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Hope floats at the Seabeck Marina
Hope floats at the Seabeck marina
By CHRISTOPHER CARTER
Central Kitsap Reporter Reporter
Feb 19 2010
Crowded inside Turie Killoran’s espresso stand, Seabeck residents sip drinks and watch out the window as part of their community’s identity gets a facelift.
After five years of permit wrangling, leasing issues and financial uncertainty, construction has begun on the new 200-slip Olympic View Marina and residents are anxious for completion.
“It is lifting the mood in the community,” said Killoran.
The marina, which dates back to the 1800s, has been a landmark place for generations of Seabeckians.
“My kids were raised here and every grown-up has fished off this pier,” said Billy Mills. Mills owns the Seabeck General Store located next to the marina.
Mills has been active in pushing for the project and helped organize a petition drive that gathered more than 200 signatures when the state Department of Natural Resources temporarily halted construction earlier this month.
Kitsap County Commissioner Josh Brown and the marina’s three private developers took the petition to Olympia Feb. 11 where they met with department officials to negotiate leasing issues.
Brown said the marina is not only vital to the area with its critical location on the east side of the Hood Canal, but that it is an important landmark.
“The marina is a really important amenity, but its beyond being an amenity, it’s the community’s identity,” he said.
The new marina, which is being moved farther off-shore, will feature a filling station for boaters looking to top off their tank and much of the wood will be replaced with concrete.
Developers and residents alike said the new features and prime location could bring in boaters from all over the Hood Canal area and boost local business.
“This is a real boating community here, and this will bring it back to life,” Killoran said.
Boyer Halverson, a development partner and owner of Boyer Towing, has personal ties to the project. His grandmother owned the Seabeck store from 1919 to 1936 and he said he was happy to give back to the community.
“They have always had it, and it needs to be put back,” said Halverson.
Halverson is joined by two other partners, Eric Reichelt and Wil Clark from Pacific Pile & Marine. Between the two companies, approximately $200,000 has already been spent on permitting and getting the construction underway.
Halverson said he hopes that at least the concrete walkway will be open and accessible for residents by the end of summer.
With an uncertain estimated time of completion, the financial bottom line is also unknown.
“We’re just writing checks as we go along,” Halverson said.
Find this article at:
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/ckr/news/84807197.html
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| “We’re from the government – We’re here to help.”
Government help often hurts | Just Jack
By JACK HAMILTON
North Kitsap Herald Columnist
Feb 19 2010
Over a professional lifetime in the Navy and the private sector, no spoken words ever caused greater concern than “We’re from the government – We’re here to help.” Those simple words could reduce even the most dedicated and experienced of professionals to quivering masses of Jell-O. In almost every instance, the recipient could only hope that the disaster to be visited upon them by individuals with no vested interest in the final outcome would be both survivable and correctable. It appears that even today, when government shows up to help, only the most sturdy and steadfast will survive. If you question how government “help” might be so calamitous and disastrous for the recipient, take a look at a few recent examples on the local scene.
Once upon a time there was a marina on the shores of the Hood Canal at Seabeck. Over time, it became more and more run down and eventually closed. Although Seabeck is part of the Port of Bremerton, the port district had no interest in resurrecting a new marina. After all, district tax dollars were building a new marina in Bremerton (adjacent to the nice new condominium project). So along come a few interested private sector fellows who said “let us rebuild the Seabeck marina.” After addressing the rules, regulations, requirements, and demands of not fewer than four government jurisdictions and spending a lot of money in the process, the permits were issued. The work to remove and replace pilings, essential to any marina, was limited to a few open periods in the year. With that in mind, the developers placed contracts, built schedules and began the effort. No sooner did they get started than another government office stepped in to “help.” It seems there were problems with a lease, the same lease that was running out while government took its merry time to approve all the permits. The government allowed that corrective action might take up to a year. The problem was resolved and work allowed to resume after a short but costly delay. I can only imagine that the developers are anxiously looking forward to the next time the government tries to help.
The federal Department of Labor has decided that a number of forms required to be submitted by business must now be submitted electronically. The edict will require any business with a pension plan or 401k to acquire internet access and have email capability. That many small businesses do not have or use internet access does not appear to be a factor. Going “paperless” is supposed to help business no matter how much it hurts. DOL can further “help” bring businesses into the electronic age by dumping a $15,000 fine on the businesses that do not comply. How much more “help” can small businesses stand?
A couple of months ago, the county was ecstatic with the potential location of a new business to build security devices in North Kitsap. The company had qualified for a federal grant (really a loan) to start up the manufacturing business. Apparently, after looking at some audit results, the county is having second thoughts about becoming guarantor of that federal loan. The end result is that the business is now held in limbo while the county does home work that should have been done up front before the initial celebration. The county, probably feeling burned as a co-signer on loans following the Housing Authority fiasco, has gotten cold feet. The same county that “found” a million dollars to support a new YMCA is now having problems with an opportunity for economic development and jobs. It may all work out in the end but at substantial added cost to the business and loss of private sector jobs. If Kitsap decides the venture is too risky, the business will go to King County and take the jobs and tax revenues with them. Government gets to “help” all of us.
In the current economic environment of tight money, belt tightening by every business, and working harder and smarter to keep businesses alive, I guess it is reasonably clear why the last thing any business wants to hear is “We’re from the government —We’re here to help.”
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Find this article at:
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/nkh/opinion/84794452.html
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| CONGRADULATIONS TO THE PEOPLE AND COMMUNITY OF SEABECK
All: This is a letter to the editor I just e-mailed to the SUN hoping it gets published. Even if it doesn't I wanted to share it with everyone here in SBHOA land.
John H.
CONGRADULATIONS TO THE PEOPLE AND COMMUNITY OF SEABECK. By their effective use of the petition, they effectively moved the Department of Natural Resources to permit the work on the Seabeck Marina to proceed. By successfully using the right to petition, -- guaranteed by the First Amendment to our Constitution -- the people of Seabeck have proven that this tenet of our democracy is still alive. The people of Seabeck also owe thanks to Mr. Billy Mills who helped guide the signature process in Seabeck and to Alan Cady and Nick Blickhan sponsors of the blog seabeckneighbors.com which aided communications; and to the SUN and Brynn Grimley for her well researched and written article, which objectively reported the DNR actions and community frustrations. Thanks to Tim Sheldon and Josh Brown and the responsible officers at the DNR for effectively interceding in what could otherwise have been a very difficult situation. At least in this one instance, it appears justice has been served without the imposition of attorneys on the courts. Problems with property rights do remain in the Seabeck area including:
The DNR’s gated closure of Minnig lane to public access when it has served as an alternate access/egress route to & from an otherwise sequestered area for over 50 years and the Department of Community Development’s ten year repeated denial of permits to the property owners of Stavis Bay denying them the right to stabilize and restore their surface and shoreline access easements -- based on a fiat categorization of Stavis Bay as a “Natural Area” --- the same categorization, by the way which was illegally imposed on Seabeck Bay and which delayed the restoration of the Seabeck Marina for several years. These are only a few of the ongoing struggles with government bureaucracy on the Kitsap. The Seabeck Marina development is at least one bright point of light in what has been --- to now --- a very long and seemingly interminable night. I can only hope that others on the Kitsap will discover the power given by the Right to Petition when they run into what seems to be an otherwise hopeless situation. Where it may seem to them that “—no one is listening!” Someone will listen, intently --- if you add sufficient numbers to your equation.
