Development News for Anacortes, Washington

Residents Voice Concerns Over Herringstad Short Plat Process, Demand More Public Involvement

During public comment, residents Mark Nyhart, Janet Perigin, Janet Andrews, and Karen Nimby voiced concerns regarding the Herringstad short plat determination. They argued that the public notification process was inadequate, lacking sufficient outreach to affected neighbors and neighborhood meetings. Residents feel the process has been dismissive of their concerns about density, environmental impact, stormwater runoff, and the potential negative precedent for future developments in R1 low-density zones. They requested the council undo the determination and hold multiple neighborhood meetings to restore trust and negotiate a solution.

City Council Considers Updating Complete Streets Ordinance for Broader User Accessibility and Grant Eligibility

The City Council is considering an ordinance to update AMC 12.60 regarding complete streets. This initiative aims to design streets for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit, aligning with a nationwide trend and improving grant eligibility. The proposed updates include clearer language on city policy, formal exception criteria, and references to ADA standards and multimodal safety. While the ordinance primarily applies to capital projects, council members discussed ensuring transparency for exceptions and aligning definitions with state standards.