What do you love about downtown?

From the City of Bellingham
The City asks:  What do you love about downtown Bellingham?  What do you wish for downtown? These questions are key to an ambitious downtown planning effort designed to identify actions our community can take to support a vibrant, thriving downtown.

An online survey, activities and prizes at the Bellingham Farmers Market and social media conversations are just a few of the ways people are invited to weigh in on the City’s Downtown Plan, a two-year planning effort led by the City of Bellingham and supported by various community partners.

Invasive Asian clams found in Lake Whatcom

From City of Bellingham

Local and state officials recently confirmed the presence of invasive Asian clams in Lake Whatcom, and are working to determine the extent of the infestation and how best to respond. Area residents are asked to assist by being aware of the infestation and reporting any clams they see in the lake.

Are You Ready for Emergencies?

From Puget Sound Energy:  Now is a good time to get ready for emergencies.

Recommendations begin with a kit:

Minimum 3 day supply of

• Food
• Water
• Pet supplies
• Flashlights
• Battery powered radio
• First aid kit

To find out more, go to PSE.com/Prepare or Ready.gov, redcross.org, 3days3ways.org and TakeWinterByStorm.org

Ward 3 Council Candiates

Thank you to Barry & Cathy for attending our recent PNA meeting.  For more information, here are their websites:

Barry Buchanan, Incumbent - http://www.barryforbellingham.com/

Cathy Lehman - http://votecathylehman.com/category/bellingham-city-council

Events This Week

We enjoyed a robust discussion about walking at last week’s PNA meeting.  Here are 2 related events this week – celebrating walking & the projects that make walking safe, pleasurable & attractive.

Meador Ped Bridge Installed Today!

Construction work continues on the Meador extension of the Whatcom Creek Trail.  

See below to read how old toilets will be used in the project!

From the City website:

This project will provide on-street pedestrian facilities between Meador Avenue and Ellis Street including a pedestrian bridge over Whatcom Creek on Meador Ave. This project will provide the final on-street connection for the long-planned Whatcom Creek Trail system between Lake Whatcom and Bellingham.

Several low impact development strategies will be used for stormwater facilities and pavement options.  The City worked in collaboration with the Whatcom Housing Authority to recycle 400 old toilets by grinding them into sidewalk concrete aggregate, coined "Poticrete". The City will document sustainability best practices used throughout the project and apply for Greenroads Certification.

Sehome Neighborhood Plan

See how our Sehome neighbors have planned for growth in their neighborhood – at upcoming Planning Commission meeting.

July 14th, 2011 is the next Public Hearing set to go before the Planning Commission regarding the Sehome Neighborhood Plan amendments.  Materials for the Planning Commission meetings can be found at www.cob.org/web/commsnl.nsf at least one week before the meeting date. 

New signs encourage voluntary outdoor watering schedule

Ten new signs will appear at major arterial intersections this week encouraging residents to follow the voluntary outdoor watering schedule. The City of Bellingham annually implements a voluntary outdoor watering schedule effective June 1 through September 15 to help reduce the stress on our water supply during the warm, dry summer months. The average daily water consumption often doubles during July and August when outdoor water use is highest.

Residents are asked to limit outdoor watering to the following schedule: 

Odd numbered street addresses 

Water only on Wednesdays, Fridays, or Sundays.

Even numbered street addresses 

Water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays.

No outdoor watering on Mondays 

- in order to allow the water supply to recharge.

Lawn watering and other outdoor water use can account for up to 30% of residential water consumption. If residents choose to water lawns, we remind them that most grasses only need one inch of water per week to stay green.

For more information, please visit www.cob.org and search for “conservation” or email waterconservation@cob.org.

Popular spray parks set to open June 18

With local temperatures finally edging up, Bellinghamsters are looking for ways to cool down. Popular spray parks at Cornwall Park and Fairhaven Park will begin operation on June 18, 2011 and remain open through Labor Day. Hours of operation are 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Leslie Bryson, interim Parks and Recreation Director, said that budget reductions in recent years resulted in City officials shortening the season for operating the spray parks.

don’t need swimming skills to enjoy Bellingham's spray parks, which are intended for toddlers through pre-teen children as a means to beat the summer heat.  Kids of all abilities love to splash their way through playful sprays, squirts and mists of water that shoot randomly from below-ground and above-ground apparatus. 

For more information, call Bellingham Parks & Recreation at (360) 778-7000 or visit www.cob.org/parks .

Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike: “Jobs, but at what cost?”

Statement by Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike, June 3, 2011

My administration has for months been focused on information gathering about the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point.  While much about this proposal remains unknown or unclear, I am clear today that I need to take a stand: a stand for protecting Bellingham, a stand for health, safety and quality of life, a stand for welcoming new businesses that provide clean jobs to our local communities.

We have examined the benefits proponents say this operation will bring to our community and have considered the risks.  While every resident of this county certainly agrees that more local family-supporting jobs would be a good thing, those same wise locals would also add, “But at what cost?”

