HomeMy WebLinkAbout020325 City Council Business Meeting Packet- Added After Meeting
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Camas Prairie Park development
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:51:16 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: lindsay hamilton <lehamilton007@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2025 8:42 PM
To: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>; Amy Howard <AHoward@cityofpt.us>; Ben Thomas
<bthomas@cityofpt.us>; LWeUrner@citypt.us <LWeUrner@citypt.us>; Owen Rowe
<orowe@centrum.org>; Monica MickHager <MMickhager@cityofpt.us>; NNelson@citypt.us
<NNelson@citypt.us>
Subject: Camas Prairie Park development
CAUTION: External Email
Hello,
I am writing to urge each City Council member to reject the proposed rezoning of
Camas Prairie Park. Alternative sites for housing are many. Although the potential
for rezoning was written into the lease signed by the current golf course group, I
believe they signed it under duress. Actually developing this land would be
disruptive and very expensive for the golf course, it would affect the land itself,
altering habitat and adding polluting materials, affecting all the land in the drainage
path.
This proposed development and the way it is happening is a serious blow to the
community's trust in our city government. Please do not go forward with this plan.
Maintain the land as public municipal use, as it was intended originally.
The Camas Prairie and the golf course are special , let's keep them as is!!!
Sincerely,
Lindsay Hamilton
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Camas Prairie Park
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:48:22 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: C L Hasse <clhasse@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 6:00 PM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Camas Prairie Park
CAUTION: External Email
Dear respected friends on city council,
I honor and thank you for the work you are doing to address the myriad concerns our community
faces, including the pressing need for affordable and workforce housing.
I humbly ask that you protect our beloved legacy open space, Camas Prairie Park, from private
development. This historic and unique part of our city’s landscape is a legacy gift, deeded to us over
a 100 years ago for the recreation and wellbeing of all residents.
The value of public open space is immeasurable, most importantly in times of climate and political
uncertainty.
I have lived in Port Townsend for 50 years, and believe I am not alone in finding that just viewing
our public golf course /Camas Prairie Park is a gift that always lifts my heart, knowing that it is a
piece of Port Townsend that belongs to all of us. One that has a part of it that looks as it did when it
belonged to the Salish Sea native people.
I ask that you go full speed ahead to encourage the building of homes that residents and workers of
our community can afford to rent or buy, and that those houses be built on lots that the city owns that
are already zoned for residential use- as well as being close to essential infrastructure needs.
Please spare the destruction of our open public Camas Prairie Park.
Respectfully,
Carol Hasse
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Camas Prairie Rezone
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:53:44 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Helen Rector <hrector122@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2025 3:32 PM
To: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Camas Prairie Rezone
CAUTION: External Email
To:
Amy Howard: ahoward@cityofpt.us
Neil Nelson: nnelson@cityofpt.us
Ben Thomas: bthomas@cityofpt.us
Monica MickHager: mmickhager@cityofpt.us
Owen Rowe” orowe@cityofpt.us
Libby Urner Wennstrom: lwennstrom@cityofpt.us
Please count me in as someone who opposes rezonong Camas Prairie to be used for housing. I
support housing, but not here or in the golf course area. Please!
Helen Rector
1218 Rose St
Port Townsend Wa
****************************************************
I'm reminded of Jung's formula, which is that we don't so much solve our problems as we
outgrow them.
****************************************************
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Chiming in on Food Resilience
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:48:27 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Judy <lightenup@olympus.net>
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 5:24 PM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Chiming in on Food Resilience
CAUTION: External Email
Greetings to City Council Members and Mayor Faber,
My name is Judith Alexander, As a very long time food resilience
advocate in Jefferson County, as well as avid gardener who likes to know
where her food comes from, and how it is grown, I am writing to express
my strong support for farming and food production inside Port Townsend
city limits.
Although I understand that the City is working to resolve the
affordable housing crisis, an issue ALSO close to my heart having worked
for years with Community Build to create shelters for our homeless
population, our town must also maintain a balance between housing,
open space and food production. Gardens, both community gardens and
individual ones, as well as farms in town provide a ready source of food
for our growing population, and provide additional benefits such as access
to healthy food, sustaining a connection to the natural world, and perhaps,
most importantly, sustains our more economically disadvantaged by the
generous donations of food that is grown specifically for our county Food
Banks in any of the 12 dedicated gardens tended by volunteers for that
purpose.
I worked within the Local 2020 Food Resilience Action group for many
years to motivate and assist the start up of a plethora of neighborhood-
based community gardens where people learn to grow their food
collectively, and cooperatively. And while the Local Food System Council,
also a group motivated by my efforts years ago, only was in existence for
about 4 years, it nonetheless assisted food proponents to meet each
other, work together, and success in many ways to strengthen our local
food resilience.
I myself have been an active member of the Dundee Hill Community
Garden (one of the 12 gardens that funnels regular contributions to local
food banks) since its inception in 2007. The DHCG has also worked very
cooperatively with the land owner, the Olympic Housing Trust, The Food
Growers Network, and with assistance from Richard Tucker of the
Jefferson Land Trust, to effectively move the initial foot print of our
community garden to accommodate space to build 5 affordable
townhouses on the same open space, demonstrating that our commitment
to affordable housing does NOT have to compete with our commitment to
have access to healthy fresh food for those who want it.
There are many codes and regulations, including zoning, building codes
and access to water and septic/sewer that impact people's ability to grow
food close to home. I have been a staunch advocate for active City
support for easing those regulations that make it easier - not harder - for
people to become adept at providing for our local food supply.
And I am writing today to ask the City to proactively re-imagine new ways
to uphold farming as an accepted and preferred land use.
