City staff are hosting a virtual open house on October 8 to provide information and answer questions about the Residential Multi (RM) project, an initiative intended to help meet the City’s goals related to housing affordability and options, compact growth and climate action.
The open house is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, via Zoom, the City’s platform for online remote meetings (see sign-in instructions below).
The Bellingham City Council recently added the RM project to the annual list of Comprehensive Plan amendments. The purpose of the project is to facilitate intended densities in RM zones. Land use code amendments proposed as part of this project have the potential to expand housing variety for people of all ages, incomes and abilities.
“City Council asked staff to leave no stone unturned in finding solutions to the City’s housing crisis,” Rick Sepler, Planning and Community Development director, said. “We evaluated several options and proposed the RM project, which could result in a significant number of additional units being built in areas that are already zoned for multi-family development. Ensuring that our multi-family zoning is fully realized will help meet the City’s housing, climate action and land use goals.”
Due to limitations that restrict public meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic, the open house is being held virtually to offer community members the opportunity to learn more about the project. Planning staff will provide an overview of the project and answer questions from participants.
Those unable to attend or access the virtual open house may provide input through the City’s new Engage Bellingham website or via email at rmproject@cob.org. All public input will be reviewed and considered by staff and City leaders throughout the project review and adoption process.
For additional information and to provide feedback, visit the project website and Engage Bellingham.
Click here to register and receive the Zoom meeting link. You can join via phone by calling 253-215-8782, 669-900-6833 or 346-248-7799. Meeting ID: 964 8143 2917 / Password: 45.