View the full document online

http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1264/1104683/

Mayor’s Office Contact Information

http://www.cob.org/contact/mayor.aspx

Report describes City drinking water safety, need for lake protection

A report published by the City of Bellingham says our drinking water meets all health requirements, and reminds area residents that protecting the Lake Whatcom Reservoir depends on the involvement of individuals, businesses and governments. The annual report, called a Consumer Confidence Report, arrived in Bellingham water customers' mailboxes at the end of May.

“The water we deliver every day to our customers meets or exceeds safe drinking water standards," said Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike. "But studies show us the health of the Lake Whatcom Reservoir continues to decline and will require more extensive and expensive treatment to keep our drinking water safe unless we all work together to protect it.”

The City of Bellingham provides drinking water to nearly 100,000 people. The Consumer Confidence Report, along with other information about the Lake Whatcom Reservoir, is available at www.cob.org/services/environment/lake-whatcom/index.aspx .
  

Burglaries increase as weather heats up

Since March of this year, there has been a higher than normal number of reported burglaries to homes in the York and Sehome neighborhoods. Click here for map of York locations. Since March, there have been 13 reported residential burglaries. In these cases, it appears that thieves are targeting laptop computers and other electronic devices. One of the disturbing trends common in these burglaries is that in all but one case, there were no signs of forced entry. It appears that the burglars are gaining access through unlocked windows and doors. You might be surprised to learn that on average between 40-60% of residential burglaries are the results of an unlocked door or window.

Here are a few crime prevention tips to keep in mind at all times.

1. Always keep your doors and windows locked, even if you are home but especially when you are away. If you need to open a window for ventilation, consider using a stick to block the window from being opened completely.
2. If you have roommates, make sure they are keeping doors and windows locked as well.
3. Keep a record of personal belongings. If you are a victim of a burglary, having this information available to the officer can become crucial in solving the crime and getting your property back to you. The list should include;
1. Make
2. Model
3. Serial number
4. Consider buying renters insurance.  In most cases, it is very affordable and will minimize your loss.
5. Get to know your neighbors.
6. Report suspicious persons in your neighborhood by calling 911.
7. Start a Block Watch Program. The Bellingham Police Block Watch Program Coordinator is Officer Katrin Dearborn @ (360) 778-8660.

City Water Main Flushing

Puget Neighborhood:  May 23^rd – June 10^th

The City of Bellingham Public Works Department will continue its annual water main flushing program on Monday, May 23, 2011. Water main flushing cleans the pipes of mineral deposits that naturally build up on the inside walls of the pipes. If the pipes are not periodically flushed, the build-up can reduce the capacity and the efficiency of the water distribution system. Water used during the flushing operation is de-chlorinated before being discharged into the city storm drainage system.

It is common for the flushing activity to cause temporary discoloration of the water. The discolored water is not harmful to human health or other household uses. If the water in your residence is discolored, run a cold water tap in the bathtub for a few minutes, this should clear your water lines. To avoid stains on white laundry, customers are advised not to wash white clothes or use their hot water taps when crews are flushing in their area (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Iron mineral deposits may stain white laundry. Scheduling specific streets depends on crew workload. Public Works vehicles will be on your street the day your water lines are flushed.

From Monday, May 23, 2011 through Friday, June 10, 2011 the following areas will be flushed:

·   Lakeway Drive, Whatcom Falls Park, Puget Neighborhood

A map of the numbered flushing districts is available on the City website at http://www.cob.org/documents/pw/utilities/water-main-flushing-districts.pdf.  Areas 9-13 and 15 will be flushed.

If you have any questions regarding the flushing activity, please contact the City of Bellingham Public Works Department at 778-7700 or email mgray@cob.org.

Mayor schedules June 1 meeting to collect shipping terminal comments

6 pm

June 1^st

Bellingham Municipal Court

Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike invites members of the Bellingham community to help local officials identify the scope of environmental review for SSA Marine’s proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point.  Pike said his aim is to continue community dialogue and prepare for formal environmental review, which will be conducted by Whatcom County officials once SSA applies for permits.

A meeting hosted by Pike is planned to provide area residents a preliminary chance to identify impacts that should be studied during future review of the proposed project. He said comments collected will be provided to the appropriate regulatory agencies to support a triple-bottom-line approach to reviewing the proposal, considering its environmental, social and economic impacts.

“This is an important decision facing our community, as we try to balance the potential for new jobs and investment in our community with the neighborhood, environmental and other impacts this facility would bring,” Pike said. “I want an accurate assessment of both the positive and negative effects on our community.  We deserve clear answers about the impacts, how negative impacts might be mitigated, and who would pay for that mitigation,” he said.

For More Information, go to the City’s website:

http://www.cob.org/features/2011-03-15-gateway-pacific-terminal.aspx

Walking Survey Online until June 15th

Bellingham Pedestrian Plan

The creation of the Bellingham Pedestrian Master Plan is currently underway.
 
You have the opportunity to help shape this plan by submitting comments & concerns regarding walking facilities through an online survey.  This survey can be accessed via the City of Bellingham Website at this link: 

http://www.cob.org/services/neighborhoods/community-planning/pedestrian/pedestrian-master-planning.aspx

"The Bellingham Pedestrian Master Plan is being developed during 2011 to help create a safe, well-connected and attractive walking environment for all members of the community," said Ted Carlson, Public Works Director.  The development of this plan will consist of four phases: assessing existing conditions, developing a vision for the plan, determining user needs and demands and developing the pedestrian network priorities.  
 