In the years ahead, I look forward to finding creative solutions
together with Port Townsend City staff and elected officials to protect and
support our citizens' ability to farm and to produce food within city limits
while also providing for our obvious needs for affordable housing.
Let's work together to codify and protect our shared values: to support
open spaces, to ensure local food resiliency, to align with our place-based
education, and to preserve the critical skill set of food-growing. Thank you
immensely for your service as City Council members who watch over our
collective community needs. Your work is very appreciated!
Sincerely,
Judith Alexander, MSW
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Comprehensive Plan Update/Farms and Food Production
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:49:43 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Sent: Sunday, February 2, 2025 11:58 PM
To: Amber <amber98368@gmail.com>; CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Re: Comprehensive Plan Update/Farms and Food Production
Whoops. That email sent before I meant it to!
There's a great deal of mis (or even active dis)information floating around about farming
in the City of Port Townsend. Let me categorically state that the City Council is
not considering imposing any new rules or limitations on farming, gardening, or
agricultural within the city limits.
Thank you.
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Sent: Sunday, February 2, 2025 11:58 PM
To: Amber <amber98368@gmail.com>; CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Re: Comprehensive Plan Update/Farms and Food Production
Thank you for your email, Amber.
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Amber <amber98368@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 2, 2025 11:09 PM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Comprehensive Plan Update/Farms and Food Production
CAUTION: External Email
Greetings Council Members and Mayor Faber,
My name is Amber and I am writing to express my strong support for farming and food
production inside Port Townsend city limits.
While the housing crisis in Port Townsend is in need of attention from the city to work
towards a resolution, I believe our town must also maintain a balance between housing, open
space and food production. Farms and food production in Port Townsend are providing a vital
source of healthy and affordable food for our growing population. And it provides us with
benefits such as food security, open space, clean air, jobs, volunteer opportunities, education
and self-reliance.
I am writing today to ask the City to proactively re-imagine new ways to uphold farming as an
accepted and preferred land use. I believe this should include implementing a right-to-farm
ordinance to protect agricultural uses.
I am a Co-Manager of Brian’s Food Bank Growers Garden, a Co-Manager of North Beach
Community Garden, a Master Gardener, a volunteer with the Jefferson County Farmers
Market and participate in community gleaning projects which provide food for community
meals. Growing food for the community is something I am honored to be able to do and being
able to teach others and learn from others in the garden provides skills which are crucial for a
healthy life and a healthy environment.
Port Townsend is a special community where residents have so many different ideas and skills
to share with each other. I know we can all work together to find creative solutions to protect
and support our ability to farm and produce food within city limits.
Let's work together to find a solution that supports open spaces, ensures local food resiliency,
aligns with our place-based education, and preserves the critical skill set of food-growing.
Thank you,
Amber Langley
</html
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: council meeting comments for 3Feb2025
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:49:13 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 1:46 PM
To: Joan Cole <giovannacole@gmail.com>; CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Re: council meeting comments for 3Feb2025
Thank you for your email, Joan.
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Joan Cole <giovannacole@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 11:56 AM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: council meeting comments for 3Feb2025
CAUTION: External Email
Greetings Council Members,
I feel like there are currently a lot of moving parts in the city I have called home for the past
24 years and I am writing to express my support for a few of them.
I support farming and food production inside Port Townsend city limits. Farms in town
provide a ready and sustainable source of healthy food for our growing population,
providing open space, clean air, food security and urban self-reliance. I am writing today
to ask the City to proactively re-imagine new ways to uphold farming as an accepted and
preferred land use and act accordingly when addressing the Comp Plan.
I also understand that City Council could still rezone a portion of Camas Prairie Park for
housing as part of the 2025 Comp Plan update and basically ruin the future of this golf
course and park. I find it unconscionable that our officials are considering sacrificing public
open space, parkland, for private development and urge Council to reject this idea once
and for all. There are hundreds of housing units under various levels of development now
that can meet much of the housing needs in PT. I don’t understand what is behind
Council’s obsession with the Camas Prairie Park land.
This is a time we should be looking creatively at ways to protect our green/open spaces
and farms while addressing housing needs - both market and affordable. We are a
community, a mixed use place. These are not “either-or” issues. We are interconnected
and need them all. Let's work together to codify and protect our shared values: to support
open spaces, to ensure local food resiliency, and create housing for all of us.
Sincerely,
Joan Cole,
1411 Corona Street Port Townsend,
WA 98368
Joan Cole
We're all just walking each other home. Ram Dass
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: deceptive activity by golf community
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:53:10 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Margo Karler <margo.karler@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 2:54 PM
To: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>; Amy Howard <AHoward@cityofpt.us>; Neil Nelson
<nnelson@cityofpt.us>; Ben Thomas <bthomas@cityofpt.us>; Monica MickHager
<MMickhager@cityofpt.us>; Owen Rowe <orowe@cityofpt.us>; Libby Wennstrom
<lwennstrom@cityofpt.us>
Subject: deceptive activity by golf community
CAUTION: External Email
Hello Mayor Faber and Council Members,
I live in North Beach. Our community has monthly gatherings. It also has an email
distribution list which is supposed to be used for North Beach issues. Last month a
neighbor who supports the golf course used our email distribution list to further his
agenda, including trying to get signatures to oppose City Council discussions which
might impact the golf course in the future. He spoke at our January potluck – presenting
a discussion of the Camas Prairie Park. It took several questions to get him to admit that
the park is the golf course. He then went on to say the “Park” is open to the entire Port
Townsend community daily including children and dogs – which is a bald-faced lie. A
couple hours a month opening a very limited section DOES NOT mean the land is open
for public use. He passed around his petition strongly encouraging everyone to sign - as
noted previously before admitting the “Park” is the golf course. When detailed
questions arose, he deflected answering by implying the council is corrupt and claiming
the mayor is in league with developers to purchase the public land for private, profitable
development. When he noticed that neither my husband or I had signed the petition he
came over and tried to get me to sign.
