Dear Fellow Islanders, On Thursday night, 1/8/15, the Bainbridge Island Planning Commission is going to be considering revised Vision Statement drafts for approval. One of those drafts for a vision has been proposed by the City’s official Comp Plan Steering committee: We have a vision that Bainbridge Island sustains for future generations the qualities that keep us here, draw us here, and often draw us back. We address growth and change, mindful of the limits and the possibilities of our Island geography and environment. We nurture the creativity and diversity that enhances our cultural and economic life, while celebrating the Island’s heritage. We provide a safe, green community that is physically and economically open to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. We work to make the relationship between each citizen and the Island a source of pride. If we dont want this as our official Vision we need to propose something better and get behind it. To that end, Islanders for Responsible Development has been working a draft of Bainbridge Islands Vision Statement (see below). Please read it and let us know what you think. Specific suggestions would be helpful. Best Regards, Ron Peltier ISLANDERS FOR RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT IFRD Vision Statement Draft 1-4-15 Bainbridge Island is a vibrant and unique island City located on Puget. Its natural borders include 53 miles of beautiful shoreline yet “the Island” is very much connected through its people to a broad regional and global community. Bainbridge has a rich natural and cultural history including a long and sustained presence by indigenous people followed more recently by European and Asian immigrants who built a vibrant economy on timber, farms, boat building, and fishing. Contemporary Bainbridge Island includes a diversity of artists, farmers, and small business owners, who along with working commuters, and year round visitors, all contribute to our community. Bainbridge Island’s historic downtown core of Winslow, located on the shores of Eagle Harbor, is the main center of social, artistic, and commercial activity, with a focus on independent and unique businesses serving both residents and visitors. Outlying neighborhood and light industrial centers also contribute to the fabric of Island life. Looking to the future, we face challenges to the preservation of our Island’s special character and to the quality of its environment. Our vision challenges us to create an innovative transportation system with a strong emphasis on non-motorized uses. It also challenges us to forge a new definition of “development”: one that embraces the sustainable use of our environmental resources through bold imagination and innovation. Much of Bainbridge Island outside of its commercial centers is comprised of residential and agricultural development, along with significant remaining forests. These are integral to the beauty of our Island and to the health of our community. Island parks and open spaces provide opportunity for recreation and for appreciation of our natural resources. The diversity of Island ecosystems includes wildlife habitat, fertile soils, aquifer recharge, beaches, clean air and clean waters. Recognizing that the Island’s environmental resources are finite and must be maintained and protected for future generations, natural open spaces will be preserved and future development carefully planned in order to minimize impact upon our natural environment. Access and connectivity to our shoreline and natural areas for both people and wildlife will be protected and enhanced. Bainbridge Island has rich history with the potential for an equally bright future. To embrace the challenges that future holds, we encourage residents and visitors alike to become active participants in shaping a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable Island community. As we look forward, Bainbridge Island will depend upon civic engagement by a diverse community to steward and sustain its cultural, economic, and environmental resources for generations to come.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:12:54 +0000
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