We are a diverse group of Kitsap County citizens opposed to the proposed project, set forth by Raydient Property Development, to rezone their Bond road/Stottlemeyer property. This would allow a small portion (possibly 20 acres ) of the 400 acres to be used for a sports multiplex: YMCA, sports fields, parking lots, restaurant and remaining 380 or so for a housing development. (Parties involved with the marketing and planning of this project claim up to 200 acres could be set aside for public use, but offer no ability to confirm or prove those claims)
We came together after the initial meeting June 27, 2023 at North Kitsap High School, where North Kitsap United first presented the proposed project and many of those attending were very concerned. We quickly formed a Facebook page, "Stop Raydient Rezone" which grew to 775 members by August 2023. We are a diverse group of hikers, mountain bikers, runners, equestrians, bird watchers, environmentalists, conservationists, dog walkers, small farmers, neighbors, community members. We have in common that we care deeply about the future of Kitsap County and want to have development that is planned-- to keep our rural areas RURAL, our environment healthy, and protect the quality of life in our community. We support planning that is community led, not corporation led.
The housing rezone would be at a much higher density than currently zoned: one home per 20 acres, current zoning is " Rural Wooded". The requested increase in zoning would not follow the Growth Management Act which mandates that large infrastructure be sited in urban areas, to avoid suburban sprawl. This property is close to Gamble Creek, an important salmon spawning creek which feeds into Gamble Bay, which is the ancestral shellfish harvesting site for the S’Klallam tribe, not to mention important aquifers and other sensitive areas. This particular site is also not suitable for the increase in traffic it would cause an already burdened road (Bond Rd). Additionally, the traffic, noise and activity would have a detrimental impact on local wildlife, and would take away the quiet, peaceful atmosphere in neighboring Port Gamble Heritage Forest.
We do not oppose a YMCA or additional sports fields in North Kitsap, nor do we have any issues with the partnering groups associated with this project. We only oppose the location and support looking at alternatives to this problematic site.