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List of stories about Growth Management Act in San Juan County

As the time for decisions draws near, emotions heat up

By Sharon Kivisto

posted 05/00
It was clear in Friday Harbor High School commons Friday, April 29 that there are no easy answers to the Growth Management Hearings Board Order. There were, however, plenty of opinions, plenty of emotion, and plenty of differences in the interpretation of the facts.

The BOCC and the county Planning Commission held joint public hearings last week on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Islands. They heard from a variety of citizens, from fourth-generation farmers to newcomers.

Rhynnie Wilson, whose family has farmed in San Juan Valley for four generations was angry about potential downzoning. "I'm furious. If it was yours how would you feel?" she asked. "I don't feel all the avenues have been exhausted. They should be before we take people's rights away."

Ann Novak, a self-described relative newcomer said she was interested in preserving land. "I'm concerned about the environment, about how fast degradation occurs, she said."

Wilson responded, "We've preserved it. You guys just want to look at it."

Ken Lawrence suggested the BOCC consider the concept of "Smart Growth" and put in controls on the rate of growth. ""t lets you accommodate and assimilate growth," he said.

Rick King representing Friday Harbor Sand & Gravel was concerned about the future of the 65 acre gravel pit site under the current three options. "Under Option A we've gone from 120 units to 12; under B from 120 to six; and under C from 120 to an estate. Do we want to turn our island into estates, rather than the mix we have? Do we want to keep the island flavor?" He suggested the area be considered for designation as an AMIRD.

Lynn Bahyrich of Shaw Island said, "I'm urging the BOCC to proceed carefully, give us least possible subdivisions in rural lands; help concentrate growth in activity centers and use the permitting process to moderate growth and affordable housing."

Brent Snow of Roche Harbor Resort said, "I encourage the BOCC to recognize the quality of life, not just numbers but the diversity and nature of people we have."

Sam Buck of Coldwell Banker concerned about property rights used humor to get his point across. "I'm suggesting an elimination lottery," he said. "If you were picked, in a year you would have to be gone...People would say 'I'm not going to give up my rights to be here'. We're doing that--if you can't divide your land you'll have to go."

His brother Steve Buck said, "I'm worried about the social fabric as well as the environmental fabric. I was born and raised here. I believe we can come up with a plan that preserves both. Balance is the key."

Jack Cory said, "All of this is very sad. We have to fight more than we have."

Meg Drye said, "I'm so sad. Now we're being told what we can and cannot do on land we've purchased, paid taxes and protected. I think we've gone too far. We've overdone what we've been charged to do."

Scott Bell said, "We've got to let the people who have a history, have a future. We're so scared of people who can come here, we forget about the people who are here."

County Commissioner John Evans said, "We need a plan that fits San Juan county. It is essential that we have TDRs (transfer development rights); essential we have site plans (allow building not allowed under rules)."

County Commissioner Rhea Miller said, "This is difficult to talk about. This is agonizing for me. Due to planning, I lost a home in the islands. I still have an enormous committment to the big picture. We have to obey the law. We need to be doing the best for all of us."