Watershed sale delayed again

With more than 40 residents and a representative from the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners expressing opposition to the proposed sale of the Tracyton Watershed property, the Bremerton City Council tabled the issue until April 6.

The city acquired the property from the former Tracyton Water District to help cover costs associated with facilities improvements before the city’s water department took over operations of the water district.

“All three Commissioners request that you delay action on this request for 90 days to allow county officials and other groups to make sure your water utility can be properly compensated,” said acting Kitsap County Administrator Cris Gears.

“I’m not saying that in 30 days I wouldn’t vote to sell the property, but I think we need to slow down,” said Council President Daren Nygren.

Unanswered questions remain about the property, which need to be addressed before the next meeting, Nygren said.

The county would like time to explore three possible alternatives to preserve the 38-acre site in its natural condition, Gears said.

Those alternatives include pursuing funding through grants, a community fund-raising effort like the one that was successful in Indianola or a possible land swap, he said.

“The county owns a significant amount of property outside the city limits of Bremerton that would meet your financial needs,” Gears said.

The city received an offer from developer Bealko, Inc., to purchase the property for $2.9 million in December 2004 and after residents in the area expressed opposition to the proposed sale, the issue was delayed for 60 days.

“This land is beautiful land and it would be a shame to waste it,” said Bremerton resident David Hall.

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