Is the Seabeck Marina Project Doomed?
August 13th, 2008 by Rich Jacobson
This coming Friday could be Doomsday for the long awaited and much-anticipated Olympic View Marina Project out in Seabeck. How this has remained under my radar, I have no idea. Tonight, while taking a walk with my wife, I ran across fellow RE agent, Nick Blickhan (Nick and I had worked together at the Windermere office here in Silverdale). As a waterfront resident of Seabeck WA, Nick has been keeping close tabs on the progress, or lack thereof, of the Olympic View LLC Marina Project. Four partners purchased the fledging property a few years ago, and put together a very detailed development plan. At considerable expense, they effectively jumped through each and every hoop that the County and State required, and in most instances, went way beyond what was necessary. From every indication, it appeared that things were moving forward, and the much needed marina would become a reality. Unfortunately, due in large part to one lone, dissenting squeaky wheel, the ear of the WA Department of Ecology has been effectively bent, and it appears that the project is headed to a devastating demise. Evidently, the neighborhood squeaky wheel is one of these types who defines/measures ‘Smart’ growth by how far you can bury your head in the sand. Nevermind that the dire needs of the many clearly outweighs the preferences of the few, or, in this case, the one. Nevermind that the partners paid exceptionally close attention to detail in their plans towards maintaining and even enhancing the existing environmental integrity of the areas impacted by the proposed marina development. Nevermind that the marina would have a very positive impact on the financial stability of existing Seabeck merchants/businesses, and long-term residential property values. Nevermind that area boat owners would finally have badly needed basic marina services and mooring space available. The closest marina is Pleasant Harbor, over on the western side of Hood Canal, just south of Brinnon. You can moor your boat there, but it takes nearly an hour by car to get there. The Olympic View Marina Project should make complete sense – ecologically, or otherwise. While it could be argued that some commercial developments are not necessarily environmental-friendly, this project clearly fulfills the demand for highest and best use. Although Kitsap County Commissioner, Josh Brown, has voiced his full support for this project, but his influence may not be enough to affect the outcome. The WA State Department of Ecology is issuing their final verdict on the project this Friday. In my humble opinion, the Dept needs to step up and display some backbone. Rather than buckling under the incessant whining of one solitary voice, the project should be measured and approved on the merits of the significant positive impact it will have on the environment/habitat, and the true value that quality marina services will offer to our community.
Tags: Josh Brown, Kitsap County WA, olympic view marina LLC, seabeck marina, WA Dept of Ecology
