# Meeting Overview The Bellingham Greenways Advisory Committee convened on September 4, 2025, at what appears to be an evening meeting with several members participating both in person and remotely. The meeting featured a significant focus on updating trail facilities maps as part of the ongoing Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) plan process. However, the most notable moment came during public comment when four Raymond Street residents voiced strong opposition to a proposed trail corridor connecting Whatcom Street to Birch Street, citing concerns about privacy, property values, and environmental impact. The meeting also included routine business such as approving August meeting minutes, discussing upcoming field trips, and planning future collaboration with the Lake Whatcom Watershed Conservation Group. The session concluded with an executive session, suggesting personnel or property matters were under discussion. ## Strong Opposition to Raymond Street Trail Corridor The most substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to public comment from residents of Raymond Street who oppose a proposed greenway corridor that would connect Whatcom Street to Birch Street through what they describe as a private, forested area that serves as their shared driveway. Ben Lehman, a respiratory therapist at the hospital whose wife works as a hospice nurse, led the opposition. "We were fortunate to find this little slice of heaven where we are on Raymond Street," he explained. "The proposed corridor feels like a violation of our space, because while on a map, Whatcom Street obviously goes to Birch Street, it's not that at all. It's a driveway, it's a gravel driveway that meets two houses that we share. And it's bushes and forests and big trees." Lehman emphasized the ecological value of the area, noting that "baby deer are left there by their moms, you know, we have coyotes in there, we have cats in there, we have owls, we have hawks." He argued that these wildlife populations are already being displaced by the nearby Birch development, and that removing the natural buffer would further impact local fauna. The residents raised several practical concerns about the proposed trail. Katie, another Raymond Street resident who identified herself as an avid mountain biker, questioned the utility of the connector: "I question, like, what's the point of that little trail connector? It doesn't connect to any other trail systems, so you're still going to be riding a road no matter what." Chris Doyle, Katie's husband, provided cost perspective: "There's a parking lot at the end, you know, the parking lot for the north side trail access there is 9 cars. So, we'd be spending $250,000 plus dollars to build a tiny little trail that connected to a 9-car parking lot." The residents also expressed frustration about the lack of communication. Palmer Lamb, Ben's wife, stated: "We've received zero notice from you guys or from the city about the plan for this. There's been zero discussion with us. As a taxpayer and as a supporter of the greenways levee, this feels pretty terrible." Staff member Peter acknowledged the feedback and noted that the trail segment has been in planning documents for some time, but encouraged residents to provide written comments when the updated maps go public for formal review. ## Trail Facilities Map Updates The bulk of the meeting focused on reviewing comprehensive updates to the city's trail facilities mapping, part of the broader PROS plan update process. Peter, the staff member presenting the maps, explained that over 40 public comments had been incorporated from online mapping exercises, along with input from the committee's previous workshop session. The updated approach includes several new elements not previously captured in city trail plans. For the first time, on-street connections between trail segments are being mapped with black dotted lines, representing designated shared bike and car routes. The maps also now identify crossing barriers and potential improvements for navigating intersections and roads. Several significant changes were highlighted in the north end of the city. A proposed connection at Van Wyck was removed because there's no way to safely cross Guide Meridian Road (no stoplight) and the route would pass through a large wetland. The connection was deemed redundant with Paul's work on the Middle Fork Spring Creek trail. The Northwest Drive trail alignment was largely removed because sidewalks and bike lanes have been installed as the road has been improved through development. Peter explained: "While there's great intent, ended up being duplicative of the sidewalk along Northwest Drive. And kind of due to the piecemeal development that's happened along here, there hasn't been any ability to get this trail built." New additions include many trails from the King Mountain neighborhood Trail Planning Committee, including portions of what they're calling the "King Mountain Dream Loop." However, Peter cautioned that some proposed routes face significant engineering challenges. One trail in the Iron Gate neighborhood "goes right through Baker Creek, and it also drops off about a 60-foot cliff. So that trail would be extremely challenging and expensive to build." The maps now incorporate