WHIDBEY NEWS TIMES: Housing organization eyes Freeland motel for affordable units (AUDIO)

Kira Erickson reports from the Island County Commissioners work session on May 18.

During a work session this week, county commissioners discussed a $1.5 million contract that would provide matching funds for [the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI)] to purchase the [Harbor Inn in Freeland] in question and turn it into supportive and bridge housing. A staff member pointed out that approving the funds would help leverage a total of $3.5 million from the state.

They Said It

However, Commissioners Jill Johnson and Melanie Bacon were hesitant to make a decision without the third commissioner, Janet St. Clair, present at the meeting. They both expressed a desire for the public to be able to comment on the matter, which is slated to be on the regular meeting agenda for Tuesday, May 31.

“It is a large amount of money,” Johnson said. “I do think there’s value to the community hearing the conversation.”