The Struggle Between City and County comes to the forefront!
In the years between 2006 and 2022, the City of Bellingham expects their population to grow by nearly 28,000 new residents. The question at hand is where will these people find housing? The City of Bellingham and the Whatcom County Council have very differing views on this subject.
The City of Bellingham is proposing adding a total of 2,128 acres North of Bellingham into what they refer to as the Urban Growth area. The definition of an Urban Growth Area is an area which is allowed higher building density and will eventually be annexed into the city limits. The areas which the City of Bellingham are proposing to be Urban Growth Areas are as follows:
King Mountain: 285 acres south of the Horton Rd, and around King Mountain to the east
Queen Mountian: 36 acres north of the Ross Rd, and east of Mars St
Bear Creek: 480 acres between Cordata and Northwest Drive
Stuart/Smith: 656 acres east of the Guide and North to the Smith Rd
Cordata North/CAITAC: 671 acres west of the Guide Meridian North to the Smith Rd
For those living near the city borders this could mean a big change in how they live their lives. Current residents of these proposed areas are used to the fields of cattle, or room to roam. If the City of Bellingham gets their way, this will no longer be the case, as this area would be home to not just single family residences, but also condominiums, apartments and even mixed use commercial space for area businesses to serve the new residents. The County Council is fully prepared to deny the request for the proposed Urban Growth Areas and instead turn the tables on the City to find space for the new residents.
Where would space within the current city limits come from? There are two sources, both infill lots and building “up” both of which have been denied in the past. Infill is a touchy subject with those living within Bellingham’s neighborhoods. Many residents reject the idea of infill on currently vacant lots or acreage because of a fear they will loose their neighborhoods historical character should multi family housing moving in. High Rise buildings and building up on currently developed or undeveloped lots within the city have met the same rejection. Residents of Bellingham’s Fairhaven Neighborhood twice rejected proposals for a 115 foot condominium building citing that it would affect the view of current residents and damage the accessibility of walkable areas within the neighborhood.
The battle lines are drawn between the City of Bellingham and the Whatcom County Council on how they believe the area should handle the projected increase in new residents. To hear the debate on the issue or to voice your opinion be sure to attend the public hearing by the Whatcom County Council August 7th at 7pm in the County Council Chambers located at 311 Grand Ave, Bellingham.
