Valuable Article in the Whatcom Watch

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Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 9:42 pm  //  John Servais

From the Watcom Watch article. This shows the location of the bridge.

Wendy Harris has a revealing article in the March issue of Whatcom Watch about the proposed boardwalk connecting Boulevard Park and the south end of Cornwall Avenue.  This is an estimated $8 million project that, in my opinion, is not needed and will hurt our waterfront environment.  Wendy's long article does a thorough examination.  The article title is "The Other Eight-Million Dollar Park Project" and starts on page 8 of the paper edition.  

The city website says construction will start this summer - 2013.  If you also think this is a complete waste of money, let your city council rep know.  

This bridge to nowhere uses Greenways funds.  Yep, our Greenways Committee and our parks department have decided to use Greenways funds to build a concrete bridge to replace a wonderful walk along the shore on the old railroad right of way.  Go figure.  This project is supposedly a lock for being built.  But in reality, our city council could vote it out of existence if they wanted to.  

So strange - the Greenways Committee could not find the money to purchase Chuckanut Ridge but can fund a concrete bridge.  Gee - I wonder if this frees up some city land at the north end of the existing trail to be sold to developers for condos?  And just how does the Greenways Committee explain this.  

Thank you Wendy for bringing this issue to some public discussion.  The Watch website does not yet enable comments, so feel free to comment on Wendy's article below.  And support the advertisers in the Watch.  They put their money into the Watch to attract business and keep the Watch publishing.  This spring marks 20 years since Sherilyn Wells, Rebecca Meloy and Lorena Haven started the Watch.  They have gone their separate ways since then but their environmental monthly newspaper lives on.  Pick up a copy.  

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-> No Net Loss - about the proposed concrete boardwalk

Delaine Clizbe  //  Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 7:01 pm

I agree with Wendy!  This is a complete waste of money!  I looked over the plans for the waterfront that was in the paper.  My only comment is this stupid bridge.  I think it is unnecessary as the railroad trail is right there, it is an unneeded eyesore on our waterfront and a complete waste of taxpayer money.  I run on the waterfront weekly…..and I don’t see a need for this!


Bill Black  //  Mon, Mar 18, 2013, 7:27 pm

  There are currently hard copies of the latest Watch available at the downtown public library, the Public Market and the Community Food Co-op.


Clayton Petree  //  Wed, Mar 20, 2013, 8:52 am

I agree, the overwater walkway is a bad use of our money and $8 MILLION!?!?  We have a nice trail that serves the same function.  If only they would trim the trees again or at least some of them.


Valuable Article in the Whatcom Watch

Sun, Mar 17, 2013, 9:42 pm  //  John Servais

Wendy Harris writes about the proposed $8 million concrete bridge along the Bellingham waterfront - using Greenways funds to build.

3 comments; last on Mar 20, 2013

City Controls Chuckanut Park - Not New Park District

Fri, Feb 22, 2013, 3:47 pm  //  John Servais

The election created a new park district with taxing power - but with NO control over Chuckanut Ridge - the 100 acre woods.

1 comments; last on Feb 23, 2013

Johns Repair

Specializing in German vehicles...

Thoughts on the Park District Vote

Wed, Feb 13, 2013, 4:42 pm  //  John Servais

The Park District vote is close and we will not know final results until late ballots are counted.

6 comments; last on Feb 19, 2013

Time to Vote on Park District

Sat, Feb 09, 2013, 1:14 am  //  John Servais

The proponents have avoided the issues on the Park District as the close of voting nears this weekend.

2 comments; last on Feb 12, 2013

Check the Protect Bellingham Parks Website

Wed, Feb 06, 2013, 11:42 pm  //  John Servais

When is a vote No the most positive and common sense action? Check the park district opponents website to learn why.

15 comments; last on Feb 10, 2013

Ironies With the Park District

Tue, Feb 05, 2013, 1:59 pm  //  John Servais

This Park District proposal has several ironic twists and facets - some involving the advocates.

10 comments; last on Feb 07, 2013

The Big Picture on Chuckanut Ridge

Sun, Feb 03, 2013, 4:05 pm  //  Guest writer

Nicholas Zaferatos explains why he is concerned about the park district and looks at the long and short term views if the issue.

11 comments; last on Feb 06, 2013

A note from the publisher

Sat, Feb 02, 2013, 12:18 pm  //  John Servais

The Chuckanut Park District ballot issue has another 10 days to run. A few notes about NWCitizen and this issue.

11 comments; last on Feb 05, 2013

Chuckanut Mountains and the Park District

Fri, Feb 01, 2013, 4:16 pm  //  Guest writer

Dr. Gibb explains some history to the issue in a brief article.

