North Bellingham trails plan goes before City Council

Putting it into the comprehensive plan also will give the trails proposal "more teeth" when it comes to annexation or new developments, according to Leslie Bryson, design development coordinator for the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Development.

"It gives us more authority to say, 'Hey, if you want to develop the property you need to provide an area for this trail,' " Bryson said.

The plan was drafted by a group of residents concerned that north Bellingham didn't have its share of parks and trails, and that rapid development in the area would eat up available land for green space if they and the city didn't act.

"It's a great plan," said Edie Norton, who was involved in creating the trails proposal. "I think it will pass easily."

Among their priorities:

? Creating links to major planned trails such as the Bay to Baker Trail.

? Connecting communities to each other, schools and parks. "The intention was to provide people in the northern part of Bellingham with trails that would really connect to parks," said Norton, who also is on the city's Greenway Advisory Committee.

? Creating overpasses or underpasses so pedestrians can cross Interstate 5 and Meridian Street.

? Planning for trails out into the county so their corridors will be considered as the city grows.

? Tying the city together with a network of trails.

"A major goal of the planning process was to also connect the north end to the rest of Bellingham, so that people could walk, run or ride their bikes up and down Bellingham ... as well as across," Norton said.

If the council approves, an ordinance will be drafted in December to add the North Bellingham Trail Plan to the comprehensive plan.