We’re starting today with the latest on ongoing labor actions that continue to shape the conversation around healthcare in Bellingham. Nurses at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, while not on strike themselves, are showing strong solidarity with their striking colleagues from SEIU Healthcare 1199NW and the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. The registered nurses, represented by the Washington State Nurses Association, are hosting an informational picket today from three thirty to six thirty in the evening. The goal is to highlight issues like staffing shortages, wage concerns, and rising health insurance costs. So if you are heading past the hospital, you may see that demonstration underway, as the nurses prepare to return to bargaining tomorrow morning.
Turning to city development, there is some exciting news for Bellingham’s future. Construction is beginning on a major eight-block redevelopment project in Old Town. Over the next decade, this effort will bring 800 new mixed-income residential units to the heart of the city. At the same time, the city has secured a one point seven million dollar grant to build a community solar array, promising both energy savings and revenue for climate-focused community projects. Both initiatives signal continued investment in growing Bellingham sustainably and supporting more diverse housing opportunities for local residents.
In transportation and traffic, heads up for those commuting around town. Expect delays on Slater Road today due to a scheduled bridge inspection, with lane closures running from eight in the morning until one in the afternoon. You’ll also want to budget extra time if you’re driving on I-5, as daily lane closures continue in Bellingham through Thursday, all part of ongoing infrastructure improvements. Meanwhile, Chuckanut Drive remains closed because of a recent rockslide, and there’s not yet an estimated reopening date.
In public safety, Bellingham police and county officials have been busy with several recent incidents, including the resolution of a kidnapping case where the victim managed to escape unharmed, and a DUI incident where a vehicle ended up in a ditch along Pacific Highway. There’s also heightened fire danger on Lummi Island, with the fire district implementing high fire restrictions during the ferry dry dock period, so all large outdoor burn piles are off-limits for now.
As we look ahead to the rest of the week, keep an eye out for community events and ways to get involved. Whether it’s supporting your local nurses, exploring new and developing neighborhoods, or simply enjoying the spring in Bellingham, there is plenty happening around the city.
This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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