Bainbridge Island City Council Study Session on Winslow Subarea Plan – February 3, 2026

The City Council held a study session on February 3, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:48 PM to discuss the Planning Commission's recommendations for the Winslow Subarea Plan as part of the comprehensive plan periodic update. Five council members were present; two were excused. The council debated whether certain Planning Commission motions exceeded the scope of Resolution 2025-18, which directs the commission to focus on state law compliance and essential updates. After extensive discussion, the council agreed to place an agenda item on the February 10, 2026 business meeting to allow all seven members to consider specific motions, with councilmembers asked to submit proposed motions by Thursday at 5 PM for inclusion in the packet.

Discussion Items

• Scope of Planning Commission Recommendations: Councilmember Nelson expressed concern that several Planning Commission motions, particularly an upzone of the Ferncliffe area to R8 without an affordable housing requirement, went beyond Resolution 2025-18 and would not help meet HB 1220 requirements for households earning 80% AMI and below. He argued that market-rate upzoning does not advance affordable housing goals.
• Councilmember Schneider countered that the Planning Commission was following prior council direction and that the Ferncliffe upzone was modest (a net increase of about 12 units) and consistent with existing comp plan policies. She urged caution in limiting the commission's creativity.
• Councilmember Lant questioned the Planning Commission's attendance record (some votes with only 4–5 members present) and whether the recommendations reflect the full commission. She also asked for clarification on growth targets, infrastructure impacts, and what constitutes “essential” under Resolution 2025-18.
• Deputy Mayor Hytopoulos supported Councilmember Nelson’s view, emphasizing that upzoning should be tied to affordable housing production and that market-rate development consumes limited sewer and water capacity without serving low-income households. She read from a peer review of the groundwater management plan to argue for a precautionary approach.
• Mayor Moriwaki defended the Planning Commission's work, noting that many motions were unanimous and that developers do build affordable housing (citing the Oliver and Wintergreen projects). He warned against using fear of growth, stating that current zoning has not led to rapid population increase. He also reminded the council that February’s topic was supposed to be housing and transportation, not water utilities.
• Councilmember Land urged refocusing on essential compliance, noting the state’s involvement and the need to avoid delays. She suggested that some items could be taken up after the comp plan is finished.
• Procedural Discussion: Acting City Manager Schroer and the acting city attorney clarified that the council cannot directly dictate Planning Commission decisions but can provide guidance. The council agreed not to make formal motions that night but to forward the discussion to a business meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Motion (Hytopoulos) – Withdrawn: A motion to direct the city manager to pass on to the Planning Commission that the council’s goal is to maximize affordable housing production with minimal increase in market-rate housing, and only in conjunction with infrastructure improvements. The motion lacked a second and was withdrawn.
• Motion (Nelson/Schneider) – Passed 5-0: The council voted to place an agenda item titled “Provide Feedback on Planning Commission’s Recommendations for the Winslow Subarea Plan” on the February 10, 2026 business meeting agenda. Councilmembers who wish to have a specific motion considered in advance must submit the item to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and City Manager by Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 5 PM. This does not preclude councilmembers from making other motions during that session.