City of Bellingham wa s h i n g t o n A PR I L 2 0 0 8

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Council Approves Old Town Plan City Council approved the Old Town The Old Town Plan will: Sub-Area Plan and Development Regulations on March 17, 2008. The public’s significant • Include design guidelines that contribution to this multi-year planning reinforce and highlight Old Town’s effort was instrumental in formulating the historic past; final plan components. • Increase allowable density; In this issue Old Town is a vital link between the • Allow a healthy and diverse mix of Central Business District and the waterfront residential and commercial uses; 2 Public input for North and is identified as a future urban village Bellingham Park in the Comprehensive Plan, Bellingham’s • Encourage a safe, convenient and strategy for accommodating growth. The attractive pedestrian experience; plan can provide a template for how other 2 Parks in Our proposed urban villages can capture and • Protect key view corridors and enhance their unique qualities, and improve landmark buildings with strategic Neighborhoods overall livability. height and bulk limits; • Provide predictability for the 3 Planning and While Old Town has many attributes community and potential investors. necessary for the creation of an urban Community village, a master plan (Sub-Area Plan) and For more information and to see the Development News supporting development regulations are current draft documents, see the City’s needed in order to encourage and guide website at www.cob.org or contact Tara Sundin development. Since 2005, the City has at the Planning & Community Development 3 Public Works in worked with the community to develop a Department, 778-8392, [email protected]. Our Neighborhoods plan for Old Town. This planning effort looked at the broader Old Town area, which includes parts of the Lettered Streets and 4 small and Simple Central Business District neighborhoods. Grant Awards

