At our last community meeting, we discussed some parameters and ideas around the sizes, shapes, themes, and colors for the proposed public artwork on the roundabout. Shannon Taysi with the COB will take these ideas and shape a request for proposals to be sent to artists. Concerns have been expressed regarding art work as a potential distraction for drivers that might result in more accidents. I referred this question to Chris Comeau, COB Transportation Planner as none of us wants to see any more distracted drivers negotiating a roundabout. This is his response:

It is absolutely false that artwork in a roundabout will lead to increased collisions. Ideal roundabout design calls for a physical object to obstruct the view of any driver approaching the roundabout so that on-coming traffic is not as visible. This has the effect of forcing the driver to pay more attention (not less) as they enter the roundabout. Artwork is meant to enhance the look and feel of the roundabout for everyone, not just drivers. If you’d like to see a plethora of examples of artwork in roundabouts, visit the City of Bend, Oregon’s Roundabout ArtWalk web site; they have over 20 roundabouts, each with a unique piece of artwork.

As is true for many of us, we need a bit of positive news about how a community is supporting others and helping to make the world a little safer and better for others.

The Grand Opening of Lydia Place's Heart Home was a great opportunity to celebrate that kind of effort. It was wonderful to see this beautiful building ready to make a home for some neighbors with limited options. It was inspiring to meet people who have been working on this project for 9 years. And it was affirming to hear about all the community partners who have contributed to make it happen.

"Heart House is the newest Lydia Place-owned and operated property that will provide 11 permanent supportive housing units and a licensed early learning facility to low-income families with children in our community."

Lydia Place is listed below, as a place for donations. They are also looking for "Welcome Home Essentials" such as cleaning products, bath/beauty supplies, linens, cleaning tools and supplies, and paper products. The Heart Home is unfurnished, so donations of money or used furniture is also welcome. Refer to the Lydia Place website for more information.

The Bellingham Library Board hired a consultancy firm to gather information and make a recommendation to the City Council about additional library services. To that end, they invited community members from the Cordata, Meridian, Birchwood and King/Queen Mountain neighborhoods to meet with the consultants. I am pleased to report that Cordata was well represented at each of the three meetings.

The next step is to wait to see the first report from the consultants which they expect to be in June.

We want to extend our appreciation to the twelve Cordata community members who attended the meetings.

This is an email I received from Rebecca Judd, the Bellingham Library Director:

Another ray of hope in these dark days of violence among and by our youth is this program through the Whatcom Community Foundation.

The following is the introductory letter about this program.

Mauri Ingram,

This is a LINK to a bank in Ukraine that is accepting donations for humanitarian aid to the citizens of Ukraine.

The following is a list of organizations that also provide direct relief to Ukraine.

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