Eastsound planning group pleads to be taken seriously

Back in 1999, the Eastsound Planning Review Committee submitted to county commissioners a list of recommended changes to the Eastsound Subarea Plan. Five years later, the recommendations by the local advisory group have yet to be considered by the commissioners.

During the summer of 2003, EPRC’s suggestions regarding an overlay district for the Eastsound Airport were ignored, according to member Terry Gillespie. “It got rammed down our throats,” Gillespie said. “It went right by us.”

And at the Jan. 6 meeting of the EPRC, Community Development and Planning Department Deputy Francine Shaw spelled out a process that would complete work on the Eastsound Urban Growth Area by summer. The process failed to include any role for the EPRC.

These occurrences have EPRC members wondering if there is any reason for the advisory body to continue to exist. ‘I’ve lost my patience. I’m at the end of my rope,” Lisa Byers said, adding that if things don’t change, it might be best to disband the organization. EPRC member Brian Ehrmantrout agreed.

“We’re not plugged in,” he said. “We either need to be plugged in, or we need to disband.”

San Juan County Commissioner Alan Lichter expressed sympathy for EPRC’s frustrations. “EPRC should have teeth, or it shouldn’t exist,” Alan Lichter said, then promised that “We’ll give you the power you need. We don’t want an impotent group. We want a charming Eastsound, and you’re the group to do it. I’ll go to bat for EPRC.”

Lichter also proposed an expanded role for the design committee of the EPRC. Specifically, the commissioner would like to give the panel authority to review building designs in the commercial area of Eastsound before they can proceed.

Lichter said it was unfortunate that both Benson Hall and the new building being constructed across the street that will contain luxury suites and retail businesses were allowed. Expressing disapproval of the height of both buildings, the commissioner said, “We have a charming village. Who will come here to look at tall buildings?”

But both buildings are in compliance with existing county laws, and that prompted EPRC member Ginny Hawker to point out that the builders correctly followed the law. “You can’t change the rules in mid-stream,” she said. “Whether we like it or not is irrelevant.”

Lichter acknowledged that this is true, then suggested that EPRC work with the commissioners to write new laws that better preserve Eastsound’s charm.

EPRC members are hoping for a meeting of minds with county commissioners and, Byers noted, they have asked for a “summit” meeting with the three local lawmakers. EPRC has yet to get a response to this request.

Shaw, meanwhile, promised that EPRC will play a role in creating Eastsound’s Urban Growth Area, and that the recommendations it made in 1999 will be put on the docket for consideration by commissioners later this year. She blamed the delay on the planning department being understaffed, but admitted that “We can do a better job.”

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