Eastsound in 20 years could look much as it does now, with its two-story buildings and 10-foot setbacks, or it could develop in an entirely different way. It’s up to the county – and the community, according to the Eastsound Plan Review Committee.

The EPRC is the longest-standing advisory committee for Eastsound. It meets monthly, discusses planning and growth issues, and reports back to the county. It is run by a board of volunteers, who all say they want to see more public involvement.

“Eastsound is one of the largest centers of population, next to the town of Friday Harbor, but because it is unincorporated all of its tax money is part of the county budget,” board member Mindy Kayl said. “The people of Eastsound need to put pressure on the county to spend the money right here. If the county dedicates time and resources to Eastsound we could look forward instead of back.”

The EPRC is presenting a prime opportunity for the community to speak directly with those in charge of planning.

After its successful event in December, the group is hosting its next open house on Monday, May 4 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Senior Center. There will be booths on a myriad of topics and light snack fare.

“We will be taking input and comments and presenting them to the county council at our annual report in June,” Kayl said. “It’s also an opportunity to talk with specific county employees who are responsible for how Eastsound will look in the future. It’s a chance to hear about changes that are inevitable.”

The open house is centered around most of the EPRC’s top priorities for 2009, which are: pursuing the decision for how to use the Mount property in the heart of Eastsound (between Orcas Athletics and the Outlook Inn), which has been evaluated for both stormwater and parking uses; pursuing the restoration of public access to Madrona Point in conjunction with its 20-year anniversary celebration (the property – owned by the Lummis – has been closed to the public after careless use of it); completing the streetscape plan that will depict long range plans for sidewalks, curbs and gutters, landscaping, and on-street parking; and adopt a housing element based on analysis of projected growth.

There will be a booth manned by the Community Development and Planning Department and senior planner Colin Maycock will have population growth and housing needs data.

Public Works will discuss stormwater and the plan for stormwater treatment on the Mount property. The EPRC will provide information on the preliminary plan for streetscape and parking and the current and future status of Madrona Point. Eastsound’s sewer and water utilities will be there, as will the San Juan Island Conservation District and the San Juan County Land Bank.

In addition to the open house, board members say that locals can give their two cents any time.

“Public input is always welcome at meetings, which are on the first Thursday of each month. And we have a presence on the county’s website,” Kayl said. There is also an open position on the board.

Members of the EPRC say that Eastsound is going to be what the public wants it to be, if they plan for it.

“We have to throw it back to the citizens,” board member Bob Connell said. “If you don’t come and comment, well…”