City News Bytes: Madison Avenue Asphalt Finally in Place, Comp Plan Update Meeting in the Works, Emergency Management, Heat Pump Program, Transgender Day of Remembrance

We recently returned from a trip out of state to discover that the pavement has finally been laid on the so-called Bundled Madison Avenue project. Even though some folks sarcastically referred to it as the “Bungled” Madison Avenue project, due to its longevity, delays and never-ending dust and mud, it’s a thing of beauty. 

No more rutted, washboard, or gravel road surfaces to nearly break your vehicles axels or potentially flatten a tire or two. Most of the asphalt – especially around the High School Road Roundabout – is as smooth as a baby’s bottom. To date, according to city officials, at least one lift of asphalt is in place on all segments of the project from New Brooklyn to Winslow Way.

Yahoo!

As noted, the new asphalt makes driving smoother and eliminates most of the debris that previously marred the road. The project, though, is not complete. Work on bike facilities, curbs, and raised crosswalks will continue. City folks say to expect some more delays going forward, as the project also realigns the entrance to Sakai Park. The new entrance to Sakai will be directly across from the Aquatic Center driveway. The second lift of asphalt pavement for the section between High School Road and Wyatt Way will be completed when the curbs and bike lanes are constructed.  Final painting will happen in the spring of 2025 when the weather is more cooperative.    

“People let us know their frustration,” notes City Manager Blair King. “The rumors about the city running out of money, or the contractor abandoning the job, were not true. This was a project that involved many component parts. We tried to do a lot. This project is a mile and a quarter long. As they say, we are constructing the runway while the planes still land. Thank you for putting up with the construction. It’s already starting to feel better—and it’s only going to keep improving.”

Amen to that, brother!

Lots of Comments For Comprehensive Plan and Winslow Sub-Area Plan Updates 

The City received 567 comments totaling 1,310 pages during the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) public comment period that reflect significant thought, care and attention from Bainbridge Islanders.

There will be a presentation at the Dec. 3 City Council Study Session of the public comment matrix and summary. For more information, visit: Comprehensive Plan | Bainbridge Island, WA – Official Website (bainbridgewa.gov)

Heat Pump Subsidy Program – Nov. 20^th Study Session On Tap

The City has partnered with Kicking Gas, a Washington State campaign led by the nonprofit For the People, to bring high-efficiency heat pumps to Bainbridge Island residents at a reduced cost. Residents can attend monthly information sessions and take an eligibility survey to determine if they qualify for the program, which is focused on low- and moderate-income households during the pilot phase.

Residents can take a short online survey to determine what level of assistance they could receive. Bainbridge Islanders who install ductless heat pumps through the Kicking Gas campaign are eligible for discounts of 50% to 100% off installation costs up to $10,000, depending on household income. Islanders can learn about eligibility on the City’s website.

There will be a Kicking Gas Information Session on Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. online via Zoom. Residents interested may RSVP online at https://kickgasnow.org/events. The program will provide information on the costs and benefits of ductless heat pumps in an hour-long session featuring local installers and campaign managers.

Emergency Management Plan Gets a Review 

The City’s Emergency Management Coordinator, in partnership with the Police Department, Fire Department, Bainbridge Prepares, and numerous other community stakeholders recently reviewed and updated the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP).

The CEMP is the overall guiding document for how the City coordinates emergency response and recovery efforts after an emergency or disaster has impacted the island. The first CEMP was developed in 2019 when Bainbridge Island became a state recognized emergency management organization, separate from Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management. The CEMP is required to be updated every five years and submitted to Washington State Emergency Management Division.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Event Nov. 17^th

City Council approved a Proclamation at its regular meeting on Tuesday Nov. 12, declaring November 13-19, 2024, as “Transgender Awareness Week” and November 20, 2024, as the “Transgender Day of Remembrance” at the Regular Business Meeting on Nov. 12.

There will be a Transgender Day of Remembrance event at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art on Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. remembering trans people who were murdered or committed suicide in the last year.

The event is organized by Rainbow Crew NW with support from Transfriending, the Queer Elders Family group of the Senior Center, Bainbridge Pride, and the Bainbridge Island-North Kitsap Interfaith Council.

Source Materials and photos and graphics gathered from the City of Bainbridge. 

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