By Dennis Box-The Courier-Herald

Inlet Island community members are preparing to voice their concerns about zoning on the island at Tuesday’s Bonney Lake City Council workshop.

Members of the community have been meeting and walking around the island talking to the residents about the issue.

The council is considering a change to the zoning on the island from R-2 (residential-2) to R-1.

Members will take public testimony at the Tuesday meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m.

R-1 is principally for single-family residents and R-2 allows higher densities including duplexes.

James Chaney, a resident on the island, said people have been meeting at his house and there were meetings for the community at the clubhouse Oct. 30 and Nov. 1.

“We are doing the best we can to inform everyone,” Chaney said. “Generally everyone wants R-1.”

Chaney said he thinks about 97 percent of the residents are in favor of changing the zoning to R-1.

“Our biggest concern is safety,” Chaney said. “There is one way on the island and one way off.”

Chaney said emergency services, bus routes and increased traffic are a concern with higher densities. He estimates there are about 100 empty lots or lots with mobile homes “where duplexes could easily go.”

Duplexes are one of the main concerns of the residents on the island.

“A lot of people have been working to get the island more family oriented,” Chaney said. “Many of us feel changing to R-1 is a step in the right direction. There is a big hope this will improve the area.”

The council will also be looking at rezoning the Church Lake area from R-2 to R-1 and a Comprehensive Plan change for the property owned by Josh Hulburt at 9202 184th Ave. E.

The Planning Commission recommended keeping the island’s zoning at R-2, but officials voted before information concerning Cedar Grove came forward.

If Cedar Grove is rezoned to R-3, high density residential, which is the plan, then rezoning Inlet Island and the Church Lake area will help the city meet it density requirements under the Growth Management Act.

Reach Dennis Box at dbox@courierherald.com or 360-802-8209.