Planning In Progress for New Cornwall Beach Park 

  Plans are being made that would allow South Hill residents to extend their walk, jog or bike ride from Boulevard Park across the bay to a new park near Cornwall avenue.

  On Wednesday, November 20, a meeting was held at the Bellingham City Council Chambers to present three alternative designs for the proposed Cornwall Beach. This park  would be connected to Boulevard Park by a proposed over-water walkway. The planning for the park is currently in a developmental stage and has not been finalized. 

Many of the residents of the South Hill neighborhood have been supportive of both the plan for the walkway and park. 

“Bellingham has the opportunity to do a class act.” Beth Brown, a resident of South Hill, said. Brown liked the idea of having a connection to another park and would like to have a way to walk around the whole bay. 

The meeting on Wednesday was lead by Jonathan Schilk and Peter Hummel, both landscape architects, who have been involved in the planning process for this park. This was the second of three meetings to connect with the public and decide what the park will look like. The first meeting centered around public input, discussion of the location, and the constraints and purposes of the park. This last meeting provided an update on the process and the presentation of three alternative plans constructed to give the public an idea of what the park could look like. 

The third and final meeting will be held in January 2014 when one preferred alternative will be displayed for the public to view and discuss. After that, it will need approval from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in February and from the City Council in March.

Schilk also announced at the meeting that they are now accepting suggestions for what to name the park. If you would like to suggest a name, email Jonathan Schilk at jschilk@cob.org with your suggestion. There is currently no deadline for submissions. Proposed names will be posted on the City of Bellingham Website. 

The park would encompass 2.4 acres. For reference, one acre is just smaller than a standard football field. The three plans presented varied the amount and locations of parking areas, access points and structures. All three include a main pathway along the bay but the exact location of the walkway varied between plans.

Alternative One had the most development, including one structure for a restaurant or coffee shop and another for possible outdoor equipment rentals. It also included the most parking stalls—around 300. Boulevard Park currently has around 90. Other features were a play area, an amphitheater facing the islands, two restrooms, and in-car beach viewing.

Alternative Two was the least developed and most natural of the three plans. Instead of buildings, it would include an area set aside for non-permanent activities. It included less parking, a large lawn edged with vegetation, an area for picnicking and an open-water feature such as a wetland area. 

Alternative Three was a balance of the first two, with about 200 parking stalls and two small buildings. 

After the presentation and explanations of the plans, comments were encouraged from the public. Many voiced their concerns about the cleanup in progress and if it would sufficiently prepare the land for a park. Hummel and Schilk explained that the plan for the park was still in the conceptual phase and would depend on the progress and outcome of the cleanup. Others asked questions about the plans and made suggestions about what they would like to see in the park. Beach access was important to many at the meeting and each plan included more or less beach access.

T. Mcdonell, who lives in South Hill, commented that she appreciated “everything they do that allows people to enjoy beach.” She also stated that she would be interested in looking at the plans and making an educated decision on which one she felt would be best.

These plans, as well as the comments made at the meeting will soon be uploaded onto the City of Bellingham website for viewing. For more information, check out the Cornwall Beach Park Master Plan site on the City of Bellingham website. 

What has the Association been up to?

If you live in the South Hill neighborhood, you might be interested in knowing what the South Hill Neighborhood Association is doing. Here are a few things that the association is considering:

•   Brian Griffin, a South Hill Historian, is raising money to     

    construct a statue of JJ Donovan that will be placed in Fairhaven.

•   The association is looking at the possibility of a quiet zone in the  
    Waterfront District. The district is not in South Hill, but adjacent 
    to it.

•   There will be a public meeting on the 20th of November at the  
    city council chambers to discuss the development of Cornwall 
    Beach—which is in the Waterfront District.

•   There are discussions over the planned over-water walkway 
    connecting Boulevard Park and Cornwall Avenue.  

The Importance of Being Involved

      Did you know you have a neighborhood association? That is what the president of the South Hill Neighborhood Association, Ray Ballweg, wants everyone in the South Hill neighborhood to know. 

