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BELLINGHAM – The Western Washington University board of trustees on June 10 voted to endorse Western’s efforts in working with the Port of Bellingham to plan for a university presence on Bellingham’s waterfront. The trustees’ motion does not commit Western to any specific project on the waterfront, but acknowledges the trustees’ approval of the process under way and their support with moving ahead with that process. “I appreciate the board’s endorsement of our efforts,” said WWU President Karen W. Morse. “Looking to Western’s future is an exciting prospect, especially in the context of our growing Bellingham community.” Morse appointed a committee in spring 2004 to explore the potential for involvement in redevelopment of the former Georgia-Pacific waterfront property. The committee developed guiding principles for considering WWU proposals and then held three public forums in fall 2004. One of these forums hosted a presentation by the Port of Bellingham. The Port also made a presentation to the board of trustees at its April meeting. “The board is very pleased with the work to date and the opportunity for involvement of the entire campus. We believe it is a unique opportunity that needs to be explored,” said trustee Peggy Zoro. Brief pre-proposals for prospective WWU programs to be developed at the waterfront were solicited by the committee to gain a better idea of the range of programs or functions that might be pursued. The committee also toured the waterfront location. Twenty-two pre-proposals were received from individuals, groups, departments, colleges and interdisciplinary groups for programs and projects that might feasibly be located on the waterfront. There was an opportunity for public review and discussion of the pre-proposals at two forums in May before the committee will invite full proposals for further consideration during the next stage of the process. Western officials also have met with local officials to discuss aspects of university involvement in redevelopment of the former Georgia-Pacific waterfront property. No decisions have been made nor will they be made until committee work related to this issue is complete and additional discussions take place on campus. For more information, please see http://www.wwu.edu/president/waterfrontnews.htm |
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