Osburn sets sight on Arnie Road for development

By Tara Nelson

Developer Rick Osburn still has not given up on Blaine as a site for his planned developments.

On March 3, architectural group David Evans and Associates submitted an application on behalf of Osburn, for a 20-acre planned unit development at the corner of Blaine and Arnie roads called Sunrise Meadows.

The development consists of 45 single-family “entry-level” lots and three open space “executive” tracts zoned medium density, urban residential (URM6). Lot sizes range from 4,500- to 16,000-square feet.

Osburn said he would not comment on the price range of the homes, except that he expected some of them to be “entry level.”
Osburn, however, did say that the development is designed so that all houses will face open green spaces.

“These are unique in that they all border open land, they won’t be back to back neighbors,” he said. “They will all border on protected wetlands and protected space so we can still get density, while preserving more critical areas as well.”

Osburn said creating such a medium-density development is likely to create a slightly higher price range.

“You do get a higher value on the lot because it’s less urbanized,” he said.

The project may be viewed in detail at Whatcom County Planning and Development Services, 5280 Northwest Drive, Suite B, Bellingham, Washington, 98226.

Written comments may be submitted to Marilyn Bentley, senior planner at the above address before May 25.

Harborside Place
Meanwhile, Osburn said a developer who was interested in his Harborside Place project has completed a feasibility study that determined he will be able to finish the project.

Osburn had put the project up for sale after construction materials costs had increased dramatically since the project’s original approval.
He said the new builder was able to make the project pencil because he plans to keep part of the building in the form of a family trust.
“It’s basically become a way for him to invest money, whereas I would have had to sell it and make money,” he said. “For that, I’m really grateful.”