Personally, I think the entire golf course should be returned to a prairie for the entire Port
Townsend community to enjoy. However, in the meanwhile I thought I should contact
you because I suspect many of the signatures obtained by the pro-golf group were
obtained by deceiving those who signed it.
Regards,
Margo Karler
rd
908 53 Street, Port Townsend
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Farmers
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:50:06 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Sent: Sunday, February 2, 2025 11:54 PM
To: mountainspiritherbals <mountainspiritherbals@gmail.com>; CityCouncil
<citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Re: Farmers
Hi Denise,
There's been a fair bit of misinformation floating around about farming in Port Townsend.
While a third party (I am not sure who at this time) did propose a comprehensive plan
amendment that, if adopted, would change our agricultural language, but City staff and
the Planning Commission have already recommended against docketing the proposal or
otherwise making any changes to our agricultural/farming/gardening rules. The City
Council is hearing the Planning Commission and Staff recommendations officially
tomorrow night, and though I cannot speak for the rest of council, I would honestly be
shocked if any of my council colleagues were interested in changing any of our
Comprehensive Plan rules regarding farming in the city limits.
Thank you again!
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: mountainspiritherbals <mountainspiritherbals@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 2, 2025 7:36 PM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Farmers
CAUTION: External Email
City Council of Port Townsend,
My name is Denise joy I've lived in Port Townsend for 40 years
and for the last 39 of them have been farming in one sense or
another. I have been selling at the farmers market with my
company mountain spirit herbals, since it started.
I am asking you to consider keeping the 2016 comprehensive
plan as it is for now, and also to give the local farmers a chance
to help you improve it.
I'm also writing to ask that you reinstate the 28 hours for The
comprehensive plan that has been taken away.
I am very concerned about the direction our city is going With
regards to growth management. I am fully aware there is a
housing shortage I would just be very concerned if there was
also a food shortage and an herb shortage. In my opinion in order
to create a balanced community we need open space we need
farm space and we need time and space for play.
Denise Joy
Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Farming and Food Production in Port Townsend
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:48:53 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Mado Most <madomost@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 2:36 PM
To: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Re: Farming and Food Production in Port Townsend
CAUTION: External Email
Thank you.
On Mon, Feb 3, 2025 at 8:50 AM David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us> wrote:
Thank you for your email, Mado. There's been some deep misinformation spreading
through social media over the last week. Let me categorically state that the City is not
considering a ban or limit on farming or agriculture in Port Townsend. Thank you again!
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Mado Most <madomost@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 7:54 AM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Farming and Food Production in Port Townsend
CAUTION: External Email
My name is Mado Most and I am writing to express my strong support
for farming and food production inside Port Townsend city limits.
Although I understand that the City is working to resolve the
affordable housing crisis, our town must also maintain a balance
between housing, open space and food production. Farms in town
provide a ready source of food for our growing population.
In addition to farms providing market rate produce to our community, we
have food bank growers growing and donating produce to
our county food banks.
I am writing today to ask the City to design new ways to uphold farming
as an accepted and preferred land use.
I have a personal connection to this issue as I have been involved in
volunteering for the food bank growers for several years and I am proud
of the food that we are providing to our community.
Let's work together to codify and protect our shared values: to support
open spaces, to ensure local food resiliency, to align with our place-
based education, and to preserve the critical skill set of food-growing.
Sincerely,
Mado Most
4642 Willamette Street
Port Townsend, 98368
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Farming in PT
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:48:43 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Mary Breckel <me.breckel@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 3:24 PM
To: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Re: Farming in PT
CAUTION: External Email
David,
Thank you for taking the time to clarify and confirm that!
Mary
Sent from my iPhone
On Feb 2, 2025, at 11:57PM, David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us> wrote:
Thank you for your email, Mary.
There's a great deal of mis (or even active dis)information floating around
about farming in the City of Port Townsend. Let me categorically state that
the City Council is not considering imposing any new rules or limitations on
farming, gardening, or agricultural within the city limits.
Thank you.
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Mary Breckel <me.breckel@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 2, 2025 7:47 PM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Farming in PT
CAUTION: External Email
Greetings Council Members and Mayor Faber,
My name is Mary Breckel and I am writing to express my
strong support for farming and food production inside Port
Townsend city limits.
Although I understand that the City is working to resolve the
affordable housing crisis, our town must also maintain a
balance between housing, open space and food production.
Farms in town provide a ready source of food for our
growing population, and benefits such as open space, clear air,
and productive physical activity that improves the quality of life
of residents who invest in our communities.
There are many codes and regulations, including zoning,
building codes and access to water and septic/sewer that
impact people's ability to grow food close to home.
And I am writing today to ask the City to proactively re-imagine
new ways to uphold farming as an accepted and preferred land
use.
I myself am looking to start contributing to Shooting Star Farm
this year for the first time along with my 4-year-old Joe, who is
looking forward to learning "how to be a worker" and extend
what he is learning at Salish Coast Elementary's garden into
his own food production that will be on his plate at home.
In the years ahead, I look forward to finding creative solutions
together with Port Townsend City staff and elected officials
to protect and support our citizens' ability to farm and to
produce food within city limits.
