A Summer Update from the Pea Patch Communit

Over the coming weeks, you'll notice more activity on the property as OPAL Community Land Trust prepares the site for construction. OPAL is taking important steps—from fire department training exercises to utility installation and site work—that bring us closer to creating a permanent home for the Orcas Island Food Bank and 20 affordable homes for our community.

Here's a look at what's happening this summer.

Training Today, Building Tomorrow: Fire District Training at Pea Patch

The tenant who was renting the little cottage at 157 Pea Patch Lane moved out. Based on the existing conditions assessment done by Falkin in 2024, OPAL determined that this building is not worth saving. The building will be demolished this summer and the location turned into an RV pad that OPAL Community Land Trust may make available to the construction crew during the construction of the housing. The site could then be available in the future for off-island contractors or other temporary needs. 

Prior to demolition, Lisa Byers, the executive director of the OPAL Community Land Trust, has granted permission to the Orcas Island Fire District to use the building for drills with fire fighters. They will practice using hoses around a building, entering a house when the door is blocked, cutting through a roof to gain access. The neighbors in the area were consulted and are supportive. The Fire District is assuming all liability for their members.

The first drill occurred July 2. Drills will also occur July 16, and Aug. 6 and 20.

Preparing the Ground for What's Ahead:  Utilities, stormwater, earthwork, construction activity

OPAL is on the cusp on having all their ducks in a row for utility installation and stormwater catchment. This means, you will likely see some bigger earthwork and equipment on site in the coming weeks. OPAL is working on a construction sign to help passersby understand what is taking shape. 

For more info on the Pea Patch Campus, visit orcasislandfoodbank.org/our-future-home.

When Governor Ferguson signed the capital budget last week, it included $824,000 for completion of the first phase of site work for the Pea Patch Community Campus! This means that site preparation work, installation of utilities, stormwater detention, a new entrance road, signs and the first phase of landscaping – everything needed to complete sub-division of the property —  can be accomplished this year. Site preparation and utlity installation work has already begun on the property. 

“Strong communities are built by people who know who they are, where they come from, and what their community truly needs,” said Lekanoff. “As a Native American who has lived through generations of paternal decision-making—where institutions came in to build for us rather than with us—I understand the difference. The Pea Patch stands apart because it was shaped by the community itself—rooted in their knowledge, their responsibility to the land, their stewardship of resources, and their commitment to the people who call the San Juan Islands home—not just for today, but for generations to come.

This work reflects the values of the community, and I am deeply grateful. I also want to recognize that I could not have focused on this project without the generosity and leadership of my colleagues, Rep Alex Ramel and Senator Liz Lovelett. As I carried this effort forward, they carried so many capital projects across the 40th District. This is what it means to be a team—the 40th District dream team—and they deserve our heartfelt appreciation.”

Construction on the new OPAL rental neighborhood on the Pea Patch is expected to begin in September.  Food Bank construction will follow after sufficient funds are raised to build the Food Bank’s building.  

The fundraising campaign to build the Pea Patch is making progress this spring with a series of major gifts and matching challenge grants. To date, more than 80% of the estimated $40M has been committed. Please reach out to Suzanne Olson at suzanne@opalclt.org if you’d like to learn more about the campaign and ways to support the project. 

The Pea Patch Community Campus is under development at 55 Pea Patch Lane, on the historic Lavender Farm, north of Eastsound Village. The unified social services campus will include a new permanent building for our Orcas Island Food Bank with greater capacity to meet the growing needs of the community and twenty new long-term townhome rentals with supportive services to serve households with very low incomes. The Pea Patch Community Campus is a collaboration of OPAL Community Land Trust, the Orcas Island Food Bank, the Orcas Island Community Foundation and the Orcas community. Learn more at https://peapatchcommunitycampus-campaign.org.