John S. Hardy, Jr. M.D.
Seabeck, WA
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| Seabeck residents thank the following
Seabeck residents thank the following players:
1) Department of Natural Resources--for doing the right thing;
2) Kitsap Commissioner Mr. Josh Brown--for going to Olympia and representing our marina interests;
3) Owners of the Olympic View Marina to stick with this very difficult and COSTLY endeavor;
4) Kitsap Sun (Ms. Brynn Grimley) for your excellent and TIMLEY coverage.
Lastly, when this is all over, it won't really be over. We who wanted this marina, should then step up and start USING this marina. It may be a little cheaper to use the other ones (many of them are supported by public funds), but this one is not. These folks were there for us; we need to be there for them. I wonder if they could be given a little tax break or something so they can be run more competitively with the marinas that are publically funded? Those of us with boats in other marinas now, can start spending our hard earned dough in Seabeck where our merchants could sure use it. When businesses go under, everyone loses! Lastly, my thanks to EVERYONE ELSE who helped keep this project going.
S/V BEAUDACIOUS
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Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/feb/12/state-developers-reach-agreement-allowing-work/#ixzz0ff5TdKPR
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| State, Developers Make Deal, Allowing Work to Continue on Seabeck Marina
State, Developers Make Deal, Allowing Work to Continue on Seabeck Marina
By Brynn Grimley
Friday, February 12, 2010
SEABECK —
The state Department of Natural Resources and private developers building a new marina in Seabeck have reached an agreement that will allow work to continue on the water.
Olympic View Marina developers and Kitsap County Commissioner Josh Brown went to Olympia on Thursday to meet with legislators and DNR representatives. Those meetings resulted in an agreement providing developers with a month-to-month lease option through mid-August, developer Boyer Halvorsen said.
“I’m just glad it worked out,” said development partner Wil Clark. “All I can say is, I totally underestimated how well the public voice is heard. I think without the folks in Seabeck we would probably be haggling over this for a long time.”
Clark and Halvorsen give credit to Brown for helping find a resolution.
Developers started construction work on the new marina on Feb. 2, but the state said no work could be done on its property earlier this week when confusion arose over a lease the developers need to work on state-owned bedlands, or underwater land below the low-tide mark.
State officials told the partners that it could take up to a year to resolve the lease issue. The developers didn’t know if they could continue to support the project, which they are financing in part with their personal savings.
But in a post on its “Ear to the Ground” blog, DNR said its staff quickly found a resolution that allowed the marina work to continue. Because the marina was designed in a way that will promote and protect underwater and shoreline habitats, DNR agreed to the month-to-month option Friday morning.
Between now and July, DNR representatives will meet with marina developers to negotiate a long-term lease.
“They assured us we would have the new lease in place and executed by the middle of July when the next fish window opens,” Halvorsen said. “They reviewed our project through their habitat stewardship program and found that we met the mark and there aren’t any changes that need to be made.”
The lease will include details about management practices for the marina, including the control of night lighting, how the marina handles pressure washing of machinery and vessels, washing boats out of water, limiting boat wakes in nearshore areas and others practices meant to contribute to the recovery of Hood Canal, according to the DNR blog.
The developers are satisfied with that requirement, Clark said.
Developers are working around a brief window during which the state Department of Fish and Wildlife allows pile driving. That window closes Monday and the next window doesn’t open until July.
“Our biggest challenge right now is the fish closure,” Clark said. “We’ve tried to get an extension on that permit, but it doesn’t look like that is going to happen.”
Crews will work over the weekend to get as many piles driven as possible before Monday.
“I’m figuring we’ll probably get all but a handful of them driven before the closure, which is perfect for us,” Clark said. “I’d rather have 99 percent than 72 percent of this thing ready to go before the next closure.”
© 2010 Scripps Newspaper Group — Online
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/feb/12/state-developers-reach-agreement-allowing-work/
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Were is the lease?
Brynn:
It's been a couple of days now since this hit the press. Has DNR bothered to return you call yet? What is their justification for losing their copy of the lease agreement and not continuing to collect on the lease in place? Was the state flush with income and didn't need the revenue? or do they have a bad case of we don't know what were doing with your tax dollars? Being a resident of Seabeck I would like to see My Tax Dollars put to work by getting a Lease Agreement in place with the owners of the Seabeck Marina, Sooner (like in 2006 when application was filed) rather than later. Some one has a decent paying job (with benifits) that is responsable for manageing these contracts. I'm curious to know why the job wasn't done right? Why DNR thinks they can impose future (unforseen) requirements on a contract rather than using the rules and regulations from the date of when the appliction was first submitted, like the rest of working folks have to abide by. This so called 'Habitat Stewardship Program' that they are hiding behind is still in the draft stages and is not a reality on the books. So they'll stall for how many years till they can finish writing their grid lock? I look forward to hearing their answers or lack there of.
Captain Nemo, Seabeck
Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/feb/09/state-stops-work-new-seabeck-marina/#ixzz0fMQ0SiTR
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| Letter from Boyer Halvorsen 2-12-2010
The update is the DNR has extended our existing lease on a month to month basis until mid August. By the time the work window opens in July they told me we should have a new lease in place to continue the buildout. Thank you and the people of Seabeck for all of your support.
Boyer
Five years ago three partners and I bought the Seabeck Marina on Hood Canal. We have spent five years and hundreds of thousands of dollars on permitting what should be considered a simple overhaul of an existing marina. We now have all of the necessary permits in place and have started construction on the part of the marina which is on our privately owned tidelands.
During the permitting process the Department of Natural Resources was provided with drawings and permit documents as they were developed and an aquatic lands lease application in 2006. In January we met with the DNR to discuss our lease of state owned aquatic lands beyond our tidelands which extend to -4.5. This lease is nothing new. A lease has been in place for several decades for this marina. We paid on this lease from the time we bought the marina until 2007 when the DNR stopped billing us. At first the DNR said that our lease was void when we bought the property. When we showed that we had paid on the lease for three years they admitted that they changed computer systems in 2007 and the lease may have been lost at that time. Once we established that we had a current lease the DNR said that it didn’t really matter and we would need a new lease since we were making improvements to the marina. This is all fine, we are willing to get a new lease. The problem is the DNR has put a new program in place called the Habitat Stewardship program (which is still in draft form). There is potential for this program to require us to modify the design of the marina forcing us through the permitting process again. To make the situation worse our permits begin to expire in September. If left on its current course it could be November before the Habitat Stewardship review people will even look at our project. The representative from the DNR says “just get an extension on your permits” this is easy for them to say, but it is another matter for us to get extensions.
