HomeMy WebLinkAbout061323 FW_ Concerts in the Barn non-conforming use
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From: Scott Freeman
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2023 9:54:23 AM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: Kate Dean; Heidi Eisenhour; Greg Brotherton
Cc: Leigh Hearon; Ken Kagan
Subject: Concerts in the Barn non-conforming use
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Dear Kate, Heidi, and Greg,
I hope this note finds you well. I am writing as a member of the Advisory Board for Concerts in the Barn (CitB), with a request. As Greg knows, Concerts in the Barn has a purchase offer
pending from a party that would like to take ownership of the facility this year with the intention of continuing the tradition of offering live music to Jefferson County residents
and visitors. As part of their due diligence, the party requested confirmation that the property's use as a performance venue and artist retreat was acknowledged by DCD as a nonconforming
use. In response, CitB Director Leigh Hearon and Advisory Board member and attorney Ken Kagan forwarded a 2016 Code Interpretation written by DCD Director David Goldsmith. For reasons
that are not clear to CitB or DCD, however, the Code Interpretation had been stamped "Application Cancelled." Then, in response to a query from CitB in late May of this year, DCD Director
Brent Butler refused to accept the 2016 Code Interpretation as valid.
Right now DCD and CitB are at an impasse. DCD wants CitB to submit an application for a new code interpretation, and CitB wants the DCD to stand by the 2016 Code Interpretation. In an
attempt to clarify the reach and legitimacy of the 2016 opinion, Leigh Hearon recently asked Mr. Goldsmith to review his letter. He did so and affirmed that the 2016 non-conforming
use interpretation was still valid.
As yet, the County hasn't responded to CiTB’s latest letter containing Mr. Goldsmith’s comments. As a result, CitB is uncertain if the County will prohibit the currently scheduled 2023
music season. Leigh Hearon is also concerned that further delays in resolving the non-conforming use issue create a strong possibility that the party interested in purchasing the property
will go elsewhere.
I think I speak for everyone on the Board and in CitB's large audience when I say that it would be heartbreaking to lose this treasured community resource over this issue.
It would benefit everyone who cares about Jefferson County if a brief mediation could be scheduled online, chaired by one of you and with new DCD Director Josh Peters, Phil Hunsucker,
Leigh Hearon, and Ken Kagan attending. (Mr. Hunsucker has been cc'd on all recent correspondence, so has been tracking the issue.) Would one of you have time available this week to
take this on? If so, I'm happy to help move things along by distributing a WhenIsGood poll to the parties mentioned.
Thank you so much for considering this request, and for your continued good work on behalf of Jefferson County.
Best wishes,
Scott
Scott Freeman
2110 E Quilcene Rd
Quilcene WA 98376
360.316.6641