Bainbridge Island
could be asking for proposals for the Suzuki property, instead of
hiring consultants.
Councilman Val Tollefson said a council subcommittee he is on decided hiring a consultant — who would breakdown how much money could be made on the property based on the buyer and development purpose — would leave the city right where is was Tuesday, needing to ask for proposals.
Interested parties would have 45 days to respond to the published request, which is expected to have a list of priorities for the Suzuki property laid out by the city.
Those priorities are:
- Affordable housing or mixed housing with affordable and market-value houses.
- Green and sustainable construction.
- Open space, community gardens and connecting trails.
- Integration with adjacent neighborhoods and island character.
Tollefson also suggested the public should have input on the proposals the city receives.
Several residents have voiced concern about traffic issues and housing density. Others have asked the city to leave the property as is.
The school district is not interesting in buying the property, Mayor Anne Blair said.
The council has previously talked about allowing affordable housing to be built on the land.
“Frankly, the city owns a valuable piece of property and needs some money,” Tollefson said.
The undeveloped Suzuki land is assessed at about $500,000, according to county documents, which is the price the city paid for the property in 2000.
The City Council decided to sell the 14-acre Suzuki property in 2008, and use the money to pay for a new police station.
Last week, the council selected a site for a new police station and court facility. It is estimated to cost about $15 million, including buying land.
