Columbia Neighborhood Association Meeting

November 6, 2008, 7-9PM

Welcome from the President

Presentations

Waterfront Update: Robyn DuPre of the Waterfront Advisory Group (WAG) updated the CNA about the waterfront redevelopment on the former GP mill site, and the current discussion between the City of Bellingham and the Port of Bellingham about the street grid. There are three proposals before the public: The Port’s proposal, which angles the street toward the proposed marina; the City’s proposal, which continues the city’s current street grid; and the Blethen/Christensen proposal, which attempts compromise between the City and Port proposals. The advantage of the Port and Christensen plans is that they include interior parks. The City’s plan does not. Christensen and the city both would save a decision about whether or not to keep the brick buildings for a later time. The City is suing the Port to try to get back SEPA status that was given away to the Port several years ago. The Port’s plan would necessitate knocking the historic buildings down sooner. There is an environmental review document out right now for public comment (the SDEIS) and there are three upcoming meetings presenting the various proposals: November 13^th, November 17^th (City and Port) and the WAG meeting at 7PM at the Harbor Center on Roeder Avenue on November 12^th.

Stormwater Retrofit Program: Eli Mackiewicz of the City’s Public Works Department offered to install rain barrels as part of a granted program to prevent runoff from draining right into sewers rather than designated storm runoff drains. 42 homes are eligible for the program in Columbia. He had a list of homes that showed up as needing this retrofit (as a result of smoke tests performed in 2001). Interested residents can contact Eli at emackiewicz@cob.org or Flip Breskin (flip@breskin.com) for more information.

Fountain District Urban Village: Katie Hinton, former CNA President, updated the neighborhood on progress toward redeveloping the Fountain District. City Planning seems interested, but the neighborhood has to show its interest and willingness to do some heavy lifting before the City will commit. Katie is putting together a committee to oversee the planning. Cornwall, Lettered Streets and Columbia will be working together on the plan. Katie suggested a main committee of 5 people and a larger subcommittee to work on the plans.

Community Garden: Becky Curtis presented on applying for a grant to establish a community garden for Columbia. The deadline is currently December 1^st. The grant would be for up to $5000. The grant process is more of a proposal than an application. Those applying need to demonstrate a knowledge of the resources required, information about the land, light, water, and a list of families interested in participating. Five people need to come forward to act as a steering committee to start the garden and do the coordinating. Websites of interest: community.firstgardens@wsu.edu; whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/gardening/cfg

Anyone interested in taking part in organization of this project, contact Edie Norton at edwinanorton@earthlink.net.

Business Meeting

Roeder Home: Flip reports that County Parks is putting offices in the Roeder Home. Concerned neighbors should contact Executive Pete Kremen and the County Council. Letters to the papers are also recommended, as well as pressure on the press to cover this issue. Those who want more information should contact flip@breskin.com

Treasurer’s Report: $2559.55 is our current balance. This year we had access to $2500 from a small and simple grant, $1000 from the city's Neighborhood Services function, and planning academy grant money carried over from 2006 to help us with our expenses.

Meeting Frequency: Edie proposes meeting more often (six times a year, or monthly). We’ll vote at the February meeting. Meeting more often will enable the neighborhood to address issues and come together in a more timely manner.

Geographic Representation: Katie suggested having different areas of the neighborhood represented on the board by geographic distribution.

Bylaws: Board is researching and revising the bylaws, particularly regarding membership. Will be either reviewed or voted on at the February meeting.

Project Reports

Cell Tower: Chris and Mike Powell report that where the occupants where the proposed Verizon cell tower would go are not available/accessible for communication about the neighborhood's concerns. The business on the property doesn't own the property and may be leaving that location. Verizon hasn’t applied for a permit. Other cell companies interested in adding towers.

West Street Bench: Kathy Rainbolt coordinated the construction and installation of the West Street Bench. It needs a gravel pad to make it ADA accessible, but the bench itself is constructed and ready to be installed. The bench is constructed and installed with a plaque saying "A gift of the Columbia Neighborhood.” Will be completed in 2 weeks or so (depending on weather).

Street Trees: Greg Hope reported on the street trees project. There was a problem with underground utilities, so several trees couldn’t go in as planned. But they managed to plant 8 trees nonetheless on October 25^th with a dozen volunteers.

Bistro: There’s a new bistro going into the Kentucky Fried Chicken building. They will be applying for a liquor license.

Bike Committee: Wendy Blumenthal, Greg and Catalina Hope, and Katie Hinton are on the bike committee. They exist to try to head off potential problems and educate the neighborhood about bike lane proposals. They also want to add some wording to the comp plan for Columbia about bikes. Email Wendy if you’re interested in being a part of it.

West Street Beautification: Several volunteers spent 57 volunteer hours planting along West Street and in the traffic circle. Wendy proposes a Welcome To Columbia sign as well.

Online forum: Greg Hope started a yahoo group for Columbia to serve as an issues forum. Wendy is the moderator. Email Wendy to be invited to join the group. It’s for Columbia neighbors/land owners/business owners only.

MNAC: Edie described the activities of the Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Committee. Big issues on their agenda include infill planning and the waterfront. Neighborhood Services, which supports the MNAC, is offering courses in things like bylaws and parliamentary procedures.

Wendy’s Interview: KMRE 102.3 interviewed Wendy about what it was like to live in Columbia. The show will broadcast her interview Saturday at 7PM.

Bus stops: Bus ridership is up. We could use some covered stations and more bike racks.

Thank you everyone for a great meeting!