When you have no one to turn to, where do you go? Neighborhoods throughout Bellingham have their own neighborhood associations as well as area representatives that are part of the mayor’s neighborhood advisory commission. In the Whatcom Falls Neighborhood, these positions have remained vacant for more then two years.
When sidewalks need to be repaired or there are problems with sewer drainage, who is a resident suppose to talk to about these, and similar issues? Is it easier for a person to contact city officials directly without having to wait for an association meeting?
It looks like that is the only option for Whatcom Falls residents, whose old association website has since been “outsourced” to China. www.whatcomfalls.org
Some issues in the area that need to be addressed include deer warning signs, car prowling, future concerns of the recent renovations in the rainwater drainage system about how well it works in the rainy season and more. It is hard to find the correct departments for whom to contact about what. With association meetings all topics can be addressed and the representative can then report to the city.
The representative must contribute a lot of time and dedication on their part to run these meetings and share concern with the mayor’s board. Is it worth it to put your concern into another resident’s hand when it could be dealt with more directly?
Do you, the residents want the Whatcom Falls Neighborhood Association to be reinstated? Are there enough problems that need addressing and is there enough commitment from community members that will attend the meetings to make them worthwhile?
