I am participating in the Bellingham City Planning Academy.  This 4 week workshop is discussing the housing options that will be made available to builders to "infill" our neighborhoods.

This has been very interesting.

Infill is State mandated.  It isn't a question of whether we want to have more homes in our neighborhoods.  It is a law that we must.  So let's get over the no-growth "thing" and work to fulfill our commitment to grow...thoughtfully.

With very little exception the proposed housing options will make great additions to our neighborhoods. Cottage housing is my favorite.  Small homes built in a small community setting.  Urban Villages such as Barkley Village are a no brainer. 

As studies have shown, people are moving closer to amenities.  Simplifying.  Reducing the need to drive.  This doesn't mean we will have towering Condo buildings in our neighborhoods.  There will be some, but other options are available.

With our population increasing by 35,000+ by 2022, we have to have over 14,000 more units of housing.
Does this change the look of Bellingham?  To a degree it will, but overall probably not.  We will still have our unique neighborhoods, our eclectic flair.  I liken it to a small San Francisco!

If you would like more information about this project, email me and I will give the final summary when the academy is over the end of May.