regional connections, including the proposed Bellingham to Mount Baker trail with a dotted line along North Shore Drive leading to Douglas and Agate Bay Preserve. An important note was made about the former Georgia Pacific site: when the area opens to boat traffic for marine trades, the planned waterfront trail will not be feasible. Committee member Ray Dellecker inquired about trails on the Lockwood property west of Marine Drive, and Peter confirmed those connections remain largely unchanged, showing the trail coming in before the trestle bridge and connecting to Rural Lane to bypass train tracks. ## Regional Trail Connections and Loop Systems Peter presented a second map focusing on major trail corridors and regional connections—what he described as "arterial-type trails that moved between parks." This represents a new planning concept for the PROS plan, emphasizing connectivity and recreation loops rather than just individual trail segments. The regional connections include the Coast Millennium Trail, the Bay to Baker Trail along Squalicum Creek, and an east-west corridor from Bear Creek Open Space through Juliana Park and Cordata Park to King and Queen Mountain. The Railroad Trail connects through to Cornwall Park, while the Whatcom Creek Trail runs from Maritime Heritage Park up to the lake. Several loop trail concepts were identified, including a major city-wide loop connecting Samish Crest, Whatcom Creek, South Bay Trail, and Interurban back to Lake Padden. Smaller loops include connections from the Clipson Trail to the Railroad Trail, and a potential Cornwall Park loop using the Interstate Bridge and new trails connecting to Sunset Pond via the Bay to Baker Trail. One committee member suggested adding a loop incorporating Locust Beach, Storybrook, and the Squalicum areas, noting it would require extending Cottonwood across Bennett and adding sidewalk connections. Peter acknowledged this would create "a really lovely" waterfront loop when tides permit beach walking. ## Public Comment on Greenways Mission Brian Armstrong provided remote public comment questioning how some recent greenways expenditures align with the program's mission. He specifically questioned funding for a skate park under an overpass: "What is a greenway? Is that what we're... how are we defining what a greenway is? I understand it's park space, but I always envisioned it as bike trails and connectivity, but I also see a great portion of it talking about the importance of greenways in fighting the effects of climate change." Armstrong advocated for greater focus on habitat restoration, suggesting the Parks Department needs "a habitat restoration type of team" and calling for partnerships with organizations like Million Trees for volunteer work parties. He also questioned whether upcoming construction at Cornwall Park includes habitat rehabilitation where "the bridge is busted." ## Committee Business and Future Planning The committee approved August meeting minutes after removing a confusing sentence about "one accessible multi-use trail option with lower impact side trails." Member clarification established the sentence didn't accurately reflect the discussion and was deleted for clarity. Upcoming field trips were discussed, with a September 19th visit to the future Baker View Park confirmed for 2:30 PM. A planned visit to Sunset Pond construction was postponed to October due to ongoing work making site access impractical. Strategic plan updates were deferred until after the PROS plan completion, with work likely beginning in January or February 2026. Staff noted several changes will be necessary given the new levy and work completed by various subcommittees. ## Collaboration with Lake Whatcom Watershed Conservation The meeting concluded with discussion of potential collaboration with the Lake Whatcom Watershed Conservation Group, which has acquired approximately 2,800 acres including Agate Bay Preserve. Committee members expressed interest in having Michael, a representative from that group, speak to the committee about potential recreation collaboration. Annalise Burns from city staff joined the conversation remotely, noting that property acquisition guidelines are currently being developed and suggesting the presentation might be most valuable after those guidelines are ready for review. She welcomed Greenways Committee input on the guidelines while noting limitations based on acquisition fund requirements. The committee agreed to coordinate with both Michael and Annalise to schedule a joint presentation at an upcoming meeting. ## Executive Session and Adjournment The meeting moved to executive session at 8:16 PM, with all non-members and non-staff asked to leave the virtual meeting room. The executive session was brief, concluding with adjournment shortly thereafter, suggesting the committee addressed confidential matters efficiently. The strong community opposition to the Raymond Street trail corridor will likely require careful consideration as the trail mapping process moves forward to public review. The residents' concerns about communication, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness echo broader questions about community engagement in greenways planning that will need addressing as the PROS plan moves toward adoption.

