Poulsbo task force eyes county parcel near Highway 3 for affordable housing

The Poulsbo Housing Task Force identified a county-surplused parcel near Highway 3 as a potential site for affordable or workforce housing.

"The county is gonna surplus a parcel that we're looking at very seriously that has infrastructure on it right there at the far end of outside of college marketplace in the UGA, outside the urban growth area, but in our planning area right next to Highway 3," the chair said during the meeting. Task force members confirmed the parcel size discussed in the meeting was about 3.6 acres and noted the acquisition path would require Board of County Commissioners action and subsequent council approval for any direct sale to the city.

Members flagged immediate policy choices if the city pursued the site: whether to set income targeting at low-income (about 60% AMI) or workforce levels (roughly 80–120% AMI), and whether the city would hold the land, use a land-lease model, or partner with a private developer. Staff emphasized the matter is preliminary and contingent on the county's formal surplus process.

Next steps agreed by the group include tracking the county surplus schedule, preparing cost and feasibility estimates, and briefing the council if the county proceeds with a sale. The task force noted any formal step by the city would return to the council for a policy decision.