Area Nine Rezone Debate

Residents of the York neighborhood in Bellingham, Wash. can soon breathe easier knowing that the historical homes along Ellis Street could be here to stay if proposed rezoning is approved at the Oct. 25 City Council meeting.

In a 2008 survey administered to York neighborhood, residents reported 96% voting in favor for York to become a historic district of Bellingham. As part of this York is an official a National Historic District. The proposed rezoning of area 9 would change the density along Ellis St from 3,000 sq. ft. per unit to 1,000 sq. ft. per unit. According to the autumn 2010 Yorker newsletter, this means fewer units could be incorporated into new structures, so that developers would have less incentive to redevelop because they can cram fewer units into the area.

As shown in the 2008 survey historical preservation for the neighborhood is important to most residents in the York so administering this rezoning would help keep the historic houses erect. Actual boundaries of area nine can be viewed at the City of Bellingham website, www.cob.org.

The York is a unique neighborhood in Bellingham because of its proximity to Western Washington University and to downtown Bellingham. Because of this, York is currently zone for industrial, commercial and residential use. This integrates renters, permanent residents, industrial buildings and chain establishments.

York Neighborhood President, Anne Mackie, and the neighborhood association board’s biggest concern is the continued restoration and condition of the old homes. Board members express that the homes along Ellis Street serve as an entrance into the historic neighborhood and large office complexes or apartment buildings would serve as a misfit.

“The zoning has not be changed in 30 years and was established during an era when old house were not valued," said Mackie. "Today, these historic homes provide affordable housing for hundreds of low to medium income residents and are part of a historical district."

Mackie is also the owner of York’s Historic Nelson’s Market.

While most residents support the new zoning initiative some voiced their positions against the rezone in the autumn 2010 York neighborhood newsletter.

“I am a York resident, small business owner and responsible landlord,” opposed York resident, Jon McGrath expressed in the autumn 2010 Yorker newsletter. “I appreciate the historic character of our neighborhood but feel strongly that preservation of historical character should never come at the expense of property rights.”

The Bellingham City Council will vote on the new rezone for York’s area nine on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. at Bellingham City Hall on Grand St.