Downtown survey: We’re investing in downtown because when downtowns thrive, the rest of the city benefits too. We want to hear your feedback about our recent efforts to improve safety and make downtown more welcoming. Head over to Engage Bellingham to take our 3-minute survey (really – it’s that short!) before Sept. 30 and tell us what you think. And don’t forget to join us next Thursday, Sept. 19 at 5 p.m. at the Chuckanut Bay Distillery’s all-ages event space for our Downtown Forward Celebration. We hope to see you there!
Bloedel beach remains closed, but drinking water safe: There are still no impacts to the City’s drinking water, but as expected, results from water quality tests near the sewage spill at the Electric Avenue bridge over Whatcom Creek continue to indicate elevated bacteria levels. The swimming beach at Bloedel Donovan Park will remain closed through the weekend. The City is advising residents to avoid contact with the water in the affected areas around the park. Water quality testing will continue throughout the weekend with another public update by the end of the day Monday, September 16. Those curious about our drinking water quality and treatment process can learn more about how we ensure safe drinking water year-round on our Drinking Water Quality page.
State approves loan funding for Cornwall landfill clean-up: Last week, the Washington State Public Works Board voted to award over $7 million in low interest loan funding to the City of Bellingham for the Cornwall Avenue Landfill Site cleanup project. Approximately half of the $19 million total estimated clean up costs for the Cornwall landfill are being paid by state grants. The remaining half will be paid by the City and the Port of Bellingham, with this new loan funding providing a substantial portion of the local funds. The Cornwall landfill clean up and the neighboring R.G. Haley clean up project are currently in the permitting process and will be constructed simultaneously with the first phase of the new Salish Landing Park on the waterfront, starting next year.
City and County partnering with YWCA for new shelter: YWCA Bellingham, Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham have partnered to acquire the building at 315 Lakeway Drive for conversion to a shelter for up to 20 pregnant women and women with young children. The City has committed $1.39 million to the purchase, and early this week, the Whatcom County Council approved $1 million to help acquire the property. YWCA is planning to open the shelter in early 2025. We are incredibly grateful to the YWCA for stepping in to add shelter capacity at a time when many agencies are facing serious constraints that limit the ability to expand shelter solutions in our community. Learn more about shelter, food and other human resources on our website.
Beans and Badges: Meet City public safety leaders for “Beans and Badges” on Monday, Sept. 16 from 9 -10:30 a.m. at Roam Coffee, 1205 Washington St. Beans and Badges is an opportunity for community members to meet with first responders in a low stress, friendly environment to have conversations about public safety issues important to them.
Fall Playbook: The Bellingham Parks and Recreation Fall Playbook – 54 pages of events, camps, activities, and educational opportunities – is now available! Look for it in your mailbox or at various locations throughout the city. You can also virtually flip through the Playbook. Registration for Parks and Recreation Department programs is open. You must access or set up your ActiveNet account to register for our offerings. For information about financial support, visit the Parks Scholarships webpage.
