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Natural Resources Specialist III / Water Quality
Lummi Indian Business Council
Medical Positions and More
Interfaith Community Health Center
Resort tour appt setters
Beachwood Resort Campground
Sr. Microcomputer/Software Tech
Island County Planning
General Shop Technician
BP Cherry Point Refinery
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| Franklin Park is a popular destination for many living in the York neighborhood, providing a place for gatherings, such as neighborhood picnics. RACHEL E. BAYNE HERALD PHOTO
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Kira Millage
Located in the heart of Bellingham, the York neighborhood is close to many amenities including parks, downtown shopping and Interstate 5.
The small, dense neighborhood was established in 1888 and attracts people of all ages and occupations. Businesses and apartments line the western edge of the neighborhood next to downtown, but the area east of Ellis Street is full of victorian and Craftsman-style homes. The narrow, tree-lined streets and sidewalks are often busy with family life.
Two small parks are available on either side of Lakeway. Businesses also line Lakeway Drive, which runs through the neighborhood, but the York neighborhood is saved from the commercial development on the other side of the freeway. The neighborhood has a small-town feeling, especially around Nelson's Market, a classic mom-and-pop grocer on the corner of Potter and Humboldt streets.
Average age: 25.4 Housing units: 1,092 Assessed median home value: $91,665 Median home size: 1,234 square feet Schools: Lowell Elementary, Kulshan Middle School, Sehome High School Shopping: Nelson's Market is neighborhood mini-mart; Fred Meyer Shopping Center and Lakeway Center, including Cost Cutter grocery, are on Lakeway Drive; adjacent to downtown Parks: Rock Hill Park, Franklin Park Mayor's Advisory Committee members: Thomas Scott, Carolyn Mulder City Council member: John Watts Police calls in 2003: 1,082 Residential burglaries: 22 Vehicle prowls: 44 Population of neighborhood: 2,614
TSHOMBE BROWN Age: 33
Lives on: Grant Street
Lived here: 1 1/2 years
Lives with: Partner
What he does: Independent wedding consultant through his own business, Your Signature Consulting
Why do you like living in the area? "The houses here have retained their historic quality. On the outside, they have intricate trim and people really spend a lot of time giving the houses character and identity instead of being just the house next door."
What's your favorite neighborhood moment? "It had been just raining heavily and my neighbor was standing out there with his girlfriend, and then another neighbor was right outside their house with his kids and his wife ... and they're all beckoning me to come out, so I go out and there's this amazing rainbow extending from infinity to infinity. It illustrates the commonality we feel. Even though we're different, we're able to connect with each other as well."

AT A GLANCE
NEIGHBORS PROFILE: 'Even though we're different, we're able to connect'
MARY FRASER
Lives on: Grant Street
Lived here: 3 years
What she does: Piano teacher, avid gardener, member of the choir at St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Why do you like the neighborhood? "The people are fabulous in this neighborhood. It's a very interesting, eclectic mix of people and they care about their neighbors and they talk to each other."
What makes your neighborhood unique? "It used to be a place where you could get an affordable house. It's changed, though. I think it's getting too pricey."
Why did you move there? "Because of its close proximity to downtown. The other thing is, I fell in love with my house. It's a character house. It's 1895. It's perfect for me. I've got a big Steinway piano. That thing has to have a room for itself."
JON OSTBY
Age: 57
Lives on: Potter Street
Lived here: 17 years in current house, 30 years in the York neighborhood
Lives with: His wife Anne Mackie
What he does: Owns Nelson's Market, active in York Neighborhood Association
Why do you like the neighborhood? "The location. It's close to downtown. It's close to the freeway. I like the community feel of the street patterns. The York Neighborhood is built in such a manner that everything is oriented to the street in front of them with an alley in the back. So it's a friendly place."
What's the biggest thing that's happened there? "In 1995, we had a big 100-year celebration for Nelson's Market. We had a parade that had 200 kids in it and 25 mobile floats and old cars. But that would be kind of tooting my own horn."