A Vision for Fairhaven

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Thu, Feb 16, 2012, 4:38 pm  //  John Servais

The writer, standing in the center of the Historic Fairhaven District. Great photo by Mark Turner of Turner Photographics. See link below article to his website. Click photo for larger view.

This evening we on Bellingham's south side will finally have our chance to tell the Planning Department what we would like in the new Fairhaven Neighborhood Plan. I say 'finally' in reference to the five - 5 - years of maneuvering by the Planning Department to avoid any real participation by the public. Nothing like a new mayor to change things around. Tonight should be only the first of at least two or even three open meetings at the City Hall Council Chambers, at 6:30 p.m.

So I will speak and give my ideas and hopes - as will all others who wish to. For the very first time in the five years, this meeting with the public will be recorded and entered into the record. Then our professional planning staff will spend at least a couple weeks considering the ideas presented and make what changes they think best to the plan. Then, hopefully, they will bring this back to a second open meeting in March. What a concept! - just as the Growth Management Act and our city processes suggest for planning.

I've been enjoying Fairhaven since 1968, when I was attending Western on the GI Bill. So I knew the area in its funky times, I worked on the Northwest Passage alternative newspaper in the 1970s, watched as the district changed under Ken Imus', and shopped Village Books when they opened in 1980 across the street from the Picture Show movie theater. In 1995, I started my Fairhaven.com website, and in 2002 local business owners started supporting it and I have been promoting the historic commercial district since. So, there is my 'disclosure', my 'baggage'.

I've also known the folks in the small residential enclave since 1969 and have supported the wonderful rural character of their neighborhood. Indeed, for a short while in the 70s, I lived there.

I think any planning should preserve the unique character of this small 10 city block residential neighborhood. And development around it - by the Port, commercial property owners, or by the City - should mitigate intrusions of noise, light and traffic - and even visual intrusions if they be glaring. The residents are almost cutoff from anyone even being able to drive though their neighborhood on the way to anywhere else. There is not a single sidewalk, or curb, marked crosswalk, or white stripe on any road. There are maybe only half the normal number of street lights. Street drainage is mostly surface. It is a rural enclave with character homes and a relaxed feel to it. While this is a very small area compared to all other neighborhoods in Bellingham, the residents are vocal and very active in their desire to keep their small area this way.

But I also think planning should enable the commercial district to grow into what the founders envisioned and what is so natural for it to do. And it can be done without impacting and hurting the small residential area. You see - there is a deep wooded gorge between the residential and the commercial. Even now, you cannot see the tops of any commercial buildings from the residential area - except a bit when all the leaves are down. The trees hide the buildings. Buildings 60 to 75 feet or so can be built facing Harris Avenue and not even be seen from the residential area. Building heights should be lower near the the green gorge of Padden creek and the natural separator of residential from commercial.

I think the plan should look to enhance this natural green separator. Evergreen climax trees such as firs, hemlocks, and cedars should be planted in the green creek divider. 6th Street should be vacated to eliminate what could become a 'back door' for employees going to work in the future. The block of Larrabee Avenue from 6th to 4th should be turned into permanent greenway. Perhaps build a pedestrian bridge at about 8th Street connecting residential to commercial. The commercial district should commit to working with the residential area to enhance this natural greenway over the next 30 years. I am sure they will.

The commercial district should be allowed to develop into the regional business and visitor district that it naturally tends toward. We have the pieces or resources to be as unique and fun a place as Taos, Durango, Monterey, Moab, Annapolis or any number of other unique American places. The dozen historic buildings are the core resource. Being on a gentle hill expands the views; the transportation center, the cruise boats to the San Juan Islands, charter boats, the many restaurants, the access to outdoor sports such as hiking and bicycling Chuckanut Mountain - all contribute to Fairhaven being a draw for visitors from several states. Even now, Canadian shoppers who discover Fairhaven love it and compare it to Gas Town. The Fairhaven plan should allow the district to become the outstanding Tier 1 Urban Village that others pretend it is now - all while protecting the life style and ambience of the residential neighborhood across the green gorge.

There is no reason for conflict between a quiet residential neighborhood and a thriving commercial district. They can exist together. 

Related Links:

-> Turner Photographics in Fairhaven
-> The Fairhaven commercial district website

Will Lake Whatcom Watershed Reconveyance Be Approved?

Mon, May 21, 2012, 3:14 pm  //  Wendy Harris

After years of debate, the County Council may be requesting that DNR approve the Reconveyance

0 comments

Last chance, file for PCO

Fri, May 18, 2012, 11:27 am  //  Riley Sweeney

A short plea for public involvement from Riley

0 comments

Specializing in German vehicles.

DRONES!

Thu, May 17, 2012, 10:43 am  //  Tip Johnson

Footage overlooking the Fairhaven area

4 comments; last on May 21, 2012

Cascadia Weekly again on target with the Port

Wed, May 16, 2012, 4:15 pm  //  John Servais

In today's Cascadia Weekly, Tim Johnson analyses the Port Commissioner meeting and the shenanigans of Walker and Chmelik.

