Change A-coming to Fern Street Extension Parcels

— by Margie Doyle —

One lot down, two to go as the Fern Street “Extension” parcels are developed by business and government

The look of “downtown Eastsound” is changing at the three adjacent parcels that meet at Fern Street between Prune Alley and North Beach Road.

Now, the northernmost lot, just south of Tres Fabu and the Barnacle, is the site where furniture made from recycled lumber will be sold.

The middle lot, Parcel TPN # 271455211 owned by County Public Works, has been proposed as a transit hub in the revisions to the Eastsound Subarea Plan, the planning document for Eastsound’s Urban Growth Area (UGA). A building on the lot served as the Senior Services Center until 2002, when the County Building near the intersection of Mt. Baker Road and North Beach Road was constructed.

Adjacent to the county lot is another privately-owned lot.

Until recently, the public could access the county lot from gates at Prune Alley and on North Beach Road. Last week, a new fence that prohibits access was installed around the two undeveloped lots.

Earlier this month, county engineer Rachel Dietzman displayed partial designs for the county lot and the streets bordering it. See link: https://theorcasonian.com/plans-corner-prune-alley-fern

In advance of the county council meeting this Tuesday, the Eastsound Planning Review Committee met with County Senior Planner Colin Maycock to review proposed changes to the Eastsound Subarea Plan. Among those changes are plans for development of a Transportation Hub on the middle, county parcel.

That plan is described, in documents prepared by Maycock for the EPRC, as below:

1.6. Transportation Hub.

To support and promote Non Motorized Transportation a Transportation Hub should be developed with community participation on the County Owned Parcel TPN # 271455211 (parcel purchased for Fern St.extension). This goal will guide county improvements and support grant funding for paths,and street improvements that improve non-motorized transportation into and around Eastsound.

If constructed, the Transportation Hub to include one or more of the following:
a. ADA Pedestrian pass through and off street transit stop (grass pavers N. Beach to Prune Alley);
b. Shuttle stop to off-site parking;
c. Ferry and Hamlets. RIDESHARE location;
d. Covered area with solar powered lighting from roof
panels;
e. Rainwater catchment for grass pavers, rain gardens and
community gardens;
f. Storage lockers and bike racks/lockers;
g. Drinking fountain/self-closing water faucet;
h. Map of walking paths around Eastsound and Public Access to shoreline;
i. Dedicated spots for Food trucks or licensed vendors;
j. Permanent or temporary Kiosks;
k. Picnic tables with trash and recycling receptacles;
l. Public art;
m. Announcements of community events;
n. Emergency Phone.