October/November2020
The Cordata Neighborhood Newsletter
Seems Like We Just Received the CNA Newsletter

Well, yes you did. There are a couple of things that we wanted to get in front of you as soon as we can, so this will be our combined end-of-October through November newsletter.
At our October 13 meeting, we learned about some planned road and intersection improvements for Bakerview Road and the Northwest/Bakerview intersection.

Additional information can be found on the following links:

Chris Comeau, AICP-CTP, Transportation Planner
Bellingham Public Works Engineering
360.778.7946 [email protected]
We are so happy and grateful to report that we have met our goal for funds to purchase a bench at Cordata Park in Julie Guy's honor. Look for a new bench to be located by the children's playground in the near future.

If you missed your chance to donate and are still eager to do so, fear not. We have a couple other opportunities for you.

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 Prospective Cordata Branch Library
Whatcom Community Foundation
Attn: Children's Library Fund
1500 Cornwall, #202
Bellingham, WA 98225
Are you looking for a way to strengthen the social fabric and resilience of our community? Do you believe in the power of positive conflict resolution?  Would you like to join a group of thoughtful and dedicated community members who are passionate about the powerful impact constructive conflict resolution makes in Whatcom County?

The WDRC Board of Directors is currently accepting applications for new Board members! If you believe in our mission, are collaboratively minded, and want to help advance our organization through this volunteer service, please consider submitting a cover letter and application today. While all applicants will be considered, the Board is particularly interested in candidates who will enthusiastically assist with our donor development and fundraising efforts, as well as candidates who are uniquely positioned to diversify our efforts and perspectives, and who will help us expand our relationships throughout all of Whatcom County. Ensuring our Board is representative of our community matters to us. BIPOC community members are encouraged to apply. Questions? Please contact Moonwater, Executive Director at [email protected] or Christian Christensen, Board President, at cc[email protected].  
EVERY VOTE COUNTS!
Watch for your ballot beginning October 14. Vote with confidence by voting EARLY and using one of the 18 ballot drop boxes in Whatcom County. Check out the election forums hosted by the League of Women Voters Bellingham/Whatcom County at www.lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org.
  • Register or check your voter status and make sure your address is current at www.whatcomcounty.us/199
  • Are you #VoteReady? Learn about the candidates through the online election forums on the League of Women Voters’ Bellingham/Whatcom County website, (www.lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org), or on KGMI, KMRE, KAVZ, BTV10 (Cob.org/services/education/btv), and the City of Bellingham YouTube Channel.
  • Make it Count: Don’t forget to use the inner security sleeve and sign the outside of your envelope. Make sure your signature matches what’s on file at the auditor's office. If you live in a household with multiple voters, make sure you sign the correct envelope with YOUR name on it.
EVERY VOTE COUNTS!
Cordata Branch Library Update
We continue to advocate for a library in North Bellingham. At the October 13 meeting, Hannah Stone, our City Council rep, asked Mayor Fleetwood if he would support a library in our area. He explained that because of the loss of revenues this year due to the pandemic, it may be a tough battle. Kate McDonald mentioned that we have a partner who will provide the space, which would reduce costs. Mayor Fleetwood said that this is something worth pursuing. The library budget conversation is scheduled for October 19 at the COB City Council meeting. Representative Stone will present our position on requesting a budget allocation. You can watch the meeting through the COB link to YouTube. We will also keep you informed.
Stay Safe.
We Hope to See You at the November Meeting.
Mark your Calendars


Our next general CNA Neighborhood Meeting is November 10 at 7pm. Our speakers will include Erika Lautenbach, the Director of the Whatcom County Health Department who can give us an update on Covid19 issues in our community. We will also hear from Rick Sepler, Planner for the City of Bellingham who can share information about construction projects in the area.

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 255 603 0627
Passcode: 123456
One tap mobile
(253)215-8782
At the October 13 meeting, we also learned about the plan to change the on ramp to northbound I5 from Bakerview Road.

Project Overview
• Construct new on northbound on ramp onto I-5
• Modify the lane configuration along Bakerview Road
• Reduce the vehicle traffic on the overpass headed to the existing northbound on ramp
• Reduce congestion in the surrounding intersections
Schedule
• Project will be advertised Oct. 26, 2020
• Construction will begin Spring or Summer of 2021
• Should be completed by end of 2021
Budget
• Connecting Washington project with a total budget of $10 Million
• WSDOT recently acquired all required real estate to complete this project
• City of Bellingham has agreed to contribute up to $1 Million for the construction of this project

For more information on this project contact
Todd Carlson
Planning & Engineering Services Mgr.
WSDOT NW Region/Mount Baker Area

John Shambaugh
Planning Manager
WSDOT NW Region/Mount Baker Area
MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY at
JULIANNA PARK

Celebrate Make A Difference Day this year with a full week’s worth of volunteer opportunities at Julianna Park! We will be planting native plants to restore habitat for wildlife. Due to COVID-19, each work party is limited to 10 (2 groups of 5). All ages and abilities welcome! Gloves, tools, and direction provided. Pre-registration is required. To register, please go to: www.cob.org/workparties Space is limited. Register early!  

WORK PARTY SCHEDULE
Saturday, 10/24 — 9am-12pm
Saturday, 10/24 — 1-4pm
Tuesday, 10/27 — 9am-12pm
Wednesday, 10/28 — 1-4pm
Thursday, 10/29 — 9am-12pm
Friday, 10/30 — 1-4pm
Saturday, 10/31 -- 9am-12pm
WE NEED YOUR OPINION

Please select this survey This link to give us your choices for future general meeting topics and speakers. it's easy, quick and very helpful. Thanks.
For the most up-to-date information on the virus, go to the Center for Disease Control website.

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.

Get counted through Census online.

Support local businesses with the help of this website.

There are lots of videos on YouTube for sewing masks. But here's a DIY mask that doesn't require a sewing machine.