0 comments

City Staff Lacks Impartiality On Dock Closure

Tue, May 15, 2012, 7:32 pm  //  Wendy Harris

A City staff memo on the Bloedel dock closure reads more like an advocacy brief

0 comments

Port Commission Expansion to be on November Ballot

Mon, May 14, 2012, 6:07 pm  //  John Servais

Port Commissioners McAuley and Jorgensen voted to put on November ballot the question of expanding commission from 3 to 5 members.

5 comments; last on May 15, 2012

Cascadia Weekly Rips Port - Urges 5

Wed, May 09, 2012, 6:11 am  //  John Servais

Today's Cascadia Weekly rips the Port staff on changed waterfront plans and sees 5 commissioners as possible solution to poor decision making.

2 comments; last on May 10, 2012

R.G. Haley Site: Will Funding Come With a Side of Dioxin?

Mon, May 07, 2012, 11:22 am  //  Wendy Harris

Dioxin contaminated sediment dredged from Squalicum Harbor, dumped at the Cornwall Landfill, may be spread across the R.G. Haley site.

0 comments

Port and City Provide The Truth But Not the Whole Truth

Sat, May 05, 2012, 12:13 am  //  Wendy Harris

Treaty Rights and Public Rights Ignored During Joint Port/City Meeting on Status of Waterfront Redevelopment

1 comments; last on May 07, 2012

Port 5 - Hour of Audio Information

Thu, May 03, 2012, 9:23 pm  //  John Servais

The Joe Show had John Servais on the air for a full hour on Thursday - and we link to the pod cast.

3 comments; last on May 05, 2012

New Facebook Page for Port Reform

Tue, May 01, 2012, 10:24 am  //  John Servais

Bellingham Port Reform has a Facebook page, courtesy of Tip Johnson.

1 comments; last on May 02, 2012

Port Loses New Boat Builder Tenant

Tue, May 01, 2012, 9:34 am  //  John Servais

Port of Bellingham signed lease a month ago to hoopla and now the boat builder is exiting for Anacortes.

11 comments; last on May 08, 2012

Speakers to address Port on Tuesday

Mon, Apr 30, 2012, 10:54 pm  //  John Servais

Several people will be urging the Port of Bellingham commissioners to place the question of expanding to 5 commissioners on the ballot.

0 comments

5 Port Commissioners Initiative Now Circulating

Sat, Apr 28, 2012, 10:09 am  //  John Servais

A county wide initiative will allow voters to decide whether to expand the Port of Bellingham commission from 3 to 5 commissioners.

1 comments; last on Apr 28, 2012

Ron Paul Delegates Railroaded at Whatcom GOP Convention

Tue, Apr 24, 2012, 12:07 pm  //  Riley Sweeney

Riley attended the Whatcom GOP Convention and reports back

1 comments; last on Apr 29, 2012

Charlie Sheldon has Herald Op-Ed

Tue, Apr 24, 2012, 9:25 am  //  John Servais

Today's Bellingham Herald carries an article from Sheldon, with facts, falsehoods and his perspective on his forced resignation as Executive Director of the Port of Bellingham.

0 comments

The Road to Nowhere Can Go Forward

Tue, Apr 24, 2012, 1:02 am  //  Guest writer

Developers are gaming the system with help from the county government - and big changes are made in multiple small changes.

1 comments; last on Apr 27, 2012

Earth Day Alert:  Rocket Donuts to throw Fairhaven trees in the Deepfry

Sun, Apr 22, 2012, 7:28 pm  //  Tip Johnson

Will donuts prove more important than street trees?

10 comments; last on May 02, 2012

Video of port commissioners is posted

Wed, Apr 18, 2012, 12:28 pm  //  John Servais

A 26 minute video of the port commissioners explaining their positions on the firing of executive director Charlie Sheldon is posted.

7 comments; last on Apr 19, 2012

Port Meeting Today, Tuesday, at 3 p.m.

Tue, Apr 17, 2012, 12:51 pm  //  John Servais

At 3 p.m. today - Tuesday, April 17 - the Port of Bellingham meets. Let's attend and support rehiring Charlie Sheldon.

3 comments; last on Apr 18, 2012

100 years ago, at 5:38 p.m. today Bellingham time

Sat, Apr 14, 2012, 4:09 pm  //  John Servais

The Titanic struck the iceberg at 11:40 p.m. This post is non political - unless you want to draw a parallel with recent Port of Bellingham events.

0 comments

Jim Jorgensen May Reverse His Vote

Fri, Apr 13, 2012, 5:47 pm  //  John Servais

Friday update: Herald reports Jim Jorgensen could change his mind on firing of Port of Bellingham Executive Director Charlie Sheldon

3 comments; last on Apr 17, 2012

Two Port Commissioners Held Illegal Meeting

Tue, Apr 10, 2012, 8:52 pm  //  John Servais

An illegal serial Port Commission meeting should be investigated by the State Auditor, and two commissioners should be made accountable for their actions.

