In 2007, residents from the Columbia, Cornwall Park, and Lettered Streets Neighborhoods launched an outreach and visioning initiative for the commercial area commonly known as the “Fountain District.” The Fountain District encompasses the area of Meridian Street beginning at the intersections of Girard and Broadway at the southern end, and extending to Illinois at the northern end.
The City was able to initiate the Fountain District Urban Village Master Plan project in 2009 because the three neighborhoods were successful in engaging residents, property and business owners in the initial planning process. The project goal is to develop a master plan and development regulations for an urban village.
City Council
On October 11, 2010 Bellingham City Council approved theFountain District Urban Village Subarea Plan and related development regulations. Together, these planning tools will guide private development and public improvements, and help prioritize city investment in the area.
September 13, 2010 – Bellingham City Council held a public hearing at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers, City Hall, 210 Lottie Street.
- Draft Ordinance – Attachment 1 (106K PDF)
- Planning Commission Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations – Attachment 2 (355K PDF)
- Public Comment through 6/17/10 – Attachment 3 (482K PDF)
- Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies – Attachment 4 (PDF)
- Planning Commission Minutes – Attachment 5 (911K PDF)
Planning Commission
The Bellingham Planning Commission met three separate times in 2010 and forwarded a recommendation of approval to City Council for the Fountain District Urban Village Subarea Plan and Development Regulations.
- Public Comment Tracker with Staff Responses (PDF) through June 2, 2010
- Planning Commission Minutes (2010) – June 17, June 3, and May 20
Additional Meetings Held
A series of public meetings and focus groups were held in 2009 to discuss the vision for the area and draft a conceptual plan. The public input report (on the public meetings page) outlines the conceptual plan presented by staff, highlights the suggestions, ideas and concerns raised by property and business owners and the general public, and identifies the next steps in the master planning process.
