Bellingham WA: Event. 11/9/15 7pm Public Hearing on Bellingham Critical Area Ordinance (Seattle: 2015, apartments)

[lizardy]

The meeting will be in City Hall at 210 Lottie Street. Click/like/share link re event on the Facebook group Whatcom Hawk:
https://www.facebook.com/events/192015911136698/
Tell the City Council that you want better protection for wetlands and wildlife, starting with an inventory and assessment and baseline standards.

[CoastieTX]

Most people in Bellingham would probably rather discuss the city's colossal failure to meet the housing needs of its citizens. I'd be hard pressed to name another city that's so mismanaged, and I've seen more than a few.

[momma4evr]

Originally Posted by CoastieTX

Most people in Bellingham would probably rather discuss the city's colossal failure to meet the housing needs of its citizens. I'd be hard pressed to name another city that's so mismanaged, and I've seen more than a few.

@ CoastieTx... I'm curious - Do you live in Bellingham? We have been seriously considering a move there from Yakima, WA and housing has been the biggest obstacle for us. We want to rent as newcomers to the area and that has been a challenge as we don't want to live in an area saturated with students. Rents used to look quite high and exceeded what we were used to seeing in Yakima, but Yakima has it's own shortage of rental housing that is clean, safe and affordable... in recent comparisons, rental rates in Yakima are on par or exceeding those in Bellingham (although you can still get more square footage in Yakima).

As far as another city being mismanaged... Take a look at Yakima's recent headlines regarding their City Council, City Manager, multiple law suits involving the city, etc. It's like a soap opera and the amount of financial waste would be laughable if it didn't affect the citizens and those who pay taxes. I'd like to know more re: your opinion re: the city of Bellingham's mismanagement... Not so sure we want to move from one Peyton Place to another! Thanks!

[perigee]

Bellingham and Whatcom country are finally addressing the housing crisis. Apartments are springing up all over the city and Ferndale has housing developments in the works. Renting should be a little easier soon, but housing costs are still high.

Momma4ever, just have employment secured before making the move. The town is bustling, but I am sure they can make room for another family.

[momma4evr]

Thanks, Perigree... At least you sound optimistic, which helps!

I work from home and can relocate anywhere in the state (as long as I've got Internet), so we're fortunate in that regard. Once settled, I wouldn't mind finding something in the area, even part-time to feel like I belong to it and to meet people... or volunteer somewhere.

We'll be searching after the first of the year... fingers crossed :-)

[CoastieTX]

Originally Posted by momma4evr

@ CoastieTx... I'm curious - Do you live in Bellingham? We have been seriously considering a move there from Yakima, WA and housing has been the biggest obstacle for us. We want to rent as newcomers to the area and that has been a challenge as we don't want to live in an area saturated with students. Rents used to look quite high and exceeded what we were used to seeing in Yakima, but Yakima has it's own shortage of rental housing that is clean, safe and affordable... in recent comparisons, rental rates in Yakima are on par or exceeding those in Bellingham (although you can still get more square footage in Yakima).

As far as another city being mismanaged... Take a look at Yakima's recent headlines regarding their City Council, City Manager, multiple law suits involving the city, etc. It's like a soap opera and the amount of financial waste would be laughable if it didn't affect the citizens and those who pay taxes. I'd like to know more re: your opinion re: the city of Bellingham's mismanagement... Not so sure we want to move from one Peyton Place to another! Thanks!

Hi momma4evr,

I've written about this problem in this thread:

https://www.city-data.com/forum/washi...ellingham.html

Bellingham is a wonderful town with an intolerable housing situation..

[Deserterer]

Originally Posted by CoastieTX

Bellingham is a wonderful town with an intolerable housing situation..

Because people keep moving there despite the fact that there's no housing. Why should the city support that by expansion?

Some (such as you in the thread you linked to) complain about the city catering to college students and retirees, and developing by "infiLL" instead of expanding. The problem isn't the Growth Management Plan making housing unaffordable. The problem is too many people wanting a piece of that soggy pie, iow growth that makes Growth Management Plans necessary. And IMO, it came too late and is too weak. The Bellingham is already ruined compared to what it was just a 2-3 decades ago.

The 2nd biggest employer in the city is the University, so its understandable they want to support that above other priorities.

BTW in 95 I rented a 2 bedroom house on 5 acres a few miles from town. It cost me $350. Compare that to the mess you have just 20 years later and then tell me why anyone would actually encourage more growth there. It will never get better, I'm sorry to say. The good old days are gone and will not return. Build more housing and you'll probably just have another flush of new people and the same old problem.

[momma4evr]

CoastieTX... Thank YOU! Really appreciated the link to the other discussion thread. That was very insightful. I think you provided a very good explanation / have a clear understanding as to the issues behind the problem. You hit the nail on the head with some of your posts there. In researching what I have so far, there are very few options for those of us seeking a home in the 100k - 200k range as you explained - something that would be much more affordable than paying some of the outrageous rental fees being asked for. Not interested in Muljat group condo's either... Sure, the prices may look affordable but look at the sq ftg and then tack on those condo fees... same for mobile home parks.... no thanks.
I would hate to see Bellingham grow vertically (like West Seattle).

It's got to be even more disconcerting / frightening for those who may qualify for housing assistance who are seeking rentals - with the number of listings that state "no housing assistance" or long wait lists. How can they survive in the area? There certainly does not appear to be an even distribution to accommodate housing for a diverse population. I was not aware of the high percentage of housing being rented vs. owned in the area either (which I read in the other thread you provided). No, that does not speak well but does speak volumes. I agree, Bellingham is a wonderful city with so much to offer... which is why we're drawn to it. Would love to be able to get situated there so my son can pursue his educational dreams/goals but have great concerns that he would be able to afford to live there on his own one day. Maybe we should look further outside of the area... i.e. Lynden

Thank you for assistance and for the information!