Residents Demand Action to Protect Anatai Community Wildlife

During a recent government meeting, community members from the Anatai area of East Bremerton voiced their concerns regarding local development and environmental preservation. Kathy Lustig, a resident of Rosewood Estates, urged the county to assist in removing Anatai from the Urban Growth Area (UGA) and to downzone her neighborhood, which is adjacent to Anatai Creek, a vital fish-bearing stream. Lustig emphasized the importance of biodiversity and requested that the county consider designating Anatai as a Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area under the critical areas ordinance.

Eric Nemeth, another long-time resident, echoed Lustig's sentiments, calling for a moratorium on development in the area due to grievances against a local developer who is allegedly violating zoning regulations by advertising an Airbnb and event space in a restricted zone. He expressed frustration over the lack of enforcement regarding these violations and the disturbance of local land.

Anthony Augello also supported the call to withdraw Anatai from the UGA, arguing that the area's wetlands and aquifers should be preserved. He criticized the current development plans, stating they were not aligned with the community's needs and highlighted concerns about speeding and law enforcement in unincorporated Kitsap County.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the commissioners to address the community's concerns, particularly regarding the critical areas update and the potential for further discussions on zoning and environmental protections.