Illahee Issues:
Timbers Edge Development

November 20, 2007 Mailing from Kitsap County

A number of people received a "Revised Notice of Application" on the day before Thanksgiving describing the Timbers Edge Plat development. 

Kitsap County notes that they expect to issue a Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance (MDNS) for the project and state that this may be the only opportunity to comment on the environmental impacts of the proposal with comments required by December 7, 2007.  Some think that there will still be a comment period after they actually issue their usual MDNS.   We will try to find out exactly how the process works and let everyone know.

This project raised concerns in the Illahee community two years ago when they proposed putting storm detention vaults on the steep slopes of Illahee Creek.  The community responded by funding studies of the area by geologists and hydrologists which cost over $14,000.  The results of the studies were significant with respect to the first project and also to the revised application. 

Aquifer recharge is what supplies the majority of water to Illahee Creek and one of the studies projected a significant decrease in the base flow of Illahee Creek if the aquifers are not recharged.  There is the potential that Illahee Creek would no longer be a viable salmon or fish bearing stream if the base flow is significantly decreased.  This is one of the issues being investigated by the Port of Illahee's grant with the Department of Ecology as they try to determine how to restore Illahee Creek to support salmon.

With this project on top of the Illahee dock outfall project, it seems like the Illahee community is getting more than its share of issues to be concerned about. 

Another pertinent item with respect to the mailing is that the zoning of this area was changed in 2006 from Urban Low (5-9 dwellings per acre)  to Urban Restricted (1-5) because of the studies the community funded.  But, because the developer is grandfathered, or vested, when he comes to the counter, the county allows him to develop to the higher density.   He therefore could develop the property from 1 to 9 dwellings per acre and as you can see from the plat has chosen the highest density.  This is another instance of wishing developers would work with the community rather than going against existing zoning, just because they can.

We have heard that some in the community want to hold a meeting in the near future to discuss this development.  We will pass on any information we are given.

Dennis Sheeran & Jim Aho