Crosswalk at Samish and Galbraith is now open! Thanks to a collaboration between the City, County, and Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition, a safer route to the Galbraith trails is now open. This includes a pathway from the Lake Padden Parking lot to Samish Way, a new marked crosswalk with a flashing beacon for increased driver awareness, and improved access for both cyclists and pedestrians. Remember, cyclists should still wait for cars to stop completely at the crosswalk – it’s not a stop sign, but a designated area to cross with more visibility. Happy riding!
Whatcom Racial Equity Commission application period extended: March 15 is the new deadline to submit applications to join the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission. Commission members will work with the City and Whatcom County to help shape a more just and equitable future by making recommendations on eliminating racial inequities in our community. Apply for the commission online or learn more about the Commission’s establishment and current activities on Whatcom County’s website.
Deep cleaning downtown: In line with Mayor Kim Lund’s recent Executive Order, the City of Bellingham and Downtown Bellingham Partnership have ramped up cleaning efforts in the downtown core. This initiative aims to improve the safety and well-being of the area by addressing concerns related to sanitation and cleanliness. Crews are conducting monthly deep cleanings, focusing on alleyways and hard-to-reach areas. These efforts utilize pressure washers and vactor trucks, specialized vehicles designed to efficiently remove dirt, debris, and pollutants and prevent them from flowing into Whatcom Creek and Bellingham Bay. The deep cleanings supplement the ongoing program of weekly street sweeping and litter removal performed by the City. This focus on cleanliness aligns with the broader goals outlined in the Executive Order, which also directs actions toward increased police presence, expanded social services, and improved public education regarding public health and safety.
Inside Public Works: As construction season begins to ramp up, stay up to date with our Public Works newsletter. Check out the March issue and sign up to receive future issues.
More updates to City’s rental registration and safety program: At their February 26 meeting, Bellingham City Council approved an ordinance adding enhanced regulations to the Rental Registration and Safety Inspection (RRSI) program. These newest updates come on the heels of program updates made in October 2023. One change requires inspections to occur before a property can be registered (previously, landlords were able to self-certify). Pre-registration inspections can be completed by City staff or private inspectors who have gone through a training program. Another change requires private inspectors to provide more detailed information about failed inspections to the Planning Department. The final change grants the Planning Director the authority to require up to 100 percent of a property owner’s rental units to be inspected if even one of the owner’s rental units fails an inspection. This can extend to additional properties located in Bellingham within the property owner’s portfolio. City Council discussed these updates at a February 12 meeting.
Salmon Joy! Library-goers of all ages have been following the growth of the tiny salmon alevin at Bellingham Public Library as they transform into fry in a 55-gallon tank provided by Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA). The tank can be viewed in-person daily at the Central Library, or online via the BTV Salmon Hatching Live Stream. Details are on the Library’s Learn About Salmon webpage. The Library is also offering multiple in-person opportunities for adults and children to learn about salmon life-cycles and habitat in March, including: Tuesday, March 19, 5:30 p.m Salmon Fun! (for children) at the Central Library; Thursday, March 28, 5:30 p.m. Salmon Habitat Restoration in Bellingham (for adults) at the Central Library; Saturday, March 30, 1 p.m. Community Salmon Release Party (for all ages) at the Central Library and Whatcom Creek.
