Edgemoor subdivision gets a long-awaited green light. Some key takeaways

A Bellingham hearing examiner has approved the Woods at Viewcrest subdivision in the Edgemoor neighborhood, ending a years-long fight by neighbors who tried to block it. The decision allows 38 single-family home lots to be built on roughly 38 acres near the Mud Bay Cliffs above Chuckanut Bay.

FULL STORY: Edgemoor subdivision approved despite years-long opposition from neighbors

Here are key takeaways:

• Hearing Examiner Sharon Rice denied an appeal from Protect Mud Bay Cliffs, a neighborhood group that argued the project required a full Environmental Impact Statement under the State Environmental Policy Act.
• Rice ruled the city “conducted an informed, thorough, realistic review of potential project impacts” and found no evidence of significant harm to geologically hazardous areas, Mud Bay water quality or wildlife.
• About 80% of the 37.7-acre site will be preserved as permanently protected open space or conservation easements, including the full 7.5-acre shoreline buffer.
• Project permit consultant Ali Taysi said the Jones family, which has owned the property for more than 70 years, is “very pleased” with the decision and plans to move forward.
• Opponents can appeal to the Bellingham City Council within 14 days of June 5 or file an action in Whatcom County Superior Court.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.