Preferred Future Narrative (Draft)
March 17, 2006
The New Year of 2020 has arrived. While a New Year presents the opportunity for new resolutions it also provides a milestone upon which to reflect. For Hansville residents (the old GHA has been 98340 for many years now) reflections include looking back at the foundation laid in 2006: the Values, Preferred Future and all of the work done since to assure that the future resembled the desired version rather than the “Likely” one represented by the trends through 2005.
Happily it does. The dedicated volunteers of that time, most of whom are still residents, have been joined by other arrivals who are also committed to the area and the values of living in a “rural feeling environment” of independent, self-sufficient yet community-caring residents.
The Greater Hansville Area has lived its Values well since their adoption in 2006. Even with a significant increase in development and population, the area remains true to its “roots” as a rural feeling area that reveres its natural environment and wildlife. The sense of “Community” has expanded, people welcome and support their neighbors and community involvement and volunteerism remain defining qualities.
There is a sense of expanded “community” that began in 2005. People realize that they can retain the identity of their neighborhood and still “belong” to the broader “Greater Hansville Area”. In fact, an additional “Welcome to Greater Hansville” sign was installed at the intersection of Hansville Highway and Eglon Road. After considerable Community pressure, the Postal Service agreed to change the boundaries of the 98340 zip code to include the entire Greater Hansville Area. Unlike the “old days”, many annual “local” events welcome all residents of the GHA. The decision in 2005 by the Hansville Community Center Board to expand the mailing of the Log to all areas of the GHA and to rename it the “Greater Hansville Log” in 2006, has improved a sense of “belonging” and has provided and expanded means for communicating local issues within the GHA.
The GHA has remained an attractive place for people to locate. Over time, the age, race, cultural and religious diversity of the area has increased and there is active engagement between residents of all ages. The cost of housing has limited those who can afford to live here, drawing those with professional backgrounds and incomes above those in much of the rest of the County.
Participation in arts and crafts has increased over the years. The relative seclusion of the area, the presence of other artists and the Community’s support for the arts--natural and man-made--have drawn new artists to the area. Communications technology has helped artists remain here while marketing their works more broadly. The Farmers/Crafts Market is a vibrant part of the Community’s outdoor season. As the number of local artists grew, a Community Cultural Center/Gallery was finally constructed at Norwegian Point to host cultural events and provide an outlet for local arts and crafts. In addition to local cultural events, a variety of busses and van pools have increased access to cultural events outside the GHA.
The economic underpinnings remain much the same as in 2005. Communications technology has played a critical role in enhancing telecommuting, home businesses and other local businesses. Home businesses have been carefully regulated to insure that, as they expand, they continue to be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. Area residents have resisted zoning additional land for commercial purposes in favor of preserving the rural character of the area. In “downtown” Hansville, Hansville Grocery continues to provide wine and food and a community meeting spot. A restaurant and Cultural Center/Gallery have been added as part of or adjacent to the park at Norwegian Point. Several Bed and Breakfast establishments offer lodging as well as dining experiences for local residents and visitors.
Education remains a priority for residents who actively volunteer in the school system. Residents continue to support school levies. The school facilities are well maintained and the Kingston High School has improved learning opportunities for students as well as access to adult learning. The district continues to attract well-qualified staff. Improved telecommunications technology has increased the opportunities for “Distance Learning” and the Poulsbo campus of Olympic College has also improved opportunities for adult education.
Preservation of the natural environment has remained a top priority for local residents. A key concern in 2006 was the prospective negative impact of the anticipated doubling of the population on the Community’s Values. As a result, residents acted to moderate growth rates and have insisted on careful development that is consistent with Community values. The result is a “rural feeling” environment which maintains natural beauty, natural resources, local wildlife and provides maximum opportunity to view and access the natural environs. For example, light pollution has been restricted in order to preserve the beautiful views of the night skies.
Changes in “Best Land Management Practices” means that clear cutting that occurred until 2005 has been severely limited or is no longer used. In addition, as a result of Community Concerns about clear cutting and development of commercial forest parcels, a sub-committee of the Community Advisory/Coordinating Council met with forest property owners beginning in 2006 to cooperatively develop land and forest management plans that met the Community’s Values for lands within the GHA.
Recycling of all materials is available at an expanded recycling center and curbside recycling is available to all households. Yard waste recycling is convenient and outdoor burning has been significantly restricted. Local residents are aware of the potential negative impacts of various chemicals on the environment and are sensitive in their use. The area remains clean and quiet.
While there was no desire to incorporate the GHA, a local GHA Community Advisory/Coordinating Council was created in 2006. The group, which includes representatives of each sub-area and all major organizations in the GHA has helped to implement many of the ideas proposed by the Futures Process in 2006. The group also serves to coordinate other events in the GHA and represents the GHA with outside agencies and developers. The Council actively monitors proposed regulations and developments affecting the area and keeps the GHA informed about them.
GHA residents are actively represented and involved in government advisory committees and boards and commissions that affect the area. The GHA has retained good relationships with Kitsap County – especially the Parks and Recreation Department. The Good Neighbor Agreement pioneered with the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe has been mutually beneficial and has built a strong relationship between our communities. Congressional candidates attend local “Candidates Fairs” as awareness of the political influence of the GHA increased. Concern remains about the impact of high taxes on the ability of some local residents to remain in the area.
