AVT: In the News
Meeting to Cover Urban Growth Plans for South Yew Street Road Area
JARED PABEN; THE BELLINGHAM HERALD - Published: 09/12/09
In January 2008, Bellingham leaders saw how much it would cost to provide city services to unincorporated land north of Lake Padden and voted unanimously to reject annexing it.
Now, landowners want to talk with neighbors about another run. Only this time, a plan by County Executive Pete Kremen would remove the land from the urban growth area, making it so the area couldn't be annexed by the city.
A development consultant working for landowners will hold a meeting with neighbors Monday, Sept. 14, to discuss the proposed annexation of about 175 acres and the impact to landowners if Kremen's plan is approved. Under the recommendation, which still must be approved by the County Council, the county would rezone the land to allow only one house per 10 acres.
The property is roughly located from city limits east to Yew Street Road, and from Palmer Road south to near the South Hills and Wildflower subdivisions.
"We believe it's clear that the area is appropriate for annexation," consultant Ali Taysi said. "The intent all along, for 15 years, has been to bring this in and develop it to urban densities."
In early 2008, the City Council voted 7-0 to reject the request for annexation, leaving the property in unincorporated Whatcom County. City planners had recommended rejecting it until they had a chance to study the costs the city would incur bringing all of the unincorporated urban growth areas inside city limits.
A study was conducted and unveiled in September 2008, and planners still recommended waiting years before pulling that land into city limits. Serving the area would cost the city a lot, especially for providing fire service and upgrading Yew Street Road to city standards.
"It basically calls for the need for a new fire station, and that's why it's such a big expense on the city for annexing that," said Brian Henshaw, budget manager for the city. He didn't have an analysis showing the exact estimated costs.
Kremen's proposal is part of an update of urban growth areas countywide, which a state growth board has ordered the county to do by Dec. 1. The proposal calls for removing urban growth areas in the watersheds of Lake Whatcom and Lake Padden, both polluted water bodies, allowing only rural growth. Development is a major contributor to pollution, and Lake Padden should be studied more before additional urban development is allowed near it, Kremen's proposal states.
Taysi said development under city codes could be done without harming Lake Padden by protecting sensitive areas and utilizing low-impact development techniques.
Landowners still haven't committed to formally applying to Bellingham again for the annexation, Taysi said.
Other AVT News Links and Downloads:
Growth Management Act compliance
Stebner makes new applications for Lincoln St. - BBJ Blog
Public comment related to Yew Street Road – Wayne Youngquist