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