This project has been reviewed by Department of Ecology, WDFW, National Marine Fisheries, Army Corps of Engineers and several others for the past five years. This further environmental review by the DNR is completely unnecessary. The DNR is supposed to be leasing public land for public benefit not conducting their own independent environmental review of projects that are fully permitted through the proper channels.
We are trying to build something with our own money that the community desperately needs and wants. We are trying to create jobs and do things on our own without subsidies or tax breaks or handouts. We are right down to the very end and the last thing standing in our way is a government agency saying we will get to you when we feel like it. If you wonder why people in this country have lost faith in their government here it is.
Boyer Halvorsen
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| Overlapping Powers and Chaos at Seabeck
MY TURN: Overlapping Powers and Chaos at Seabeck
Staff Reports
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
SEABECK — @NormalParagraphStyle:Reader submitted
The excellent article in the Feb. 10, 2010 Kitsap Sun researched and written by Brynn Grimley, “Lease Confusion Stops Construction at Marina,” points out how the Department of Natural Resources functions like a dictatorial bureaucracy.
The DNR and other overlapping County and State agencies — by their “complementary” nature — manage to impede and frustrate the Kitsap community’s desire to improve and sustain their local commerce and environment by — in effect — confiscating their property rights.
As stated in the petition now signed by virtually every voting member of the Seabeck community: The Marina Project “... will provide high quality reliable services locally for boating access to the waters of not only Seabeck Bay, but to the Hood Canal and will provide boat mooring currently absent on the east shores of the Hood Canal. In addition, the project is funded by private and not public funds and will augment the tax income rolls of Kitsap County and the State of Washington.”
The experience of Seabeck must be a warning to ALL private property owners in the State not to trust or deal with the DNR or to trust the word of the Kitsap County Department of Community Development when they issue expensive “permits” for an expensive project when other coexistent and coequal bureaucracies may simply step in and fill their space as an expensive obstruction to an otherwise straightforward and needed community project.
There should be a state constitutional amendment prohibiting coequal departmental powers over the same outlined geographic area so that this kind of chaos is not possible. That is: If one State or County department gives permission for a project, that should be “it” by law — and not left to bureaucratic whim.
The marina restoration project is one the community of Seabeck deeply desires to see completed. As it is, they and the investors have had their property rights confiscated (taken) by a bureaucracy initially designed to provide service and protection. The DNR has ended up being self-serving of its own existence and powers at the expense of community and private desires, concerns, enterprise and rights. Their actions are fundamentally anti-American.
John S. Hardy, Jr., M.D.
© 2010 Scripps Newspaper Group — Online
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| Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Contact Information
Lindie Schmidt
Natural Resource Specilist II
Shoreline District: Aquatics Program
206-949-1740
e-mail: lindie.schmidt@dnr.wa.gov
www.dnr.wa.gov
Peter Goldmark
Commissioner of Public Lands
DNR Communications & Outreach Office
360-902-1016
dnrnews@dnr.wa.gov
Seabeck is in The:
Shoreline District
Aquatic Region
950 Farman Avenue N
Enumclaw, WA 98022-9282
360-825-1631
Contact Governor Gregoire
Write Governor Gregoire a letter:
Governor Chris Gregoire
Office of the Governor
PO Box 40002
Olympia, WA 98504-0002
Give Governor Gregoire's Office a call:
Governor's Office 360-902-4111
For relay operators for the deaf or hard of hearing, please dial 7-1-1
Fax Governor Gregoire a letter:
360-753-4110
We need to make sure we have a government for the 21st century so our workers and businesses can compete with anyone in the world.
Governor Chris Gregoire
Josh W. Brown
Kitsap County Commissioner614 Division Street
Mail Stop #4
Port Orchard, WA 98366-4676
360-337-7146
jwbrown@co.kitsap.wa.us
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Everyday CK by Rich Jacobson
This blog is a Kitsap Sun reader blog. The Kitsap Sun neither edits nor previews reader blog posts. Their content is the sole creation and responsibility of the readers who produce them. Reader bloggers are asked to adhere to our reader blog agreement. If you have a concern or would like to start a reader blog of your own, please contact adice@kitsapsun.com.
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Trouble Comes to Silverdale WA! Back to Everyday CK
Seabeck WA Marina: DNR = Doing Nothing Right
I know that the folks at WA State DNR do, in fact, accomplish many good things to help preserve the environment and maintain our quality of life here on the Kitsap Peninsula, but in this particular instance with the new Seabeck Marina, they aren’t doing anything right!
I accessed the Kitsap Sun website last night to find out the outcome of our Central Kitsap School Support Levy. I was thrilled to discover that the measure had passed, as had all the other district levies in the county.
Unfortunately, my joy was short lived as my eyes were quickly diverted to an adjoining article.
“Confusion Over Lease Stops Construction at New Seabeck Marina“
No sooner had construction finally commenced on the new marina out in Seabeck then our beloved DNR (WA State Dept. of Natural Resources) stepped in and forced an abrupt halt to the work in progress.
Evidently, when the Olympic View LLC partners purchased the marina in 2004, there was a corresponding lease on the use of state-owned bed-lands (land below the low-tide mark). During the ensuing years of wading through endless bureaucratic red tape, the lease was placed into an inactive status.
In 2007, the partners attempted to re-activate the lease but were told by the State that a new policy was being drafted that would require a habitat review (something they had already completed). By the end of 2009 they asked the State once again for permission to re-activate the lease, but the results were only confusion as to what the requirements were for satisfying the new habitat review. As a result, the partners were forced to hire a land-use attorney to help them make sense of the new policy.
Demolition work and pile driving had begun this past week because developers wanted to take advantage of a narrow two-week window allowed under State Department of Fish and Wildlife rules. The restrictive time frames are in place to protect underwater habitat. The next window when this type of work can be performed won’t open until July.
This past Monday, the State issued a ‘Stop Work’ order and at the same time, informed the partners that DNR staff wouldn’t be able to review their lease agreement until “sometime between April and November.”
If you access the WA State DNR website, you’ll find the following Mission Statement:
To provide professional, forward-looking stewardship of our state lands, natural resources, and environment.
To provide leadership in creating a sustainable future for the Trusts and all citizens.
We manage 5.6 million acres of forest, range, agricultural, aquatic, and commercial lands for the people of Washington. These lands generate more than $200 million a year, much of it to support public schools, state institutions, and county services. We also manage these lands to provide fish and wildlife habitat, clean and abundant water, and public access for you.
The Seabeck Marina project has always made perfect sense. There is a very pronounced need for marine services and moorage facilities on the west side of Hood Canal in Kitsap County. Since the closure of the previous marina, local businesses have been struggling, and patiently awaiting construction of the new marina to attract customers. Support by local residents has been overwhelmingly positive, knowing that a new marina would bring vital growth to the area and improve property values.
