Likely Future by Topic

Arts and Culture

Demographics

Population will increase and may more than double
There will continue to be little ethnic or economic diversity
Housing costs may limit purchasers to those with higher incomes.
Continuation of the tradition of strong volunteerism is uncertain
Residents continue to have higher average incomes than County in general
The share of older residents remains high and may increase as a result of low turnover and the higher incomes required by high housing costs.

Increased housing and housing density leads to deterioration of environment
Development of additional lands will lead to loss of wildlife habitat and significant reduction in sightings of wildlife
The practice of clear cutting and lack of drainage management have contributed to bluff erosion, runoff pollution of our wells, creeks, wetlands and concerns about failing septic systems. In addition, loss of foliage degrades the water adsorption capacity of the GHA. These changes have decreased fisheries and wildlife.

The GHA will have continued good relations with County Government
The GHA will continue to have no single voice or point of contact with outside organizations or agencies
Increased taxes may force some residents to move

Housing construction could approach buildout but zoning, which prohibits urban density subdivisions, means that it will occur at a slower pace.
Both the high cost of housing and land, especially in large zoned parcels, means that new housing will continue to be expensive
Current cabins will continue to be replaced by newer, larger houses, changing neighborhood character
Housing costs will create barrier to younger residents with “average” incomes

There will be pressure from builders and developers to increase zoning density in the GHA as density increases elsewhere in the County and as owners of large tracts seek to maximize income from their property.
The “central corridor” owned by Olympic Resources will all be developed.
Area will still be semi-rural but more developed

Past acquisitions and development of open space and parks have created a legacy for the GHA.
County may lack funding for operation and maintenance
Local maintenance may decrease if volunteerism declines.
Buck Lake Park, the Greenway and Point No Point area parks will be used increasingly by non-residents and affect neighbors

Public Safety services including Sheriff, fire, medical and emergency, will generally remain adequate for a rural area.
Law enforcement levels appropriate for the largely semi-rural GHA will not be satisfactory for residents of several urban-density subdivisions.
Crime will increase but still be below other areas in the County.
Emergency preparedness will still be a community responsibility.

The major impact of increased development and population will be inadequate transportation systems.
Speeding, accidents, congestion and danger in entering arterials will increase.
Roadway improvements will be limited.
There will be more bicyclists
The area will be more dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists
Ferries are more expensive and less convenient which will limit access to and from the GHA. The foot ferry may return.
Bus service will be inadequate