Let's work together to codify and protect our shared values: to
support open spaces, to ensure local food resiliency, to align
with our place-based education, and to preserve the critical
skill set of food-growing.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mary Breckel, DPT (Physical Therapist), Jefferson Healthcare
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Gardens
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:50:36 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Sent: Sunday, February 2, 2025 10:18 PM
To: Debbi Steele <deborahksteele@gmail.com>; CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Re: Gardens
Hi Debbi,
My apologies for the slow response, but in short: no. The city is in no way considering
taking up any changes to the current rules allowing for farming or gardening within the
city limits. Thank you!
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Debbi Steele <deborahksteele@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 11:56 AM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Gardens
CAUTION: External Email
I just received a note asking me to show up at the Feb 3 meeting to protest the pending
ordinance that will eradicate growing your own food in Port Townsend.
Is there ANY truth to this? I'd like to respond to this person with the facts.
Debbi Steele
805.312.6547
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Growing produce inside the city limits
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:50:00 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Sent: Sunday, February 2, 2025 11:56 PM
To: Green Heart <maryclarehunt@gmail.com>; CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Re: Growing produce inside the city limits
Hi Mary,
There's a great deal of mis (or even active dis)information floating around about farming
in the City of Port Townsend. Let me categorically state that the City Council is
not considering imposing any new rules or limitations on farming, gardening, or
agricultural within the city limits.
Thank you.
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Green Heart <maryclarehunt@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 2, 2025 7:44 PM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Growing produce inside the city limits
CAUTION: External Email
Greetings Council Members and Mayor Faber,
My name is Mary Hunt and I am writing to express my strong support for
farming and food production inside Port Townsend city limits.
Although I understand that the City is working to resolve the
affordable housing crisis, our town must also maintain a balance between
housing, open space and food production. Farms in town provide a ready
source of food for our growing population benefiting our aging population,
those who are food insecure, and our schools.
There are many codes and regulations, including zoning, building codes
and access to water and septic/sewer that impact people's ability to grow
food close to home.
And I am writing today to ask the City to proactively re-imagine new ways
to uphold farming as an accepted and preferred land use.
I myself have worked with the Food Bank Growers and PT Gleaners for
many years. We grow, gather, and give away thousands of pounds of food
to the Food Banks, Schools, Senior Centers and many more
organizations. This year the Salish Coast Production garden grew 5000
pounds of produce, the highschool garden 2000 pounds, the orchard at
Blue Heron 2000 pounds, plus what was gather by the Gleaners… all
totaling close to 14,000 pounds of food grown within the city limits bringing
nutrient dense food to the kids and inspiring them to grow their own
produce. Last year the production garden received 2-page coverage in the
Seattle Times inspiring other school districts to start their own gardens.
. https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/port-towsend-district-uses-
produce-from-its-garden-for-school-meals/
In the years ahead, I look forward to finding creative solutions
together with Port Townsend City staff and elected officials to protect and
support our citizens' ability to farm and to produce food within city limits.
Let's work together to codify and protect our shared values: to support
open spaces, to ensure local food resiliency, to align with our place-based
education, and to preserve the critical skill set of food-growing.
Sincerely,
Mary Hunt,
President of the FoodBankGrowers.org
714-926-1223
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Input Regarding Rezoning of Golf Course Land
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:51:03 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Kelly Dodson <kelly@farreachesbotanicalconservancy.org>
Sent: Friday, January 31, 2025 3:40 PM
To: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Cc: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>; John Mauro <JMauro@cityofpt.us>; Emma Bolin
<ebolin@cityofpt.us>; Amy Howard <AHoward@cityofpt.us>; Owen Rowe <orowe@cityofpt.us>;
Monica MickHager <MMickhager@cityofpt.us>; Libby Wennstrom <lwennstrom@cityofpt.us>; Ben
Thomas <bthomas@cityofpt.us>; Neil Nelson <nnelson@cityofpt.us>;
plants@farreachesbotanicalconservancy.org <plants@farreachesbotanicalconservancy.org>;
HDudley-Nollette@co.jefferson.wa.us <HDudley-Nollette@co.jefferson.wa.us>
Subject: Fwd: Input Regarding Rezoning of Golf Course Land
CAUTION: External Email
Thank you Mayor Faber for your reply and apologies for our delay in acknowledging your
response as we have been out of country. There is no question housing is required in the City
for working people above the median income designator for affordable housing and of course
there is no means of assuring that home purchasers are going to be in the preferred target
group. We appreciate you bringing up rich retirees as a demographic that is not targeted by
these proposed houses but we are unaware of any means to prevent such purchases and indeed,
these are often the very bracket that can engage in competitive bidding or pay cash for such
houses. We wonder why the push to build on the golf course beyond what was originally
agreed upon following the various public meetings on the future of the golf course and
prairie. Surely there are other properties that can accommodate this number of new
construction homes thus obviating the negative impact to the prairie without going against the
stated wishes of those participating in the town meetings. There are some very large-scale
housing projects currently in the works which should help alleviate some of this housing needs
for the groups you mention.
You mention that the new homes would only require that a small portion of the prairie be lost
and that the existing prairie is mandated for protection and preservation. A mandate is an
official requirement. Destroying a portion of the last remaining fragment of the historical
Quimper Peninsula prairie system no matter how small, will contravene that mandate. Beyond
the actualphysical destruction, the close proximity of these homes would inflict numerous
negative impacts to the prairie such as pollinator disruption, increased inappropriate traffic,
changes to drainage and exposure, the ability to walk the perimeter, and extreme aesthetic
diminishment.
