RES 92-03 QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING WHILE MAINTAINING RURAL CHARACTERRESOLUTION NO. 92 - 03
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, TO PROMOTE AND MAINTAIN A SUPPLY
OF QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING ON BAINBRIDGE
ISLAND WHILE MAINTAINING THE RURAL AND SEMI-RURAL
CHARACTER OF THE ISLAND.
WHEREAS, the State Environmental Policy Act, Chapter
43.12C RCW, provides that housing needs are an element of the
environment that must be considered by the City in planning
development (WAC 197-11-444); and
WHEREAS, such regulations are considered a positive
step toward providing affordable housing opportunities
necessary to secure health, safety, welfare and stability of
the community; and
WHEREAS, the City is obligated to meet affordable
housing needs under the State Environmental Policy Act and
under the Growth Management Act, Chapter 17, Laws of 1990,
1st Executive Session; and
WHEREAS, by this resolution we affirm the dignity and
rights of our population to enjoy stability within the
community of their choice; and
WHEREAS, we have determined that the community, which
we are currently in the process of creating, needs the
presence of persons of diverse income and background in order
to realize more properly the principles of social and
economic justice to which we are dedicated as a democratic
society; and
WHEREAS, we realize that as a City it is our
responsibility to create and preserve affordable housing
opportunities through our land use practices, now, therefore,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAINBRIDGE ISLAND,
WASHINGTON, DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
To promote and maintain a supply of housing sufficient to
meet the needs of Bainbridge Island residents and newcomers
in a way that is compatible with the semi-rural, small town
character of the Island and encourage socio-economic
diversity.
To conserve existing stock of multifamily and senior low
income housing (such as Island Terrace, Rhododendron, Winslow
Arms, Finch Place and Virginia Villa).
To promote low and moderate income housing, of a scale and
quantity appropriate to the rural and semi-rural character of
Bainbridge Island in new developments scattered throughout
the Island, using incentives and other techniques with due
consideration of the City's budget.
To encourage donations and charitable gifts of land and
housing which will provide affordable housing throughout the
Island.
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATE:
RALPH W. EELS, Finance Director