Potpourri: Affordable Housing SEPA Hearing Put Off, Want to Manage Farmland? Lodging Tax Committee, Reimaging City Art, AHB’s Christmas Living Room Concert Tonight!

The City of Bainbridge Island’s Hearing Examiner has denied the City’s request for dismissal in the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) appeal filed in relation to the affordable housing project at the corner of Winslow Way and Highway 305 and he has indicated that he is going to deny the appellant’s request for summary judgment. It took over two months for the prehearing motions to be briefed by the parties and decided by the Hearing Examiner.

As a result, the appeal of the Determination of Non-significance (DNS) for Ordinance No. 2025-21 was scheduled to proceed to a hearing this afternoon – December 17. However, last week, the City’s Hearing Examiner granted a continuance of the appeal of the DNS until sometime in January 2026. A specific date wasn’t given.

This SEPA appeal concerns Ordinance No. 2025-21, which proposes amendments to BIMC 18.12.020 to allow greater flexibility in floor area ratio (FAR), parking, and maximum building height for any 100% affordable housing projects in the Central Core and Ferry Terminal zoning districts east of Highway 305

SEPA requires agencies to evaluate environmental impacts, such as traffic, water quality, noise, wildlife habitat, and community resources, before adopting certain types of land use policies or approving development projects.

City Looking for a Business or Individual to Manage Publicly-Owned Farmland

The City is on the lookout for an individual or business to take on the important role of managing leased and commonly used portions of its publicly owned farmland. The City owns about 60 acres of farmland on the island. Out of these, 21 acres are currently leased by farmers.

The manager will have a range of responsibilities, including effective communication, coordination of shared resources, identifying and prioritizing repair and maintenance projects, and thorough documentation of the existing conditions. This role is essential in ensuring that our farmland remains productive and well-maintained.

More information and a Request for Proposals is available on the City website. First review of applications will start December 19, 2025. Check out public farmlands: https://bainbridgewa.gov/1182/Public-Farmland

City seeking applicants for its annual Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

The City is seeking applicants from the lodging and nonprofit communities to serve on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for the 2026 funding cycle. Eligible applicants include representatives of Bainbridge Island lodging businesses that collect lodging taxes (such as hotels, motels, Airbnb’s, and VRBOs) as well as representatives of businesses or agencies eligible to receive lodging tax funding, including nonprofits, destination marketing organizations, municipalities, and public facilities districts.

The committee will meet three times, with a maximum time commitment of approximately 15 hours over a four- to five-week period.

Interested community members are encouraged to apply today!

Reimaging Art Surrounding Bainbridge Island’s Map at City Hall

Help reimagine the artwork surrounding the Bainbridge Island map at City Hall! The Art of Place invites Kitsap County artists of all backgrounds to share visual stories that reflect our island’s character and community. The artwork should reflect one of nine locations around Bainbridge Island.

2D works only: photography, painting, drawing, textile arts, printmaking, or mixed media

Selected artists receive a $300 honorarium and displayed for five years

EXTENDED DEADLINE: Apply online by December 19, 2025.

While all submittals are welcome, we are particularly encouraging artists to submit options for:

Frame #1 (Seabold area)

Frame #2 (Manzanita)

Frame #3 (Fletcher Bay)

Frame #4 (Lynwood Center/Fort Ward)

Whether you’re a professional artist or someone who simply loves Bainbridge, we encourage you to share your creative voice.

Learn more: https://bainbridgecurrents.com/call-for-art-the-art-of-place-a-bainbridge-visual-story/

The City is also looking for people to jury “The Art of Place: A Bainbridge Visual Story.” Whether you’re an artist, art professional, or community member with a passion for art, we encourage you to apply by January 6 for a position on the jury!

Presented by the City in collaboration with the Arts & Humanities Bainbridge Public Art Committee (PAC).

AHB Holding its Annual Christmas Living Room Concert Event tonight, Featuring Bishop and Dorrey Lyles

Speaking of AHB, the organization is holding its annual Christmas Living Room Concert, an event that is shaping up to be truly exceptional, and I’d love your help in spreading the word.

This year’s concert brings something absolutely unforgettable. We’re thrilled to welcome the phenomenal Bishop Lyles and his daughter, international recording artist Dorrey Lyles, for an intimate evening filled with the rich sounds of jazz, soul, and gospel. Their powerhouse vocals and heartfelt performances are sure to lift your spirit and stir your soul.

Adding to the magic, AHB board member Stephanie Reese will offer special performances, along with holiday favorites that will get everyone in the festive mood.

Guests will enjoy light bites and fine wine while relaxing in the beautiful home of Anne and William Smart, making it a warm, joyful, and exclusive night of music and holiday cheer. Seating is limited for this intimate event, so we strongly encourage early ticket purchases.

Get your tickets today at: https://givebutter.com/hAkLw0

Source Materials: Courtesy of the City of Bainbridge Island and Arts Humanities Bainbridge

Other Holiday and Community Events:

Events – Pleasant Beach Village

Events | BainbridgeCurrents.com

We will be featuring more holiday events in the days ahead. If you have an event you would like us to feature, please email your information and any photos or graphics in a jpeg format to: KrazyKevin28@gmail.com

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