Of upmost concern should be discontinuing any further pollution of the Salish Sea and restoration of habitat via bioswale implementation. I attended the walking tour and heard little information about inclusion of natural forces to recharge waters, a...↓nd soils and to improve air quality. A real effort to employ best practices regarding planting of native species and encouraging fungal activity is not only essential for fish, birds, pollinators, etc... but for humans recreating and living closeby. More industry that will stir up residual pollutants is not ideal for this place.
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Comment From:
Kim Tisovovec
6/17/26 @ 9:13 AM
With regard to how the Port of Bellingham has handled previous activity on the GP West property, and the lack of public disclosure, lack of follow through in clean up efforts in the recent past (toxic dirt pile left uncovered by Harcourt and Port of ...↓Bellingham which blows toxic dust from winds into Waypoint Park and container village, and the disastrous ABC Recycling mess), how will things be different?
The Port has not been willing to disclose information, let alone follow through with proper clean up.
I attended the walking tour and was very concerned with the fact that literally right next to the Chlor-Alkali proposed clean up they are allowing trucks to be driving and disturbing land where the clean up is taking place, industry (cranes, storage of materials that are being trucked in and out).
Since the wind tends to blow off of Bellingham Bay from the South, any toxins released blow toward the large community of downtown living, daycare facility, public park and container village, are we going to allow another bad idea - allowing industry within and next to a clean up site?
How will the Port of Bellingham be monitored regarding these issues?↓
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Comment From:
Jessica Reed
6/16/26 @ 7:49 AM
Thank you for the public tour and open house. It was insightful! It is important to me as a community member that the cleanup stays transparent throughout its lifecycle. More events like the open house where we can hear what is going on, and understa...↓nd what is happening right next door to housing, a beach, and multiple outdoor businesses (Trackside, Beach Cat, Jalepenos, etc.). Please stay transparent and provide opportunities for us to learn actively (ex. open houses) and passively (ex. Signage).
Additionally, it is important to me that the clean up takes place with a balance of safety and monetary cost. Just because an option is the lowest cost doesn't mean it should be chosen. This goes for cleanup methods and contractor selection, etc. We should select contractors who understand amd will comply with local laws and will be transparent alongside the port and dept. of ecology. As you know, lower costs upfront may result in larger costs later on. Please select contractors carefully.
Lastly, it is imperative to be transparent and collaborative about the land use after clean up. Please keep the community well-informed before any land is sold, leased, or otherwise committed to an industrial company. With such close proximity to vulnerable spaces (land and water) we must choose appropriate companies to make good use of the property after clean up.
Thank you!!↓
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Comment From:
karl duscher
6/07/26 @ 11:07 AM
Why does this require a unique public participation plan? Aren't there standard requirements for posting notices and inviting public comments regardless of the project?
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Comment From:
Lorraine Delahoyde
6/02/26 @ 3:15 PM
Bellingham seriously needs more free outdoor spaces for people to gather. The old mill site is the perfect location for a huge waterfront park that everyone could enjoy. The area should not be designed just as a profit-making venture for the city. P...↓arks are for everyone and the mill site is a very desirable location for the cities new "livingroom".↓
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Comment From:
Amy ARMSTRONG
6/02/26 @ 7:58 AM
You have the opportunity to make more of the closed off water front more accessible in this city. Not sure if you are aware of how unwelcoming your city is regarding the access to the water, I hope you care. If you look at other major cities, they ha...↓ve made it a central gathering community for all to enjoy. The fact that you believe that it is a good business decision to have a garbage vehicle parking lot business taking up a huge area of prime waterfront is mind boggling. Your state and its leaders can do better, show us. You fall light years behind on many aspects of an enjoyable place to gather, do the right thing and make this a place that is offering families a reason to settle here.↓
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