The Port has released an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Addendum for proposed changes to the 2013 Waterfront District Sub-Area Plan. The EIS process is a tool for identifying and analyzing probable adverse environmental impacts, reasonable alternatives and possible mitigation. The EIS Addendum is available for public comment until January 18, 2019. Comments can be submitted by email to sepaofficial@portofbellingham.com or in writing at:
Andrew W. Maron
SEPA Responsible Official, Port of Bellingham
PO Box 1677
Bellingham, WA 98227-1677
The currently adopted Waterfront District Sub-Area Plan provides a framework for the gradual transition of 237 acres on Bellingham’s downtown waterfront from heavy industrial into a new neighborhood with residences, shops, offices, marine and light industry, as well as parks, trails and shoreline improvements. The Port is proposing changes to the Sub-Area Plan to improve the layout of parks and roads to enhance public access to and through the downtown waterfront. The proposed modifications/updates are:
- Modified street grid in the Downtown Waterfront Area to reflect extension of existing street grid in adjacent neighborhoods.
- Modified internal boundary between Downtown Waterfront/Log Pond Area to better accommodate adaptive reuse of the Board Mill Building.
- Updated view corridors to better align with Downtown Waterfront Area street grid.
- Updated layout of parks, open space and trails to complement proposed street grid, open space and development areas, and provide better pedestrian/bike access.
- Modified roadway improvements and phasing to reflect proposed street grid and building square footage to maintain traffic concurrency.
- Updated structures which may be retained to reflect Granary Building construction, and interest in redevelopment of the Board Mill and Alcohol Plant buildings.
In a separate process, the Port has submitted the Proposed 2018 Sub-Area Plan Update to the City of Bellingham for review and approval. The City's review process includes public input, Planning Commission hearings and City Council review. To learn more about the City's review process including additional opportunities for public comment, click here.