Save The Waterfront

The shredder property is still a danger to the community

You helped clear the metal pile and stop the shredder.

Now, we must ensure permanent zoning reform in Alderwood to keep heavy industry from endangering Bellingham and Whatcom County residents.

Save the Waterfront is protecting our community from dangerous heavy industry.

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Current 2026 Priorities

The 18-acre industrial site

Making the Shredder Property Safe

The Heavy Industrial (Hii) zoning that allowed ABC to build the shredder remains. We are advocating for a rezone of the 18-acre Heavy Industrial property in Bellingham's Urban Growth Area.

ABC Recycling proved that Heavy Industrial activity within the Alderwood neighborhood is not compatible. It is not enough to trust that companies will follow laws that are still dangerous to residents. There are thousands of people within a mile of the ABC property.

As part of the Bellingham Urban Growth Area (UGA), this land is the future of our city. We cannot allow heavy industry to poison the ground we intend to grow on.

Economic development visual

A Local Economy for Everyone

Somehow industry sells the idea that:

  • Any employment is good employment, even if it makes hundreds of future jobs impossible.
  • Any new tax base is worth a huge health risk to neighbors, even if the money leaves the community while the waste stays.
  • Existing laws are enough to keep people safe.

Save the Waterfront is here to help the community say “NO!”. We deserve economic development that helps the many and not just the few. Whatcom County can have industry that helps all and hurts none.

Now What? Its in the hands of the County Council -- and you!

The Whatcom County Council is currently reviewing the draft of the 20 Year Comprehensive Plan. Within it are important allowances to review the ABC Heavy Industrial Property. Then, to rezone to Light Industrial.

We need your help to ensure that the important amendment stays in the final Comprehensive Plan. There is great risk that industry will change the minds of some members of the County Council.

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