Speak Out

Public comment on the SMP Update.

Written public comment for City Council consideration will be accepted by the Department of Planning & Community Development at pcd@bainbridgewa.gov. Emails will be inserted into a matrix and placed on the City’s website where Council Members may, or may not, see them.

We suggest that you send your comments directly to the Council at council@bainbridgewa.gov with a cc to the Planning Department.

Take our one-question poll.

Would you vote for a council member who thinks your home should be declared nonconforming in the new SMP? [click here]

See a resource guide for property owners.

This guide may be used to access Dennis Reynolds’ comprehensive Background Paper on Shoreline Master Program Updates and Critical Areas Ordinance Review prepared for Washington Realtors, May 2010. Mr. Reynolds is a well known, respected attorney in the field of federal, state and local land use and regulation law. [click here]

Testify at public meetings.

During our first steering committee meeting, someone asked about the best way to offer comments to the City Council. The suggestions were pretty easy.

First, state that you support or oppose the agenda item as proposed. Then, add a personal comment about your property or your experience with the city that would help Council Members understand why this is important to you. If you would rather not stand up in front of the Council, the assembled masses, and BITV cameras, you are encouraged to applaud in support of those who do.

If you can’t attend a Council meeting, send an email to council members at council@ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us — all council members will receive a copy of your message. To contact an individual Council Member, link to the City Directory.

You can also send questions or comments to Ryan Ericson, the City’s shoreline planner, at rericson@ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us.