City News Bytes: Eagle Harbor Drive/Wyatt Way Improvements Progressing, Comp Plan Anybody? City Looking for new Manager, Chorale’s Holiday Shows and More.

The Island Wanderer | Posted on December 8, 2025 |

Eagle Harbor Drive/Wyatt Way Improvements Continue to Progress

Construction continues to move forward along Wyatt Way, with several key components now taking shape:

Curb installation is complete between Ashbury Court and Weaver Road. Crews are now preparing this stretch for pouring ADA-compliant curb ramps and the paved bike path.
The eastern segment of storm drainage improvements between Weaver Road and Eakin Drive has been finished.
The connection to the existing water main at the west end of Wyatt Way is complete, and the new water main has now been extended to approximately the Finch Road intersection.
Puget Sound Energy is relocating three utility poles near Finch Road, with this work expected to wrap up by the end of next week.
Over the next few weeks, crews will continue progress on the water main replacement and storm drain system, with some potential for weather-related delays and schedule coordination with utility contractors.

The City thank residents for their continued patience as it “work(s) toward a safer, more resilient corridor for people and fish.”

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Chris Miller – Windermere Real Estate Bainbridge
Office Xpats
Eagle Harbor Books - Celebrating 55 Years!
Island Edge Knife Sharpening
Island Volunteer Caregivers
Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center
Bainbridge History Museum
Indigo Painting Company
Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce

City Council Hopes to Put Comp Plan Update Back on Schedule

The City Council has adopted a schedule to complete Bainbridge Island’s overdue, state-mandated Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update and associated development regulations by June 30, 2026.

Bainbridge Island is one of only a few remaining jurisdictions (over 80 statewide) that did not meet the original December 2024 deadline established under the Growth Management Act (GMA). Being overdue on the Comprehensive Plan puts the City at risk of losing access to grants and other critical funding.

On October 28, 2025, the City Council received a progress report outlining remaining challenges and required next steps. Following additional discussion on November 12, the Council approved Resolution No. 2025-18, which:

Establishes a detailed work schedule with key milestones and deliverables.
Directs staff and the Planning Commission to limit changes to those necessary for legal compliance, deferring non-essential amendments.
Clarifies roles and responsibilities between Council, staff, and the Planning Commission to ensure an efficient and coordinated process.
Commits to focusing resources on completing the update in alignment with GMA requirements.

With this clear framework and schedule in place, the City will continue to focus on completing the Comprehensive Plan update, officials said. The first Public Hearing on the Comprehensive Plan is estimated to occur in March or April 2026. Learn more and read the resolution under Supporting Documents HERE.

City Council Takes First Step in Replacing Outgoing City Manager with Recruitment Firm Posting

Looking for a well-paying job on Bainbridge Island? Now that Blair King is officially going to retire on January 30, 2026, the City ihas taken the first step towards replacing him by issuing an RFQ seeking a qualified firm to support the City Council in the recruitment of the next City Manager and to help secure an experienced Interim City Manager. The scope includes candidate identification, applicant screening, interview logistics, and background checks.

The full RFQ is now available on our website under Bid Postings.

Bainbridge Coral to hold Two Concerts Saturday Dec. 13 at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church

Bring the whole family to an uplifting choral celebration of the holiday season, with “Gathering of the Light.” This shorter, family-friendly concert will feature both the Bainbridge Chorale and Bainbridge Youth Choir. Each choir will sing individually, then all voices will share the stage to present a memorable experience for all! Youth ages 18 and under admitted free with accompanying adult(s).

Saturday, December 13
3:00 p.m.
Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church
11042 Sunrise Dr. NE, Bainbridge Island

Tickets: CLICK HERE

Meanwhile, on the evening of December 13 and the afternoon of December 14, the Bainbridge Chorale we present “Light, Hope and Wonder”, a concert featuring a stunning variety of choral pieces by Morten Lauridsen, Eric Whitacre, and others. The main featured work will be Conrad Susa’s Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest, which is a collection of “ten of the most beautiful carols of the Spanish-speaking world,” and features accompaniment by harp, guitar and marimba.