Prairies are adapted to a fire ecology and as such, are subject to periodic fires which maintains
their health by burning out weeds not fire-adapted as well as encroaching woody species. This
camas prairie has been maintained by the Native Plant Society in just this way using
controlled burns. Having houses in and near the margins of a prairie that requires periodic
burning seems like a bad idea to say the least and this critically important burning is only able
to be done because there are no structures nearby and the prairie is bordered by a wide non-
flammable firebreak of closely mowed grass or gravel parking lot. Aside from the potential
risk to structures, the direct proximity of the inhabitants of the homes within the prairie margin
would lead to exposure of concentrated ash particulates and attendant associated health risks.
As we mentioned being away, we just returned from South America on a botanical foray
where we traveled with a horticulturist from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. We
mentioned this proposed housing situation impacting the Prairie and he was stunned saying
"Do they not understand that prairies are one of the most imperiled ecosystems in the world
with less than 1% remaining globally? This must be protected!"
We could not agree more that this gem of a prairie should not only be protected but allowed to
enhance itself through natural expansion. The opportunities this small prairie offers Port
Townsend goes far beyond the boundaries of its white fence enclosure. Port Townsend is a
city of festivals and events and it is easy to imagine a Prairie in Bloom festival in cooperation
with local tribal members to educate the public on the historic importance of these prairies to
the peoples of the Salish Sea. We attended a public opening this week where the opening
remarks paid respect to the First Nation peoples who occupied the land we all stood on for ten
thousand years and acknowledged with gratitude the use of their historic land. The Camas
Prairie at the golf course is a rare opportunity to say these words of appreciation with tribal
members in an incredibly rich ecosystem, looking as it did centuries ago when camas bulbs
were being harvested and the prairie intentionally burned to maintain its productivity.
We would suggest that the continuing benefit to the many outweighs the benefit to a small
number of homeowners who have other options. Not to mention, it is just the right thing to
do.
Respectfully,
Kelly Dodson & Sue Milliken
Far Reaches Botanical Conservancy
1818 Hastings Ave
Port Townsend
From: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Date: Fri, Jan 10, 2025 at 2:46PM
Subject: Re: Input Regarding Rezoning of Golf Course Land
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>, John Mauro <JMauro@cityofpt.us>,
Emma Bolin <ebolin@cityofpt.us>, Amy Howard <AHoward@cityofpt.us>,
Owen Rowe <orowe@cityofpt.us>, Monica MickHager
<MMickhager@cityofpt.us>, Libby Wennstrom <lwennstrom@cityofpt.us>, Ben
Thomas <bthomas@cityofpt.us>, Neil Nelson <nnelson@cityofpt.us>,
plants@farreachesbotanicalconservancy.org
<plants@farreachesbotanicalconservancy.org>
Thank you for your email, Kelly and Sue. The city is committed to the
protection of the camas prairie. While true that the parcel that would include
housing in the existing plan does also include a small portion of the camas
prairie, the actual location of the housing on that parcel has not yet been
determined; instead, that would be determined in a future planning process.
Furthermore, the existing plan for the future of the golf course land that
includes the housing also mandates that the existing prairie be preserved
and protected.
Additionally, the term "affordable" was removed from the plan for the
housing at the golf course simply because it is a term of art limiting the
housing to people making 80% or less of the area median income. This would
exclude key groups that the city is also concerned about, namely teachers,
nurses, firefighters, and others who make more than 80% of the area median
income but cannot afford to live here. The City has not yet embarked on the
planning process to determine exactly what housing may be built there in the
future, but the actual goal at the time of the plan's creation was to focus the
housing our local workforce, which we have been defining as people making
up to 150% of the area median income. There is no intention to produce
housing for wealthy retirees at the golf course.
Thank you.
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: FRBC Board of Directors <board@farreachesbotanicalconservancy.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 8, 2025 9:54 AM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>; John Mauro <JMauro@cityofpt.us>; Emma
Bolin <ebolin@cityofpt.us>; David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>; Amy Howard
<AHoward@cityofpt.us>; Owen Rowe <orowe@cityofpt.us>; Monica MickHager
<MMickhager@cityofpt.us>; Libby Wennstrom <lwennstrom@cityofpt.us>; Ben
Thomas <bthomas@cityofpt.us>; Neil Nelson <nnelson@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Input Regarding Rezoning of Golf Course Land
CAUTION: External Email
To Whom It May Concern:
It has come to our attention that there are plans being made to
rezone the City Golf Course for housing which would include houses
near the Kah Tai Camas Prairie Preserve. We find it confusing that
the lengthy and expensive effort involving external consultants, land-
use specialists and City employees during multiple Town Meetings
where the concerns and desires of the citizens of Port Townsend
were solicited and resulted in an accepted plan for various mixed-use
applications, has now been apparently dismissed without public
input.
As dedicated conservationists, we applauded the City’s effort in
wanting to do right by the rare urban open space the golf course
provides and by doing their best to incorporate the wishes of the
various special interests as expressed at the Town Meetings. We
don’t applaud the lack of transparency in the methodology now being
used which shuts out the very people whose opinions were once
solicited and taken seriously. Open space in urban centers is a rare
and precious thing and something not to be exploited.
In particular, we are concerned about the proposed negative impact
to the Camas Prairie as this is an irreplaceable jewel. This small
remnant is a glimpse back in time when this type of ecosystem was
much more prevalent in Port Townsend and surrounding environs.
These plants in these prairies provided food resources to the First
Nation peoples of the Salish Sea and of these resources, Camas was
king.