Mayor 5 Neighborhood A letter from Dan Pike Traffic Calming

Last month, I reported to the City We have made solid and meaningful Council and the Bellingham Community movement toward our intended outcomes on progress made during the first 100 and in a couple instances we broadened days of my term as Mayor. The 100-Day our original action steps, to be more far- Plan was essentially an act of good faith reaching. I hope you will take a moment to by my administration to our community. review my 100-Day Plan report, posted The function of the Plan was to drive on the City’s website at www.cob.org Dan Pike meaningful steps toward addressing the Mayor of Bellingham issues our community cares deeply about. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Public input continues Mayor’s Letter CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 for north Bellingham Park We are working diligently The City continues to seek input Court, from 7-8:30 p.m. on the second to promote the transparent and in the master planning for a recently Thursday of each month as follows: inclusive government principles acquired 20-acre park in north Bellingham that are, and will continue to be, known as “Cordata Park.” • Thursday, April 10, 2008 central to my administration. We • Thursday, May 8, 2008 believe that ready accessibility Interested residents are invited to • Thursday, June 12, 2008 to information is an important participate in monthly steering committee • Thursday, July 10, 2008 component. In March, the meetings through August. Discussion Monday afternoon City Council topics will include design elements of the • Thursday, August 14, 2008 committee meetings, and the park, naming the park, and trail alignment For more information, please contact: Monday evening regular meetings through the park. City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation, that follow them, began airing 778-7000, [email protected] or visit the city live on BTV10. These meetings Meetings will be held in the Chapel website at www.cob.org. repeat several times each week and Room of the Birchwood Community are posted to view on the City’s Presbyterian Church, 400 Meadowbrook website. One more illustration of Parks in Our Neighborhoods Project Updates our commitment to public participation and input was the Alabama Hill: 2009. Design features include parking, March launch of the “Code and Big Rock Trail will be a 6’ wide crushed restroom facilities, playground, trails and Character Task Force.” The Task gravel trail connecting Big Rock Park trail connections. Public Meeting will be Force was designed to bring and the Klipsun Trail near Barkley Blvd announced. together a diverse group of and is currently in design. Construction community members to help us is expected to begin early May and be South Neighborhood: develop curriculum for Planning complete by the end of September 2008. Inspiration Point Overlook - Academy II – Green Bellingham: Reconstruction project involves an Achieving Infill; Enhancing Birchwood: existing overlook, near Woodstock Farm, Character, scheduled to begin later Squalicum Creek Park Phase One is to Chuckanut Bay. Site access planning this month. This year’s planning currently in construction phase, which is for vehicle and pedestrian access. academy will be dynamic and expected to be complete spring 2008. Construction planned for Spring 2009. community-centered and will set The project includes a new irrigated and Public Meeting will be announced. the stage for neighborhoods and drained baseball field, restroom facilities, other community stakeholders parking lot, paths, landscaping, and Whatcom Falls: to collaborate on neighborhood utility services. Lower Restroom design infill and character. and Playground. Construction planned Columbia: for June 2008. Construction complete by These are but two examples Carl Lobe Park renovation is currently mid-September. out to bid. Construction start is estimated of new initiatives and action steps to begin early July and end mid-August York: that will be rolled out this year to 2008 Franklin Park Site Development Plan is involve and inform about ongoing currently in design and includes these City efforts to always set a high Cornwall: park improvements: a new playground, standard for quality public service Cornwall Park South Playground lawn regrade, new internal path delivery. The effort to realize our renovation is currently out to bid. system, park shelter, basketball court objectives will be remarkable but Construction start is estimated to begin resurfacing, landscaping, and other park I know we are up to the challenge. mid-August and end late September amenities. Anticipate the project will be This community has clearly 2008. put out to bid summer 2008. articulated its values, and we at City Hall will continue to work Mount Baker: For more information, please contact: collaboratively to manifest them. Northridge Park Phase Two is currently Jonathan Schilk, Landscape Architect, City of in predesign mode. Park staff is in the Bellingham Parks and Recreation, 778-7000, Mayor Dan Pike process of selecting design consultants. [email protected] Construction is expected to occur in Planning and Community Public Works in Development News Our Neighborhoods Planning Academy II The Planning and Community Project Updates Development Department conducted an Encourages Collaboration extensive mailing in February notifying all Central Business District and Creativity property owners and current residents of Railroad Avenue Covered Bike the project and related photographic and Facility – Only one bid was Green Bellingham: Achieving Infill; survey work. The consultant team and received and was well over the Enhancing Character is a series of volunteers will provide informative flyers budget. The City will purchase evening workshops on urban infill and to explain the nature of the project. bike racks for installation without neighborhood preservation that the City a shelter. is hosting beginning Wednesday, April Surveyors are instructed to respect 30th which will run through the month Champion Street Water Main private property and take photos only from and Streetscape Improvement – of May. Each neighborhood may appoint the public right of way. It is anticipated Street resurfacing is complete. two representatives to attend the entire that the “alley photography” will continue Pavement markings scheduled for Pre-registration is required for all series. through the month of April. week of 3/31 -4/6. participants. For more information, please contact: Art and Children’s Museum – In addition to neighborhood Katie Franks, Development Specialist II, City Tilt panels for the east wall were appointees, the Mayor-appointed Code of Bellingham, Planning and Community poured and erected; west wall and Character Task Force is helping Development Department, 778-8388, kfranks@ scheduled for first week of April. to design the curriculum and identify cob.org stakeholders who will be invited to attend Guide Meridian/Cordata the workshops. Participants will include Meridian Street Water and Sewer representatives of Bellingham business Extension (State Department of and education communities. Planning Transportation Project) – Sewer Academy II sessions will also include main construction to commence two Open Houses where any interested soon. citizen may stop by and provide feedback Orientation to House & on the various infill strategies that will be Property History Research Puget explored during the Academy. The goal Bike and Pedestrian of Planning Academy II is to provide a Saturday April 5th, 2008 Improvements – Pervious “toolkit” of creative and innovative forms sidewalk installation complete; Bellingham Public Library / of residential infill that build and enhance rain garden planting to commence Lecture Room community. soon. 210 Central Avenue - 778-7323 For more information, please contact: Nicole Oliver, Communication Coordinator Morning Session: Roosevelt with the Planning & Community Development 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Woburn and Alabama Intersection Department, 778-8353, [email protected]. Improvements – Installed • Access information from local resources pavement markings; landscaping and title companies to start after rain garden repair; • Use resources at the State Roosevelt Neighborhood Survey of Northwest Regional Archives, the Association installing bench. Historic Resources Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, the Photo Archives and The Planning and Community the Bellingham Public Library Silver Beach Development Department, in coordination Northshore Road and Drainage with the Whatcom Museum and Afternoon Session: Improvements – Open house for Bellingham Public Library, is sponsoring 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm residents and interested parties a survey of historic resources in the held on 3/20/08; project out to bid Lettered Streets, York, and South Hill • Consultants for the Preserve America soon. Neighborhoods. Historic Resource Survey & Inventory will provide answers to questions CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 Part of the survey involves volunteers may have neighborhood volunteers taking For more information and/or to register photographs of buildings from the contact: Katie Franks, Planning and alleyways, where accessible. Community Development Department, 778-8388, [email protected] Water Main Flushing Begins Public Works in The Public Works Department has • If your water looks rusty - do not run Our Neighborhoods started its annual water main flushing the hot water; wait a few minutes and program, with a pilot program using new run the cold water for a short time. Project Updates technology in the area above Silver Beach • If the water does not clear - wait a few Avenue north to Roma Road and between more minutes and try again; continue Chandler Parkway and Britton Road. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 until the water clears.

