EPRC Gets Current on Current Projects

— by Lin McNulty —

It was an opportunity for the Eastsound Planning Review Committee (EPRC), in their two-hour meeting on Thursday, June 2, to be brought up to date on the current stages of projects underway in the Village of Eastsound.

SUB-AREA PLAN

Erika Shook, Community Development Director, briefed the Committee on the Eastsound village Sub-area Plan as a part of the County Comprehensive Plan targeted for completion in 2018. Several specific areas are being looked at in the study underway including a housing needs analysis, vacation rentals, non-motorized transportation needs, parks and trails.

The completed report, which Shook indicates will go next to the County Council, will outline the scope of work of the Planning Commission for the next two years.

PRUNE ALLEY

Robin McKennon Thaler, Mayfly Engineering, presented the work on the Eastsound sidewalks, curbs and gutters project,  so far as relates to scope and history. She reports that Mayfly has finished the topographic survey of Eastsound, with the survey results having been overlaid onto aerial photos of the village. Accessibility, storm water, basic design plan, and existing facilities conflict analysis are all areas the engineering contractor is currently evaluating as they work to bring sidewalks and parking to Prune Alley.

A draft schematic design plan is scheduled for completion by September 1, with final documents due in March 2017.

“Things are going to get interesting pretty quick,” advised Colin Huntemer (newly promoted to County Engineer). But “more important than holding to a schedule, we have to do things correctly.”

It is anticipated that bid documents will allow work to begin in the summer of 2017.

VISIONING PROJECT REPORT

Jim Jonassen presented a draft synopsis of the Visioning Project that he and Bob Maynard have been voluntarily working in.

Entitled “Seeking a Vision for Eastsound: An Invitation to Engage,” the report includes:

• Part One: Analysis of Village Core
• Part Two: Precepts/Dreams Illustrated
  • Amenities/Ethos
  • Character/Design
  • Retail/Housing
  • Infrastructure/Greenspace
  • Public Space/Water Orientation
  • Traffic/Parking
  • Walking/Sidewalks/Trails
• Part Three: Village Scenarios

Committee member Fred Klein praised the report as “a phenomenal piece of volunteer work,” and committee chair Greg Ayers noted the report is “just enough for people to think about, versus too much for people to battle.”

The Visioning Report is anticipated for public release on June 16, with a downloadable file available from the Library website. Information on the report will also be available at the  Farmers Market and at Orcas Center ahead of public discussions in September.