In a unanimous vote, the Whatcom County council selected the less popular of two potential sites for a new community center. 3.7 acres across the street from the elementary school at the intersection of Kendall Rd and Mount Baker Highway was favored by residents for its easy access to all of the east county communities. However, the Whatcom County Council chose 6.2 acres within the new development Balfour Village instead.

Balfour Village developers offered the land to the community for free, while the other property was approximately $250,000. It is also a large piece of land and comes with water and sewer. County officials said they chose this land because it was free, had utilities, more land and was within walking distance to thousands of homes.

Supporters of the other location were shocked and some mentioned pursuing the land anyways.

The community center will have health classes, an early childhood center, library, college classes and senior services. East County residents currently have to drive into Bellingham to receive these services.