ENA Newsletter November 2004

It’s that time of the year to give thanks for all we hold dear. Being involved in the new Edgemoor Neighborhood Association has made me aware of the wonderful community we are so lucky to live in. During the past 5 months, since we first formed an association to represent the entire Edgemoor neighborhood, 100 people have joined the ENA. Many residents have become involved in the various committees formed to support and protect our beautiful neighborhood. The enthusiastic and energetic response to the ENA has been heart-warming. The Bylaws Committee is busy working on the nuts and bolts of the organization to develop a strong foundation, which will serve us for many years to come. The Safety Committee is looking into sidewalks, stop signs, and a Neighborhood Watch program. The View Committee is developing a mediation team to help neighbors iron out differences. The Growth and Land Use Committee has been monitoring building activities in the area and working on updating the Edgemoor Neighborhood Plan. The Communications Committee is working to keep you informed about news and events effecting our community. The Membership Committee is working to encourage more Edgemoor residents to become involved in the ENA.

Thank you all for your generous support and active involvement in the ENA. Feel free to share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. Encourage them to become involved in the ENA and participate on committees. With your help we can continue to build a strong organization to protect our great neighborhood.

Sandie Koplowitz

ENA Membership Chair & Webmaster

Sarah Slevin of the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center will speak to the ENA general members at the December general meeting on the neighborhood peer mediation training program. Should the membership approve the View Committee’s proposal to train mediators, volunteers will be needed. The next mediation course will be held January 12, 19, and 26 from 6 to 9 PM (9 hours total).

Sue Tercek, Interim ENA President has posted her monthly update, located on the Home Page of the ENA website.

The Bylaws Committee meeting scheduled for November 23, was postponed and will be rescheduled.

The Communications Committee met and set goals for the next few months as follows:

Our other major focus upon reviewing our Website and making some changes was a discussion of whether or not advertising should be part of our website. The committee’s recommendations on this issue will be presented at the December ENA meeting.

Next Meeting: There will not be a meeting in December. The Committee will meet in January at a date to be announced.

Please contact Kathy Kaiser if you would like to become a member of the Communications Committee.

Currently there are 100 ENA members. Please feel free to forward this monthly newsletter to your friends and neighbors. If you are not already a member of Edgemoor Neighborhood Association and would like to join, visit the membership page on the website to print the membership form, or send a check for $15 (per member) along with your name, address, telephone number to Edgemoor Neighborhood Association, PO Box 4053, Bellingham, WA 98225. Include your email address if you wish to receive email notices from the ENA.

The safety committee meeting was rescheduled from November 18 to November 30. Topics include the sidewalk, stop sign, crosswalk, Neighborhood Watch and any other issues regarding safety in Edgemoor.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 30, 7-8:30 PM, 512 Fieldston Road. Contact Donna Grasdock or Veronica Douglas if you will be attending.

The View Committee welcomes new participants and neighborhood input. Contact Paul Stephenson.

Due to the city budget crisis, some city council members have mentioned the possibility of cutting funding for the Fairhaven Library. The Fairhaven Library is beloved by citizens of every age. It is a warm and welcoming center for learning and education as well as a special community center where residents meet for civic as well as cultural activities. If you value this historical institution, which is so special to the Southside community it is critical that you call or email all the City Council Members citycouncil@cob.org and express you support.

At the last city budget work session, Tuesday night, Barbara Ryan, Terry Borneman, Gene Knutson and Louise Bjorson voted to move 320,000 from the street fund (a one time move) 30,000 from the Chamber of Commerce and 50,000 from the Visitors Bureau in order to maintain the present level of service for the Fire Department and items such as the Fairhaven Library and the Aquatic Center. The budget process is not over and the mayor can veto this budget in which case five votes are needed to override, they need your continued support if you value these services. For more information contact Sue Tercek.

8th and Harris in Fairhaven

November 29, 2004, 7 PM

Fairhaven Library, Northwest Room

A meeting is being held by the Fairhaven Harbor Co. at the Fairhaven Library, Northwest Room on November 29, 2004 at 7:00 pm, to introduce the following proposed project: Approximately,185,00 sq. ft., mixed use building comprised of retail, commercial and residential units plus structured parking, located at 8th and Harris in Fairhaven. This meeting is being held to explain the proposal and to invite comments and questions. As required by the City of Bellingham, it is conducted before application is made for land use permits or plan amendments, as applicable. Contact Ted Mischaikov, 360-734-7755 if you have any questions regarding this meeting.

All marine shoreline and adjacent property owners in the Chuckanut Bay/Edgemoor area and other interested citizens are invited to this workshop. Following the workshop, from 12 -2 PM, there will be a field trip to Woodstock Farm. Contact Hilary Culverwell for more information.

Your input is welcome! Please send your suggestions for the ENA website and newsletter to news at edgemoorneighborhood dot com. If you would like your email address changed, removed or a new one added to this mailing list, send a request to the above email address.