The public can now comment on the Port of South Whidbey’s application to change the zoning to allow housing at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds.

From Jan. 6 to Jan. 22, comments on the application can be submitted electronically to planning@langleywa.org, mailed to PO Box 366 or dropped off at Langley City Hall.

At a city council meeting this week, Langley Director of Community Planning Meredith Penny provided an update about the application’s status. Originally submitted in August 2022, the application requests an amendment to the city’s zoning code that makes housing an allowed use at the fairgrounds. The port has plans to build and maintain rental workforce housing, which is designated as being for workers who earn 80% to 120% of Island County’s area median income.

The proposal has gained attention from a handful of people who have regularly made public comments in opposition during the past few city council meetings in Langley. However, no one was present Jan. 2 to speak against it.

Penny told the council that city staff have thought of ways to ensure that housing — which would go above newly built concession stands — doesn’t interfere with fairgrounds activities, such as the inclusion of specific language that housing is a permitted use of the fairgrounds provided that square footage dedicated to fairgrounds activities shall not be hindered.

But Angi Mozer, the port’s executive director, pointed out during the meeting that the use of this language would not be entirely fair, since the current food booths extend beyond the port’s property line. Rebuilding them will mean the fairgrounds’ square footage will be impacted.

Mozer said the port has worked with an architect to ensure that space available to the midway would be similar, and the stage would be maintained for fair productions. The port is also working with the Fair Association.

“We won’t move forward with something that interferes again with fair activities,” she said.

Last year, port leaders created controversy by deciding not to ask tenants of buildings on the fairgrounds to vacate during the Whidbey Island Fair, which was the practice in the past. The decision left less room for fair exhibits and activities.

Penny explained that in denying or approving the port’s request for a zoning change, the council is dealing with the overlay in general and not specific housing projects that may occur on the fairgrounds. While the council could add specific criteria such as setbacks from property lines, impervious surface amounts, height and bulk, it could not restrict where housing can go on the property.

“Personally, as the only person of color on the council, I feel that more housing and housing for people who work here, is what’s needed,” Councilmember Harolynne Bobis said. “And if the city is not willing to do that much, that to me is an indication of who you want to be in your city.”

Council members discussed the possibility of a site visit, which Mozer welcomed.

The application process is still in the early stages. Eventually, an ordinance will be drafted and adopted if the council decides to move forward with the changes.