Sunnyland The pilot program will take place • IMPORTANT NOTE: Avoid washing James Street 2008 Enhanced Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to white clothes when your water is Pedestrian Crossings – Presented 4:00 p.m. throughout the month of April. discolored as it may cause staining. to Sunnyland Neighborhood The regular flushing program will begin Association on 3/18/08; project out in May. City-wide flushing locations will For questions or concerns regarding the to bid on 4/3/08. be announced through local media in late flushing program, contact: City of Bellingham April. Public Works Department , 778-7000

Multiple Neighborhoods • Flushing the water lines may cause 2006 – 2007 Sewer discoloration from minerals and Replacements – Construction sediments that are being flushed out. in South Hill commenced in February and nearing completion. Old Fairhaven Parkway 2006 Street Lighting Replacements – Small and Simple Grant Awards Construction underway; new light The Mayor has awarded 21 Small neighborhood radio programming, street standards erected; work on street and Simple grants to local organizations, tree planting, Pickett House repairs, poetry crossings commencing soon. totaling $40,000. Forty-two grant and art events, installation of a labyrinth at Cornwall Avenue and Water applications were received, requesting Fairhaven Park and a pavilion at Boulevard Main Replacements – Began more than $92,000 in matching funds. Park, and soccer goals for an elementary construction on 3/17/08; update Applications were submitted by a wide school playfield. to Sunnyland Neighborhood variety of neighborhood and community Association on 3/18/08; Public organizations. For a complete list of grant awards, see the Works is soliciting input on City’s web site at: www.cob.org. pavement markings, specifically The Small and Simple Grant program bike lane, as part of the final provides financial assistance to an array restoration. of activities and projects, including

Information about these and other Public Works projects can be found in the “road closures and Neighborhood Programming restrictions” notice posted each The American Museum of Radio listeners what’s great about their week in the “news” section of the City’s web site at www.cob.org. and Electricity (AMRE) was awarded a neighborhood and what gives their Small and Simple Grant for 2008. Grant neighborhood its own unique identity. For more information about Public funds will be used to produce a series Works Projects, please contact: of programs that highlight Bellingham’s AMRE staff will contact neighborhood Ravyn S. Whitewolf, P.E., Engineering neighborhoods. Programming will be representatives in May, with recording and Manager, City of Bellingham Public broadcast on the museum’s radio station, production of the series to begin in June. Works Engineering Division, 778-7900 KMRE-LP 102.3 FM. Broadcast will take place as part of KMRE’s fall lineup starting in September. Neighborhood programming will be designed to showcase the distinct features For more information, please contact the of each neighborhood. Programming museum at 738-3886 or visit the museum made possible by the Small and Simple website at www.amre.us. Grant will provide an opportunity for community members to tell KMRE’s Public Meeting for Whatcom Youth Neighborhood Traffic Calming Service Day Awards Ceremony Time: 6:30–8:30pm Why are these traffic Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Saturday, April 26, 2008 Location: Municipal Court Building calming measures being 1:00 PM-3:00 PM Address: 2014 ‘C’ St., Bellingham, WA proposed? Bellingham Boys & Girls Club The Public Works Department will In 2007, neighborhoods requested 1715 Kentucky Street hold an open house public meeting to that these residential streets be evaluated You are invited to a community present and discuss proposed traffic for traffic calming measures available awards ceremony recognizing the calming measures on the following through the Neighborhood Traffic Safety work and dedication of Whatcom residential streets in Bellingham: Program (NTSP). The City has counted, County youth towards strengthening evaluated, identified particular issues, and our community and world. Hear Sunnyland Neighborhood: is proposing solutions on each one of the stories of creativity and change while King Street between Kentucky & Texas streets listed above. supporting the engagement of youth Grant Street between Virginia & in Whatcom County. Alabama Why should you attend? Do you know of a youth (age 5-25) This will be your opportunity to see Columbia Neighborhood: or youth-focused club that should East Victor Street the proposed traffic calming measure for between Meridian & be recognized for their community Northwest the problem identified on each street and efforts? Contact Adrienne Battis to share your opinion with Public Works at 738-1196. Birchwood Neighborhood: staff and others who may be affected. All Alderwood Avenue between Cherrywood property owners on these streets receive A project of the Whatcom Family & & city limits meeting notices mailed 14 days in advance Community Network. of the meeting. Roosevelt Neighborhood: Pacific Street between Alabama & What happens after Maryland the meeting? Photo competition Amateur and professional What is “Traffic Calming”? Unless there is majority opposition photographers of all ages are invited to the proposed traffic calming solution, In situations where local or cut- to participate in the “Essence of construction will occur in the summer through traffic is causing problems, Bellingham” photo competition, the of 2008. speed humps, traffic islands, chicanes, third annual opportunity for people to capture and share images of or diverters can be installed to slow cars If you can’t attend the meeting and want traveling too fast for local residential to comment, contact: Chris Comeau, Bellingham life. The competition is conditions. Transportation Planner, City of Bellingham sponsored by the Mayor’s Office and Public Works Department, 778-7900 Whatcom Museum.

OR Send written comments to: Winners receive special [email protected] until 5:00pm, recognition by Mayor Dan Pike Wednesday April 23, 2008 and the Bellingham City Council, have their work on public display, featured on BTV10 and the City of Bellingham website, and added to the Museum’s photo collection.

The deadline for entries is May 15, 2008.

Complete contest details and entry forms are available at www.cob.org/eob on the City’s website, along with winning photographs from past competitions.