Does anyone else find it rather absurd that we can have two very expensive ‘ghost town’ marinas in Silverdale and Bremerton, and yet when private money wants to foot the bill for a marina with huge potential use and popularity, all the State can do is pose endless obstacles?
Read more: http://pugetsoundblogs.com/everyday-ck/2010/02/10/seabeck-wa-marina-dnr-doing-nothing-right/#ixzz0fHfVS5vi
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| Marina Discussion, We in Seabeck should have!!
Oh well here we go again. Thank you DNR, yes thanks so much ,If it weren't for your inept permit process and supposed ' expiration' of the lease we would be burdened with an attractive, functional marina. And just think how many jobs,and the revenue that would be generated for our area. I guess a dilapidated, creosote leaking dock is so much more environmentally friendly.
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| Follow up on Confusion Over Lease
BrynnGrimley writes:
I have some clarifying points to add to my story, based on a conversation I had with Boyer Halvorsen, one of the marina partners.
Boyer said the confusion over the lease is due to DNR losing the record of their lease when they transferred computer systems in 2006/07. DNR told him the lease didn't transfer with the sale of the property in 2004, but Boyer had record of their payments up until 2007 when the state stopped sending them invoices on the lease.
The group inquired with DNR in 2006 about getting a new lease for the new structure they planned to build, but never heard back from DNR officials.
When Boyer went in to meet with DNR officials in January 2010, he learned all this. He asked what needed to happen to get a new lease for the new structure, and was told a new lease likely wouldn't be ready for a year because of a new requirement mandating all lease holders complete a habitat review.
Effectively this is an environmental review and it could result in changes to their marina design. They've already completed environmental reviews for each of the agencies stated in the above story. If any design changes are required based on DNR's review, developers would have to go back to all of the agencies that have already granted permits and begin all over again. That could be a 4 to 5 year process.
The marina permits are set to begin expiring in September, and Boyer said the state was quoting a 'between April and November' time frame for when they could begin the habitat review they now require for all lessees.
He said they can still do work on the land they own on the Seabeck waterfront, and they will continue to install the dock there. But DNR won't allow them to continue the pier out into state-owned waters. They have not done any work on state-owned property.
They will continue to work with DNR to find a resolution, but if they have to partake in another environmental review that could take a year to complete, Boyer said the project will likely be scrapped.
'It's just absurd that we have to go through all of this again,' he said.
-- Hope that helps,
Brynn
--reporter
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Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/feb/09/state-stops-work-new-seabeck-marina/#ixzz0fHWhalVR
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Todays Headlines
This flyer is posted down at the dock.
Click on Picture
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Lease Confusion STOPS Construction at Marina
SEABECK — A week after work began on a new marina in Seabeck, the state Department of Natural Resources notified developers that work wasn't allowed on state-owned land because no lease was in place.
A DNR spokeswoman said Tuesday the state wants to work with the developers, but Olympic View Marina developer Wil Clark says the problem isn’t as simple as a missing lease.
When the development group bought the marina property in 2004 it also bought an existing lease to use state-owned bedlands, or land below the low-tide mark. But when developer Boyer Halvorsen met with DNR staff last month they told him the lease expired in 2004 with the transfer of the property.
After Halvorsen showed proof of payments on the lease through 2007, it was determined the department lost its record of the lease when it transferfed computer systems, Halvorsen said. Regardless, the lease for the state-owned bedlands, or lands under the water, was listed as inactive and needed to be updated for developers to begin building the new marina.
When Halvorsen asked what needed to be done to reactivate the lease state officials told him they would have to adhere to a new policy requiring all lease holders to complete a habitat review before a lease can be approved. He was told that review could take up to one year and that DNR staff wouldn't be able to get to the review until some time between 'April and November.'
Marina developers have hired a land-use attorney to help them understand the new requirements.
That attorney received an e-mail from the state Monday ordering the marina developers not to proceed with demolition work and pile driving on state bedlands. Work done on the waterfront over the last week was only the developer's property, and not the state's, Halvorsen said.
Jane Chavey, a DNR spokeswoman, said Tuesday that the developers’ lease had expired. She said the developers met with DNR officials Jan. 19 to renew the lease, but that didn’t give state officials enough time to craft a new document before they wanted to begin demolition work on the Seabeck waterfront, she said.
Halvorsen disputes that claim.
Developers began work Feb. 2 with the intent of taking advantage of a two-week window during which demolition work is allowed under state Department of Fish and Wildlife rules. The restrictions are in place to protect underwater habitat. The next window for this type of work won’t open until July.
“We can give them a month-to-month lease to work with them,” Chavey said. “I talked with the lease manager and they said they are looking forward to working with them sooner rather than later. We want to expedite it quickly, but we want to do it in a sound way.”
Clark said the e-mail his group received from DNR made no mention of a month-to-month lease.
A habitat review is required before the long-term lease can be completed, Chavey said. That will include a survey to determine the boundaries of state-owned land. It will also require developers show they plan to build the marina in a way that protects natural resources and underwater habitat.
The developers say they’ve already shown that while obtaining permits from the state departments of Ecology and Fish and Wildlife, as well as the federal National Marine Fisheries Services and the Army Corps of Engineers.
If the plans are well organized and detail natural habitat protections, drafting a lease under the new review process shouldn’t take long, Chavey said.
It is unlikely a short-term lease will be drafted in time for construction crews to continue work on the state-owned bedlands like planned before the two-week window closes Feb. 15, she said.
Developers are concerned if the review process takes too long permits could expire, sending them back to square one. They are also worried DNR will ask them to alter their marina design, which has already been vetted through multiple state agencies. Any changes could result in developers having to go back to those various agencies, which could take another four to five years, Halvorsen said.
If that happens Halvorsen said he's certain they won't move forward with the project.
“We’re not going to go out and break laws, but in the same breath it will just kill the project if we can’t continue,” Clark said. “The real damage to us is we have a lot of jobs that will be lost in the short term. And the resources are in place to get that work done now.”
Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/feb/09/state-stops-work-new-seabeck-marina/#ixzz0fBLOsQPN
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Progress
There is an Old Navy Term, 'Seeing is Believing'
Well I see Pilings being Drivin, I believe there is a Rebuilt Marina in our Future. :)
Then again there is DNR
Disfunctional
Not on my pond
Regulatory state agency
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| ‘A Big Day in Seabeck’ as Marina Construction Begins
‘A Big Day in Seabeck’ as Marina Construction Begins
By Brynn Grimley
Originally published 02:45 p.m., February 2, 2010
Updated 06:22 p.m., February 2, 2010
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/feb/02/after-months-uncertainty-work-begins-seabeck-marin/
SEABECK — Nine months ago, it appeared plans for a 200-slip marina in Seabeck were headed for the shredder.
Banks weren’t lending money, and four private investors financing the Olympic View Marina didn’t know if they had enough capital to build the facility after the permitting process took two years longer than expected.
With permitting and zoning complications behind them and permits set to expire in another year, the three remaining partners — one withdrew because of the financial burden — decided they couldn’t walk away from the project.
