Letter to the Editor: EPRC Open House brings out support for Eastsound as "walking village"

The Eastsound Planning and Review Committee would like to thank all of  the citizens and participants who met for our Open House.

There were  displays from the Stormwater Utility, Long Range Planning, Island  Stewards, Eastsound Waters Users Association and Eastsound Sewer and  Water as well as members from EPRC and our County Council  representatives to answer questions, look at maps  and record concerns. The EPRC’s 2009 priorities were featured. These are:

1) Completion of a Streetscape plan (for on-street parking, curbs gutters and sidewalks)
2) Education about development of the county’s stormwater treatment property (Mount property directly behind the Village Green)
3) Non motorized transportation, trails and opening Madrona Point.
4) Developing a housing element for the Sub Area Plan and
5) Enforcement and reevaluation of the requirement for installing sidewalks.

Street vending, the Country Corner LAMRID proposals, and  water quality were also discussed.

There was strong support that  Eastsound should continue to develop as a “walking village”.

I would encourage everyone to look at a copy of the Eastsound Sub  Area  Plan (available on the county website or public library) to see  the  development standards currently in place.

The EPRC meets  monthly (first Thursday of the month 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the Senior Center) with minutes posted on the County web site. The public is  encouraged to attend and participate in our discussions. You may also sign up to be  sent our agendas and updates on planning issues by  e-mailing me at esplreco@yahoo.com.
There is a special presentation to the County Council on June 22nd when they meet on Orcas  (time and location to be set). Community
advocates, we are still accepting  applications for our open board
seat.
Gulliver Rankin
Chair EPRC