A proposed workforce housing project is moving closer to becoming a reality.

Last fall, Port of South Whidbey Commissioner Curt Gordon presented the concept of creating housing above brand-new concession stands on the port-owned Whidbey Island Fairgrounds.

Now, one year later, port officials are appealing to the city of Langley for a change in the city’s zoning code. The fairgrounds, which are located within city limits, are not currently zoned for housing.

Port officials are hoping to secure some of Island County’s American Rescue Plan Act funds for the project. Up to $135,000 could be awarded for pre-development costs, with the provision that the city of Langley guarantees housing is an allowable use in the zoning of the fairgrounds.

During a city council meeting this week, Langley Director of Community Planning Meredith Penny said the port’s request will also require a change to the underlying public use zone. At this time, amendments to the city’s comprehensive plan are not necessary in order to process the zoning code change.

Because it is not included in this year’s work plan for the city’s planning department, staff reached out to Brigid Reynolds, Langley’s former director of Community Planning, to process the application through her contract planning services. Reynolds estimated that this would take about 100 hours of work, for a total of $7,500. Legal fees for review of the ordinance are an additional $1,500. The city may foot the bill for half of the total cost.

While the council was receptive to the request and supportive of the project, they hesitated to discuss the issue of funding the zoning amendment change and agreed to talk further at the joint meeting between the council and the port at 4 p.m. on Sept. 12.

They did, however, authorize Mayor Scott Chaplin to send a letter to the county’s ARPA program coordinator committing the city to working with the port to figure out the zoning change.

The upcoming joint meeting is open to in-person participation and will also be streamed virtually.