Much ado about development: Fairhaven’s neighbor plan in 250 words or less

            If you live or work in Fairhaven, chances are that you’ve heard about the new neighborhood plan that is in the works. But you also may have asked yourself, what is the fuss about, and why does it matter?

            The fact is, the neighborhood plan has not been truly updated since 1980, resident and neighborhood association member Paul James said.

            “Many of us are concerned about preserving our high quality of life if we go on with the vague language from 1980,” James said.

            What’s on the table? Building heights, parking, energy efficiency, and traffic, to name a few key issues. Everything in the neighborhood plan is geared towards preserving Fairhaven’s key values and preparing it for future development. Mediating the constant and quiet tension between the commercial and residential sectors of the neighborhood will be an important part of the city’s role in this update.

            What can you do about it? The Fairhaven Neighbors have been very active in preventing a rise in height standards; there’s even a petition if you care as much as they do. You can also drop in to their next meeting, where the plan will be discussed.

            Fairhaven has evolved from a buzzing 19^th century port town to a historical urban village that is holding its own in the new millennium. It will doubtlessly continue to develop; what role will you play in its continuing evolution?

Historic district, modern twist: Fairhaven’s development as an urban village

Fairhaven is more than the quaint, historic district where welcome visitors peruse cafes and shops. The City of Bellingham also identifies Fairhaven as an urban village, describing it as such in its most recent neighborhood plan. So how does the incoming Rocket Donuts structure fit into the style of this urban design?
According to the City’s working definition, “connectivity” is a key principle of the urban village concept, as is “mixed-use and diversity.” As seen in the illustration (courtesy of the architect), the building will hold three businesses: Rocket Donuts, Fat Pie Pizza, and A Lot of Flowers. Rocket Donuts spokesperson Teri Treat said that that the outdoor setup will be an upgrade of the currently disorganized situation. This could enhance the pedestrian’s experience on the corner.
Some controversy can be expected, though, over the way the building will fit into the neighborhood. Historical continuity is highly emphasized in the neighborhood plan, as well as in Fairhaven’s recently updated design standards.

Both Treat and Penny Ferguson, owner of A Lot of Flowers, said that change, especially when it comes to a well-loved place like the garden shop, is difficult at first, but both have high hopes for the community’s acceptance of this new structure.

What do you think? Will the construction bring a building that fits in with Fairhaven’s urban village? How will the architecture blend in with the rest of the neighborhood?

Lot at 11th and Mill: Void of development, full of potential

    Right now, the empty lot on the corner of 11th Street and Mill Avenue, known by some as the Pit, is a parking haven for employees and shoppers who can’t grab primo spots on Harris or even McKenzie. According to Brad Imus, co-owner of Jacaranda Development, the company that owns the lot, this space may change hands someday soon.
    “It doesn't necessarily need to be developed all at once as one large parcel, but I think it should be viewed as such as far as overall Fairhaven planning is concerned,” Imus said. Imus is looking to sell, but wants to wait for a buyer that will be right for the community.
    The aesthetic and urban planning of Fairhaven is something very closely watched by those who live and work in the community, as can be seen by the in-depth suggestions and concerns outlined in the Fairhaven Neighborhood and Urban Village Plan. Building height is probably everyone’s top concern when it comes to development in the neighborhood.
    What will become of the Pit? It could be, as Imus suggested, developed into an underground garage; an expensive project that could address the growing demand for parking. The possibilities are numerous. Maybe the new owner of the land could call back to the neighborhood’s mischievous, intrepid founder, Daniel Harris, by building an old-timey saloon  to sell “spirituous liquor” and celebrate the memory of Dirty Dan. Anything is possible!

Who do you think will buy it? How do you think this land should be used to benefit the community and the commercial core? Should it remain a parking lot, or be developed?