The majority of homes in the area remain single family and most are occupied full time. The rural feeling of the area has remained with lot sizes no smaller than those permitted in 2006. However, where developers sought greater density, they have had to provide amenities that reflected the Community’s Values. As housing density increased there were concerns about unforeseen negative impacts that any neighbor’s lifestyle and actions could have on their neighbors; fortunately, most neighbors continued to be sensitive to these impacts. Trees and natural areas have been left, wherever possible as property has developed. Communal housing is available for residents who can no longer maintain their homes and properties but are still independent enough to live outside an “assisted care” facility. This allows many long time residents to remain in the GHA.
The Hansville Community Center continues to be a social center for the GHA. Services like home health care and meals on wheels are more widely available. Medical, dental and urgent care services have been expanded in Kingston but residents are still faced with traveling outside the GHA to access these services. Fortunately, there are more community-based transport options in addition to Kitsap Transit to help residents reach human services.
The development and use of the “spine” of the GHA owned by Olympic Resources was a concern to residents. Potential for continued clear cutting of timber or the likelihood of development at higher densities and resulting loss of wildlife habitat were found to be especially alarming as either would directly conflict with the Community’s Values. As a result, the Community pursued two alternative solutions. The Community explored a combination of grants, contributions from Olympic Resources and a local taxing district to purchase the property in the spine and preserve it in its natural state for future generations. A subcommittee of the Community Advisory Council also met with Olympic Resources around 2006 to engage in an effort to cooperatively plan for the long term use of the area. In return for preservation of a continuous central natural wildlife corridor along the entire spine, the Community agreed to clustered development along the edges of the area with densities higher than the 2006 limit of one home per 20 acres. The result was the preservation of a significant natural area and wildlife habitat.
In all areas, development that has occurred has been consistent with Community Values. Permitted zoning density outside of the “spine” has remained at 2006 levels. In addition, new developments have preserved as many trees as possible to serve as buffers for noise reduction and privacy.
Storm water runoff and drainage regulations have increased to limit erosion and protect the quality of surrounding surface waters. The variety of farms, livestock rearing, nurseries, winery and home services that existed in 2006 have been maintained and integrated into the rural setting.
Parks continue to be a defining characteristic of the GHA. Water access has been maintained and improved with the development of Norwegian Point and the Point No Point Resort in a fashion that reduced negative impacts on nearby property owners. . Shorelines have been maintained and improved in a manner that balances the benefits to private owners as well as the marine ecosystem. The Greenway Trail system is complete. The trail system and local parks were developed and are maintained through a unique partnership between the County and local volunteers. The area is proud that it continues to serve as a national model for volunteer involvement in community development. A continuous wildlife corridor has been preserved along the Peninsula thanks to the agreements with Olympic Resources. The park at Norwegian Point is a beautiful, low impact development. The boat launch at the Point No Point Resort property has proven popular with area fishermen. A safe bicycle loop has been completed around the GHA. All sub-areas of the GHA have access to inter-connecting trails.
Neighborhood Watch programs along with increased Sheriff’s patrols have improved public safety. The roads are safer with improved traffic enforcement, better signage, and the use of community volunteers to monitor speeding. The GHA now has a good Emergency Preparedness Plan, ongoing citizen training, and one or more emergency shelters. Information about emergencies, natural disasters or just power outages is readily available in real time thanks to a new north end radio station in the County and/or other forms of alert systems.
Emergency response continues to be good and has improved in the event of disaster thanks to a new road between highway 104 and Little Boston/Delaney Road. The Sheriff has created a partnership with the Tribe to enhance public safety in the GHA. In addition, local volunteers have worked with the Sheriff’s Office to improve public safety in the area.
Increased traffic and concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety has been a major impact of growth in the area. While traffic has increased and with it noise and safety issues, a number of steps have been taken to minimize these impacts. Innovative design of added capacity has reduced the number and impact of roads required to serve the increased population.
The roads are safer and adequate for the traffic load. Traffic/speed control techniques and devices have improved safety and compliance with traffic laws. All primary roads have separated bike and pedestrian paths. Road signage is better throughout the GHA.
Ferry service is still expensive but more available. There is regular foot ferry service between Kingston and Seattle at times that are convenient for both commuters and other users.
Kitsap Transit services are available but still struggle to provide a high level of service to a “rural” area. As a result, Community and/or small private providers provide access for non-driving residents to outside services. Small carpool lots have been developed.
Electrical, water and phone services (including cell phone service) are good, meet the area’s growth and needs, and, except for electrical service, are reliable. Telecommunications have continued to improve and service to the GHA is comparable to or better than in other areas within the region. “Wireless” use is standard and of good quality throughout the GHA. Although the Port Gamble electrical substation was completed in 2006, power outages continue to be an issue in the GHA. Septic systems are well maintained due to greater community awareness and County enforcement. In addition, septic system technology has improved and reduced the negative impacts on the environment of older systems.
All in all as we reflect at the beginning of this year of 2020, the majority of residents concur that their vision of the future, although slightly altered by circumstances unforeseen in 2006, has been realized and, unlike many surrounding communities which lacked the foresight and dedication of the citizens of the GHA, they have seen the values about which so many cared continue to strengthen the community and anchor decisions made about its future.