Allyson Ballard reports from the Coupeville Town Council meeting of Tue., Dec. 9, 2025 for the Whidbey News-Times. Read the whole story.
Summary by Perplexity AI
Coupeville is weighing its first request to elevate an over-water historic building, the 1886 Coupeville Cash Store, as sea level rise increases flooding risks and threatens the town’s distinctive waterfront character. Co-owner Barbara Summers seeks a shoreline variance to raise the building about 20 inches while repairing failing pilings, a project that could cost around $100,000 and take up to 90 days, not counting additional damage or expenses. The proposal has backing from the Historic Preservation Commission and aligns with Coupeville’s Coastal Adaptation Strategy, but officials still lack a coordinated, townwide plan and face steep elevation costs.