You are likely aware of areas that are functioning effectively and those that would benefit from improvement of some kind.  Input about walking conditions in your neighborhood and other Bellingham destinations are vital to the plan.
  

Phone access and paper comment forms are also available to those without internet access.
 
The first of two Community Meetings was held May 11^th. Residents who were not able to participate in the workshop can view the presentation on BTV10  at this link:  http://www.cob.org/services/education/btv10/index.aspx

For more information, visit cob.org/walk<http://www.cob.org/walk> or contact Kim Brown, Transportation Options Coordinator (kimbrown@cob.org<mailto:kimbrown@cob.org>, 778-7950). 

Signkeepers -- Big Help, Small Commitment

Volunteers Needed   
Time Commitment = 20 minutes/year

We need several of you who are willing to put out a Puget Neighborhood Sign to advertise our General Meetings.  So far we have 4 volunteers for the project that occurs 4 times/year.

Choose one of 

• 8 sandwich board signs OR
• 10 plastic signs on metal bases, which stick into the grass.  

 
If you would be willing to do this small job, please email Mary Chaney.

Thanks!  

Mary Chaney, President PNA  

Meador Avenue Construction

Coming Soon!
Road, Sidewalk, Bike, Trail Improvements

This project will provide on-street pedestrian facilities between Meador Avenue and Ellis Street including a pedestrian bridge over Whatcom Creek on Meador Ave. Right-of-way and narrow Whatcom Creek bridges create challenges, but bicycle facilities will be included where physically possible. This project will provide the final on-street connection for the long-planned Whatcom Creek Trail system between Lake Whatcom and Bellingham.

Next Milestones: Open bids on 4/28/11 and award project on 5/9/11.

For more information go to: City of Bellingham website > Government > Active Capital Projects.

Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program reaches 1500-pound milestone

Every day is Prescription Drug Take-Back Day in Bellingham. For the past year, six local pharmacies have accepted unwanted and expired medication for secure and legal disposal, reaching the 1500-pound milestone in April 2011, one year after starting the collection. Help reach the one-ton mark by bringing labeled medications to any of the following locations during pharmacy hours:

·   Costco Pharmacy, 4299 Meridian

·   Custom Rx Shoppe, 1313 E Maple St.

·   Hoagland Pharmacy, 2330 Yew St.

·   Haggen, 2814 Meridian

·   Haggen, 2900 Woburn (Barkley Village)

·   Fairhaven Market, 1401 12th St.

Prescription narcotics and controlled substances are collected at the Bellingham Police Department, 505 Grand Avenue, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Saturday, April 30, 2011, is the second National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and supported by local law enforcement. This one-day event takes place locally at four drop-off sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Medications will be placed into a box by law enforcement and incinerated at an approved location. 

DEA Drop-off locations, April 30, 2011:

·   Bellingham DEA & WA State Patrol, 3860 Airport Way, Bellingham

·   Lummi Nation Police Department,  2616 Kwina Rd., Bellingham

·   Ferndale Police Department,  Cost Cutter Foods (front of store), 1750 LaBounty Drive, Ferndale

·   Ferndale Police Department,  Haggen Food & Pharmacy (front of store), 1815 Main St., Ferndale

Why take back your meds?

·   Unused medicines are a danger to our children, families and the environment

·   Washington State has one of the highest teen prescription drug abuse rates in the nation

·   Medicine poisoning of children and seniors is skyrocketing

·   Medicines flushed or put in the trash can end up in our surface waters, groundwater and drinking water--exposing our families and hurting our environment

For more information about the City of Bellingham program, visit the program web page.

Media Contact:
Mindy Collins, Local Source Control Specialist
Public Works Department
(360) 778-7962
mcollins@cob.org

I-5 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – Current & Planned Projects

Follow link to WSDOT report to City Council on April 11, 2011

http://www.cob.org/web/COUNCIL.nsf/0/7E5FDA672341002D8825786B0059C3CD/$File/11apr2011_AB19167.pdf?OpenElement

See report for WSDOT construction at Lakeway, Samish and Iowa + planning for 1) Guide-Meridian and 2) Bakerview at I-5. 

Help Make Walking Safe, Attractive & Connected in Bellingham

SAVE THE DATE - MORE INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED SOON! 

You are invited to help shape our first Pedestrian Master Plan.

Pedestrian Master Plan Community Workshop
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Bellingham Public Library Lecture Room
210 Central Avenue

Help identify improvements to ensure safe and pleasant walking facilities throughout Bellingham. 

Facilitator Dan Burden, Walkable and Livable Communities Institute Executive Director, will lead participants through activities and discussion to kick off the master planning process.

Please share this with others who may be interested.

Heather Higgins-Aanes
Education and Communications Coordinator
Public Works Department
210 Lottie St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
Green Team

P: 360.778.7905 | F: 360.778.7901