According to the county's own policies, density increases are to be made in Urban Growth Areas, NOT in Rural areas. The County 2016 Comp Plan, p. 4, states a policy of favoring increased Urban growth and density, rather than density in Rural areas: growth projections made by the county through 2036 had a target of focusing 76% of growth into the urban growth areas and 24% into the rural areas. BUT when the 76% target is reached in urban areas, that density is to reset to 84% urban and 16% rural.
In addition, Kitsap's remaining rural communities are important to residents and visitors alike. Many of our neighbors have moved to these areas to achieve a quieter, rural way of life.
Kitsap County officially supports this goal of preserving our rural communities. The 2016 Kitsap County Comp Plan states that “the term rural also defines the philosophy of living and a quality of life. This quality of life includes a sense of quiet, community, and a slower pace of life. Rural characteristics include the abundance of trees, access to recreation, views of water and mountains, and a quiet and unregimented atmosphere. The elements of rural character also include the dynamic natural systems, abundant in Kitsap county, which can be vulnerable to human and natural change."
Rezoning to achieve 80 densely spaced housing units and a sports complex would greatly impact this area located between Bond Road (Highway 307) and the quiet, rustic trails of the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park. Increased traffic into the (proposed) rezoned area would conflict both with citizens' quiet enjoyment of and access to the off-road trails in Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park.
Construction of multiple dozens of homes and a busy sports center complex at the edge of the rural park area would negatively impact the rural nature of the Bond Road and Highway 104 area of North Kitsap county, both during the construction years and long into the future.
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EXPRESS YOUR OPINIONS! To let the County Parks people know you want to protect the Rural nature of Rural living - give your input in this survey: Kitsap County PARKS & RECREATION OPEN SPACE PLAN SURVEY: Kitsap County Parks is updating the county's Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan. This area includes the potential Bond Road Rezone!! The Parks Department seeks public input via a needs and assessment survey, saying "It’s vital we hear from all ages, interests and abilities."
The plan guides future planning, funding, enhancements and preservation for 11,000 extraordinary acres of county parkland, including nearly 9,000 acres of wild, mostly undeveloped heritage parks as well as beautiful shoreline, lakes, and facilities such as picnic shelters, ballfields, playgrounds, community buildings and the fairgrounds.
RESPOND TO THE Kitsap County PROS SURVEY.