Banks still aren’t lending money, but the three men will dip into their personal savings and businesses to get their vision off the ground.
Tuesday was the first day of work as equipment and barges were staged along the waterfront. Crews are taking advantage of a two-week window during which pile driving is allowed by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. The restrictions are in place to limit disruption of underwater habitat.
“It’s definitely a financial burden, but there’s also the reality of having nothing built at all,” said Wil Clark, one of the investors. “For all the money and time we have put in place, it would all be for naught if we don’t do something.”
Clark is the co-owner of Pacific Pile and Marine, a Seattle-based company specializing in marine and heavy civil construction services such as pile driving, dredging, bridge construction and foundation production. Co-owner Eric Reichelt is also a partner in the marina deal.
The third partner, Boyer Halvorsen, is the owner of Boyer Towing Incorporated, which operates tugs and barges along the Pacific Coast and owns major barge and freight terminals in Seattle and Alaska.
Those companies will perform the initial work, including driving about 27 pilings in the next two weeks that will become the foundation for the main walkway of the 200-slip marina. The partners will absorb as much cost as possible and likely deplete personal savings accounts to finance the marina. If needed they’ll look into additional financing options, Clark said.
“I think fundamentally we all believe this is a great project,” he said. “It’s something we all believe in.”
Calling it “a big day in Seabeck,” Billy Mills, owner of the Seabeck General Store, spent Tuesday marveling at a sight he thought would never happen. Others joined him when they heard the news.
“Almost everybody in Seabeck is out here watching it,” he said.
Billy and wife Barbie, who owns neighboring Barbie’s Cafe, have anxiously waited for the removal of the existing dilapidated marina. The couple live above the store, so a new marina will improve their view. More importantly, it will boost business.
“It’s something we’ve needed out here,” Mills said. “I just can’t get over it, how great it is.”
Off-the-water work on the marina will continue in small phases over the next four to five months before the next two-week window opens this summer to install the walkway over the water. A completion date has not been publicly set.
© 2010 Scripps Newspaper Group — Online
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Seabeck Marina
Can the county, state, federal representatives possibly pool their monetary resourses and outright purchase the marina property from Erik Bentzen's group? If so maybe the marina could be set up and run like the Port of Poulsbo, Brownsville marinas? We pay the big taxes and get a marina in Bremerton that very few of us in Seabeck want to use. We live in Seabeck, not Bremerton. Thanks. What do the rest of you Seabeckians think?
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| Kitsap Sun Article 6-1-09
Seabeck Marina On Hold, for Now
By Brynn Grimley (Contact)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Barbie Mills, owner of Barbie's Cafe in Seabeck, is anxious for the new marina to be built to replace the dilapidated structure that was condemned in 2005. Developers of the proposed Olympic View Marina are having a hard time financing the project in the current economic climate. (Brynn Grimley | Kitsap Sun)
This is all that remains of the marina in Seabeck that closed in 2005. Developers wanting to build a new, 200-slip marina have run out of money. (Brynn Grimley | Kitsap Sun)
Seabeck residents April Lambert and sons Dalton, 9, Carter, 11, walk the shore near the remaining docks of the old Seabeck marina Friday. The family is anxious for construction to begin on a new marina, but developers of the marina have run out of money. (Brynn Grimley | Kitsap Sun)
SEABECK — The developers of the Olympic View Marina need financing, which vanished when the economy went south.
A couple docks, a handful of creosote pilings and a building that looks like it may tumble into Hood Canal at any minute are the only remnants of the marina that once stood in front of Billy and Barbie Mills' home.
To the right of their businesses — the Seabeck General Store and Barbie's Cafe — cement pilings litter the shoreline.
The longtime Seabeck residents and business owners — they live above the store — have anxiously waited for the waterfront and shoreline to be cleaned up with the construction of a new, 200-slip marina.
Now it appears they may have to wait even longer to see the waterfront improved.
The lending crisis and a project timeline that stretched two years longer than planned have caused private developers to re-evaluate their planned marina project along Seabeck's shore.
'We want to start as soon as possible, but the financial climate has prohibited that,' said Erik Bentzen, one of the investors. 'It is actually impossible to get money right now.'
Bentzen and his partners originally planned to have the marina open in 2007, but the permit process and shoreline zoning questions slowed the project almost to a halt.
In the meantime, the economy tanked and banks tightened lending practices. And banks aren't exactly in a hurry to loan money for marinas, Bentzen said.
'Marinas don't make money, so banks aren't lending to them right now,' he said. 'It's a lot of money to do this, the next stage. It's not a small-potatoes thing, it's not like we can dig deep.'
But the group hasn't given up hope yet.
'I think we're going to take a few more swings at it,' he said. 'We haven't disappeared. We're just doing the best we can. There's no way we could have predicted this.'
Billy Mills suggested investors look to the community for support. While the store and cafe see a steady stream of business without a marina, having an active waterfront is important for the success everyone on the landing, he said.
'I'm asked every day, at least 10 to 15 times a day, 'What's the status of the marina?'' he said. 'We do need the marina, it's part of the community.'
The public learned of the project in 2006, and many residents supported it. The process stalled when the Department of Ecology wouldn't approve the marina because of an incorrect shoreline designation — basically a shoreline zoning issue.
The county changed the designation to allow the marina — a significant improvement from the existing use — and in April ecology signed off on the project. But after three years of losing money, and with permits set to expire in two years, the developers don't know if they can get the money together to make it happen.
No matter what happens, the group wants to see it built, even if they aren't the ones to do it.
'One way or another it will be built,' Bentzen said.
Posted by Nick Blickhan
nicblick@windermere.com
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Final Action to Approve
Legal Notices
Posted Friday April 24, 2009
Central Kitsap Reporter
NOTICE OF APPROVAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Washington State Department of Ecology has taken Final Action To Approve , effective April 13, 2009, the Shoreline Management Master Program segment amendment passed by the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners on December 8, 2008 through Ordinance 418-2008, 'An Ordinance Adopting a Limited Amendment to Kitsap County's Shoreline Management Master Program, Kitsap County Code Title 22, Changing 2,474 feet of Conservancy Shoreline to Rural in Seabeck, Hood Canal.' The full text of the Ordinance may be provided upon request. Any additional information on the documents referenced above can be inspected or obtained by visiting the Department of Community Development located at 614 Division St. Port Orchard, or at (360) 337-5777. Date of publication: 04/24/2009 (PC213670)
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CK Reporter Article Saturday 12/13/08
New Seabeck Marina a long time coming
Dec 13 2008, 12:00 AM
DISH FROM
THE COMMISH
The owners of the Seabeck Marina have received approval of permits necessary to begin rebuilding this critical saltwater moorage facility. The commissioners voted 3-0 at our Dec. 8 board meeting to make amendments to our Shoreline Master Plan to allow the project to move forward as planned. For residents of Seabeck, it has been a long wait. The old Seabeck Marina was battered by storms and finally abandoned years ago. With the closing of the marina, the community lost a central gathering place and vital community asset.
