The Association of Bellingham Neighborhoods (ABN) monthly meeting on Monday, Nov. 21, was attended by Sandie Koplowitz. Brief neighborhood reports included the following:

Fairhaven Neighbors – hearing date for Fairhaven Neighbors vs. Fairhaven Harbor is set for Feb. 27-28.

Guide Meridian/Cordata – has a newly formed neighborhood association. Meetings lately have focused on the proposed Larrabee Springs development and are concerned about increased traffic and rapid growth in the area.

Puget – Greenways Legacy presented at their quarterly meeting and they encouraged both groups to come up with one plan that citizens can support.

Samish – reported on three new developments on the South end.

South – Steve Wilson attended a design charette regarding Fairhaven Highlands and gave a brief report.

Fairhaven – The association continues with its tree-planting project funded by Small and Simple Grant from the City of Bellingham.

Roosevelt – Reported on recent “Build a Safe Neighborhood” meeting.

Jo Helmet, from the COB Human Resources Department, outlined the procedure for hiring a new Planning Director, which will take a minimum of 6 months. The consultant hired to screen applicants for the position of Planning Director is scheduled to speak at next month’s ABN meeting.

Tris Shirley told about the ad-hoc task force which has been working with the Mayor to find ways the city might improve growth management issues. He presented a press release issued regarding a proposal from the Mayor to earmark $500,000 in the preliminary 2006 budget for growth-related projects that focus on improving public process for dealing with growth issues.