Planning Commission

Planning Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 7:00 PM June 15, 2023 City Council Chambers Video Recorded https://meetings.cob.org Call to Order The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by the Chair at 7:00 PM. Roll Call Present: Mike Estes (Chair), Jed Ballew, Scott Jones, Barbara Plaskett, Mike McAuley, Russ Whidbee Absent: Rose Lathrop Approval of Minutes The were no minutes for review. Public Comment Period During this time, citizens may take up to three (3) minutes to address the members about any topic not on the agenda. Citizens wishing to speak during this time will be recognized by the Chair for comment. One citizen provided comment to the Commission on a variety of topics. Agenda Items Public Hearing 1. King Mountain Rezone - Bellingham School District p. 2 Elizabeth Erickson introduced the rezone and Comprehensive Plan Amendment request for a parcel owned by the Bellingham School District in the King Mountain Neighborhood. She explained the request is to rezone the property from Residential, Single to Public, School. She provided some background information, shared the location of the property, and reviewed the applicable rezone criteria the Commissioners should consider when making their recommendation. Curtis Lawyer, Director of Capital Projects for Bellingham Public Schools provided some more history on the reasons the district purchased the property and the process they have followed to date, including the most recent resolution adopted by their task force. Laura Brent provided comments on the staff report and pointed out that the school district will be conducting an additional public meeting in the fall to share more of the plans being developed for the new school building and property, and receive feedback from the community. She also shared some of the concerns contained in the letter submitted by the school district. Public Hearing Comments Barbara Len expressed her concern about additional motor traffic along Kramer Road and the safety issues that could arise. She also questioned if sidewalks would be required along with this new development. She also mentioned that she is not interested in hearing the school bells, and wanted to know what considerations are being taken for the neighbors around the site. Hannah Jones, King Mountain Neighborhood Association mentioned that if the site were to be developed to its current zoning density, there would potentially be a lot more traffic realized, and therefore this rezone would actually allow for the traffic to be better managed in this neighborhood. She shared that they support the rezone request. Public Hearing Closed Staff responded to the issues raised during public comment.  Trail Language: Peter Gill, Parks Department confirmed that the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan calls for a trail to run from the corner of Bakerview and James to the King Mountain open space, and cross over the school-owned property. He pointed out that the trail would provide a safe route for walkers and bicyclists, so they do not have to ride/walk along Bakerview. He explained the importance for this language to be retained in the zoning table. There was discussion about the concern raised in the School District’s letter. Staff stated that the proposed language by the school district already occurs, but at the application/development stage. It was pointed out that the conversation about how the special conditions are met by a developer, regardless of the entity, is outside of the rezone process.  Bakerview Standard: Brent Baldwin, Public Works confirmed that any property that abuts Bakerview would have to construct their section to a ¾ Street Arterial Standard. He explained what that would entail and spoke to some of the ways the City has explored to come alongside the school district to complete these improvements along the entire stretch of Bakerview on both sides between James Street and the intersection. There was a brief conversation about how mitigation would occur if there was a loss of wetlands during development. There was a discussion about how the public has access to the school facilities outside of school hours. MOTION: Jed Ballew / Mike Estes moved to amend page 4 of the draft ordinance under the prerequisite considerations, and list Bakerview Road as a ¾ arterial standard. Brent suggested the language be revised to “¾ arterial street improvements” to eliminate any confusion on what is being required. REVISED MOTION: language to read is “¾ arterial street standard”. VOTE: MOTION PASSES 6-0  MOTION: moved to approve the Findings of Fact, Conclusions and Recommendations as contained in the June 15, 2023 staff report and forward a recommendation of approval for the proposed rezone to City Council for approval. VOTE: MOTION PASSES 6-0 Other Business 1. Director's Report Adjournment Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Planning Commission members.