Eastern Whatcom County – For most Bellingham residents, it is a few small towns on the way to Mt. Baker. However, this area is growing faster than most. Kendall, Paradise, Maple Falls, Peaceful Valley, Glacier and Deming all have growing residential areas, but services out there are very limited. Currently, the closest boys and girls club is in Bellingham.

The residents of these towns and the Whatcom County Council want to change that. They are working towards a community center that would have health services, youth and senior activities, a library, job training, a food bank, and adult and distance education. There are two location options available: at the intersection of Mt. Baker Hwy and Kendall Rd across from the elementary school, or in a new housing development on Kendall Rd. The land for the latter option is being offered for free from Marble Falls who are developing 767 homes as well as a commercial center including a grocery store, public services, a sheriff substation and transit hub.

While the first option, at Mt. Baker Hwy and Kendall Rd would cost $258,525 to buy the land, it’s more central location appeals to those living in other towns. The project is expected to cost $5.5 million to build with funding coming from state grants and the economic development fund from Whatcom County.