July 8 Park Party Fun!

Bellingham on the Scrap Heap??

As Bill Craven writes in the September 2023 issue of Whatcom Watch (not yet available online), "[He} would have thought that transforming the scenic Bellingham waterfront into an industrial export hub for western Canada's largest scrap metal company, ABC Recycling, would have generated a larger public buzz. Now, ABC has purchased 20 acres on Marine Drive . . .for the purpose of installing a highly polluting metal shredder. . . Belliingham and Whatcom County will be the end point for thousands and thousands of truckloads of scrap metal coming to Marine Drive. . . the port signed a lease for 15 years, with an additional 10-year option. Bellingham will bear the brunt of all the impacts from shredding, trucking, dust, pollution, and noise. . . Reportedly, the Port Commission approved the lease without telling the City [although} the metal exporting activity at the waterfront and its exporting noise and dust are inconsistent with various planning documents. . . the waterfront activity has [already] proven to be. a literal nightmare. The ships are loaded from 7am to 3pm and create an unholy racket . . .as well as sending dust clouds along the waterfront . . "

This issue has probably more complexity that can be summarized in a few paragraphs and undoubtedly, we will hear more about this issue in the near future.The ABC Recycling Company has hired a local resident to be their PR representative, so they will be able to make their case as well.

if you are concerned, learn more about the issue, attend public meetings that are being requested and organized, and contact County and City elected officials. For example, there will be a meeting on 9/6 at Alderwood Elementary School on 6pm--open to everyone. You can also get more information and links to sign a petition and/or make a donation HERE.

Trees or Homes?

Can we save the trees and still meet the housing demands of the rapidly growing population of Whatcom County? A new proposed development might be the litmus test for this question.

Stream Real Estate Development of Seattle has proposed a 68-unity infill housing project along Meridian Street lat the southeast corner of Bellingham Golf & Country Club, kitty-corner from Cornwall Park. The plan requires the removal of 327 large native trees, most of which are 70 to 100 years old conifers, some of which are the tallest trees in Bellingham.

The Whatcom Million Tree Project (WMTP)as well as other concerned citizens have request a review of the plan to find a way to provide the needed new homes without destroying so many of the trees.

The plan calls for 68 units, most of which meet the guidelines of the City's Infill Toolkit ordinance, specifically, ". . .more efficient use of the remaining developable land, protection of environmentally sensitive areas, creating opportunities for more affordable housing and increasing housing choice and diversity." However, 8 of the units are 2,215 square-foot, 3 bedroom, two story townhouses arranged along the golf course. They take up twice the site area per unit than the other 60 units.

The WMTP is askig the City to review the proposed plan to find a way to reduce the loss of so many trees.

This is an opprtunity to weigh into this discussion. How can we balance the housing needs of our commuity with the long-term concern for our urban forests that ewnhance the livability of our city and contribute to climate resiliency?

Here's a link to the petition for anyone who wants to support this request for a planning review.

We have all probaby heard or seen evidence of the pollution in our waterways. The worst example is the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This is actually two different patches that span from the west coast of North America to Japan.

This video explains some of the work that is being done to clean up the ocean. It's a fascinating look at what technology, resources, time, ingenuity and determination can do for good. I think you'll enjoy it.

The Ocean Cleanup Video

The City has published a Storymap that provides information about the Greenways program. Check it out HERE.