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Lummi
Island Facts
Following are answers to a few of the most
commonly asked questions about Lummi Island.
1. We are not a part of the Lummi Indian Reservation.
2. Our children may go to school on the Island
through grade 6, after which they are bussed to Ferndale. The Ferndale
school system is excellent, with elementary, middle, and high schools
having been recognized as Schools of Excellence.
3. We have our own post office, zip code 98262.
4. The ferry is, on rare occasions, unable to
run due to bad weather. It goes into dry dock for general repairs
and maintenance for about two weeks every year. During that time
the county provides a foot passenger boat and parking on the mainland
and a shuttle van on the Island.
5. There are 2 Bed and Breakfasts and ten or more
vacation rental homes on the Island. Other facilities include a
general store, 2 restaurants, fresh seafood sales in season, art
gallery and espresso stand.
6. The ferry runs weekdays from 5:40 in the morning
until midnight and will continue to run on an unscheduled basis
if cars are left on either side after a scheduled run during that
time period. Weekend and holiday hours are 7:00 am to midnight.
7. We have an excellent volunteer fire department
and EMT unit.
8. There are two churches on the Island. The classic
white building is affiliated with the United Church of Christ but
welcomes people of any denomination. The other congregation meets
in the Grange Hall and is affiliated with Hillcrest Chapel in Bellingham.
9. The official publication of the Island is the
Lummi Island Community Club Newsletter, which is published every
month except July and December. It is sent free to all Islanders
and to subscribers off the Island by either regular or e-mail.
10. We have a branch of the Whatcom County Library.
The building is owned and maintained for that purpose by a community
group, Friends of Island Library.
11. Most beaches on the Island are private. The
one across from the Beach Store Cafe is owned by Whatcom County
and accessible to the public.
12. We are served by St. Joseph's Medical Helicopter
in event of severe medical emergency.
13. Maximum density for any land divisions since
1979 has been 1 unit per 3 acres, and in some areas it is less.
Smaller lots established prior to 1979 are buildable provided they
meet county standards for water, septic, and setbacks. Much of
the Island is subject to regulation under the Shoreline Management
Act. Rules have been changing rapidly, so while we will share our
knowledge with you, it is important that you check with the appropriate
agency before making any land use decisions.
14. Some water associations are not currently
in compliance with state water standards. Whether it is appropriate
for you to buy in one of these areas will depend on your building
schedule. Some Island wells contain arsenic, which can be removed.
15. It can be difficult to get an appraisal necessary
for a bank loan to come in at the sales price of the property due
to the small size of our market and the lack of comparables. This
may mean a buyer will need a larger down payment than would otherwise
be the case. We also find it advantageous to work with local lenders
(underwriters) in financing Island property.
16. Each area of the Island has its advantages
over others. In general, the east side has views of Mt. Baker and
superior boat moorage. The west side has beautiful sunsets and
more sun. Lummi Island Scenic Estates has amenities such as a boat
launch and swimming lake.
17. Taxes for 2007 are at approximately $1110
per $100,000 of assessed valuation. New valuations will apply in
2008.
18. Permanent population on the Island is approximately
900.
19. Police protection on the Island is provided
by the Whatcom County Sheriff's Department. 911 service is in place.
20. High speed internet service is available through
Qwest, which is also the Island telephone provider.
21. Ferry fees may be paid in two different ways.
The cash fare is $5.00 for a car and $2.00 for each person. You
can buy punch cards for 25 trips at a discount of approximately
10%. A rate increase is currently under consideration.
For answers to the questions raised by your reading of this list,
call Rich or Lylene at 303-1327 or 527-8766.
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