More crosswalks coming to Bellingham, Meridian Townhouses get green light, Meridian Townhouses get green light, Funky’s Hot Sauce Promo (today and Friday after the news), Willows Inn back on the market, Whatcom Museum announces low-sensory hours, State GOP files three new initiatives
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Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, April 10. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: More crosswalks coming to Bellingham
The City Council of Bellingham unanimously approved a plan to enhance bike lanes and pedestrian safety along Holly Street.
The plan entails removing one of three traffic lanes from Ellis to Bay Street in the commercial core. No parking spaces will be lost in the process. Eric Johnston, Director of Public Works, explained that the aim is to make downtown more accessible for cyclists and pedestrians by slowing down traffic on downtown’s busiest street.
Johnston says buffered bike lanes will be added from Ellis to State streets and a parking-protected bike lane from State to Bay streets. Additionally, crosswalk signals will be timed to give pedestrians a head start before vehicles receive a green light, reducing the risk of pedestrian-vehicle accidents. Despite concerns about the length of the protected bike lanes, proponents believe the initiative will improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
The estimated cost of the project is $55,000. Construction is scheduled to commence early next month.
STORY: Meridian Townhouses get green light
A controversial development in the Birchwood neighborhood has been approved with conditions, after extensive public comment from residents.
The project, located at 3509 Meridian St., is on land owned by Bellingham Golf & Country Club. A proposal to build 67 townhouses on a forested plot requires the developer to remove 335 mature trees and replant 477 saplings.
Whatcom Million Trees Project spearheaded opposition to the plan. More than 1,700 people signed the petition against the development, and dozens of community members attended the public hearing and sent email comments.
On Monday, Bellingham Hearing Examiner Sharon Rice approved the preliminary plat and variance for the subdivision, with several conditions. A tree planting plan will be required as well as compliance with best management practices to ensure the roots of the mature trees still left on the property are protected. Native trees will also be incorporated into the subdivision’s landscaping, and developers must also take steps to ensure long-term survival and retention of the replacement trees.
Later this year, the city council will review a draft of the city’s new Urban Forestry Management Plan which sets a canopy cover target of 45%.
STORY: Funky’s Hot Sauce Promo (today and Friday after the news)
Funky’s Hot Sauce Factory initially began as a passion project for peppers and spices.
Founded by Matt Mini in 2006, the Funky’s line of hot sauce is currently on fire with their latest guest spot on an internet show that focuses on spicy chicken wings. KMRE reporter, AnThu Nguyen, got the chance to sit down with Matt and find out more about his winning recipe.
FUNKY’S AUDIO
Listen to the entire interview today and Friday after the 5pm news.
STORY: Willows Inn back on the market
The old Willows Inn property on Lummi Island is up for sale again.
The vacant property was originally donated to Lighthouse Ministries in late 2022. The organization tried to sell it a year ago with the intention of using the money to help fund the Lighthouse Mission’s redevelopment project on Holly Street, but the potential deal fell through. Offers for the new listing will be taken until Friday, and evaluated by April 26th.
The Lighthouse Mission says it hopes that the new owners will be local.
STORY: Whatcom Museum announces low-sensory hours
Whatcom Museum has announced new programs aimed at reducing barriers to art for the local community.
The Low Sensory Sundays event creates a calm environment for families and children 12 and younger with sensory processing issues or those who are on the autism spectrum. These free events feature reduced light and sound, activity cue cards, movable walls, gloves, and headphones.
Additionally, Free First Fridays offer free admission to patrons of all ages on the first Friday of each month, with extended operating hours until 9 p.m.
The first Low Sensory Sundays event will be held on May 26th at 10AM and 11:30AM at the Lightcatcher & Family Interactive Gallery, although the museum hopes to secure funding to make it a permanent monthly program.
These initiatives aim to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in experiencing art at Whatcom Museum.
STORY: State GOP files three new initiatives
The chair of Washington State’s Republican Party, Jim Walsh, is pushing for three new initiatives to be included on the November ballot.
The proposed new initiatives are part of a broader effort by the GOP, which already has three other initiatives on the ballot that would repeal the state’s capital gains tax, carbon market, and a long-term care insurance program. One of the new initiatives targets “squatters’ rights,” potentially rolling back tenant protections enacted in 2021. Another seeks to compel law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, reversing Washington’s sanctuary state status. The third initiative aims to repeal a recently passed measure meant to assist Puget Sound Energy in meeting emissions requirements.
Supporters of these initiatives have roughly three months to collect the necessary signatures to qualify for the ballot. Critics, including the chair of the Washington State Democrats, Shasti Conrad, view these initiatives as a cynical attempt by Republicans to boost voter turnout rather than focusing on substantive policy issues.
Multiple versions of each initiative have been filed to test their viability before finalizing the petition for signature gathering.
WX: Sun
Your Whatcom County weather – Enjoy the sun while you can, and expect increasing clouds later this afternoon and into the evening. Today’s high is in the mid-50’s with an overnight low of 44. Increasing chance early tomorrow morning, with rain likely throughout the day, continuing into the evening with a high in the mid-50’s.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman, Kye (KEY suh-LEE-nus) Salinas and Tristan Trudell. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. Check out our Patreon page or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________, and thanks for listening.
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