Attending: Theresa Tripp, Kathy Buck, Polly Gilbert, Hugh Conroy, Margaret Lyons, Liz Jennings, Andrew Connor, Patrick McKee, Erin Macri, Charles Anderson, Mickey McDiarmid, Louise Bjornson, Bill Lyne, Kristen Denham, MaryAnne Stuckart, John McGarrity

1. Introductions

2. Hugh/Patrick: Hugh brought map, pointed out DOT site. Gave history of site: if DOT sold that property, money would go to general state fund. So they traded it with contractor for construction of sheds on land near SR9 in Sumas and some cash. Title is still DOT’s. Bids were received in March 05, won by Hinton Contracting and Developing. They made Sunset Commons, LLC, withGreg & Pamula Hinton and Dave & Katie Edelstein; this entity with attorney, Robert Tull, requests zoning changes. If property is transferred, zoning reverts to single-family zoning (1 house per 20000sf). Hence, Hinton’s request is based, they say, on GMA’s need for multi-use and dense zoning. SNA and Cornwall Park NA are concerned. Developer/owner-to-be wants to put it on City Council’s docket for 2007 to rezone to high-density multi-use. We believe they are without standing as they don’t have title to land yet. Council members Knutson and Bjornson clarified process; Andrew asked how detailed plans submitted for rezone need to be for Council. Council will ask for more details. We’d like to keep default zoning in place as leverage, until detailed proposal is submitted for neighborhood review. Patrick McKee has spoken with DOT in Olympia; they said the state is involved in “difficult negotiations” with property owner, could be resolved in two months. Patrick filed for public disclosure for all papers related to site; has not yet received them.

Bill Lyne questioned decision-making process: Council first decides if it’s open to rezone; if so, it goes to Planning. Louise Bjornson it was concerned that it could be last minute, approved by Planning without enough due diligence. Liz Jennings reiterated that Sunnyland neighbors aren’t against growth per se, but we want growth done well, and in fact may be willing to exceed infill recommendations in Plan. We’d like developers to work through and with us. Bill concerned that Council may be railroaded into accepting. Gene and Louise said no way; John McGarrity reminded us that we only need 4 votes against application. SNA and CPNA are working together.

Liz reminds us that Planning Director will take our Dec07 Neighborhood Plan Amendment to Council (to be created with $2500 subsequent to Liz’ attendance at Planning Academy), as long as it is in accord with the Comprehensive Plan, meets infill requirements, with neighborhood consensus. Bill concerned about blank check for developer; Andrew, Hugh, Louise, Patrick discussed docket vs plan, and also concern about possibility of developer getting the rezone then flipping, by which time neighborhood has little power. Bill and Liz suggested we invite Hinton to an SNA meeting, even if they don’t get onto docket.

Andrew said we’d be wise to monitor process, status of city’s legal opinion, and formulate our own legal opinion and lobby Council. If it doesn’t go forward, we should aggressively, proactively plan an alternative. John said that originally DOT/CPNA offered it to Bellingham Housing Authority, who wanted 250 units, a church said it was too small, KulshanCLT was and is still interested, and a fire department use received no COB interest. John Blethen, parks advocate, pitched the site to the Greenways/Parks three times. Alternative use details will be worked on in our yearlong planning process. Patrick and John said we should give recommendation to Planning Dir to deny docketing for 07.

Theresa proposed, Hugh seconded that we write a letter to Planning Director requesting they not put Sunset Commons’ rezone app on docket; all agreed. Hugh will draft the letter, forward it to Board. Liz reminded us we’ll need to hit the streets to get neighbors’ help and opinions.

3. John McGarrity, CPNA Chair: informed us that DOT is beginning planning for a I-5 upgrade. Also, Port has plans for airport; Jasper McSlarrow working with John on it. Hospital has plans for Squalicum Pkwy. As hospital submits building application, concurrency begins. Traffic issues are not being addressed. Hospital, CPNA and the Comprehensive plan suggests that the COB and the hospital plan traffic to the north, onto Irongate, etc. Suggested that SNA joins CPNA, Columbia NA, Birchwood NA, and Lettered Streets NA in this planning. Discussed options that are on table now.
“Northern Neighbors” is new website and forum for info and action; SNA could link into it. Katie Hinton, Chair of Columbia NA, is head of this. Next NN meeting 2/5.

John also suggested that SNA organize and push for Greenways money for park/playground/fields/etc. Theresa will add it to New Business for next time.

(However, per 1/12 COB press release – quote from John)

“Where would you like to see new parks, trails, and open space in Bellingham? To express your views on the future of our parks and to hear what others have to say, come to a CITY-WIDE PUBLIC MEETING on the new Greenways III Levy implementation. The meeting is scheduled for WEDNSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2007 from 7 to 9 p.m., Squalicum Boathouse, Zuanich Point Park.”

4. Subcommittee updates: Parks covered above; Hugh deferred traffic issues to MNAC update.

5. Andrew’s MNAC report and miscellaneous reports:
* Community Carshare of B’ham is willing to dedicate a car to a neighborhood that has 20-25 members; pamphlets and signups passed around. Several attendees expressed interested in having a truck.
* PSE’s Greenpower neighborhood challenge – Sunnyland is in 6th place, needs just 21 new signees to win street trees.
* Welcome packet created; passed around for comments.
* City is open to providing community garden; perhaps developing small portion of north part of Memorial Park for Sunnyland and school (Andrew and Margaret are this subcommittee).
* Board wants money allocated to trails improvements, esp along creek. Andrew proposed, Hugh seconded, that Polly will write letter.
* Small & Simple Grant apps due March 15. Must match with labor or resources, and must have city-wide benefit. Board will discuss ideas at Feb mtg. Members should bring ideas; will be on agenda.
* B’ham awarded Silver Level by national bike ass’n.

6. Hugh’s MNAC report:
* Council has $700 grants, to reimburse neighborhoods.
* Traffic safety/calming: Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program - Ideas for 2011 should be in Sunnyland Neighborhood Plan. On next month’s Agenda; Andrew will ask for extension to March 1st. Liz brought up trail connection in south part of neighborhood and safety issues. Neighborhoods should come up with three traffic-calming or safety issues to be addressed in this Plan. Traffic subcommittee meeting on Feb. 13th, 6:30, at Hugh’s office (314 E. Champion St.).

7. Margaret’s website update: software trial period to manage website has expired. Theresa, Margaret, and David Donahue will meet about purchasing, and getting reimbursed by $700 Council grant. Margaret will receive further training from David.

8. Other business:
* SNA Board and General meetings are third Tuesdays of each month, except December. Confirm via email subcommittees and planning mtgs.
* Margaret will edit newsletter. No money to color print and mail; we’ll do b/w and walk it around. Liz, Theresa, Margaret will be ad hoc committee to finalize newsletter; will include membership drive.
* Hugh is finalizing business letter for sponsorship/dues/in kind/participation; will announce Board openings.

Adjourned at 8:33