One issue that caused delays for the reconstruction was the Shoreline Master Plan designation in the area. Even though a marina had been in existence for decades, Kitsap County’s Shoreline Master Plan designated the narrow zone around the marina as “conservancy,” a zone where new privately owned marinas were prohibited. This conservancy designation has been in place and unchanged since 1977. As the Department of Ecology reviewed the development permit issued by Kitsap County in December 2007, Ecology concluded the designation was inaccurate for the historic uses at the site. The Board of Kitsap County Commissioners agreed.
The narrow “conservancy” zone was surrounded by “rural” designations, which provide strict protection of the environment while allowing marine recreational uses. The commissioners felt a spot amendment to make the “rural” zone continuous made sense. Furthermore, it was our belief the original 1977 Shoreline Master Plan “conservancy” designation, which prohibited private marinas, was irrational since a private marina was historically in place for many years. Another oddity of this “conservancy” designation was the fact that while private marinas were prohibited, public marinas were permitted. So while a private owner would face hurdles, the Port of Bremerton or any other government entity would have had a much easier time getting needed permits if they were the project applicants. Beginning in 2009, Kitsap County will be conducting a comprehensive review and update of the 1977 Shoreline Master Plan to ensure other inaccurate and outdated information is removed.
The new Seabeck Marina project will have roughly 200 boat slips, the same number as before. It will feature a modern breakwater to protect the boats and moorage docks from rough Hood Canal storms. Also, a modern fuel station will be on site, the only such amenity on the Hood Canal saltwater shoreline of Kitsap County. Old creosote pilings will be removed, with steel pilings replacing their toxic predecessors. The new marina also will be further away from the fragile intertidal zone, and angled away and past eelgrass beds. These design elements will help ensure the new marina has less of an impact than the historic marina with regard to salmon rearing habitat.
It has been a personal goal of mine as commissioner to work to see this important project move forward. The combined impact of the marina and elementary school closings has been difficult for community residents. With the Seabeck Marina back on track, Seabeck is on the rebound. It is challenging work to balance growth while protecting our environment; offer marine recreational amenities while defending pristine shorelines; and develop tourist opportunities without eroding rural community character. It’s my belief this project is an example of balancing these often-opposing goals for the benefit of our community.
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| Kitsap Sun Article 12-09-08
County Tweaks Plan to Allow Seabeck Marina Project to Move Forward
By Brynn Grimley
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
SEABECK
The wait is finally over.
After enduring the roller-coaster ride of a permitting process that took almost three years to complete, the private developers proposing to build a 200-slip marina in Seabeck can say without any hesitation the project will be developed.
'I'm in shock right now,' said Eric Bentzen, a local developer with the Olympic View Marina project. 'It's been a long haul.'
County commissioners on Monday night approved a site-specific limited amendment to the county's shoreline master plan that would allow the construction of the marina.
The amendment changed the shoreline designation where the marina will be built from conservancy to rural.
'Looking at this designation of conservancy that was in place since 1977, it just doesn't make sense to me,' Central Kitsap Commissioner Josh Brown said.
The shoreline stretching from the Seabeck General Store toward Misery Point has three designations: rural, conservancy and semi-rural. The section of waterfront where the marina would be built was zoned conservancy more than 30 years ago.
As one of the more restrictive shoreline designations, county planners reviewing the shoreline management plan could find no evidence to support why that section of shoreline was designated as conservancy. At the time it was zoned, a marina was already in place. Marinas are not allowed in conservancy zones.
Calling it an anomaly, the board opted to make the site-specific amendment now, so that the marina project could move forward. Had the board waited to make the change next year when it begins its shoreline master program update, marina developers would have had to abandon the project because of expiring permits and escalating costs.
With the board's approval Monday, the next step is for the Department of Ecology to review the change. The department, which approved the project earlier this year with the condition that the site-specific amendment occur, is expected to approve the change.
Saying it was persuasive that the marina project met all of the local, state and federal requirements, board chairman Steve Bauer said he supported the amendment.
South Kitsap Commissioner Jan Angel also supported the change, saying it was a win-win for the developers, the county and the community.
'I think the design is an economically viable marina and it is an environmentally sound site,' she said.
Following the board's vote, Bentzen called his partners to tell them the good news. He said he expected them to meet this week to discuss the project and guessed they'd be clearing out more of the dilapidated marina from the waterfront soon.
He also hopes to meet with the community in the near future, this time with the confidence he can deliver on their promises.
'I'm just thankful to the county and the residents for their support and help through this process,' he said. 'The county identified this as a vital resource.'
© 2007 Kitsap Sun
Posted by:
Nick Blickhan
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A GOOD DAY FOR SEABECK
December 8, 2008
At The Kitsap County Commissioners Meeting tonight there was a vote by the Commissioners to amend the zoning designation where the Old Seabeck Marina is located. The Commissioners after considering a rather large amount of public input, Oral at the Commissioners meeting held on December 2, 2008, written input in the form of e-mails and letters, and review of the RCW’s and WAC’s codes, Voted to Correct the “anomaly” in the zoning. The vote was unanimous with all three Commissioners approving the change.
I know this has been a long hard and confusing process to follow. I’ve heard a lot of frustrated voices in the last couple of years since the marina has been closed for public safety reasons. I would like to commend everyone who stepped up to get their voices heard at the local and state levels, and showed their support in getting this Environmentally Friendly Project going, which will help restore the heart of Seabeck. Yes we can make a difference.
Congratulations to the guys (Olympic View Marina L.L.C.) who had an idea on how to make our community better and stepped up to the challenge, and hung in there to see this thru.
Thank You again for getting your voices heard.
Nick Blickhan
Windermere Real Estate/West Sound Inc.
360-731-3659
nicblick@windermere.com
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| The Planning Commission's public hearing
November 12, 2008 @ 6:30pm
The Planning Commission's public hearing
Here is an opportunity to support the re-building of the Seabeck Marina.
This is part of the process for changing the Language of the zoning for the Seabeck Marina. Public Comment Welcome…
This Meeting is being Held Wednesday November, 12 2008 at 6:30 pm. Location is 619 Division Street, Port Orchard WA in the Commissioners’ Chamber.
619 is located across the street from the court house, (the new building) Enter on Division and the Chamber is on your right.
I hope to see you there.
Nick Blickhan
360-731-3659
Subject: Re: Meeting Confirmed: Olympic View Marina
Good morning -
FYI: The Planning Commission's public hearing, to make a recommendation
regarding the Shoreline Master Program Limited Amendment, is scheduled for
November 12, 2008, 6:30 pm.
I hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
Lisa Lewis
Shoreline Administrator
Kitsap County Department of Community Development
614 Division Street, MS-36
Port Orchard, WA 98366-4682
(360) 337-7181 phone
(360) 337-4415 fax
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From the office of Josh Brown 10-16-08
Nick,
Below is the update. Josh said Lisa Lewis is working on the amendment it probably will take several weeks to complete but we will keep you posted he said. Thanks for your help with this.