### Meeting Overview The Greenways Advisory Committee met on September 4, 2025, to review updated trail facility maps for the city's PROS (Parks, Recreation and Open Space) plan. The committee discussed proposed trail connections, particularly focusing on a controversial connector between Whatcom and Birch Streets that drew strong opposition from area residents. ### Key Terms and Concepts **PROS Plan:** Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan - the city's master planning document that guides future park and trail development over multiple years. **Greenways Levy:** A voter-approved property tax that funds acquisition of land for parks, trails, and open spaces, as well as development of recreational facilities. **Trail Corridor:** A designated path or route for pedestrians and/or cyclists that connects parks, neighborhoods, or other destinations, which may include both off-street trails and on-street bike lanes. **On-Street Connections:** Designated routes that use existing streets with bike lanes or sidewalks to connect trail segments, rather than building separate off-road trails. **Executive Session:** A closed meeting portion where the committee discusses personnel, legal, or real estate matters that are confidential under state law. **Lake Whatcom Watershed Conservation:** A regional effort to acquire and protect land in the Lake Whatcom watershed, which has acquired approximately 2,800 acres to date. **Ground Truthing:** The process of physically surveying proposed trail routes to assess feasibility, environmental impacts, and construction challenges. **Right-of-Way:** A legal corridor through private property that allows public access, often established when property is subdivided for development. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Peter | City Parks Staff (presenting trail maps) | | Ben Lehman | Raymond Street resident opposing trail connector | | Katie | Raymond Street resident opposing trail connector | | Chris Doyle | Raymond Street resident opposing trail connector | | Palmer Lamb | Raymond Street resident opposing trail connector | | Brian Armstrong | Community member advocating for habitat restoration | | Derek Ormerod | Greenways Committee member | | Ray Dellecker | Greenways Committee member | | David Stalheim | Greenways Committee member (attending remotely) | | Zach | Greenways Committee member | | Annalise Burns | City staff member working on acquisition guidelines | ### Background Context The city is updating its PROS plan, which includes comprehensive mapping of existing and proposed trail connections throughout Bellingham. This process involves integrating neighborhood-generated trail ideas, removing outdated proposals, and identifying realistic connections between parks and open spaces. The Greenways Advisory Committee plays a key role in reviewing these proposals before they go to public comment and eventual adoption. The controversy over the Whatcom-to-Birch connector highlights ongoing tensions between trail development and neighborhood privacy concerns. This particular route would traverse what residents describe as their private driveway and front yards, rather than following a traditional street right-of-way. The area contains significant wildlife habitat and steep terrain that would make construction challenging and expensive. The meeting also addressed broader questions about how Greenways levy funds should be prioritized, with some community members advocating for more emphasis on habitat restoration versus recreational infrastructure like skate parks. ### What Happened — The Short Version The committee reviewed updated trail facility maps that incorporated over 40 public comments and previous committee input. Staff presented changes including removal of some unfeasible routes (like the Northwest Drive trail made redundant by sidewalk improvements) and addition of new connections from neighborhood planning efforts. Four Raymond Street area residents spoke against a proposed trail connector, citing privacy concerns, environmental impacts, and lack of community notification. The committee also discussed upcoming field trips and delayed their strategic plan update until after PROS plan adoption. The meeting ended with an executive session at 8:16 PM. ### What to Watch Next • Public comment period on the trail maps before PROS plan adoption in December 2025 • September 19th field trip to future Baker View Park at 2:30 PM • Rescheduled October field trip to Sunset Pond construction site • Potential presentation from Lake Whatcom Watershed Conservation Group about collaboration opportunities ---

**Q:** What is the PROS plan? **A:** Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan - the city's master planning document that guides future park and trail development. **Q:** How many public comments were received on the online trail map? **A:** Over 40 comments were submitted and integrated into the updated maps. **Q:** What street connector drew strong resident opposition at this meeting? **A:** The proposed trail connection between Whatcom Street and Birch Street through the Raymond Street area. **Q:** Why are Raymond Street residents opposed to the trail connector? **A:** They cite privacy concerns (front door 20 feet from trail), environmental impacts on wildlife habitat, and lack of community notification. **Q:** What is the estimated cost range mentioned for the controversial connector? **A:** One resident estimated $250,000 plus for a connector to a 9-car parking lot. **Q:** Who is Annalise Burns and what is she working on? **A:** City staff member working on property acquisition guidelines who offered to present to the committee. **Q:** What did Brian Armstrong advocate for regarding Greenways spending? **A:** More focus on habitat restoration and questioned whether skate parks align with Greenways mission. **Q:** When is the PROS plan expected to be adopted? **A:** December 2025, after public review of the trail maps. **Q:** Why was the Northwest Drive trail removed from the plan? **A:** It became duplicative of sidewalks and bike lanes built with recent development along the road. **Q:** What is the Lake Whatcom Watershed Conservation Group's achievement? **A:** They have acquired approximately 2,800 acres for watershed protection. **Q:** What are "on-street connections" in the trail system? **A:** Designated routes using existing streets with bike lanes or sidewalks to connect trail segments. **Q:** When is the next scheduled field trip? **A:** September 19th at 2:30 PM to the future Baker View Park site. **Q:** Why was the Sunset Pond field trip postponed? **A:** Ongoing construction made it unsafe for visitors, with rescheduling planned for October. **Q:** What is "ground truthing" in trail planning? **A:** Physically surveying proposed routes to assess feasibility, environmental impacts, and construction challenges. **Q:** What are the red lines on the trail maps? **A:** Trails that are being removed from the plan as unfeasible or redundant. **Q:** What do the black dotted lines represent? **A:** On-street connections using existing roads with pedestrian or bike access. **Q:** What challenge does the Birch Street area terrain present? **A:** There's a sandstone shelf 10-15 feet tall and steep grades requiring potentially 12 switchbacks. **Q:** What is the King Mountain Dream Loop? **A:** A trail system proposed by the King Mountain neighborhood committee connecting various local trails. **Q:** When will the Greenways Strategic Plan be updated? **A:** January or February 2026, after the PROS plan is completed. **Q:** How long was the executive session? **A:** The meeting went into executive session at 8:16 PM and concluded shortly after. ---