KGMI News
BELLINGHAM, Wash. – There were some fireworks at this week’s Port Commission meeting as the developer presented a new plan for part of the former GP site.
The new plan would make drastic changes to the so-called “Serpentine Park” and other parts of the Bellingham waterfront redevelopment.
Outgoing commissioner Michael McAuley loudly objected, saying it’s not what they’ve been showing the public.
“I’m not criticizing the plan except in one aspect: I don’t think it’s a job creator. I think the new plan puts a lot of money in the developer’s pocket,” McAuley said.
He said it’s too late to present a new plan as the Port faces an April deadline to present a final plan to the city.
Port Executive Rob Fix responded to McAuley, saying some changes were needed to accommodate fixtures like the Alcohol Building and access to the site.
Small tweaks to the park can accomplish that and it’s too late to bring a radically different plan forward, McAuley said.