Bethany Lutheran Church affordable housing project with Kent Scott and Joe McMillan

<p>Today we welcome: Kent Scott & Joe McMillan</p> <p>We discuss the current proposal from <a href= "http://bethanyofbainbridge.org/">Bethany Lutheran Church</a> to give land for the purpose of providing affordable housing to the city of <a href= "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bainbridge_Island,_Washington">Bainbridge Island.</a></p> <div><em>Here is a sample of a letter addressed to the City of Bainbridge Island & the Planning Commission, as well as others in our community:</em></div> <div> </div> <div>      With respect to the Bethany Lutheran proposal and the draft ordinance that we understand you will be presenting to the City Council, we think it important to make a few observations that we hope will inform your approach and your presentation at the City Council meeting on July 26:</div> <div> </div> <ul type="disc"> <li>First, the Council should be informed that <u>COBI is already in compliance</u> with the Washington State statute that seems to have prompted the recent activity around the Bethany Lutheran proposal and the perceived need for a new city ordinance.  The key language from the Washington statute, RCW 36.70A.545, purporting to impose an obligation on cities and counties is as follows:</li> </ul> <div> </div> <div><strong>Increased density bonus for affordable housing located on property owned by a religious organization.</strong></div> <div>(1) Any city or county fully planning under this chapter [the GMA] must allow an increased density bonus consistent with local needs for any affordable housing development of any single-family or multifamily residence located on real property owned or controlled by a religious organization . . . .</div> <div> </div> <ul type="disc"> <li><u>COBI already has such an ordinance</u>.  Specifically, <strong>BIMC 18.21.030 (Optional residential density bonus for affordable housing)</strong> provides up to a 50% density bonus for both rental and “for-purchase” affordable housing, “when each of the additional units is provided for households whose incomes are at or be