SEPTEMBER

2025

September Community Meeting

September 9, from 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Cordata Park Pavilion (South Park Entrance)

Meet the Candidates

Lots of elections on the ballot in November. We have invited candidates to join us so you can meet them and ask questions of their qualifications and their priorities. Here is a list of who will be joining us

Misty Flowers -- County Council @ Large

Elizabeth Boyle -- County Council Pos. 2

Maya Morales -- County Council Pos. 2

Hollie Huthman -- COB CC Ward 2

Leah Wainman -- COB CC Ward 2

Skip Williams -- COB CC Ward 4

Kerri Burnside -- COB CC Ward 4

Michael Lilliquist -- COB CC Ward 6

Andrew Reding -- COB CC Ward 6

Ken Bell – Port Authority Commissioner

Carly James – Port Authority Commissioner

Jasmine Fast -- Meridian School Board

We hope you will be able to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about who will best serve your interests.

PLEASE JOIN US

We share pizza; you share your time, questions, and thoughts

FACE LIFT

Our Cordata sign is located on the Cordata Parkway just north of the Kellogg roundabout on the east side of the road. The sign was installed many years ago and has proudly welcomed everyone to the neighborhood. Over the years, the weather (and one unfortunate graffiti instance) have taken a toll on it. The result has been that it had lost some of its luster.

Luckily for the sign and all of us, our Board member and resident artist was able to "freshen" it up. I think you'll agree that it looks a lot brighter and happier. Dianne Tudor, along with the help of John Toof, repainted the sign and added a coat of UV protection. We hope that the sign will continue to be a bright spot in the community for a long time.

The 2025 Cordata Summer Music Series

J P Falcon

June 14, 2025

Wild Hearts

July 12, 2025

The Walrus

August 9, 2025

With the support of Terry Stach of State Farm we had three wonderful concerts in the Cordata Park stage. Thank you to all who joined us. We will see you again next summer! If you have suggestions for bands for next year, contact us via EMAIL or -- better yet -- join our Social Events Committee as described below.

GROWING PAINS

The new development at 301 Meadowbrook Court has raised alarms with community members, especially those living on the northwest corner of Meadowbrook and the Parkway. Back in April 2025, the City sent a Notice of Application to the neighbors detailing the plan to build a 4-story apartment building of 80 units. Access to the site will be from Meadowbrook Ct. The building will face Cordata Pkwy with pedestrian connections to the 101-stall parking lot behind the building.

In August, neighbors were sent another notice explaining that the developer intended to add a second phase to the current plan of another 4-story apartment building of 80 units. Many neighbors contacted the City as well as the Cordata Neighborhood Association complaining of the concern for doubling the density of the project, especially without any mention in the initial Notice of this possibility. Some of the issues included concern about the traffic, the potential for off-street parking, the loss of wetlands and wildlife access, and the privacy issue of a 4-story building overlooking the homes across the street.

Surprisingly, the CNA did not receive either of these notices, which is unusual. However, after being contacted by the community members, I reached out the the City and the developer's representative. I learned that there was an error on the second Notice and that the application is actually for a 3-story building of 31 units. I included the text from an email I received from the developer's representative:

[S]ince that approval, the landowner worked with his Biologist and the Lummi Bank and was able to obtain credits to fill in one of the wetlands on the subject property, to construct a second building. The wetland that will be filled in is Wetland A, which is shown on that notice that was mailed out by the City Planner and posted on the public notice sign on the Property (I have reattached in this email).

This same notice also states that the development is for a second 4-story, 80-unit multifamily building. This is not accurate. What is proposed for Phase II is a 3-story, 31-unit multifamily building. This second building will be oriented towards Meadowbrook, whereas the Phase I building is oriented towards Cordata. Please see the attached site plan - I think this is much more helpful than what was sent out. Instead of the surface parking area having 101 parking stalls, we are now proposing a total of 156 stalls for both buildings. The Cordata parking standards require one parking stall to be provided per unit, and we are proposing an additional 45 stalls.

