Bainbridge Island: Affordable Housing Project
The City of Bainbridge Island is partnering with the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) to construct an affordable housing complex at 625 Winslow Way E. This project, which will likely contain between 70 and 92 units, is a direct response to the community's need for affordable housing, which has been identified as a critical issue by various community surveys and organizations. These units, ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, are designed to house workforce and income-qualified seniors. Eligibility is based on income, with half the units for those earning up to 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and the other half for those earning up to 60% AMI. This is not a "homeless housing" project, and tenants must be able to verify their income is at least 2.5 times the rent. Examples of eligible tenants include grocery clerks, cooks, and carpenters.
The project aligns with multiple city policies and is a result of state-mandated housing targets under House Bill 1220, which requires cities to plan for and accommodate housing at all income levels. The city's financial analysis determined that building on this specific public land is the most cost-effective way to create the maximum number of affordable units, as it eliminates the high cost of land acquisition. The location is also considered a "High Opportunity Zone," making it highly competitive for Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funding, which is crucial for financing the project. The city has already committed $3,000,000 from its Affordable Housing Fund.
The city has carefully considered potential challenges. A Traffic Impact Analysis concluded that even with 100 new units, traffic impacts would not be significant, especially since the project is designed for residents who can walk to their jobs in downtown Winslow. Additionally, a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment and Geotechnical Report found no environmental concerns. Parking is still under review, with options being explored to balance the need for spaces with the high cost of a parking garage. The project’s timeline shows extensive public engagement and review, including numerous council and commission meetings, public listening sessions, and the demolition of the old police station that formerly occupied the site. The city has a history of pursuing affordable housing, having previously considered and abandoned a project at the Suzuki site due to public opposition. This current project, however, is considered the most effective path forward to address the island's housing crisis.