During the third week of September, the association sent out over 100 postcards to renters and homeowners living in the South Hill neighborhood. According to Ballweg, they did this “to make sure people knew there was an association, especially those who were new to the neighborhood.” They also wanted to encourage the residents to share their interests with others.

This is the first time they have sent out postcards and they saw a significant increase in attendance to the following meeting.

Debbie Biery, a resident of the South Hill neighborhood for 14 years, has been a member of the association for many years. She stated that she probably got involved because of flyers that were sent out. She remembers thinking, “Oh look, we have a neighborhood association. Let’s go to the meeting.”

“People used to know who their neighbors were.” Biery said. “Now you don’t just sit and have tea with your neighbors.” She said although she has been less actively involved lately, she is completely committed to being involved now.

  Their most recent meeting was on Wednesday, the 6th at the Fairhaven Library. There were about 30 in attendance. It was time or their yearly elections and nine spots were open. Ballweg asked for nominations and explained that any nominee must be a member in good standing to be elected. 

Among the spots open were Ballweg’s position as president and his wife’s position as secretary. Ballweg has been the president for the past three years and according to the association rules, he cannot serve a fourth year. 

When it came time to vote, he explained that unless someone else stepped forward to take his place, they would have to vote to suspend that rule so that he could serve another year. They voted to suspend the rule. 

In the future, there are several areas where Ballweg would like to see neighborhood input and involvement in. He has introduced the idea of having art and sculpture exhibits to encourage sculptors and artist in the neighborhood to showcase their talent. He would also like to see a bandstand on Taylor Dock to provide evening entertainment next summer. The construction at Boulevard Park last summer prevented them from pursuing the idea then.

  Another plan that is still up in the air is to build another over-water walkway connecting Boulevard Park to Cornwall Beach. According to Ballweg, about 80 per cent of the money has already been raised, but the sticking point is getting approval from the Lummi Nation. They fish on the beach that would be affected by the walkway.

Wes Frysztacki has been involved in the association since 2005 and stressed, “It’s good to have communication and people working together on projects.” He got involved when he became interested in improving Highland Dr., the road he lives on. It was only 19 feet across and had no sidewalks for pedestrians. He worked with the association to improve the road and since then, the city has put in a new drainage system and created a gravel walkway on one side. 

“The community appreciated that and thought I should take on other things.” Frysztacki said, chuckling. Throughout the years he has been involved, he has seen waves of people concerned with many different issues. 

When asked why he thought people in the neighborhood aren’t getting involved, Ballweg stated, “Our neighborhood is changing. We had (older) people that had retired and we now currently have a bunch of new people—young families—coming in.” These families are busy going to work and watching their kids, and many are involved in the Lowell PTA. “I just think that the young people are just so busy,” he said.

Despite this, he hopes those in the community will take interest in being a part of what happens in the neighborhood.

How to Grow Dahlias

        Many who stop to buy dahlias at Ricky Lee Williams’ stand on South State Street have questions about how to grow dahlias. Williams and Joan Donaldson, who helps Williams, are both quick to answer those questions and share from their wealth of knowledge.

Williams says he starts in February planing dahlia tubers in his bedroom. As soon as the last freeze passes, he transplants them into his garden. He says that the most common mistake when starting the tubers is watering them. Only when they have broken the surface do they need to be watered. After that, just water, weed and fertilize.

Each plant, when mature, develops multiple tubers that can be split up, dried, and then planted again. Even a little tuber can grow into a new plant.

Williams suggests checking out the Whatcom County Dahlia Society, which meet  on the first Monday of each month (except for December and January) They also have annual Dahlia shows and tuber sales. These events are great for learning about dahlias and connecting with others who grow them.

If You Grow ‘em. . . They Will Come

Dahlia’s on South State Street

Williams sits watching his flower stand

Anyone driving to or from Fairhaven on South State Street would be hard pressed not to notice a little stand on the side of the road selling Dahlias.

All this summer, Ricky Lee Williams, with the help of Joan Donaldson, has been selling his Dahlias to friends, neighbors, and passers-by. Williams, who was born and raised locally, retired from a career on the Bering Sea, returned home and after a period of time began a garden. “I took a 180° from being a fisherman, and now I stare at dirt. It’s very therapeutic for me—it keeps me busy.”

