Planning Commission

Planning Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 7:00 PM May 16, 2024 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. Approval of Minutes 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. Two citizens addressed the Commission. Agenda Items Work Session 1. The Bellingham Plan Briefing and Discussion p. 2 Elizabeth Erickson provided an overview of the public events that have been taking place over the last few months. She shared those things that citizens had expressed an interest in, as well as those items they were concerned about. She highlighted the upcoming events that are planned for the next couple of months. Chris Behee explained the Growth Projection Process, shared some historical data and reviewed some of the data contained in the Population and Employment: Growth Projections and Preliminary Allocations Report (found on the Whatcom County’s website). He spoke to how growth projections translate into housing needs and noted the number of new housing units our county would need by 2045. Elizabeth spoke to each of the chapters contained in the Bellingham Plan, including two potential new chapters. She requested that the Commissioners provide guidance on any big topics they feel are missing at this point. Chris discussed the growth alternatives and shared the methodology that staff will undertake to determine which is the preferred method. Planning Commission Questions/Comments  There was a request to get more information on how WTA chooses their routes so that a more informed decision can be made with regard to Alternative 2. There was a conversation about what the income levels that would be accommodated by the different proposed housing types. There was also a discussion about the different ranges that need to have more housing supply developed. There was a brief discussion about how Western Washington University could help assist in increasing the vacancy rate, by offering more units on site or making it mandatory that under classman live on campus. There was a question about areas of the City being protected by covenants that would preclude middle housing from being built there. There was a thought shared that some of the existing housing stock be retrofitted to include multiple units. Staff explained how they have calculated land-capacity using income, as well as units that are for sale vs. rentals. There was a suggestion that rental stabilization be considered as allowed by law. It was also suggested that different ways to utilize unoccupied commercial spaces for housing should be researched and considered. Staff confirmed that parking requirements will be considered by Council in the near future. Staff also shared they would be back for future work sessions on the Bellingham Plan. Other Business 1. Director's Report Adjournment Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Planning Commission members.