Three new Waterfront District Flags are now flying alongside the Granary Building, marking both the excitement and energy for this proposed redevelopment area and the starting location for upcoming public tours.
If you’d like to explore the former Georgia Pacific property and learn more about Port and City redevelopment planning, be sure to take part in a free summer walking tour on July 25 or Aug. 1.
“We think the best way for people to understand the waterfront redevelopment plan is to get outside and explore the site,” said Port Commission President Jim Jorgensen. “We have a variety of tours available for the community and are encouraging everyone to come and learn about this project.”
During the next two Thursdays (July 25 & Aug. 1), the Port of Bellingham is offering Waterfront Twilight Walking Tours. These tours will focus on the Downtown Area and Log Pond area of the Waterfront District. This tour includes the 10.8 acre section of the property now being offered to private developers.
Each evening, there will be three one-hour tours, departing from the Granary Building at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Officials from the Port and City, who are working on the waterfront redevelopment project, will be providing information and answering questions.
All tours will begin alongside the Granary Building, located at Roeder Avenue and Central Street, with parking available alongside the building. Just head toward the Waterfront District flags and turn onto the Central Avenue Pier.
No advance registration is required. The site includes uneven terrain and portions of the tour may not be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Closed toed shoes, suitable for walking over gravel and some rubble, are required for all walking tours.
Master planning for the Waterfront District is well underway and will soon enter the final phase of public involvement. This spring the city’s Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Waterfront District plans to the City Council, with recommendations for some minor changes.
This summer the Port Commission and City Council began their deliberations. The City Council will have a public hearing on the plans, regulations and agreements at 7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 5. The Port Commission will have a public hearing on the same documents at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 20. All of the documents are available online.