Planning Commission

Planning Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM November 21, 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 6:00 PM. • Present: Mike Estes (Chair), Barbara Plaskett, Jed Ballew, Jerry Richmond, Rose Lathrop, Russ Whidbee and Scott Jones -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. One citizen expressed support for Mayor Lund’s Executive Order on housing and mentioned he was in favor of expediating permits for housing. Agenda Items 1. City of Bellingham Multi-Family Tax Exemption Program Scott Pelton, Whatcom Housing Alliance and Cadence Petros, EcoNW presented the analysis that was done on Bellingham’s Multi-family Tax Exemption (MFTE) Program. Cadence provided an overview of the MFTE program, shared the program findings and market conditions, and reviewed the proposed program options. Chris Behee reviewed staff’s recommendations for the Commission’s consideration and discussion. COMMISSION DISCUSSION/QUESTIONS There was some discussion on the following topics: • Consider unintended consequences of taking the program too far and allowing it in too many areas (implications of the loss of property tax) • Will the waterfront be considered an urban village? • Are there any interactions between opportunity zones and the MFTE program? • It was pointed out that the city is in great need of work-force housing. • How will parking be impacted? • Would like to have 8-, 12- and 20-year continue to be options • Why were some areas chosen and others not?  • What are the implications for the program not working, but the property tax was still lost? • Would like to see additional studies on how to make affordability happen in Bellingham, since this MFTE study did not do that satisfactorily. • In favor of making changes to the 12-year program to make it more viable. Staff responded to some of the questions/comments the Commissioners brought up. Other Business 1. Staff Updates Chris Behee provided an update on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and mentioned that it will be coming before the Commission early next year. He also shared the Bellingham Engage page, where the Bellingham Plan chapters will be posted for public comment and review. Adjournment Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Planning Commission members.