Learn about Lake Whatcom at annual meeting: The Lake Whatcom Management Program will host its annual Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. Participants will hear reports on the lake’s environmental health, progress made towards phosphorus reduction goals, and an overview of capital investments in stormwater management as well as updates on Aquatic Invasive Species prevention and other program areas. Additionally, City staff will present summaries and findings from the 2023 Lake Whatcom Survey and current actions addressing climate goals. Stay informed, engaged and involved as we all work to protect our drinking water source, a regional treasure.
Downtown beautification continues: As part of many efforts to enhance the vibrancy of our downtown, the City of Bellingham and the Downtown Bellingham Partnership (DBP) joined forces on a project to spruce up tree wells along Railroad Avenue. Last week, staff replaced broken concrete pavers in the wells with fresh topsoil, giving them a much-needed facelift. Originally installed to slow weed growth, the old concrete pavers had become an eyesore, crumbling over time. The fresh topsoil not only improves the look of the downtown core, but also creates a healthier environment for the trees. This initiative is just one of many efforts by the City and the DBP to create a cleaner and more inviting downtown Bellingham.
Fire training downtown: If you’re out enjoying downtown, you may catch a glimpse of our firefighters and fire engines around the Railroad Parking Garage (1215 Railroad) from March 26 to 29. The Fire Department will be holding daytime training exercises there. They’ll even be using a fog machine to create a smoky scenario for extra realism. While the garage will be open for business as usual (no need to move your car!), just be aware there might be hoses across the sidewalks nearby. The extra activity is all part of the Fire Department’s regular training to keep our community safe in case of fires.
State’s building code updates lead to spike in permit applications: The City’s Planning and Community Development Department received a massive influx of permits in early March that will likely lead to processing delays. The spike in applications is the result of people wanting to get their applications in before Washington State’s new building codes took effect on March 15. In 2023, 51 building permit applications were submitted between March 1-19; this year, 235 were submitted during that same period. The department has plans to speed up permit application reviews by contracting outside reviewers, hiring a new plans examiner, and working with individual applicants to determine their project schedule needs. Despite these efforts, we still anticipate processing timelines to be affected. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Permit Center.
Low Sensory Sunday at the FIG: “Low Sensory Sunday” hours are back this weekend on March 24 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) at the Whatcom Museum. These special museum hours are just for kids aged 12 and under who have autism or sensory sensitivities and their families. During this time, the museum is quieter and calmer, and we have tools and activities to help everyone have a fun and comfortable visit!
Improving public spaces
What’s with the cones on Lincoln St? Have you been wondering what we are doing with the cones and island on Lincoln Street near Fred Meyer? Lincoln Street is getting several new features including a new pedestrian crossing with a pedestrian island, a bus bulb-out/curb extension (to make it easier to get on and off the bus), buffered bike lanes in both directions, and a new signal at Lincoln and Maple. The project began in the fall but was paused due to supply chain delays and weather. We are on track to complete it this spring! Thank you for your patience during construction.
