Yesterday, I wrote a blog on this same subject.
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Maybe it’s just time for folks to do what they are supposed to.

Of course, it’s probably too late to get the Port to do what Ports are supposed to do.  The Port has amply demonstrated that they understand nothing about the community value of waterfronts.  They have shown their categorical preference for publicly subsidized real estate development.  But that doesn’t mean the City can’t do what it is supposed to do.

The City has the largest stake in the long term effect of this development.  Under a million square feet of new commercial at Bellis Fair punched downtown into a tailspin for decades.  Does the Port really think Bellingham will absorb six million feet without adverse consequence for the many property and business owners currently footing their bill?  The Port stands to gain substantially from the privatization and sale of our waterfront commons while the City could suffer a withering blow to tax revenues from its many commercial areas.

The Mayor’s proposal for an incremental approach is well warranted.  It’s exactly what the first consultants on the job - the world’s preeminent experts on waterfront redevelopment - told the Port before they were unceremoniously ushered back to the airport and their recommendations jettisoned so the Port could commence squandering our millions on their more compliant consulting friends.

Cities have well defined responsibilities.  Bellingham should take theirs seriously.  The master plan needs much better guidance than the Port can provide.  Under the Port’s direction, it begins with the idea that toxic messes can be covered up and sold to the private sector. It hinges around the idea that we have no future need for water dependent uses, that condos and shops are the highest and best use of our shoreline.  It forever forecloses opportunities for family wage jobs that might be attracted to G-Ps now surplus industrial water supply and treatment capacity.  The Port wants to waste both to create another marina that will never serve over ninety percent of the boat or property owners in Whatcom County.  These and many other features of the plan to date justify the City’s increased control of the project.

It could be very simple.  Cities are empowered to impose zoning.  Do it.  Cities are authorized to approve street layouts and names.  Do it.  Cities have the ability to condemn property for essential public services.  It may be necessary to do so.

Through zoning, the City could detail where industry, water dependent uses and even housing should be sited. With sufficient initial accommodation for all such important uses, the city could contemplate and incorporate consideration of future amendments to meet changing needs as they arise.  Based on these allocations, the City could decide where truck routes, commercial and residential streets, parks and trails ought to go - and what they should be called.

The City could thus enable immediate development on parcels that are ready and can be served.  They could plan on a schedule of improvements supported by tax revenues from the development, carefully gauge when additions are justified and protect their widespread commercial tax base from ill effect. It has been a mistake to lump all the property together and trust the Port to shepherd a master plan that will serve the City.

If the Port feels disinclined to proceed on a rational city planning basis, then condemnation is not an unrealistic option.  There is far too much at stake for the larger community - most of whom do not understand that the Port is already soaking them for $8 mm a year.

The Port has now revealed that it’s going to be their way or the highway. The highway is a much better option. Then citizens can do do what they are supposed to - ride herd on the clean up and development.