Waterfront Design Concepts Unveiled (January 24, 2006)
In January 2006, two public open houses (January 24 and January 31) were held to share information about preliminary New Whatcom Design Concepts. A third meeting, similar in purpose and format but specifically targeting neighborhood residents nearby the New Whatcom site, was held February 1. These preliminary plans show potential sites for parks and trails, kayak and small boat launches, major roads and bridges and new habitat areas. At these public meetings, project consultants and staff explained the differences and similarities among the plans. Community members provided their comments about the alternatives.
The Waterfront Advisory Group reviewed the design concepts in a public meeting on January 24 in the Harbor Center Conference Room.
Individual community members, the city’s Planning Commission, the Waterfront Advisory Group, project committees and neighborhood groups will all provide feedback to the Port and City. The final preferred plan will include elements from several of the four alternatives.
Preferred Design Alternative: Port and City staff and project consultants will evaluate all of the comments and produce a report to the Port Commission and City Council that explains how the alternatives were viewed by the community and proposes an alternative that incorporates the ideas and comments. Once a preferred alternative is chosen by the City Council and Port Commission, that alternative will go through an environmental impact assessment.
