Says Chris Endresen, County Commissioner; “Kitsap County has been through 2 or 3 comprehensive plan changes in the last 10 years. It is unfortunate that those projects fell victim to the system. Our legal system takes a long time. It’s not fair and it’s not right, but that is the nature of public participation. Our ordinances are much clearer now.

Apple Tree Cove will happen,” Endresen continues. “This is a great example of why we don’t want courts making our local decisions for us. Not many judges specialize in Land Use law, even if they did you can’t pick your judge. What is most difficult for me is how so many people make this personal. That’s when we lose our civility and everything bogs down. Our political system is founded on the right to debate – however in order to have resolution we must get back to civil discourse.”

Gary Henry, of Shamrock Realty, has lived and worked in Kingston since 1962. He questions where all of this legal intervention is taking us, “The decision makers are not considering the needs of the people and the economic impact the Growth Management Act (GMA) is having. Like open space, a safe environment and better schools, the ability to make a living affects our quality life. We need to take into account the needs of the people and the economic impact of our actions. We need to think about the big picture. Profit is not a dirty word. ”

“There should be some common ground. No one wants to live in a polluted world. However calling for no development, no way, no how, isn’t the answer. Those well-planned subdivisions have been in the works forever. This is the result of environmental issues being used as the Clarion Call.”

Henry feels that those who realize the inevitable and accept land development are being branded as environmental rapists. “All these knee jerk reactions to stop growth are only sidetracking good management and then there is the financial and time expense. You would have to be a glutton for punishment to be a developer these days. Because the county has to listen to every voice, every protest, there is an entire arsenal that can be thrown at you. This does not solve growth management issues; it only creates gridlock and an environment where only the big corporations have the resources to persevere. Is that what’s best for Kingston?”

Says Sonny Woodward, Marketing Specialist of John L. Scott Realty, “The entire community is being held hostage by a handful of people who want to stop growth entirely. These obstructionists are organized enough to use the legal system against itself. They do not speak for the majority. Chris Endresen has done a fine job of arbitrating but it’s time to step up to the plate. Sure, in a perfect world we would turn everything into a park. I believe that if we plan well, work with, instead of fight with, developers we can have it all: open space, bike paths and a sound economy. The problem is, the Urban Growth boundary has yet to be set. The 1992 predicted growth numbers have already been exceeded and we are still grappling with what to expect. Kitsap County, and particularly Kingston is struggling in the path of progress.”

Woodward feels that we have turned the corner as a result of the YES vote for schools. “Sure we are still smarting from the repercussions of 695, but citizens are beginning to rethink that one. The money may have gone away but the demand is still there. This isn’t just a Kingston, or even Kitsap County issue. Our decisions affect the entire Olympic Peninsula.”

Henry also feels that things are looking up. “County inspectors and officials are making efforts to act efficiently. The widening of Lyvog Road has been approved and the Kingston sewer expansion and replacement project is getting serious attention.”

Endresen adds, “Kingston’s sewer system was built with a life span of 20 years, that was 25 years ago. It is over capacity.”

Kingston is enjoying a strong sellers market. Says Henry, “People want to live here. However, property prices will continue to be driven up as the county downzones the area in an effort to pack people around the core district. This is the county’s response to the GMA and their attempt to accommodate future growth. Put high density next to low density to be rezoned later. I feel that crowding people together creates a lifestyle conducive to crime. Why did we do away with the PUD? That was a great concept; it preserved open space and the rural feel while accommodating growth.”

It is impossible to please everyone all of the time. As Endresen says, “Any time you have a land use decision there are those who will never be happy. They want things back the way they used to be. It should be clear to everyone by now. That will never happen.”

(Marjorie Marcellus is a freelance writer and can be reached at (206) 842-9814).