5 comments; last on Apr 11, 2012

A Time for Port Reform

Sun, Apr 08, 2012, 11:33 am  //  Tip Johnson

Wherein the shenanigans start smelling too fishy to tolerate

1 comments; last on Apr 11, 2012

Padden Trails.  It Is Not About Infill; It Is About Profits

Sat, Apr 07, 2012, 2:05 pm  //  Dick Conoboy

The issue is not sprawl or infill, but the money to be made by the type of infill and its placement

7 comments; last on Apr 09, 2012

Growth, Sprawl & Infill:  Padden Trails Project

Fri, Apr 06, 2012, 8:16 am  //  Guest writer

Ken Mann writes a guest article of his personal support for the Padden Trails development inside the Bellingham city limits.

3 comments; last on Apr 07, 2012

Petition to Keep Charlie Sheldon is Online

Thu, Apr 05, 2012, 4:00 pm  //  John Servais

An Online petition has been posted where citizens can sign on to request the Port Commissioners revote on Charlie Sheldon's termination.

5 comments; last on Apr 06, 2012

We Can Expand Port Commission to Five

Wed, Apr 04, 2012, 3:16 pm  //  John Servais

State law allows us to pass an initiative and increase the number of port commissioners from three to five. Thanks to Harriet Spanel.

4 comments; last on Apr 05, 2012

Two Commissioners Demanded Charlie Resign

Tue, Apr 03, 2012, 6:25 pm  //  John Servais

Port Commissioner Mike McAuley did everything he could do to change Jim Jorgensen's mind. Jim and Scott Walker forced Charlie Sheldon out.

6 comments; last on Apr 06, 2012

Questions about Population Growth

Mon, Apr 02, 2012, 12:43 pm  //  Larry Horowitz

Where to begin? Misinformation. Disinformation. Truths. Myths. Same old, same old. Paradigm shift. GMA. OFM. Growth pressures. Population loss. Growth subsidies. Proportionate share.

36 comments; last on Apr 11, 2012

Charlie Sheldon resigns as Port Director

Mon, Apr 02, 2012, 12:35 pm  //  John Servais

This morning, Charlie Sheldon, unexpectedly resigned as Executive Director of the Port of Bellingham.

10 comments; last on Apr 03, 2012

Mayor Kelli comes through for voters

Mon, Apr 02, 2012, 1:03 am  //  John Servais

A thanks to Kelli Linville for her quiet and effective solution to the onerous red light cameras dilemma.

0 comments

City Has No Love For Fish and Wildlife

Thu, Mar 29, 2012, 10:32 pm  //  Wendy Harris

Development at Bloedel Park ignores impacts to important shoreline habitat

2 comments; last on Mar 31, 2012

Padden Trails Provides Infill

Mon, Mar 19, 2012, 1:07 am  //  Guest writer

Guest writer Bill Geyer, who is the consultant for the Padden Trails Development, presents facts and perspective on the development.

34 comments; last on Apr 15, 2012

Useful Police Activity Visualization Now Online

Sun, Mar 18, 2012, 11:58 pm  //  John Servais

A new private website displays crimes by dates, on a Bellingham map, or by graphs for all citizens to use.

5 comments; last on Mar 21, 2012

Sunnyland neighborhood asks for support

Thu, Mar 15, 2012, 2:11 pm  //  Guest writer

By guest writer Mike Rostron. Sunnyland residents support infill but not overfill. The old Department of Transportation site on Sunset is the development site.

40 comments; last on Mar 19, 2012

NWCitizen upgrade is completed

Mon, Mar 12, 2012, 11:33 am  //  John Servais

Just a short note about nwcitizen past few weeks effort

1 comments; last on Apr 10, 2012

2012-2013 Priorities from City Council

Sun, Mar 11, 2012, 11:20 am  //  Dick Conoboy

The City Council outlines their agenda for the coming year

2 comments; last on Mar 12, 2012

The Curious Disappearance of Bob Ferris

Fri, Mar 09, 2012, 12:15 pm  //  Riley Sweeney

Riley gets to the bottom of this in a NWCitizen Exclusive

4 comments; last on Apr 01, 2012

Padden Trails is Chuckanut Ridge Lite

Wed, Feb 22, 2012, 2:04 am  //  Guest writer

Yet another neighborhood wants the Planning Department to protect public health, safety, and general welfare

6 comments; last on Feb 24, 2012

Congressional Candidates and Overstreet’s Town Hall

Sun, Feb 19, 2012, 6:37 pm  //  Riley Sweeney

Riley at The Political Junkie attends a forum of Congressional Candidates, and a town hall meeting in Lynden

0 comments

 

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