We rarely miss an opportunity to direct visitors to the Prairie and we
have taken many a botanical garden horticulturist or curator to see
this during various seasons. Our local little prairie has informed
prairie/meadow design in public gardens both in the US and abroad
but especially in Europe where this novel remnant shows the
complex interweaving of myriad species and seasonal succession of
what is in flower.
This is an extraordinary teaching tool for how to garden with no
irrigation and lots of deer. We should be celebrating this and
encouraging its natural expansion, not physically constraining it by
housing near the margins or by visually diminishing its place of
beauty in the landscape.
This is an opportunity for governmental entities and organizations to
walk their talk when opening meetings or formal functions with an
acknowledgement that this is being held on the ancestral lands of the
First Nation peoples. Talk is cheap. Here is a chance to do the right
thing. Keep the Prairie pristine and maximize the opportunity it
provides for historical education and simple enjoyment for years to
come.
We respectfully offer these comments with the awareness of the
difficulties faced by those tasked with determining the future of the
golf course. It is not our intention to cause enmity but rather to
further consideration and discussion.
We understand that these proposed houses in the proposed rezoning
have no provision for price caps that will not address the most
pressing need in Port Townsend — affordable housing. We appreciate
the need for housing going forward as an increase in climate
escapists will surely happen, but we would like to hear how the City
plans to provide essential services once the economic drivers of the
downtown core, boat haven and the paper mill are lost from the early
stages of sea level rise.
Kelly Dodson & Sue Milliken, Founding Directors
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Lynne Ericson
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:49:06 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 1:47 PM
To: lynne ericson <churchsparrow@gmail.com>; CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Re: Lynne Ericson
Thank you for your email, Lynne.
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: lynne ericson <churchsparrow@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 1:46 PM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Lynne Ericson
CAUTION: External Email
I am one of many who support farms in Port Townsend. Although housing is important, we first
have to eat.Also, people want to live here because it’s beautiful. They love the nature. Dense housing
would destroy it.
Sent from my iPhone
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Public Comment - City Council Meeting - Monday Evening February 3
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:50:14 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Sent: Sunday, February 2, 2025 11:45 PM
To: Bill Wise <ptwise@gmail.com>; CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Cc: City Planning Commission <PTPC@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Re: Public Comment - City Council Meeting - Monday Evening February 3
Thank you very much for your email, Bill. You remind us of our responsibility to
remember those who don't or can't raise their voices. Even a full council chamber
represents only a fraction of 1% of the population of Port Townsend. We can't afford to
forget the other 99+%.
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Bill Wise <ptwise@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, January 31, 2025 2:03 PM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Cc: City Planning Commission <PTPC@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Public Comment - City Council Meeting - Monday Evening February 3
CAUTION: External Email
To: City Council
Cc: Planning Commission, City Planning Staff
When you look around the room tonight listening to the half hour of public comment, you
might notice who’s actually attending and commenting. Likely it's an older crowd and with
time and wellbeing allowing their presence. They tend to be issue focused or in some
cases mobilized to protect some particular interest.
What you are not likely to hear or experience tonight is an accurate representation of the
demographics of our community. You’re not hearing from the younger working community:
teachers, healthcare employees, maritime workers, business owners, service and retail staff.
These folks have families, some working more than one job. When they get home they’re
unlikely to leave their family and go to a meeting during dinner time. These folks are
having conversations at the dinner table about how to pay the bills and what dreams to let
go of.
But, yes, you have heard from them. They voted for you. They asked you to represent their
interests and do what’s right when it comes to issues that deeply affect them - like
affordable workforce housing. You are elected by the best possible representation of the
true demographics of our community. They are trusting you.
Bill Wise
710 Foster Street
Port Townsend WA
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Rezone Golf Course? No.
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:49:00 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 4:22 PM
To: Freida Fenn <freida.fenn@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Rezone Golf Course? No.
Freida,
Because the City has not gone through any sort of planning process yet, answering many
of your questions with any certainty right now with any certainty is as yet not possible.
My preference would be to use a housing trust model, such as Olympic Housing Trust or
Habitat, to guarantee the housing is for our local workforce. But I am also vaguely aware
of other possible tools that I would want to explore with staff as the city undertakes a
planning process. More to come on that later. I am also just one of seven council
members, so I'm not in a position to be able to speak with certainty of outcome,
Thank you!
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Freida Fenn <freida.fenn@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 2:16 PM
To: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Re: Rezone Golf Course? No.
CAUTION: External Email
Hello David, the discussions will resume in 2026.
In the meantime, I do not understand how the City can reserve any housing at the Golf
Course margin for ‘work force housing’. Who will own the land? How can it be sold? How
do we prevent wealthy retired people (mostly from outside the Peninsula) from gobbling up
the housing stock?
There are market forces at work that rezoning won’t solve.
Opal Community Land Trust on Orcas is creating work force housing. When I was on
Council, we invited them to present their model. No one in this community ran with it then.
Maybe it’s time to look that direction, again.
Sincerely,
Freida Fenn, MA, LMFT, CMHS
1520 Jefferson St.
Port Townsend, WA 98368
PH: 360-390-8337
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On Sun, Feb 2, 2025 at 10:45PM David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us> wrote:
Thank you for your email, Freida.
There is a fair bit of misinformation floating around about the golf course and the
current planning process. The City adopted a plan in 2023 after a year of visioning,
massive community engagement, and many months of negotiations with various
stakeholders, including the native plant society, golf community, and local youth. The
result of those negotiations was a compromise plan that protects and provides for the
potential expansion of the camas prairie, the maintenance of a nine-hole golf course,
the public opening of the golf course to more public park uses, and affordable
workforce housing along Blaine Street.
