The Mercer Island Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on draft Shoreline Master Program at 7:30 p.m., March 16, in the Council Chambers at City Hall. A draft of the proposal is available for review at www.mercergov.org and a copy will be available at city hall for review during business hours.

The City Planning Commission needs feedback from the public on the draft plan prior to making a final recommendation to the City Council.  The public hearing is one of the last chances to provide in-person comments to the Commission.

In 2003, the state Legislature issued a comprehensive set of regulations by which cities and counties are required to update their shoreline regulations which regulate docks, bulkheads, vegetation, building setbacks and uses. On Mercer Island, shorelines regulations typically apply from the middle of Lake Washington to land that extends 200 feet landward from the edge of the lake.

“About a thousand Island landowners are affected by the plan,” said Tim Stewart, Development Services director for the city. “This is a very important hearing for them. This is the time for people who live on the water to ask questions or make comments.”

The staff will take these into consideration when finalizing the draft and make recommendations to the City Council. When approved, it goes to the State Department of Ecology for final approval.

Written comments and questions can be sent to Travis Saunders, 9611 S.E. 36th St., Mercer Island, 98040. For more information, go to www.mercergov.org.