Williams says that he has regulars from the community, and enjoys greeting and getting to know them. Many who stop say they have driven past several times and finally decided to stop. If someone takes the time to stop and smell the flowers, they will find they’ve found a new friend in Williams, who is ever ready to share advice or a laugh. Alan Stein comes regularly to buy flowers. “He is here like clockwork.” Williams says. Stein calls Williams a “jewel of the community.

Donaldson makes sure the flowers look their best.

The sign advertises ten Dahlias for $5, a price considerably lower than normal. Williams explained that the price is low because his goal is not simply to make a profit. “I’m not trying to make money off of anybody.” he said, “. . . it’s about sharing the beauty and all my hard work. That’s what it all comes down to.” 

Many times, passers-by simply see the sign and can’t pass up the offer. “I just love flowers,” said Jennifer Celements, a local resident. Lisa Nichols, who works in Fairhaven, said she “had to have some. . .they make me really happy.” As they pick out their flowers, Williams or Donaldson chat with them about the flowers and share their insight about how to grow them.

About six years ago, Donaldson and Williams planted four Dahlia tubers in the small area of soil in front of Williams condo. The plants didn’t do well, lacking the conditions to make them grow healthy. He then began planting a garden off the property, and it grew from there. He first planted sunflowers around the border of the garden, but after a while, switched to Dahlias. Because each plant produces many flowers, he began to give the flowers away. Then, he had an idea. 

“I decided, well heck, I’ll just throw up a sign and table in front of my condo to maybe sell a few.” And he did. 

Now he sits in a chair watching the stand and chatting with costumers. When he is not attending the stand, he is attending his gardens. He has two: one on East Laurel, off of Hannegan, and one on West Maplewood Avenue. Flowers are not the only thing Williams grows, he also grows a large assortment of fruits and vegetables as well, including lettuce, squash, apples, and grapes. 

Williams is very generous with his produce. He lets family and friends gather what they want, and if someone he doesn’t know would like some produce, he simply asks that they donate $5 and they can come get vegetables any time. In addition, this year he has donated over 1.000 pounds of produce to the food bank. “I just can’t keep receiving, receiving, you know? You gotta give back.”

When he returned from the Bering Sea, Williams had a problem with drug abuse and gardening helped him get back on track. He knew he couldn’t sit and do nothing, so he started working in the garden. Now, his Dahlias are a big part of his life and mean a lot to him. “I’m still just as passionate about it today as I was with my first original garden,” Williams stated. He does all of the work himself, with the exception of some help from his father and Donaldson. 

In the future, Williams hopes to build a website and go into the business of selling Dahlia tubers online. Each Dahlia plant can produce many tubers and each can be grown into a new plant. He once spent over $3,000 just buying tubers online, paying $5 or $5.50 each. His would be priced at around $3.

Opposition to the $160 Million Bond

On October 19th, Hue Beattie represented the opposition to the proposed $160 million bond at a debate held by the League of Women Voters. 

He was debating against Teri McIntyre, who is on the Facilities Planning Task Force, and has been involved in the development of this proposed bond. Beattie voiced his concern that, with respect to some of the proposed uses of the money, the voices of the community members were being ignored. Beattie has supported every bond that has been proposed in the last 40 years, but he cannot support this one.  

Two areas of the bond he especially oppose are the rebuilding of Sehome High School, and the renovations to the Bellingham school district office. He argues that Sehome does not need to be rebuilt, and that the description of the renovations to the district office may be misleading. When asked if there were parts of the bond he supported, he replied that there were—but not enough to pass it. 

  His solution—scrap the bond and go back to the drawing board. 

Take a look at the video of the debate here (start at 61:00). Click here for more information from the Bellingham School District about what the money will be used for and why. Do you support the bond? Are there projects you think shouldn’t be included? How will you vote this November?

 Proposed $160 Million Bond To Be Voted on in November

Those living in the South Hill neighborhood will have an important choice to make this November. They will be asked, along with everyone else living within the attendance areas of the Bellingham School District, to vote on a proposed $160 million bond to fund renovations and upgrades in some of the the schools within the district.