At this time, the City is considering whether to proceed with the very beginning of the
planning process for the housing component, which begins with the zoning question
(the city cannot develop a plan for what to build until the city has determined what
can be built). That's very likely to be pitched to 2026 so that the City can focus on the
our bigger, once-per-decade periodic comprehensive plan update, but even after the
zoning process has concluded, the City will still need to implement the Evans Vista
affordable workforce housing project and determine its impact on our housing crisis,
along with the effects of other efforts to address our intractable affordable housing
nightmare that threatens to destroy the very fabric of our town.
So, I want to reiterate two things that are core to the City's Council's discussion and
action leading up to now: (1) the Camas prairie is an important part of our community's
cultural and natural heritage, that the City is committed to protecting; and (2) fixing our
housing crisis will take compromises and willingness of everyone to pitch in. I cannot
speak for the rest of my colleagues, but I would much rather shrink the footprint of the
golf course by a small margin if it means that the people who I grew up with, and now
our children, will be able to continue calling Port Townsend home into the future.
Whether the housing is built on that small part of the golf course is, ultimately, a
question of need, which will be borne out in the planning process and whether our
community can find other ways to address that need. I sincerely hope that people are
willing to pitch in to make our community thrive, but if not, I am absolutely willing to
sacrifice my political future to stand up for what is morally right.
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Freida Fenn <freida.fenn@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2025 2:35 PM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Rezone Golf Course? No.
CAUTION: External Email
Dear City Councilors,
The City of Port Townsend had enough buildable lots when originally platted
for a population of approximately 30,000. The founders thought we would be a
small city. There are many buildable lots near infrastructure inside the city limits.
There is no justifiable reason to rezone and sell public land for private market
rate housing. The City cannot afford to buy comparably sited park space. Public
space is precious.
This rezone would be a mistake this year, or in future years.
Please preserve the Native Prairie on the Golf Course property. Please expand
the prairie, an indigenous treasure.
Sincerely,
Freida Fenn, MA, LMFT, CMHS
1520 Jefferson St.
Port Townsend, WA 98368
PH: 360-390-8337
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Save Camas Prairie!
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:50:31 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Sent: Sunday, February 2, 2025 10:36 PM
To: Ravenstone Tiles <cedar@olypen.com>; CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Re: Save Camas Prairie!
Thank you for your email, Laura.
There is a fair bit of misinformation floating around about the golf course and the current
planning process. The City adopted a plan in 2023 after a year of visioning, massive
community engagement, and many months of negotiations with various stakeholders,
including the native plant society, golf community, and local youth. The result of those
negotiations was a compromise plan that protects and provides for the potential
expansion of the camas prairie, the maintenance of a nine-hole golf course, the public
opening of the golf course to more public park uses, and affordable workforce housing
along Blaine Street.
At this time, the City is considering whether to proceed with the very beginning of the
planning process for the housing component, which begins with the zoning question (the
city cannot develop a plan for what to build until the city has determined what can be
built). That's very likely to be pitched to 2026 so that the City can focus on the our bigger,
once-per-decade periodic comprehensive plan update, but even after the zoning
process has concluded, the City will still need to implement the Evans Vista affordable
workforce housing project and determine its impact on our housing crisis, along with the
effects of other efforts to address our intractable affordable housing nightmare that
threatens to destroy the very fabric of our town.
So, I want to reiterate two things that are core to the City's Council's discussion and
action leading up to now: (1) the Camas prairie is an important part of our community's
cultural and natural heritage, that the City is committed to protecting; and (2) fixing our
housing crisis will take compromises and willingness of everyone to pitch in. I cannot
speak for the rest of my colleagues, but I would much rather shrink the footprint of the
golf course by a small margin if it means that the people who I grew up with, and now our
children, will be able to continue calling Port Townsend home into the future. Whether
the housing is built on that small part of the golf course is, ultimately, a question of
need, which will be borne out in the planning process and whether our community can
find other ways to address that need. I sincerely hope that people are willing to pitch in
to make our community thrive, but if not, I am absolutely willing to sacrifice my political
future to stand up for what is morally right.
Thank you again.
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Ravenstone Tiles <cedar@olypen.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2025 2:12 PM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Save Camas Prairie!
CAUTION: External Email
Dear City Council Members
I am horrified to hear of a proposal to destroy part or all of our native prairie that currently
thrives in the golf course. This is a tiny remnant of a once great expanse of native prairie,
now lost to development. We cannot afford to disturb any part of what remains. The plan to
put housing in this location will be disruptive to the ecosystem of the area. I urge all
members to act in the interests of this small, lovely, and precious gem. It cannot simply be
uprooted and replanted somewhere else. This is its home.
Below: a portion of a letter that has been published about this issue
A proposal to rezone a portion of Camas Prairie Park for housing is being considered as
part of the city’s 2025 comprehensive plan update. Never before in our history have officials
taken parkland or public open space for private development. The Planning Commission
has recommended that this proposal be deleted from the plan and delayed until next year.
We urge the City Council to reject the development proposal once and for all. It is
disruptive, unnecessary and would undermine public confidence in the entire planning
process. Camas Prairie Park is the jewel in the city’s open space crown. Its imaginative and
challenging golf course has a distinguished pedigree that dates to 1927, when a renowned
Scottish architect was brought here to design it. That design preserved the last remnant of
a native prairie that once stretched from Kah Tai Lagoon to North Beach, where the
indigenous population harvested the bulbs of the beautiful camas flower for food.
Development of the portion of the park along Blaine Street, as is now proposed, would
destroy or disturb both—and for no good reason.
