Bellingham City Council

**Street Vacation Criteria Evolution** The discussion revealed tension between current street vacation policies and historical commitments. Alan Marriner acknowledged that under current criteria, "we wouldn't consider a right-of-way that's functioning as an urban fully developed right away for vacation." However, staff recommended approval based on the unique 25-year history where the city originally required this vacation in 2000. When Council Member Stone asked about changes to approval criteria since 2012, staff confirmed current criteria are "more formally codified" and this petition would face concerns under today's standards. **Compensation and Public Benefit Analysis** The compensation arrangement emerged as a complex multi-street transaction. Staff explained that Talbot's dedication of new right-of-way (205,000 sq ft) substantially exceeds the vacation area (152,750 …

**City Staff (Alan Marriner, Steve Sundin)** Strongly supported approval despite current policy conflicts, emphasizing the unique historical circumstances and arguing that the 2000 binding site plan condition, 2012 hearing examiner recommendation, and substantial compensation package justify the vacation. **Talbot Real Estate LLC** Sought urgency in processing due to extensive Barkley Urban Village pla…

**Alan Marriner, on current criteria vs. historical commitments:** "normally under our current criteria, we wouldn't consider a right-of-way that's functioning as an urban fully developed right away for vacation. But this is somewhat like the street vacation matter that you considered at your last meeting. It has very unusual facts and based on those facts, staff is recommending approval." **Alan Marriner, on the 25-year timeline:** "first in the year 2000 so we're going back 25 years the cit…

After this meeting, Rimland Drive between Woburn Street and Barkley Boulevard is approved for vacation pending completion of compensation requirements. The 86,120 square foot section of fully improved urban street will transition from public to private ownership and maintenance responsibility once Talbot completes the dedication process for new right-of-way. The city concluded a 25-year process that began with a 2000 binding site plan condition requiring this vacation, moving fro…

## Meeting Overview The Bellingham City Council held a special meeting to conduct a closed record hearing on the vacation of Rimland Drive between Woburn Street and Barkley Boulevard, petitioned by Talbot Real Estate LLC. The Council unanimously approved the street vacation ordinance with first and second reading, marking the completion of a process that began 25 years ago in 2000. ## Key Terms and Concepts **Street Vacation:** A legal process by which a city permanently gives up public ownership and control of a street or right-of-way, transferring it to private ownership. **Closed Record Hearing:** A type of public hearing where the City Council can only consider evidence that was presented during an earlier public hearing before the Hearing Examiner - no new testimony or evidence is allowed. **Right-of-Way:** The legal right to pass through property owned by another party, or the strip of land over which such a right exists, typically used for streets, sidewalks, and utilities. **Hearing Examiner:** An independent official who conducts public hearings and makes recommendations to the City Council on land use matters and appeals. **General Binding Site Plan:** A type of development approval that allows property owners to divide land without going through the full subdivision process, often with specific conditions attached. **Utility Easement:** A legal right for utility companies to access, install, and maintain utility lines (water, sewer, electric, etc.) on private property. **Public Access Easement:** A legal right that would allow the general public to continue using a privately-owned street or pathway. **Compensation:** Payment or equivalent value that must be provided to the city when public property is vacated, often in the form of money or dedication of other public amenities. ## Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Hollie Huthman | Council President, chairing the meeting | | Alan Marriner | City Attorney, presenting the ordinance | | Steve Sundin | Senior Planner, lead planner on the vacation petition | | Hannah Stone | Council Member | | Daniel Hammill | Council Member | | Michael Lilliquist | Council Member, made the motion to approve | | Lisa Anderson | Council Member | | Jace Cotton | Council Member | | Edwin H. "Skip" Williams | Council Member | ## Background Context This stre…