This bond was proposed by the Facilities Planning Task Force, a group consisting of parents, teachers, students, staff, and community members, who spent 6 months studying the schools in the district and trying to understand the changes that were most needed. They then formed a recommendation for a 10-year plan to upgrade and renovate many of the schools. For South Hill residents, that means upgrades to Lowell Elementary. 

Teri McIntyre, a Bellingham resident and parent of students, is a member of the Facilities Planning Task force, and had the opportunity to observe first-hand the needs of the schools. When looking at Lowell Elementary, McIntyre said the task force was able to see that the gym and cafeteria weren’t large enough to accommodate a large group of students. There was also a need for an elevator to assist those who are disabled. 

These kinds of issues were looked at in schools across the district. Both when students were carrying out their daily routine and on the weekends when the school was empty, the task force got to look around the school and talk to teachers about how the infrastructure did or did not meet the students’ needs. McIntyre noted that many places in the schools are not commonly open to parents or people in the community and therefore sometimes go unnoticed. “It was just eye-opening to see, for instance, the boiler rooms at the school,” she said, “That’s not something that you get to see very often.” 

A bond is one of two ways that the school can raise money. It is like a loan: the district takes out a loan and the citizens pay back that loan through taxes over a period of time. For this proposed bond, the additional taxes would affect homeowners, starting out at 49 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in 2014, and decreasing to 26 cents per $1,000 in 2019. Practically, for a house assessed at $250,000, the extra monthly taxes would be $10.16 in 2014. 

McIntyre acknowledges that the sum of $160 million sounds daunting, but she also states, “If you look at your extra expenses that you have in a month, that’s a more doable type of thing.” It is interesting to note that Bellingham Public Schools’ Tax rate is the third lowest in the county and is among the lowest in the state, according to Jacqueline Brawley, Communications Manager for the Bellingham School District. When asked what people might think of the extra taxes, she said, “When you at look the benefits to everything, it’s a pretty good deal.” The bond would be payed off in the next 16 to 20 years.

The other way the district can raise money is by passing a levy, which they generally do every three years. Levies are used to pay for classroom supplies, teachers’ salaries, curriculum, and benefits. As opposed to levies, bonds cannot be used to pay for teachers salaries or classroom supplies. It is strictly for capital improvement projects or maintenance, according to McIntyre. They can, however, increase the schools’ energy efficiency, saving it some money. “Any money we save on that, on day to day operations. . .can go directly back into the classroom,” McIntyre states. 

Melanie Sehman, a music teacher at Whatcom Community College, who recently moved to the Bellingham area from New York in July, says that she believes she is more biased towards the bond because she is a teacher. She recognizes the importance of infrastructure as an integral part of helping the students learn and prepare them for further schooling. 

“Where [my students] are before they come to me has a big impact on how I teach.” Sehman states. When asked what she thought about the proposed renovations to Lowell Elementary, she commented that it seemed to be a worthy use of the money. Sehman is very interested in the issue and will look into the proposed bond before the November vote.

Kate Foster is also a Bellingham resident and parent, and is actively involved in the schools. She has seen the results of the last bond, passed in 2006, and considers the bonds to be a good way to help out the schools. She will vote yes on the new $160 million bond, but had a few suggestions on how it could be made more effective. For example, possibly breaking it up into smaller bonds might reduce the sticker-shock factor, as well as making sure that the proposed changes are absolutely necessary. “Extras are for when times are more flush,” Foster said. 

Overall, she recognizes the benefits for the schools and neighborhoods. “If people could see the facilities for themselves, the bond may be easier to pass.”

Ballots were sent out in October and will need to be returned and received by November 5th. to the Whatcom County Courthouse, South Parking Lot, 201 Grand. Ave. McIntyre stressed the importance of voting early and sending the ballot in to avoid  forgetting about it. The Bellingham School District website has all the information on what schools will be affected and on all of the proposed improvements. Citizens can also check out BellinghamBonds.org for more information. In addition, this Saturday, Teri McIntyre will be at the meeting held by the League of Women Voters, debating an opponent of the bond. The meeting will be held at the Bellingham City Council Chambers from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.