| Though the Kitsap County Planning Commission passes final votes on to county commissioners, its collective view can influence the look, shape and direction of the county.
And ultimately the county’s economic success.
Currently there is no one overriding direction from the nine-member commission, other than to follow the laws, said Chairman Dick McConaughy, a planning commissioner who represents Bremerton.
“We’re a whole range of different attitudes,” he said. “Pro business is a definite point of view. Another is property rights and there are those who push their ideas about looking after the environment.
“I think I’m the moderator of some of these conflicting views. And it’s healthy to have these different visions.”
The public response to issues that come up, such as the current discussion of how to handle junk motor vehicles in people’s yards is strong, McConaughy said.
“It’s one of the satisfying aspects of the job, to see that many people do care about where they live.”
Many ideas for review come from the county planning department and the board of commissioners. One aspect of the planning commission’s role, McConaughy said, is too figure out how well they’ll work and offer suggestions for improvements. Regular hearings are held on subjects such as zoning changes and site plan reviews.
“Probably our focus is looking at the larger plan for the county,” McConaughy said. We’re trying to think ahead and develop plans rather than playing catch-up. If we don’t plan, the development will happen in a higgledy-piggledy way.”
Now that the commission has moved past consideration of amendments to the county comprehensive plan, McConaughy said there will be more time for other concerns.
“We’re a county still on the verge of rural/shipyard going to something a little more suburban in nature,” he said. “There has also been a comprehensive change in the residential side of this county, which continues to pose challenges.”
Get involved
The Kitsap County Planning Commission’s regularly scheduled public hearing is held on the last Tuesday of every month. Members of the planning commissioner are appointed, based on geographic area. The three who represent North Kitsap are John S. Ahl, Poulsbo; Deborah “Deb” J. Flynn, Kingston; Thomas E. Nevins, Poulsbo; Central Kitsap: Dick McConaughy, Bremerton; William H. Matchett, Seabeck; Mark Flynn, Silverdale; South Kitsap’s voice is heard through Michael A. Gustavson, Southworth; Lary Coppola, Manchester; and Linda Rowe of Olalla.
Go to www.kitsapgov.com/dcd/pc for more information or call Karen Halbeck, secretary to the Planning Commission, at (360) 337-5738. | 