8 comments; last on Feb 03, 2013

Former Park Directors Against Park District Proposal

Thu, Jan 31, 2013, 1:36 pm  //  Guest writer

Paul Leuthold and Byron Elmendorf explain why to vote NO on the Chuckanut Park District ballot measure.

19 comments; last on Feb 12, 2013

It Is Not a Vote to Save The Forest

Thu, Jan 31, 2013, 1:26 am  //  Guest writer

Guest post by long time south side resident Marci (Hanson) Haskell on why to vote no on the Park District

5 comments; last on Feb 01, 2013

Why I am voting NO on the Park Disttict

Wed, Jan 30, 2013, 10:40 am  //  John Servais

The Park District is a panic action that over taxes a small group. A city wide solution is by far the better way to proceed.

13 comments; last on Jan 31, 2013

Wise Owl Knows What to Do

Tue, Jan 29, 2013, 6:25 pm  //  Guest writer

Bill Geyer explains Transfer Development Rights and how they can be applied to the Chuckanut Ridge.

17 comments; last on Feb 05, 2013

Why to vote NO on proposed Park District

Sat, Jan 26, 2013, 9:18 pm  //  Guest writer

Phyllis McKee on why to oppose and the importance of voting no if you are against the Park District.

13 comments; last on Jan 29, 2013

Beautiful Park

Sat, Jan 26, 2013, 12:49 pm  //  Guest writer

Dan Remsen speaks to the beauty of the Chuckanut Park and why to vote for the Park District.

6 comments; last on Feb 05, 2013

Feb 12 election:  Bham Southside Only

Thu, Jan 24, 2013, 5:09 pm  //  John Servais

Updated Sat, Jan 26. A primer on the special Parks District election - and where to find more info.

15 comments; last on Jan 31, 2013

Prop 1: New Parks District is Wrong Approach

Thu, Jan 24, 2013, 10:49 am  //  Guest writer

By Bill Geyer. South Bellingham citizens vote over the next couple weeks on a self tax to form a park district and pay the Chuckanut Ridge debt.

30 comments; last on Jan 31, 2013

Chuckanut Ridge: Due diligence or negligence?

Sun, Oct 02, 2011, 9:29 am  //  Larry Horowitz

How spending $1,000 could save millions on the acquisition of Chuckanut Ridge

11 comments; last on Oct 03, 2011

Chuckanut Ridge: Good Deal, Bad Deal?

Mon, Sep 26, 2011, 12:59 am  //  Tip Johnson

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe

15 comments; last on Sep 29, 2011

A People’s Victory - and a Rare One

Thu, Sep 01, 2011, 11:21 pm  //  John Servais

They celebrated the purchase of Chuckanut Ridge this evening. It was a fun event, even if a bit revisionist history snuck in.

7 comments; last on Sep 09, 2011

City to buy Chuckanut Ridge for $8.2 million

Tue, Aug 16, 2011, 9:26 am  //  John Servais

Last night the Bellingham City Council approved the purchase of Chuckanut Ridge for $8.2 million

3 comments; last on Aug 16, 2011

It’s finally done…except the lessons

Mon, Aug 15, 2011, 11:49 pm  //  Tip Johnson

Should we accept or dig into Chuckanut Ridge?

21 comments; last on Aug 30, 2011

Chuckanut Ridge now fully owned by bank

Fri, Jul 22, 2011, 4:52 pm  //  John Servais

Washington Federal has bought out Greenbriar's interest in Chuckanut Ridge.

3 comments; last on Jul 25, 2011

Washington Federal forecloses on Fairhaven Highlands

Wed, Mar 09, 2011, 2:38 pm  //  John Servais

Bank opens way to sell Chuckanut 100 Acre Woods to city.

6 comments; last on Mar 16, 2011

Eric Hirst Resigns Greenways Committee

Tue, Nov 09, 2010, 6:04 pm  //  Guest writer

Eric explains his resignation from the Greenways Advisory Committee and lists his concerns.

1 comments; last on Nov 10, 2010

WAFed’s best option: Accept City’s offer on Chuckanut Ridge

Sat, Nov 06, 2010, 11:22 am  //  Larry Horowitz

Why Washington Federal's best option is to accept Bellingham's offer to take Fairhaven Highlands off its hands

6 comments; last on Nov 14, 2010

Open letter to Bellingham Planning Director Jeff Thomas re: Fairhaven Highlands application deadline

Sun, Oct 31, 2010, 7:20 pm  //  Larry Horowitz

Updated Sun, Oct 31. An open letter to Bellingham Planning Director Jeff Thomas re: Fairhaven Highlands application deadline

12 comments; last on Oct 28, 2010

A letter to the Bellingham City Council

Thu, Aug 05, 2010, 10:28 am  //  John Servais

We ask why the EIS extension was given to the Chuckanut Ridge developers when the city is negotiating to buy the property.

