October 13 - 19, 2016
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Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer
IN THIS
ISSUE
A closer look at Blaine’s Oktoberfest, page 3
Public survey results unveiled at city meeting
Blaine cross country team celebrates season best, page 6
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Local artists prep for annual craft show, page 12
Blaine’s Oktoberfest serves up cider and smiles
B y S t e fa n i e D o n a h u e
s Blaine was host to its first Oktoberfest celebration last weekend, October 8 and 9. The harvest-themed event corresponded with Blaine Harbor Art Gallery’s Art-Oberfest, the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday and the Semiahmoo Resort Oktoberfest. A horse-drawn hay ride was one of the many activities offered to visitors over the weekend. Photo by Wayne Diaz
Candidates field questions from the public at Birch Bay forum B y S t e fa n i e D o n a h u e Inquisitive Blaine and Birch Bay voters posed a string of questions to legislative candidates running for office in the November general election. Candidates running for positions in District 42 as well as two individuals representing opposing agendas for the countywide EMS levy took part in the annual Birch Bay community forum held October 6. Moderator Terry Terry led the two-hourlong discussion, which featured a mix of
pointed questions and brief discussion periods open to all seated at the table. Candidates included incumbent Luanne Van Werven (prefers Republican Party) and Sharlaine LaClair (prefers Democratic Party), running for State Representative Position 1 in Legislative District 42, incumbent Vincent Buys (prefers Republican Party) and Tracy Atwood (prefers Democratic Party) running for State Representative Position 2 in Legislative District 42. The tone of the evening remained respectful, with candidates often finding a
Semiahmoo development proposal moves forward with city approval B y S t e fa n i e D o n a h u e After lengthy deliberation, Blaine city councilmembers unanimously approved an application to develop approximately 20 acres of land at the southwest corner of Semiahmoo Parkway and Semiahmoo Drive. The multi-phase project includes the construction of a gated community inclusive of single-family townhouses or paired units in the first wave of development as well as a mixed-use commercial facility,
an indoor storage facility and a park, to be owned either by the city or the neighborhood association. Blaine’s planning commission received extensive public comment from Semiahmoo residents during two public hearings in late August and early September. Planning commissioners subsequently worked up a list of conditions based on public concerns related to increases in traffic density, harm to the wildlife habitat and required alterations to existing roadways and
access points, just to name a few. On September 26, the city council got its first formal look at the development application and participated in a series of study sessions prior to casting a vote of approval on Monday. Led by Bellingham-based Rimland Pacific, agent Wayne Schwandt told staff they hope to complete utility roadwork by end of December. To learn more about the project, visit cityofblaine.com/886/Resort-Semiahmoo-Zone-3.
common ground on most issues presented by the public. The forum began with each candidate identifying what they believed were the most critical issues facing voters today – improving the state’s education system was at the forefront. Van Werven, who’s served on the House Higher Education Committee, focused on improving the quality of education. As examples, she named reductions to class sizes and developing literacy at an early age (See Election, page 8)
INSIDE
Blaine received an update on the ongoing effort led by the city to revitalize the local economy. On October 11, company principal Tom Beckwith of La Conner-based Beckwith Consulting presented results from surveys released to Blaine residents and library users in July. “We’re very interested in understanding what the city needs to do,” said city manager Dave Wilbrecht. “This is about what the residents and citizens want.” The presentation took place during a monthly meeting led by the Blaine Economic Development Advisory Committee, which was created in an effort to address the economic needs of Blaine years ago. The city partnered with Beckwith in early June. Since then, 21 interest groups have been approached by both entities to develop an economic plan for Blaine. The city also released three community surveys in July to gauge the needs and interests of residents, visitors and library users in the community. On Tuesday, Beckwith revealed that a total of 420 residents responded to the resident survey, which is now closed. Most respondents reported living in central Blaine. For most, recruitment of downtown businesses – including restaurants, retail and hotels, for example – was of crucial importance in revitalizing the local economy. “Your anchor is your downtown,” Beckwith said. Beckwith also went over results received from the, now closed, library survey. A total of 223 responded to the survey and agreed that renovating or expanding the facility to include public restrooms, a children’s room, teen room and computer room would improve the space for the community. Blaine’s Economic Development Advisory Committee was also presented with a number of different conceptual designs to update or expand existing community spaces. Currently, cost and methods for completing identified projects are still in the works.
Coming Up . . . . . 18 Classifieds . . . . . 15 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 18 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 18
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