The Port has submitted a proposal to the City of Bellingham to update the 2013 Waterfront District Master Plan to improve the layout of parks and roads through the interior of the downtown waterfront. The 2013 Waterfront District Sub-Area Plan was prepared jointly by the Port and the City of Bellingham with input from residents, landowners, community stakeholders and resource agencies to provide a framework for future development. This Sub-Area Plan set forth a minimum of 33 acres of new upland parks and trails and 6 acres of restored beaches to be built in the Waterfront District. However, the location of the parks and roads was anticipated to change as development occurred.
The Proposed 2018 Sub-Area Plan Update was prepared by the Port and Harcourt with input from City staff and public input. This update would change the layout of parks and roads through the interior of the downtown waterfront to enhance public access to and through the site. The Port has submitted this proposal to the City of Bellingham for review and approval. The City's review process will include additional public input, Planning Commission hearings and City Council review. This process is anticipated to be complete by May 2019. To learn more about the City's review process including additional opportunities for public comment, click here.