Bike lockers available downtown: Whether you are commuting, shopping, or attending an event, securely lock up your bike or scooter in the City’s new bicycle parking lockers. There are eight lockers at the corner of Railroad and Champion and six lockers at the Commercial Street Garage. Download the Movatics App to check availability, rent lockers, and store your bike and gear. Users pay just 5 cents an hour to rent a locker, but credits are purchased in $5 increments to minimize extra fees. Visit our bike locker webpage to learn how to use the app.
Unauthorized encampments: The City is deeply aware of the impacts unauthorized encampments have on area residents and businesses, and we are committed to finding long-term solutions that balance public safety, private property rights, and the well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and behavioral health challenges. In an update to City Council on Sept. 16, Mayor Lund explained the City’s current focus on encampments at Stuart Road and Deemer Road and at Northwest and Bakerview that span multiple private properties with different owners. While the City is responding as quickly as possible within our authority and resources, it is the private property owners who bear the primary responsibility for addressing unauthorized encampments on their land. You can learn more about our response and find information for private property owners on our Unauthorized Encampments page.
Watershed protection: At the Sept. 16 meeting, Bellingham City Council approved the purchase of two forested properties in the Lake Whatcom watershed as part of ongoing efforts to protect land around the lake from development. One of these properties covers an impressive 41 acres and features a seasonal creek that flows into Anderson Creek – a vital lowland stream that feeds into Lake Whatcom and provides critical spawning habitat for native fish like kokanee and cutthroat trout. By purchasing these properties around Lake Whatcom, we continue to support important habitat while protecting our drinking water source.
Freedom of thought: For National Banned Books Week, Bellingham Public Library will present the first of a three-part conversation series titled “The Art of Community: Freedom of Thought and Democracy” at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Central Library. The U.S. is founded on the idea that a functional democracy requires informed citizens. Who decides what “informed” means? Should there be limits, and, if so, under what circumstances? What should we do when there are differences in beliefs or values? All are welcome to attend this free event. Join your neighbors as we engage and learn from one another.
Improving public spaces
Samish Way asphalt replacement: Depending on the weather, Samish Way will be closed from Bill McDonald Parkway to Lincoln Street for three nights beginning Monday, Sept. 23, for asphalt replacement work. Work will take place overnight, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Access to local businesses will remain open with detours in place. The I-5 southbound offramp (exit 252) will be closed at night. We are doing this work in cooperation with the Washington State Department of Transportation. You can read more about the project on our Samish Pavement Repair webpage.
Electric Avenue and Bloedel Donovan swimming beach open: If you haven’t heard the good news yet, we are pleased to share that both Electric Avenue and the swimming beach at Bloedel Donovan Park are reopened after temporary closures. Bloedel Donovan building renovations, electrification, and stormwater improvements are still underway, so some areas of the park remain inaccessible, but construction is expected to wrap up this fall. The temporary repairs we completed to the Electric Avenue bridge will support the bridge for several years while we work toward securing funding and design a permanent solution.
Staff member achievements
Award for dedication to affordable housing in Washington: City of Bellingham Housing and Services Program Manager Samya Lutz recently received the inaugural Jack Peter’s Award, a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regional award honoring one person in Washington who reflects the late Jack Peter’s half-century commitment to housing affordability and community development. Samya was nominated by her peers for her knowledge in leveraging HUD funds, her willingness to collaborate with partners, and her openness to support other jurisdictions. The nomination says it best: “She has consistently demonstrated her dedication to HUD’s mission to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.” You can learn more on our housing support, shelter, and human services webpage.
