Since its inception, the Bellingham's Greenways program has made consistent improvement to the quality of life and health of Bellingham, its citizens and the natural environment. To continue this successful program, city officials expect to ask voters this spring to reaffirm their belief in, and willingness to pay for, Greenways III.
A preliminary Greenways III property tax levy proposal was outlined to the Bellingham City Council on Monday, Jan. 23. It reflects the work of many citizen volunteers and has the support of the city's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The proposal maintains the initial 57-cents per thousand levy rate, the same rate approved in prior Greenways levy measures, and is expected to generate more than $44 million over the proposed 10-year life of the levy. The proposal recommends directing this funding toward acquisition, development, improvement and maintenance of greenways, open spaces, parks and trails.
City officials have used several techniques to hear from the public before making a final decision on the contents of a final Greenways levy proposal. Various citizen groups have participated in Greenways proposals. The results of a recent citizen survey about Greenways issues will be presented to City Council members at the end of February. After weighing survey results, public comments and public hearing testimony, Council is expected to make a decision about advancing a ballot measure in early March.
The first Greenways levy, adopted by voters in 1990, generated $7 million and was used in conjunction with grants and donations to provide the foundation for a new system of open space and trails in our community. Beyond Greenways, adopted by voters in 1997, continued and expanded upon this theme, collecting $20 million through 2006. Beyond Greenways expires in 2006. Greenways III is proposed to begin collecting in 2007.