Dana
Seabeck Marina Gets Green Light…
Kitsap County has the most saltwater shoreline out of any county in Washington State. From Blake Island, to Dyes Inlet, up to Port Gamble Bay, we live in one of the most bountiful places anywhere for recreational opportunities on the water. Yet with so much to enjoy, Kitsap County’s access to Hood Canal is rather limited.
For decades, the Seabeck marina provided boaters with moorage options in the Kitsap County for Hood Canal. The marina became a focal point for the community. Many remember the festival feel of Seabeck during shrimp season when people from throughout the Puget Sound descended upon this quaint community to cruise the short distance across Hood Canal to Dabob Bay. Violent storms battered the marina until it reached a point where it had to be abandoned. With the closing of the marina, Seabeck lost a large part of its culture and sense of community.
About three years ago, a group of investors began to evaluate the opportunity to purchase the abandoned Seabeck marina with the goal of building a new modern marina to serve boaters in the Kitsap portion of Hood Canal. Our Kitsap County Hearing Examiner approved a shoreline substantial development permit for this project known as the Olympic View Marina in December, 2007. Then the project hit a snag.
The Department of Ecology began its review of the permits and their concurrency with our Shoreline Master Plan.
Ecology disagreed with the conclusion of our Hearing Examiner. Over the course of several weeks, Kitsap County staff worked diligently with Ecology and the project applicant to arrive at a compromise that allowed this project to move forward. This positive outcome can be attributed to the collaboratively efforts of all parties involved. In the next few months work should begin on the new Seabeck marina, including demolition of the existing marina and pile driving for the new marina.
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| From Geoff Tallent D.O.E.
Hi Nick ~
Senator Sheldon has been notified of this news ~ congratulations and WOW!
Best regards,
Carol Ann Jaren
Senior Legislative Assistant
Senator Tim Sheldon
35th District
(360) 786-7668
Jaren.carol@leg.wa.gov
From: Tallent, Geoff (ECY) [mailto:gtal461@ECY.WA.GOV]
Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 1:56 PM
To: Tallent, Geoff (ECY); Haigh, Rep. Kathy; Moores, Kim; Eickmeyer, Rep. William; McMilian, Jean; Jaren, Carol; patrick.hogan@mail.house.gov; Burkheimer, Michelle
Cc: Summerhays, Jeannie (ECY); White, Gordon (ECY); Altose, Larry (ECY); Burcar, Joe (ECY); Van Ness, Vickie (ECY); Sturdevant, Ted (ECY); Clingman, Tom (ECY); Phillips, Keith (GOV)
Subject: RE: Olympic View Marina, Seabeck
To the offices of:
Senator Sheldon
Senator Rasmussen
Representative Eickmeyer
Representative Haigh
US Representative Inslee
This is another follow up to earlier inquires from all of your offices on the status of the shoreline permitting for the Olympic View Marina at Seabeck. I’m pleased to let you know that we have worked out a viable path for permitting of the project.
Kitsap County, the marina owners, and Ecology have met a couple of times over the last month and have worked out a path that will allow Ecology to approve a scaled back marina right away. Ecology and the County will then work together to solve the regulatory conflict regarding non-conforming (or grandfathered uses) that stands in the way of the full marina proposal.
Ecology expects to issue the state shoreline permit next week. The permit will allow the owners to proceed with deconstruction of the current marina, preparation for construction, pile driving, and construction of much of the proposed marina. The shoreline permit would allow the owners to proceed with the full proposal once the regulatory conflict is resolved.
While the marina owners are getting started Ecology and the County will pursue an amendment to the county shoreline regulations to resolve the regulatory conflict that dates back to 1976. Ecology believes the amendment would meet our current standards for protecting the environment and promoting public access. The community will also have a chance to comment on the amendment. Ultimately the amendment must be approved by the Kitsap County Commissioners and the Ecology Director. The County and Ecology believe we can complete all the steps required for an amendment by the end of January, ahead of marina construction.
We will be sending out a media advisory to Kitsap County papers to help let the community know the progress we have made.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
-Geoff
Geoff Tallent
Section Manager
Shorelands and Environmental Assistance
Northwest Regional Office
Department of Ecology
(425) 649-7096
gtal461@
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| Some Good News :)
Hot off the press....
E-mail From Ann Farr 9-11-08 3pm
Nick,
You may be hearing this already, but we have a deal with Ecology that will keep the marina moving forward.
Ecology will be issuing a press release, perhaps as soon as this afternoon.
This is good news, but we will continue to need the community's support to maintain the momentum!
Thanks to all!
-Ann
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The Jack Report
UPDATES: 8-29-08
COMMISSIONER BROWN STATED THAT HE WAS GOING TO OLYMPIA NEXT WEEK TO ADDRESS THE SEABECK MARINA, PRESUMABLY WITH THE DEVELOPER IN TERMS OF SCALE BACK. JACK POINTED OUT THAT IN TERMS OF RETURN ON INVESTMENT, THAT WILL EVENTUALLY TAX USERS OF THE MARINA IN TERMS OF SLIP FEES AND THE LIKE.TO APPEASE THE SELF APPOINTED FEW WHO OPPOSE THE CURRENT DESIGN. IS THIS WHAT GREAT NEIGHBORS SHOULD DO?
AS TO THE LAUNCH RAMP AT MISERY POINT, JACK LEARNED FROM THE FISHERIES DEPARTMENT THE IMPROVEMENT IS IN THE 2014 BUDGET. SOME $200 THOUSAND THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY BUDGETED WENT DOW THE STINK HOLE BECAUSE AGAIN,
THE SELF APPOINTED FEW OPPOSING THE DESIGN WERE LISTENED TO AND THE TAXPAYERS VOICES WERE SILENT. THE MAJORITY ( TAXPAYERS ) NEED TO BE SURE THEIR DESIRES FOR AN IMPROVED RAMP ARE HEARD.
THE KITSAP POGGIE CLUB, PROMOTING SALMON ENHANCEMENT, IS A PROPONENT OF BOTH IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SEABECK AREA.. CITIZENS MAY JOIN THROUGH KITSAPPOGGIECLUB.COM
SUBMITTED BY JACK COUTURE, RHODA LANE, SEABECK
Jack Thank You for keeping track and keeping us all up to date.
Nick B.
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| Kitsap Sun Letter to the Editor August 13, 2008
Bill
Thank you for getting your voice heard.
Nick Blickhan
State Should Approve New Seabeck Marina
I read with irony two recent articles in Kitsap Sun.
The first concerned the proposed Seabeck Marina project that may, in all likelihood, be scuttled by the state Department of Ecology. The second detailed the budget crisis that many states now face due to reduced tax revenues. The mission and sole purpose of any government agency is to serve the people and protect public health and safety.
The proposed Seabeck Marina is apparently bigger than the old marina and thus violates some law or rule. Never mind that a new marina facility would be more environmentally friendly than the current dilapidated, unusable marina and safer for citizens, sea life and the environment. Never mind that a new marina would generate greater tax revenues, increase property values and improve the appearance of the community.
