DISCOVERY BAY – Jefferson County Planning Commission Chairman Peter Downey will not deliberate today on the Security Services Northwest proposal to rezone 40 acres in the hills of Gardiner.
The president of the company, Joe D’Amico, wants to move his shooting range from the west side of Discovery Bay off Old Gardiner Road , about a half-mile from the water, to forested hills two miles west of U.S. Highway 101.
That move necessitates a change in zoning from rural residential to commercial forest. If that’s approved, D’Amico would then apply for a permit through the Jefferson County Department of Community Development for a shooting range.
Some residents brought up the possibility at a hearing on the proposal last week that Downey could have a conflict of interest.
Downey told the Peninsula Daily News on Tuesday that he is recusing himself from deliberating and voting on the issue.
“If people are going to raise it as an issue, I would just rather avoid that issue and let [the Planning Commission] make the decision without me,” Downey said.
The Planning Commission will meet at 4 p.m. at the Washington State University Learning Center, 201 W. Patison St., Port Hadlock, to deliberate and possibly vote on the Security Services Northwest proposed comprehensive plan amendment, as well as seven others.
The Planning Commission will make recommendations to the three county commissioners, who then will decide whether to approve the proposals.
The county commissioners are expected to decide by Dec. 10.
