinsert the section passed unanimously after an amendment was accepted. Councilmember Matthews moved to add language calling for a "balanced review of off‑road and on‑road facilities," conduct citizen outreach, and perform a feasibility study connecting Erickson Avenue and Hildebrand Lane; the council endorsed placing that study in the island‑wide mobility plan or transportation element with staff guidance.
Planning staff (Interim Planning Director Darren Buchanan) said the transportation element incorporates the island‑wide mobility plan, replaces the term "non‑motorized" with "active transportation," and adds policies to support Kitsap Transit bus rapid transit and a Safe Systems approach recommended by the Federal Highway Administration.
Council discussion centered on trade‑offs between preserving the island’s character and creating safer, multimodal corridors. Deputy Mayor Heitopoulos, who sponsored several amendments, said the goal was to maintain balance: "We're keeping that side of the balance in our vision." Several council members asked staff to bring precise placement and language back when the plan returns for approval.
The council ultimately voted 6–1 to forward the transportation element for further consideration, giving the public and staff additional time to refine language, address definitions such as "low volume," and route targeted projects to the mobility advisory committee where appropriate.
What’s next: The council will receive the revised transportation element at a future business meeting for final action; staff will prepare clean language and a list of referrals to advisory bodies for council review.
