Save the Waterfront is a Community focused organization based in Bellingham, Washington. STWF was founded to fight toxic metal storage, and an industrial metal shredder. With wins against both of these challenges, we now fight for appropriate zoning, and community minded decisions in our local communities to help residents and the environment.
No more 'bad stuff'
A simple statement, but what does it mean?
It means that we are calling on Bellingham and Whatcom County. To do what is needed to stop ‘bad stuff’ from hurting our community, economy and local environment.
No more 'heavy industrial' zoning near residents
ABC Recycling and its planned Metal Shredder in the Bellingham UGA surprised the community. Dangerous industry was possible just across the street from residents, and close by to day cares and elementary schools, and it is difficult to stop.
ABC has pulled their permits, but the zoning still stands. Whatcom County Council has wisely called to trade the Hii zones in the Alderwood neighborhood for safe land elsewhere in the county. This change, a part of the Comprehensive Plan will take up to 18 months. The intent of the city and county may be thwarted in that time with a new application by another dangerous heavy industrial activity.
A clear and simple temporary fix to allow the intent of the County is possible.
As the County Council looks to recognize the need of Alderwood as a residential, light industrial and mixed use area, applying Light Industrial “Performance Standards” is a suitable solution while the County works through the process of changing the zoning the area from Heavy Industrial to Light Industrial, Mixed Use or Residential.
These Standards would simply not allow the dangers that would hurt the surrounding community and environment. A clean and concise solution.
Industrial Activity at the Bellingham Waterfront
- A Port without direction -
In 2022 the Port of Bellingham signed a 25 year lease to store toxic metal in the center of Bellingham’s developing Waterfront. During its tenure at the Port, ABC polluted our air, polluted the Bellingham Bay with heavy metals, and kept hundreds of neighbors awake while working until 3am loading ships with crashing metal.
The use was only allowed due to the subversion of the Bellingham Municipal Code, and the intent of the planned intentions of the community’s Comprehensive Plan for the area.
With incredible community pushback organized by Save The Waterfront, and the findings of pollution in the sensitive Bay, the Port was forced to terminate the lease after only 18 months.
If it can happen once, it can happen again.
Just as with the Heavy Industrial Zoning in Alderwood, the same rules and people are in place that allowed the noxious pile to risk the success of the Bellingham Waterfront. Community wide and recognized government intent is that we are to develop the Waterfront with limits of industry, yet we have code and plans that do not explicitly state the restriction. Damaging and dangerous industry must be stopped at the Waterfront.
No more 'bad stuff'
The Port’s existence lies on community development. It is to be an economic driver and support businesses, especially maritime business, with opportunity, investment and employment. This mandate is to help the community as a whole. Not to focus on one demographic, or invest too heavily for one group. As a taxing agency, it also has the responsibility of spending resident’s money wisely, and to not overextend itself with unneeded debt.
The Port of Bellingham is increasingly taking action, and spending money on projects that seem to be moving the community backwards to a time when ‘bad stuff’ was accepted or not fully understood of its dangers. Bellingham has moved on, with a focus on clean industry, technology, community and a safe environment.
Instead of focusing the Port to be inline with community decisions, Port of Bellingham Commissioners have chosen to bring in dirty industry that will hinder community growth, while spending incredible amounts of money on investments such as the Shipping Terminal with little possible return on its investment.
At Save The Waterfront, jobs are of great importance. They can and must be sustainable.
How many employees are needed, and for how many years, to offset the expenditure of 50-100 million public dollars?
Are you a part of a community that is being threatened with Heavy Industrial activity? In our time fighting heavy industry in the Pacific Northwest, we have learned a thing or two about positive change. We are happy to help you in your fight.
Please email bellingham@savethewaterfront.org.