Nope, can't build it, bigger than the old one, violates some rules. Even Kitsap County is willing to change the rules they made to their shoreline management plan by allowing a site-specific amendment.
No wonder that some backward thinking government agencies, after decades of stoic bureaucracy and bereft of common sense, are now facing dwindling revenues and contemplating cutbacks in services.
This would be a perfect opportunity for the State of Washington and the Department of Ecology to show us, The People, that they understand the role of government and amend the rules and allow the proposed Seabeck Marina project to become a reality for the sake of the community.
Bill Minks
SEABECK
© 2007 Kitsap Sun
Printed Wednesday August 13, 2008
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| Update on Recent Posting
I was asked today when did Josh Brown provided the letter of support (pervious posting below) I received his letter Yesterday August 12, 2008 and posted it Yesterday August 12, 2008. I want to Thank everyone who has been calling into Your Elected Officials in support, and I encourage you to Continue to make these calls/e-mails and get your voices heard.
Nick Blickhan
nicblick@windermer.com
8/13/08
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Local Support From Josh Brown
Nick,
I wanted to thank you again for attending our Board of County Commissioners meeting last night.
On December 11th, 2007, the Kitsap County Hearing Examiner issued a decision to support with conditions a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit & Shoreline Conditional Use Permit for the Olympic View Marina in Seabeck. Now, many months later, we find the project stalled with the Department of Ecology. I am disappointed with this unsatisfactory situation.
Having been an avid fisherman and boater for many years, I recognize the need to expand saltwater access in Kitsap County. No place is in greater need of enhanced saltwater access than Hood Canal and Seabeck.
Since the marina's closing, a large part of the 'community' of Seabeck has been lost. My hope has been that a new marina would rejuvenate Seabeck and add to our community's great character.
I strongly support this project and I have voiced my perspective to the Department of Ecology and its Director, Jay Manning. I hope they choose to listen.
Warm regards, Josh Brown, Kitsap County Commissioner, District #3
jwbrown@co.kitsap.wa.us
I would like to Thank Josh Brown for his public support on this project. Please help get the word to Olympia that Seabeck Wants this project.
Nick Blickhan
nicblick@windermere.com
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Marina Permit Flow Chart
In one of my many e-mails to Ann Farr (she represents Olympic View Marian L.L.C.) I made the wise crach of ' Is there a flow chart that shows the process to obtain a permit to Re-Build a Marina?' I know this is a complatced process, I was just trying to make light the challanges the ownership has been thru in the last couple of years. Mrs. Farr replyed with an excellent educational response that I would like to share with the community. (see below) Take the time to go to the various web pages and follow the flow charts. Kudos to Mrs. Farr for getting the permit this far along in the process.
Nick Blickhan
Windermere Real Estate/West Sound Inc.
nicblick@windermere.com
360-731-3659
Hi Nick, 7/22/08
Thanks for your interest in the status of permitting of the proposed marina reconstruction at Seabeck. I don't know of one single chart that shows the entire permitting process for an in-water project like the marina. The process is too complex, and sometimes there are relationships between permits that can hold up them up. There are some real uncertainties along the way. Each regulatory agency has some latitude in how they interpret the requirements, and what they ask from applicants as far as drawings, plans, and technical studies. A project like the marina requires numerous separate approvals from federal, state, and local government agencies.
The Department of Ecology has permit schematics on their website that show the process for each of the major permits required for an in-water project like the marina.
Where we are with Ecology right now is on the flow chart for the 'Shoreline Conditional Use or Variance Permit'. It's at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/pac/ppds_info/shoreline_conditional_use_variance_schematic.pdf
We are in the box near the bottom that says: 'Ecology reviews and sends its decision...'
The other major permit that is still needed for the marina to proceed is the Army Corps of Engineers Section 10/404 permit. There is a flow chart for that at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/pac/ppds_info/section_10.pdf. On that chart we are at the bottom, within the box that says: 'Applicant coordinates with Washington Department of Ecology...' The shoreline permit equals 'compliance with CZM'. So when/if Ecology approves the shoreline permit, the Corps should be able to issue their permit. After that, county grading and building permits are needed; then the construction could proceed.
We have already gone through the process for these below and they are complete and/or approved:
SEPA determination http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/pac/ppds_info/sepa_schematic_final.pdf
Hydraulic Project Approval: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/pac/ppds_info/Hydraulic_Project_Approval_Permit.pdf
401 Water Quality Certification: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/pac/ppds_info/401_Water_Quality_Cert.pdf
Obviously permitting of in-water construction within Puget Sound is complicated and time-consuming. There is another whole process not reflected on these charts that occurs during the federal Corps permit review when we obtain agreement with all the federal and state agencies and the tribes that we are in compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. Several detailed biological and archeological studies are required for this. These have been completed, and we have agreement from these agencies that we may proceed. In addition, there are opportunities for public comment: during SEPA review, the county shoreline permit process, the 401 permit review, and the Corps permit review. Comments submitted are a matter of public record at each stage.
We held numerous meetings and consultations with the county and agencies in 2005, started work on the technical studies required throughout 2006, and initiated the formal regulatory/permitting approval process for the marina in October 2006 with submittal of the SEPA checklist and shoreline permit application to the County, and also applied for the federal permits at that time.
I hope this clarifies where we are with the permitting process for the marina. Thanks again for your interest in the project.
-Ann
(Permitting agent for Olympic View Marina LLC)
Ann K. Farr
Environmental Management Consulting Services
tel 206 784 0660
fax 206 782 7902
email afarr@seanet.com
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| Nows the time to be heard
Now’s the time to be heard
The Permit for the Re-Build of Seabeck Marina is in Danger of Being Denied by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
The new owners of the Marina, (Olympic View Marina L.L.C.) Need to hear the Voices of those in support of Reviving the Marina.
Please Contact Your State Representatives and your State Senator and let them know they have a large part of our Seabeck lives tied up in their Red Tape. We have been waiting for a long time for Responsible Stewardship of the Seabeck Marina, we now have that if, “The State Department of Ecology” will let them build it.
Over the years many, many families have built bonds, and many life time friendships have been established at this facility. It has been a hub and focal point of Seabeck for many Generations. It’s time to get this facility Re-Opened, so that we can continue as the community of Seabeck.
So if you’re in support of the Re-Building of the Marina. Please, Please Write, Call or E-mail the Folks in Olympia and let them know we want our marina back. (Contact information attached)
35th Legislative District:
State Senator: Tim Sheldon
State Representative: William “Ike” Eickmeyer
State Representative: Kathy Haigh
Thank You for Help
Nick Blickhan
Windermere Real Estate/West Sound Inc.
nicblick@windermere.com
360-692-6102 ext. 285
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Photo Overlay of New Marina
Thank you Jobie and Kerry for this overlay.
Frank
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| Marina Update:
View Olympic View Marina - Proposed Project
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