0 comments

City bumbles on Chuckanut Ridge extension

Wed, Aug 04, 2010, 10:12 am  //  John Servais

Bellingham Planning Department is giving quiet extensions to the Chuckanut Ridge developer - propping up the property value.

1 comments; last on Aug 04, 2010

Chuckanut Ridge Development Gets Extension

Mon, Aug 02, 2010, 3:30 pm  //  John Servais

Bellingham Planning Department gave a three month extension, till Oct 29, to Greenbriar

2 comments; last on Aug 02, 2010

City working to buy Chuckanut Ridge

Mon, Jan 11, 2010, 6:21 pm  //  John Servais

Bellingham council and mayor are working to buy the 80 acres of Chuckanut Ridge development for a bargain price. Washington Federal does not want the land.

1 comments; last on Jan 12, 2010

Horizon Bank closed by FDIC

Fri, Jan 08, 2010, 9:02 pm  //  John Servais

Fate of proposed Chuckanut Ridge development continues to be a concern.

2 comments; last on Jan 09, 2010

Fairhaven Highlands killed by FDIC?

Tue, Dec 08, 2009, 2:29 pm  //  Larry Horowitz

BREAKING:

On Dec 3, the FDIC issued a Supervisory Prompt Corrective Action Directive to Horizon Bank due to the bank’s critically undercapitalized status as of Sep

8 comments; last on Dec 09, 2009

The Elusive Truth About Chuckanut Ridge/Fairhaven Highlands

Sat, Dec 05, 2009, 9:00 am  //  Tip Johnson

I always hate public issues that involve decades of history and require integration of multiple points. I refer to it as 'the indignity of explanation.' Public interest advocates…

9 comments; last on Dec 09, 2009

City negligence spawns class-action lawsuit

Fri, Dec 04, 2009, 11:50 am  //  Larry Horowitz

Dateline: Nov 11, 2011
Bellingham, WA

A series of recent landslides around the perimeter of Chuckanut Ridge, which caused substantial property damage, several injuries a

9 comments; last on Dec 08, 2009

Know your…friends?

Tue, Oct 27, 2009, 1:20 pm  //  Tip Johnson

This is probably old news to Responsible Development advocates, but just in case, here's a little heads up on TIm Stewart. He appears to have experience with developments…

3 comments; last on Oct 28, 2009

Crosscut publishes article on Fairhaven Highlands

Mon, Oct 26, 2009, 12:02 pm  //  Larry Horowitz

Professional journalist and local resident, Bob Simmons, has published an article entitled Horizon Bank and the fate of Fairhaven Highlands on the Seattle-based Crosscut.com3 comments; last on Oct 29, 2009

Thoughts on the Fairhaven Highlands Draft EIS

Fri, Oct 23, 2009, 4:11 pm  //  Larry Horowitz

A public hearing on the Fairhaven Highlands Draft EIS was held on Tuesday, October 20 at the County Council Chambers. Approximately 250 to 300 were in attendance.

Channel 10…

1 comments; last on Oct 30, 2009

Public Hearing tonight on Fairhaven Highlands

Tue, Oct 20, 2009, 4:39 pm  //  John Servais

Public comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Fairhaven Highlands is tonight, Tuesday, October 20 at 6 pm at the Whatcom County Courthouse.

You wo

1 comments; last on Oct 20, 2009

Why the Fairhaven Highlands Draft EIS violates SEPA law

Sun, Oct 18, 2009, 10:58 am  //  Larry Horowitz

No confidence. That’s right. NO CONFIDENCE! I have no confidence in the Fairhaven Highlands EIS… and neither should you.

And it’s not for the obvious reasons. Sure,

4 comments; last on Oct 19, 2009

Hope for Chuckanut Ridge

Thu, Oct 01, 2009, 5:20 pm  //  Larry Horowitz

If you are interested in saving Chuckanut Ridge, there is some glimmer of hope for preserving this ecologically-rich and environmentally-sensitive property. If you are willing to make a…

3 comments; last on Oct 04, 2009

Divesting Fairhaven Highlands: An open letter to Tim Stewart, Bellingham Director of Planning

Fri, Apr 10, 2009, 9:41 am  //  Larry Horowitz

Dear Director Stewart:

As I write this letter, I am reminded of a comment by a former planning department staffer who claimed he knew he had done his job…

2 comments; last on Apr 11, 2009

Opinion for hire: Part 2 - Admission of errors

Sat, Apr 04, 2009, 12:30 pm  //  Larry Horowitz

On February 20th, I wrote a column about the Chuckanut Ridge / Fairhaven Highlands mature forested wetlands and the failure of Horizon Bank’s wetland consultant to properly rate…

4 comments; last on Apr 06, 2009

Barbara’s response

Mon, Mar 02, 2009, 12:33 am  //  Guest writer

Jack Weiss, a member of the Bellingham City Council, has submitted this response to the Feb 27 post.
----------

Barbara, as the author of this piece, tries to state a…

4 comments; last on Mar 17, 2009

Greenways III: Policy and Practice Disaster

Fri, Feb 27, 2009, 7:11 pm  //  Guest writer

Barbara Ryan, Terry Bornemann and Gene Knutson, all members of the Bellingham City Council, have submitted this guest article.
--------

Until now, we have chosen to let our record…

4 comments; last on Mar 01, 2009

Opinion for hire: Part 1

Fri, Feb 20, 2009, 9:57 am  //  Larry Horowitz

Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Jungle, Upton Sinclair observed, “It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his job depends on not understanding it.

