Director of Skagit County Planning & Development Services responds:

Ms. Andrak
 
Your below email was brought to my attention.
 
Attached is a copy of the notice of availability and Planning Commission public hearing on the proposed Guemes Island Subarea Plan.
 
Planning Commission public hearings/meetings typically start at 6 p.m. and conclude on or before 9 p.m.  They are televised live on Skagit 21 and may be viewed anytime thereafter by going to the County’s website at: Skagit21 Access Skagit Television.  This provides for the greatest opportunity for public information and participation, for the greatest number of parties/individuals who are interested in this topic.  They can attend the hearing, watch it on TV or on their computer of choice live or view it at a later time more convenient for them.  For those attending the August 10, 6 p.m. public hearing there will be a late ferry run to get islanders back to the island. 
 
With all due respect to your request, there is no intention to hold the public hearing on the island and to change the date and time.  The County will proceed as noticed.
 
I hope that you can attend the public hearing on August 10, at 6 p.m. in Mount Vernon and if you are unable to attend please note that the written comment period remains open until 3:30, Friday, August 13.   Your comments are welcome.
 
Regards,
 
Gary R. Christensen, AICP
Director, Skagit County Planning & Development Services

Thank you Skagit County PDS for inviting input from Guemes Island residents on the Proposed Guemes Island Subarea Plan.

No thanks though, to the public hearing on that same plan that is scheduled to be held on August 10 at 6:00PM at 1800 Continental Place in Mt. Vernon. This is wrong on so many levels, one of which is the Guemes Island ferry schedule. The distance and travel could also limit attendance. In fairness to the “public“ of Guemes Island affected the most by the Plan, the “public” hearing should be held on Guemes Island. This is Guemes Island’s Subarea Plan after all.

Commissioners and Skagit PDS, please change the venue to Guemes Island Community Center which is available August 10 at 6 pm.

If you agree, send your comments to the County Commissioners.

-MJ Andrak