How important to you is historical preservation in your neighborhood? If rezoning in appropriate areas, to preserve historic homes, isn’t approved, could Bellingham neighborhoods start to crumble to fit in large modern buildings?
As the Oct. 25 City Council meeting approaches, York residents are expressing their support or hesitance toward the proposed rezoning of area nine along Ellis Street.
Currently area nine is designated as a residential multi, high-density zone. This zoning has the potential to allow four-story apartment buildings and office complexes to be built replacing the historic homes along Ellis Street. The York neighborhood is an official member of the National Historic District, which is why developing is such a concern for some residents.
To view exact boundaries of area nine and to view the land use for the entire York neighbhorhood please visit: http://www.cob.org/services/maps/maps/neighborhoods.aspx#york and click on comprehensive plan land use under York.
The proposed rezoning plan would change from a 3,000 square feet unit density to a 1,000 square feet unit density. This chance would mean fewer units can be incorporated into new structures, which gives developers less of an incentive to build.
The biggest concerns supporters of the rezone have is that if the zoning remains the way it is the historical preservation of the neighborhood could be threatened.
Opinions expressed by supporters include:
- The historic buildings along Ellis Street are the entrance into the historic York neighborhood and removing them would not be agreeable.
- The small historic homes offer housing to hundreds of residents.
- Rental owners are using the York solely for rental purposes for students, and the permanent residents are being affected.
Those opposed to the rezoning are also expressing concerns:
- The rezone should not happen because the present density some of the properties need to be replaced.
- People and events are what make history, not old homes.
- The expense of property rights is too large and should not come before historical preservation.
The York is a unique neighborhood in Bellingham because of its proximity to Western Washington University and to downtown Bellingham. Because of this, the neighborhood has a large appeal to both permanent Bellingham residents and student tenants, making for large age diversity in the neighborhood. Concerns of the permanent York residents is that tenants move into this older homes and essentially diminish the historic quality of the home by not taking proper care of it. The density changes would make for fewer tenants in rental homes.
This three-year planning process will be voted on by City Council on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Those who wish to voice their opinions are encouraged to attend the meeting.
For the entire York neighborhood association newsletter please visit: www.yorkneighborhood.org.
Whether you are for or against this growing debate, leave your comments and concerns, we want to know, how important is this t you?
