New electric vehicle chargers available: Charging an electric vehicle (EV) in Bellingham is getting easier! You will now find new EV chargers at Sunset Pond Park, Squalicum Creek Park, and downtown near Depot Market Square. But that’s not all! We are working on linking up the solar charger at Squalicum Creek Park with the electric grid, which means 24/7 charging availability, rain or shine. These new chargers are all part of our project to install EV chargers at 26 locations across Bellingham. And we’ve already powered up chargers at 12 of these locations so far! What’s next on our list? We’re gearing up to bring charging to the waterfront on Laurel Street and to Post Point in Fairhaven. Follow our progress on the project webpage.
City rejoins Whatcom County Drug Task Force: This week, the Bellingham City Council approved a proposal for the Bellingham Police Department to rejoin the Whatcom County Drug Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional group of law enforcement agencies that works together to monitor and suppress drug trafficking in our area. The City withdrew as a formal Task Force member in 2020 due to staffing shortages, but is now rejoining as a direct participant, devoting BPD staff resources to combatting the fentanyl crisis by tackling the issue of drug trafficking. Watch the City Council Committee of the Whole discussion about the drug task force at meetings.cob.org.
More art and activities coming downtown: With nearly $350,000 in funding dedicated to art installations, beautification projects and “activations”, this week seven projects were selected to improve aesthetics downtown and bring fun, enjoyable experiences for Bellingham residents and visitors alike. It will take many months for the projects to be designed and installed, but when they are ready, you’ll see mini galleries popping up in vacant storefronts, art installations in alleyways, plus murals, sculptures and more. All of this is part of our commitment to keep investing in our downtown core.
Little Squalicum Estuary project wins another award: We are excited to announce that the City’s Little Squalicum Estuary project won the American Public Works Association’s 2024 Public Works Project of the Year Award for the $5 – 25 million category. This annual award recognizes publicly developed, owned, and maintained infrastructure projects that promote excellence in construction management and administration. This award – along with another we announced in February – is the culmination of a 14-year team effort to design, fund, permit, and construct a rare habitat along the shores of Bellingham Bay.
Keeping our sidewalks accessible for all: Summer is here, and our plants have been growing! While it’s beautiful to see, this lush growth can pose challenges for sidewalk accessibility and line of sight. Overgrown vegetation can impact everyone who relies on safe, open pathways – from those with limited vision or mobility to parents pushing strollers and children riding bikes. According to City ordinances, property owners are responsible to maintain vegetation up to the improved right-of-way, including streets and sidewalks. Sidewalks must remain completely clear, and all trees and shrubs should be trimmed to a height of at least 8 feet above the sidewalk. If you notice vegetation blocking sidewalks or streets, please let us know via SeeClickFix. Find more details on vegetation trimming requirements.
