INSIDE

Taxpayers looking to save Lily Point

The local taxpayers association will make Lily Point, and how potential development and public uses will be integrated for the large undeveloped waterfront area, the main topic on the agenda for their upcoming annual general meeting.

“What we want to do here is really get the public involved,” said Point Roberts Taxpayers’ Association president Michael Rosser.
The association has been discussing the possibility of securing at least a portion of the Lily Point area as a public park with county officials, property owners and the Whatcom Land Trust, Rosser said. “It’s been very encouraging.”

“Pete has been in discussions with the group regarding Lily Point,” confirmed Arden Haines, assistant to county executive Pete Kremen. “This is something the county feels is feasible and is actively working on the project and pulling together some resources to make this happen.”

Rosser said the association had formed a subcommittee to work towards acquiring the portion of Lily Point east of Claire Lane for public use, and the June 16 annual general meeting will be an opportunity to get more involvement and take those efforts out from under the taxpayers’ association umbrella. “We’re a lobby group, not a land trust,” Rosser said, explaining that while the acquisition of Lily Point for public use was a top priority for their membership, it was important to separate it as much as possible from the association’s other activities. “On the one hand we’re asking developers for funding and on the other we’re on their case about land use.”

The land west of Claire Lane is either owned by Stanton Northwest or under a contract for the developer to buy, and Rosser said they hope to have a representative from that company at their meeting to discuss their development plans. “We want to get as much as possible out of the transitional zoning in that area,” he said. “They can develop it in one of two ways – cut it up into five acre slices and sell them, or sell smaller parcels in a better development. If they’re planning to do all the right things they’ll have our full support.” The transitional zone allows a developer higher density on smaller lots if amenities such as trails, open space and public access are included in project plans.

The taxpayers association annual general meeting will be at the community center on Gulf Road June 16 from 10 a.m. to noon. The public is encouraged to attend but only association members will be able to vote. Memberships are available for $5.