We recently took the Phase II building to the Cordata Design Review Board and I just wanted to point out that we do not yet have a landscaping plan completed, but once we do, I think it will be helpful to also send this out to demonstrate that around the buildings that there will be a lot of vegetation and trees planted to help provide additional screening. Right now, we are trying to help the landowner navigate through an amendment to his original Critical Area Permit and a new SEPA application, hence the notice that was sent out. This Phase II building, if approved, would not be constructed until next year.

in terms of the concern about bait n switch we definitely did not intend to give that impression. The owner always wanted to do a larger project and utilize more of the site but we did not have enough land area to mitigate for the wetland impacts that would create. After we started permitting the first phase the Lummi Mitigation Bank opened back up and we decided to apply to them for credit for the necessary wetland fill for phase 2. We got approval earlier this year from the Tribe, Army Corps and DOE for that mitigation credit purchase and that is what allowed us to consider the phase 2 project. So it was entirely driven by that offsite Mitigation opportunity becoming available.

I've included the site plan I received with the above response below. Although the Notice gave a deadline of August 27, residents with concerns are encouraged to reach out to the City -- acdearborn@cob.org 360-778-8356.

ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL OF US TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK TO THE LARGER GOALS OF THE CITY IS THROUGH A REVIEW OF THE BELLINGHAM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. EVERYONE IS INVITED TO SUBMIT THEIR REACTIONS TO ALL ASPECTS OF THIS PLAN, INCLUDING HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT. LINK HERE

Cordata Needs You!

As we look forward to the new year and new goals, we are looking for some help to continue our efforts to make Cordata a great place to live.

We will be adding to our CNA Board. We are specifically looking for someone to serve as our Treasurer. The CNA budget is not complex, so no special skills aside from an interest in helping us out. In addition, we would like to add some more members to the Board to help shape our plans and share in our work. if interested, EMAIL

If committing to Board membership is a little scary, here's another chance to participate in your community. We are looking for people who want to help shape our Social Events Committee. The CNA wants to provide more opportunities for neighbors to gather together to listen to music, share a meal, play a game or any other activities that strengthen our community connections with each other. The Social Committee leads that work and we would love to see you be a part of that effort. EMAIL LINK

BEAVER DECEIVER

These cute little guys are creating havoc for some of our Cordata residents who live close to wetlands or stormwater retention ponds. "Busy as a beaver" is no joke as the Cordata Business Park Association has learned. The cost and the regulations for dealing with the issue are significant. If you have been impacted, take heart as work will start soon on a plan to deceive the beavers and minimize their damage.The image to the left is an example of the device that will be installed soon. Let's all hope the beavers fall for it.

if If Greg Hope (Education and Outreach Coordinator for the City of Bellingham) offers the following recommendations on protecting ourselves, our neighbors and our loved ones.

After a major earthquake it may be necessary to shut off utilities to prevent fires. Learn the location of the shut-off valve for your natural gas or propane and how to use it. Shut off gas only if you detect the sulfuric, rotten-egg smell of gas or hear the hissing sound of a leak. Once it has been shut off, natural gas will need to be restarted by a trained technician. Learn the location of your circuit breaker panel and how to shut off electricity safely.

VIDEO LINK

--------------------------------------------------Fires can happen anywhere and sometimes without any warning. If you live in a wildfire-hazard area, make sure you are signed up for local emergency alerts, maintain a non-combustible perimeter around your home, and know your area’s evacuation warning levels. Home fires are also dangerous and are usually preventable. Teach your family where the fire extinguisher(s) are located in and around your home and how to use them safely.

VIDEO LINK

Interested in Financial Coaching?

Cordata Church (CPC) will again be offering the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University (FPU) class to our local community. Dates are September 18 through November 13, on Thursday evenings at 630pm. Meetings will be online via zoom.

In Financial Peace University, you’ll learn how to:

· Take control of your money

· Attack debt with a vengeance and pay it off fast

· Save for emergencies

· Choose the right insurance plans

· Invest wisely and build wealth

For more information, please reach out to Gregg Block by email – fpuevents@cordatachurch.org

You can also register & pay on online at https://fpu-fall-2025.cheddarup .com

The cost of the class is $50 per family (you &/or spouse). If cost is an issue, please pay what you can. A minimum payment of $25 is required. Class size & the number of reduced-price tuitions is limited and on a first come basis.

In addition to the once a week online zoom classes, participants receive 1 year access to the video lessons, a hard copy workbook, access to EveryDollar Premium budgeting app for 1 year, group financial coaching via scheduled zoom meeting, and access to 20+ free audio books. CPC secured bundled pricing & provided financial support to offer these items. This bundle is valued over $120 if purchased individually from Ramsey Solutions.

Looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity in the community? The Adopt-a-Road program is one way for individuals, businesses, and groups to help clean up our community. Trash bags and safety equipment are provided to volunteers. Get more info at LINK HERE.

