WOMAN KILLED IN CRASH Molly Adams remembered as animal lover. Page 5
LOCALS CLOSE OUT 2015 13.5 mile dock-to-dock run draws the fittest. Page 14
NEWS | Sea Breeze Farm under investigation. [8] COMMENTARY | Ways to make the world a better place. [6] ARTS | Gallery cruise set for [11] this Friday.
BEACHCOMBER VASHON-MAURY ISLAND
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016
Vol. 61, No. 01
www.vashonbeachcomber.com
Public input sought for proposed methanol production plant tion. It’s a huge petrochemical facility on Puget Sound, and project directors have nvironmental activists are voic- shared so little.” ing concerns about a proposed But officials with the Port of Tacoma methanol production plant at the and the spokeswoman for the compaPort of Tacoma, saying the plant’s poten- ny proposing the plant all say the envitial wastewater and chemical pollutants ronmental review process is just getting could harm the region’s air quality and underway and that there will be ample impact an already fragile Puget Sound. opportunity in the months ahead for more The groups say they’re particularly trou- substantive review. The state named the bled by the veil of secrecy that appears to city of Tacoma as the lead agency for the surround the Tacoma plant project, one of environmental and permitting process three methanol plants proposed for port in October. The city launched a 60-day cities in the Pacific Northwest. They’re environmental scoping period on Dec. 15 aimed at narrowing also concerned about its the scope of the required size: If built, the advo“We’re being asked to Environmental Impact cacy groups say the $3.4 believe they have this Study (EIS). The Tacoma million Tacoma facilunicorn that’s never been News Tribune reports ity would be the largthat the EIS is expectest methanol production seen before, and it’s hard ed to be drafted by a plant in the world. to swallow. We need a lot city consultant as early “We’re kind of in a more information.” as the summer of 2016. pickle because the projIt will explore concerns ect backers have declined Eric de Place to say anything substanSightline Institute brought to light during the ongoing scoping tive about it, so we really period as well as contain can’t draw (environmental impact) conclusions,” said Eric de information about the plant’s environPlace, policy director at the Sightline mental impacts, economic impacts and Institute, a Seattle-based environmental human health concerns. The draft EIS expected this summer think tank taking a close look at the will be put out for public comment, and project. “We don’t really know the core features the building company will have to address of the project,” he added. “We’re being any concerns brought up in the study, asked to believe they have this unicorn including how they will be alleviated that’s never been seen before, and it’s hard to swallow. We need a lot more informaSEE METHANOL, 15
75¢
WELCOMING 2016 WITH A SPLASH
By ANNELI FOGT Editor
E
Susan Riemer / Staff Photos
Roughly 100 brave souls, including Frances Stendahl (bottom left) and Diana Coogle, who was visiting from Oregon (bottom right), gathered at KVI Beach on New Year’s Day to participate in the annual polar plunge. After milling about in the sun and lighting bonfires for warmth, the crowd took to the cold water of Puget Sound for a refreshing dip to kick off the new year.
Vashon HouseHold’s new affordable housing project moves ahead By SUSAN RIEMER Staff Writer
More than a decade after Vashon HouseHold purchased land on Bank Road to build affordable housing, the nonprofit agency is moving ahead and hopes islanders interested in purchasing a home there will contact them soon. The plan for the Sunflower development has changed since it was first introduced in 2002 and now includes 14 small homes — just 700 square feet — about half the size of homes originally planned for the site. It is a model that Vashon HouseHold Executive Director Chris Szala said he believes fits with the widespread interest in small houses and will likely appeal most to individuals, young
families and those who are downsizing. Because the homes are smaller than typical, housing officials from the county and state, which combined have provided more than $1.5 million for the project, want to see a full roster of home buyers, plus alternates, before the project can move ahead. “We are really committed to getting this done if at all possible,” Szala said. “We will see if the market supports this. That is what everybody is waiting for, ourselves and our funders.” As at Vashon HouseHold’s Roseballen community near town, the development will be based on a community land trust model: Vashon HouseHold will own the land, and the homeowners will own the houses. This
arrangement keeps prices affordable to more people, and Szala said he expects these homes to sell for about $170,000, much less than the current $462,500 median price of a home on Vashon. At that low price, Szala added he believes mortgages will be $950 per month or less, lower than many rents on Vashon. The long-delayed project is now on a fast track, and Szala said those who are interested in the project should contact him as soon as possible to be considered. Looking ahead, he noted that he would like the waiting list for homes to be complete by the end of February in order for building to begin June 1, with completion scheduled for the end of 2017. To qualify for a home in the development, potential buyers must make no more than
80 percent of the area’s median income, Szala added. For a single person, the limit is $46,100; for two people it is $52,650, and for four the limit is $65,800. The architect for the project is Judy Tucker of Seattle’s Form and Function. She and Szala have worked on projects together previously, and she said she agreed readily when Szala asked if she would assist with Sunflower. “I love the idea of helping out with low income housing,” she said. “ I think there should be quality housing for everyone at every cost level.” The homes have an open floor plan, galley kitchens, full-sized appliances, a bedroom and a loft, Szala noted. Tucker originally designed SEE SUNFLOWER, 19