Date: April 23rd 2009

ACTION ALERT

PUBLIC PROCESS AND THE BELLINGHAM WATERFRONT

On Monday, April 20, in a poorly publicized mid-day meeting, the Bellingham
City Council and the Port of Bellingham Commission voted to accept a
framework plan for the Bellingham waterfront that details the basis for a
new street grid configuration and assumptions for the waterfront master
plan. It also assumes the destruction of numerous historic buildings on the
site. This was done with very short notice, in a rare mid-day meeting, WITH
NO PUBLIC COMMENT ALLOWED.  None of the materials were available to the
public ahead of time.

The councils decided that they would ask the public later what we think of
this plan. This decision can only be reversed by a vote of both councils, so
it is virtually set in stone.

Is this how waterfront planning will now proceed? Vote now, ask the public
later? What does this mean for other controversial decisions that the city
council must make, such as Lake Whatcom planning or new shoreline rules?
Will the council start voting first and asking questions later?

Regardless of whether you like the new plan, how do you feel about the
process? Does this action encourage your involvement and make you feel that
your voice is important or perhaps that your involvement is not really
desired?  If you think something is wrong with this approach, please come to
the following meetings and send a message LOUD and CLEAR that public
decision making processes require public input BEFORE council votes.

Bellingham City Council: Monday April 27, 7 pm open session

Waterfront Open House, Wednesday April 29,  6:30 Bellingham, Cruise Terminal

Port Commission Meeting, Tuesday May 5, 3:00 pm, Harbor Center Conference
Room, 1801 Roeder Avenue

Questions? Contact Robyn du Pré, RE Sources, 733-8307,
robynd@re-sources.org

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