If you or your group adopt a road in Cordata, the CNA will provide grabbers for you. We will also award "I Love Cordata" t-shirts to one team at the end of each year.

CNA COMMUNITY

BULLETIN BOARDS

The CNA used some of the COB grant money from previous years to purchase bulletin boards to better communicate with the neighborhood. We have a bulletin board on the exterior of the Park pavilion and we have one at the entrance to Julianna Park.

We have been getting multiple requests from individuals, agencies and businesses to post announcements on the boards. Since there is limited room, we will follow a policy as described below.

Priority will be given in the following manner:

+ Non-profit agencies

+ Individuals who are paid members of the CNA

+ Companies that have contributed to the goals of the CNA

Thank You

CNA SOCIAL MEDIA POSITION

We are looking for someone to help us with our social media. In addition to the website, which is currently hosted on a site that uses WordPress, we have a Facebook page, as well as our contract with Constant Contact for our newsletter.

We would be open to expanding our social media presence as well as making changes in the platforms we use, if needed.

We are willing to pay a flat rate to someone to help set up these services for us so that we can manage them in-house, or someone to come on board as a on-going consultant.

If interested or if you have questions of suggestions, please contact us. EMAIL LINK

Thank You

As a reminder, check out our new webpage. We will continue to send monthly newsletters, but the website provides a great deal more information such as the following pages:

Introducing the CNA

All About Cordata

CNA Newsletter

Events and News

Resources

Contact and Support

This is the community website, so we invite you to submit your HOA/COA or neighborhood news and events, photos that you'd like to submit that speak to our shared community, and any questions or comments you may have.

If you have a business that you'd like to promote, please feel free to send us text/images as well.

We hope you enjoy the website and find it useful.

And remember to use the "Send Us a Message" form on the Contact and Support page of our new webpage LINK HERE to send us your suggestions for speakers or topics for future community meetings as well as anything else you'd like to share.

We love to hear from our neighbors.

CHECK IT OUT!!

Looking for alternatives

to calling 911?

Homeless Outreach Team: Weekdays 7am to 9:30pm 360-312-3717

Mobile Crisis Outreach Team: 24/7 –

1-800-584-3578

Report a crime not in progress without a suspect Bellingham Police – Weekdays: 360-778-8804

Report a crime not in progress with a suspect Bellingham Police – Weekdays: 360-676-6911

Dispute Resolution Center – Not a crisis line: Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – 360-676-0122

Looking for a place to donate clothes or other items other than "for profit" places? Here's a list that I found on NextDoor. Some of these may not still be accepting, so check it out before you go.

Whatcom Humane Society

Hope House

Agape House

Lighthouse Mission

Bridge2Services and Homes Now

_________________________________

Report Non-Emergencies

If you see something that you feel needs to be brought to the attention of the City, e.g., graffiti, broken glass in a bike lane, vandalism, the City wold like you to use their SEE-CLICK-FIX site. You can get more information at SeeClickFix FAQ

We are now able to take CNA Membership fees/donations through Paypal. You may continue to use a check and mail to the address below.

CNA Membership

We \happily accept memberships fees/donations to the Cordata Neighborhood Association. Join either through the Paypal LINK (You do not need a PayPal account to use this link.) or through regular mail at

CNA

PO Box 30061

Bellingham, WA 98228

All donations are tax deductible: ID# 17053217309029

The CNA is proud to support two other funds. Please consider supporting either or both by sending a check to the addresses below.

Donations to CNA Scholarship Fund

Whatcom Community College Foundation,

237 W Kellogg Road,

Bellingham, WA 98226-9912

Donations to a Children's Room in our Bellis Fair Branch Library

Whatcom Community Foundation

Attn: Children's Library Fund

1500 Cornwall, #202

Bellingham, WA 98225

Interested in learning more about serving on the Cordata Neighborhood Board, or just curious to know what we do? Send an email to k8mcdonald1016@gmail.com and I'll invite you to a Board meeting.

THANK YOU!

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

The COB publishes a lovely Playbook each year with outdoor activities for everyone.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors has a Facebook page as well as a Hotline: 360-778-2762.

Bellingham Food Bank website is providing food boxes.

The Nextdoor app or website to stay in touch with your immediate neighbors.

Common Sense Media has resources for parents and caregivers working with children at home.

The Bellingham Library online has resources for children and adults.

Support local businesses with the help of this website.

Aging in Place: A Guide to Growing Older at Home