Here’s a list of frequently-asked questions regarding the South Fidalgo Island Subarea Plan process. Have more questions? E-mail Jeroldine Hallberg at County Planning Services by clicking here.
Q: What is the South Fidalgo Island Strategic Vision?
A: The Fidalgo strategic vision is a document intended to guide the writing of the future subarea plan. That plan will in turn guide decision-making and growth for the South Fidalgo area over the next 20 years. The strategic vision will help the community consider and recommend land-use patterns for the area, as well as envision water, sanitary sewer, storm-water and transportation needs as driven by growth. The project is to conform to all applicable requirements of the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA), County public participation and related policies, as well as the Skagit County Comprehensive Plan.
Q: Who commissioned the plan, and why?
A: The County Commissioners initiated the subarea plan and strategic vision process to help the community set forth a preferred direction for South Fidalgo. Many residents voiced concern that the previous draft plan fell short of needs and expectations. The strategic vision is intended to get the community involved in articulating what it wants, comparing that to the requirements of the Growth Management Act, and then considering different strategies that the subarea plan can help implement.
Q: How long will the process take?
A: The process to develop the South Fidalgo Island strategic vision, including public meetings and development of plans and policy recommendations, is expected to conclude by March 2007.
Q: Who can take part?
A: All residents or those employed in the South Fidalgo Island area are strongly encouraged to take part in the process.
Q: How do I get involved?
A: The County and its consultant have established an extensive public participation schedule, including public meetings, e-mailed newsletters, mailed notices, interviews with past participants, informal polling, a project website and other methods to engage as many residents as possible. Follow the process on-line here at fidalgo.studiocascade.com, sign up for e-mail notices, and share your thoughts, ideas and concerns!
Q: What will the strategic vision include?
A: To a large degree, the strategic vision will reflect the findings and directions established through the public process. However, basic criteria have been established including the requirement to plan for projected growth, which will influence the types, location and/or intensities of land uses considered as part of the vision.
Q: What became of the 2003 process?
A: Past work on the South Fidalgo Subarea Plan will be referenced as background information throughout the strategic vision and subarea plan process, as filtered through more current resident goals, service and policy needs. Much of the previous work has been archived on Skagit County’s website, linked here.
Q: What happens after the strategic vision is done?
A: The strategic vision document will most likely be developed through a “alternates” process, offering the community several basic paths from which to choose. A recommended alternative will be delivered to County staff, who will then consider the appropriate response in writing the future subarea plan to incorporate the findings of the vision document. The completed subarea plan ultimately will guide budget, infrastructure and policy decisions implemented by the County.
Q: Who is Studio Cascade?
A: Studio Cascade, Inc. is a community and regional planning firm based in Spokane, Washington. Started in 1993 by Bill Grimes, AICP, the firm has grown from a in-home practice in Okanogan to a six-member, award-winning firm with regional and international experience. The firm’s website can be viewed at www.studiocascade.com