Thank you,
Laura Reutter
1633 Cherry St.
Port Townsend, WA
360-379-6951
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Support for farming and food production inside Port Townsend city limits
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:49:53 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Sent: Sunday, February 2, 2025 11:57 PM
To: Langzebue <langzebue@gmail.com>; CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Re: Support for farming and food production inside Port Townsend city limits
Thank you for your email, Lindsay.
There's a great deal of mis (or even active dis)information floating around about farming
in the City of Port Townsend. Let me categorically state that the City Council is
not considering imposing any new rules or limitations on farming, gardening, or
agricultural within the city limits.
Thank you.
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Langzebue <langzebue@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 2, 2025 9:12 PM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Support for farming and food production inside Port Townsend city limits
CAUTION: External Email
Greetings Council Members and Mayor Faber,
My name is Lindsay and I am writing to express my strong support for farming and food
production inside Port Townsend city limits.
As the City is working to resolve the affordable housing crisis, it is vitally important that we
must also maintain a balance between housing, open space and food production. I believe the
farms in our town provide a ready source of healthy food for our growing population and
provide benefits such as food security, open space, livelihood and education.
I am writing today to ask the City to proactively re-imagine new ways to uphold farming as an
accepted and preferred land use. Including implementing a right-to-farm ordinance to protect
agricultural uses.
I myself am a Co-Manager of North Beach Community Garden, a Master Gardener, and a
volunteer with the Food Bank Growers gardens and Jefferson County Farmers Market. I am so
proud to be apart of these strong farming and garden groups, which provide food support and
education to our community. I want to make sure these groups stay strong and can continue to
provide the support that they do.
Let's work together as a community to protect and support our citizens' ability to farm and to
produce food within city limits, codify and protect our shared values: to support open spaces,
to ensure local food resiliency, to align with our place-based education, and to preserve the
critical skill set of food-growing.
Thank you
Lindsay Kotzebue
From:David Faber
To:Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Fw: Support for farming and food production with the city limits
Date:Monday, February 10, 2025 4:49:49 PM
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Sent: Sunday, February 2, 2025 11:57 PM
To: Nancy Israel <nancyisrael@yahoo.com>; CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Re: Support for farming and food production with the city limits
Thank you for your email, Nancy.
There's a great deal of mis (or even active dis)information floating around about farming
in the City of Port Townsend. Let me categorically state that the City Council is
not considering imposing any new rules or limitations on farming, gardening, or
agricultural within the city limits.
Thank you.
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Nancy Israel <nancyisrael@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 2, 2025 10:21 PM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Support for farming and food production with the city limits
CAUTION: External Email
Greetings Council Members and Mayor Faber,
My name is Nancy Israel and I am writing to express my strong support for farming and
food production inside Port Townsend city limits.
Although I understand that the City is working to resolve the affordable housing crisis, our
town must also maintain a balance between housing, open space and food production.
Farms in town provide a ready source of food for our growing population, and benefits such
pen space, clean air, food security, urban self-reliance, and affordable, healthy food.
as o
There are many codes and regulations, including zoning, building codes and access to
water and septic/sewer that impact people's ability to grow food close to home.
And I am writing today to ask the City to proactively re-imagine new ways to uphold farming
as an accepted and preferred land use.
and I
I myself am a member of the Shooting Star Community Garden on Howard Street
strongly value my time spent working together produce healthy food for the community.
In the years ahead, I look forward to finding creative solutions together with Port Townsend
City staff and elected officials to protect and support our citizens' ability to farm and to
produce food within city limits.
Let's work together to codify and protect our shared values: to support open spaces, to
ensure local food resiliency, to align with our place-based education, and to preserve the
critical skill set of food-growing.
Sincerely,
Nancy Israel
From:David Faber
To:Holly Kuzma; Alyssa Rodrigues
Subject:Re: Please give further thought
Date:Monday, February 3, 2025 6:53:03 PM
Thank you, Holly. I’ve CCed Alyssa Rodrigues (City Clerk) to this email to ensure that it is
captured for the record.
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Holly Kuzma <hollymessier@msn.com>
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 6:50:07 PM
To: David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Re: Please give further thought
CAUTION: External Email
Thank you for acknowledging receipt.
BTW, what happens with public comments such as mine?
Good luck with the cat herding.
Thanks again,
Holly
On Feb 3, 2025, at 4:15 PM, David Faber <DFaber@cityofpt.us> wrote:
Thank you for your email, Holly.
Best,
David J. Faber
Mayor, City of Port Townsend
(360) 821-9374
From: Holly Kuzma <hollymessier@msn.com>
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 3:04 PM
To: CityCouncil <citycouncil@cityofpt.us>
Subject: Please give further thought
CAUTION: External Email
Greetings City Council:
While the City’s campaign to solve the lack of affordable housing locally is
noble, two recently associated actions are in our opinion shortsighted if not
counterproductive.
Of all the potential items we as a community could prioritize and request state
and federal assistance for, our shared number one legislative priority is really a
potential new tax on vacant land as a mechanism to support affordable
housing? Whereas there is some validity to the concept, it is quickly
invalidated by any of number of real world situations where it does the exact
opposite. Prioritizing this, when there are so many alternative
priorities/mechanisms that could be genuinely beneficial, is challenging to
rationalize.
Secondly, as the City continues to wrestle with affordable housing while
simultaneously considering amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, let us not
forget maintaining the balance between housing, open space and agriculture.
Farms in town provide a ready source of present and future sustenance for our
growing population, as well as benefits such as open space, clean air, food
security, urban self-reliance and affordable, sustainable, healthy food.
Please give further thought to both of these items before making decisions that
trade short-term gains for long-term losses.
Sincerely,
Holly Kuzma
