Nice Summary of Some Timbers Edge Issues. We thought the reporter, Andy Jones, did a nice job of summarizing in a short article, some of the complexities of the project and the communities concerns. He also contacted the developer's engineer whose responses raised some questions for those reading the article.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Question. The article raised a question regarding whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was completed for Timbers Edge since Mark Kuhlman is quoted saying that "an environmental impact study was included with the original permit." We have gone through the file and there is NO Timbers Edge Environmental Impact Statement in the file. If they turned one in to the county, then the county failed to mention it or include it in the official file.
Kuhlman's Sewer Comment. We also found Mark Kuhlman's statement that "You need sewer systems in urban areas." interesting, since if they developed to the 1-4 homes per acre density, septic systems are permitted. And moreso, the lower density and septic systems are more appropriate for critical aquifer recharge areas, which is what the expert engineering studies show and what the community is requesting of the developer.
County Failures. When Kitsap County staff, the Hearing Examiner, and the Commissioners fail to do their jobs to protect residents and the environment, the community is left with no other choice than to appeal those actions, which it is doing with the two appeals. We have been asked to remind those who can help with the appeal expenses to send contributions to Illahee Community Club, P.O. Box 2563, Bremerton, WA 98311. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable.
January 8th Superior Court Pre-Hearing. The Superior Court hearing date of January 8, 2010 is for a pre-hearing date presumably to determine the issues and set an actual hearing date.
Jim Aho
