The Blaine City Council on Monday unanimously backed efforts to pursue a downtown redevelopment project that could combine multifamily housing, a new public library and other community amenities on publicly owned property.
Resolution 2009-26, approved Aug. 10, directs city staff to evaluate redevelopment opportunities, negotiate with private developers and the Whatcom County Library System, and explore potential financing.
“This is a long time coming, and it directs staff to start working out all of the details for this kind of public private partnership,” Blaine City Manager Mike Harmon said.
The resolution does not approve a specific project, development agreement, land sale or financing plan. Any agreements requiring council approval would return to the council.
The action follows the city’s request for proposals for city-owned property along 3rd Street. The city has sought proposals that could include a roughly 8,000-square-foot library, more than 30 multifamily housing units and space for childcare.
The existing Blaine library is a 5,400-square-foot facility at 610 3rd St. that opened more than 30 years ago in a converted city Public Works garage. The city owns the property and building, while the Whatcom County Library System provides library services.
The project could address several city priorities at once, including downtown revitalization, housing, economic development and improved public services. Harmon has also said adding residents downtown could support local businesses as Blaine experiences a decline in Canadian visitors and shoppers.
“It checks a number of boxes that are important to our community,” Harmon said in July.
Under the resolution, staff can continue discussions with qualified developers, examine site plans and financing options, and conduct financial, legal and other due diligence. Potential financing could include grants, tax increment financing and public-private partnerships.
The city says proposals will be evaluated in part on their ability to add downtown housing, provide a modern library or other civic facility, encourage pedestrian activity and create long-term economic and fiscal benefits.
Exploratory work is expected to include appraisal and legal fees, geotechnical sampling and critical-areas review. The city manager’s budget includes $30,000 for miscellaneous professional services, though the staff report said costs could exceed that amount because of the project’s scope and complexity.
Kari Mar is the publisher of The Northern Light.
