News - Local News

POSTED: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

Whatcom County considers lands for open-space program

Whatcom County Planning Commission members will consider which properties should be enrolled in a program where landowners get property tax breaks in exchange for preserving their land and, in many cases, allowing public access.

Properties under consideration this fall range from waterfront properties on Lummi Island and Lake Whatcom to farmland near Lynden.

The commission on Thursday, Oct. 22, will review 13 applications from landowners to enroll in what is generally known as the "open space" program.

In the program, allowed by a 1970 state law, properties are assessed at the current use, like hay farming, for example, instead of the more valuable use, like the ability to build multiple homes.

"Lands classified as Open Space are taxed at significantly lower property values than fair market value, thereby providing owners with an incentive to keep their open space lands free from development," according to a report by county planners.

Land enrolled also has to be open to the public, except for land in the timber open space program. In any case, the County Council can lift the public access requirement if that would harm the environment.

Following are brief summaries of the properties under consideration and their owners. This list includes only the properties where public access would be allowed, and in some cases acreages are total parcel size and not the amount that would be enrolled in program:

• Congregation Beth Israel, total 15.24 acres located south of the dead end of San Juan Boulevard, off Yew Street Road.

• Nancy A. Burnett, 52.54 acres located south of Blizard Road on Lummi Island (this has been in the open space program 1976, but it's being reviewed because public access requirements are being restricted, lowering its score).

• Stephen McMinn, 6.07 acres located at the north end of West Shore Drive on Lummi Island (includes historic Loganita Lodge).

• Jack Maier, six total acres located along Lake Samish Road just south of city limits.

• Norman and Karen Chamberlin, four acres along Lake Whatcom Boulevard just north of Sudden Valley (includes water access).

• Sherry K. Olson, 4.85 acres for farm preservation located along Aldergrove Road west of Ferndale.

• Douglas J. and Jill N. Marsh, 4.46 total acres located near Hemmi and Aldrich roads.

• Steven H. and Ulla L. Jenkins, 4.78 total acres located along Sunrise Road just north of Burk Road.

ATTEND THE HEARING

What: County Planning Commission hearing and consideration of applications for enrollment in the "open space" program.

When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22.

Where: Northwest Annex Conference Room, 5280 Northwest Drive.

More information: Go to whatcomcounty.us and click on "Open Space Applications."