4 comments; last on Feb 23, 2009

Top ten list for the next buyer of Chuckanut Ridge / Fairhaven Highlands

Sat, Feb 07, 2009, 11:17 am  //  Larry Horowitz

If you happen to find yourself in the market for an 82-acre hilly swamp wholly encumbered by critical areas like steep slopes and mature-forested Category 1 wetlands in…

0 comments

Much ado about nothing … or… Why the Fairhaven Highlands EIS is meaningless

Wed, Feb 04, 2009, 12:54 pm  //  Larry Horowitz

Please don’t misunderstand. I’m not claiming that the Fairhaven Highlands environmental impact statement (EIS) does not have the potential to be meaningful. However, in its present form,

9 comments; last on Feb 05, 2009

How Horizon Bank chose greed over the safety of its community

Tue, Feb 03, 2009, 1:05 am  //  Larry Horowitz

I really pity Horizon Bank’s CEO Rich Jacobson. His predecessor, Laury Evans, sure left him a bad hand to play. Not only is Mr. Jacobson faced with the…

2 comments; last on Mar 02, 2009

Chuckanut Ridge in a nutshell

Sun, Jan 25, 2009, 9:59 pm  //  Larry Horowitz

In recent weeks, the Chuckanut Ridge / Greenways 3 mêlée has been blown way out of proportion and has become nothing more than an irritating sideshow. Personally, I…

0 comments

Deconstructing Chuckanut Ridge

Wed, Jan 14, 2009, 8:28 pm  //  John Servais

A back room attempt by city staff to sneak the Greenways Plan through city council failed Monday evening. Tuesday evening the mayor got grilled strongly by south side…

23 comments; last on Jan 17, 2009

Chuckanut Ridge: The real land supply implications

Sat, Aug 09, 2008, 7:10 pm  //  Larry Horowitz

On his personal blog, former City Councilman John Watts has written a column entitled, “Chuckanut Ridge: Land Supply Implications” in which he concludes, “without a reasonable level

12 comments; last on Aug 11, 2008

Neiner, Neiner - The private benefits of avoiding public dialog

Sun, Apr 13, 2008, 6:18 pm  //  Tip Johnson

The dialog over the proposed Fairhaven Highlands development has deteriorated into a childish "neiner-neiner" squabble. Opponents continuously propose a host of rational objections while a few propon

2 comments; last on Apr 15, 2008

More government waste on the Horizon?

Sat, Mar 01, 2008, 12:28 pm  //  Larry Horowitz

You don’t need to be Nostradamus to make this prediction: Bellingham city officials are about to waste precious staff time and taxpayer resources preparing an environmental impact statem

6 comments; last on Mar 03, 2008

To vest or not to vest: Chuckanut Ridge & the CAO

Fri, Feb 15, 2008, 10:13 pm  //  Larry Horowitz

After an extended hiatus, the battle over Chuckanut Ridge has begun to heat up again. In one corner: landowners Horizon Bank and David Edelstein. In the other corner:…

2 comments; last on Feb 19, 2008

Save the Woods?

Wed, Jan 16, 2008, 3:33 pm  //  Tip Johnson

Or how to mitigate the illegitimacies of Fairhaven Highlands, AKA Chuckanut Ridge and the Hundred Acre Woods.

Sorry, I didn't have time to write something short!

Tonight (1/16/2008) a

2 comments; last on Jan 16, 2008

Candidates and candidon’ts

Wed, Oct 17, 2007, 9:40 pm  //  John Servais

Podcasts of last night's forum will be posted online by KGMI about noon tomorrow. I will post links here when they go up. Meanwhile, you might check Sam…

0 comments

Deja vu of 1996

Sun, Jun 12, 2005, 5:35 pm  //  Site Management

Chuckanut Ridge is a controversy now - and it is deja vu of 1996. On October '96, NwCitizen broke new information and posted three reports that helped to…

0 comments

Herald Distorts Facts In Favor Of Developer

Sun, Oct 20, 1996, 12:00 pm  //  John Servais

With Facts Wrong, Discussion Is Skewed

0 comments

 

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