Have an opinion? Share it with local officials

Full lineup of public hearings scheduled

By Stefanie Donahue

The public can weigh-in on a variety of issues facing the city at upcoming public hearings.

All meetings listed below take place at Blaine City Hall, located at 435 Martin Street, suite 4000. Here’s a look at the schedule:

What: Architectural standards update for Marin Condominiums

When: 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 24

Semiahmoo Spit Investments Inc., represented by Ritter Project Management, is asking the Blaine Planning Commission to approve modifications to architectural design standards for a three-building, 54-unit complex its building on Semiahmoo Spit called Marin Condominiums.

Already two of the three buildings have been constructed. The final building will be located next to Semiahmoo Resort and has remained unfinished for more than a decade.

Community development director Alex Wenger presented the proposal to the planning commission on January 10. Since then, the commission has  received several letters from the public, including Semiahmoo Resort Association (SRA) president Greg Wendt.

“While the Semiahmoo architectural standards committee, SRA and the Semiahmoo community are anxious to see the completion of this project, careful consideration must be made to preserve the harmony of existing nearby structures and the atmosphere and history of the Semiahmoo Spit,” he wrote.

To read more about the proposal, visit bit.ly/2sE7wWb.

What: Construction of a new industrial building at Blaine Harbor

When: 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 24

The Port of Bellingham is requesting the Blaine Planning Commission approve a shoreline substantial permit to construct a two-story, industrial building for Walsh Marine, currently located at 218 McMillan Drive.

Several port tenants, including Boundary Fish Company, Walsh Marine, Drayton Harbor Fishery and Dakota Creek Shellfish have expressed interest in expanding their existing leases at locations in the marine industrial area.

Real estate representative Brady Scott told port commissioners in September that Norm Walsh, the owner and operator of Walsh Marine, wanted to construct a new building and tear down a large, protective structure that was damaged in a storm.

“The project involves the construction of a 2,240-square-foot pre-fabricated partially insulated building for use on the Walsh Marine leasehold in conjunction with their boatyard operations,” said Michael Hogan, the port’s public affairs administrator.

In a report, city staff said the project would advance economic development goals by improving marine facilities at the harbor.

To read more about the proposal, visit bit.ly/2sH50P2.

What: Application to develop parts of Semiahmoo Parkway

When: 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 24

Rolf and Linda Haugen, along with engineer Craig Parkinson, are asking the Blaine Planning Commission to approve a Planned Unit Development and preliminary plat application to build a gated neighborhood on the 8900 block of Semiahmoo Parkway.

The neighborhood, called Woodberry, would be situated on 9.97 acres and comprise 29 single-family lots.

“The project will have its own unique identity, while preserving the character of the surrounding area and blending with nearby neighborhoods and the Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club,” according to the proposal.

The project was presented to the Blaine Planning Commission on January 10 and has since received more than a dozen comments from the public, some of whom expressed concern about tree preservation, impacts to water quality and compatibility with the surrounding community.

To read more about the proposal, visit bit.ly/2HsHNdz.

What: Consideration of a 0.2 percent B&O tax

When: 6 p.m. on Monday February 11 and 25

Blaine City Council will consider approving a 0.2 percent Business and Occupation (B&O) tax on wholesale and manufacturing businesses with gross receipts of $20,000 or more per year to keep up with a growing demand for city services.

A B&O tax can be imposed by a city on manufacturing, wholesale, retail and service businesses. Gross receipts are defined as the total annual revenue of an organization, without subtracting costs and expenses.

An estimated 30 to 50 businesses in Blaine would have to pay the tax and a business that grosses $500,000 in annual revenue would pay $1,000.

The money would pay for city services, such as police and administrative personnel, replacement of police vehicles, emergency dispatch services, public park and building maintenance and a program to help the manufacturing industry find and retain workers.

To learn more about the B&O tax, visit bit.ly/2C9rlJl. Comments can also be directed to citycouncil@cityofblaine.com and by phone at 360/332-8311.