Encampment Update for King Mountain Neighbors

Hello Neighbors,

The Mayor's office has asked KMNA to share the following message with all of you.

With Neighborly Sincerity,

Your King Mountain Board

Dear King Mountain Neighbors,  

I am writing to update you on work addressing encampment activity in your neighborhood that is planned to begin in August . We provided an overview in April that included a great deal of background. We know many of you are concerned and have been waiting to hear what is happening next. Our team, in partnership with private property owners and other organizations, has worked with diligence and compassion to address this challenging and complex problem that has very real impacts on community members.  

What Is Happening Next  

In the weeks ahead , several private property owners will begin coordinated cleanup, timber harvest and environmental restoration at the unauthorized encampment located between E. Stuart Road, Kellogg Road and James Street in north Bellingham. These actions will be taken in multiple phases, expected to start the fr st week of August when every encampment resident will receive notice to vacate the area. When all residents have left and once it is safe to do so, access roads will be built and the properties prepared for cleanup and timber harvest operations.  

As this encampment spans across 40 acres, please be aware that you may see these activities when they are underway or you may see people and traffic moving in and around the area . Expected impacts are described more specifically below.  

Why This Work Is Happening  

This work is the result of a coordinated response to Bellingham’s largest, most entrenched encampment, a long - standing situation that no single individual or entity has the authority or the ability to resolve alone. Progress this summer is the result of years of work, requiring private property owners, governments, service providers and regulatory agencies to each fulfill their distinct roles and responsibilities. The visible work taking place this summer is the result of those coordinated efforts.  

This cleanup is not intended to solve homelessness or the many complex issues that contribute to it. Rather, it addresses the unsafe conditions that have developed on these private properties, including health and safety risks , environmental damage, accumulated waste, fire risk, criminal activity and others .  

The City helped create a path forward by supporting property owners, providing technical assistance, convening various partners, providing communications and outreach

coordination, and fulfilling our legal and court - directed responsibilities. We have provided advance notification of these plans and are ensuring that those living at the encampment receive early and accurate notice of pending actions and offers of services. Outreach organizations will continue aiding people affected by the cleanup through coordinated on - site support.  

What To Expect  

In the coming weeks, you may see the following on and around the cleanup site:  

• Increased activity by encampment residents and service providers assisting in connecting people with shelter, treatment and other services .  

• Large equipment operating on and around the site .  

• Traffic control measures as needed on nearby streets.  

• Removal of waste, vegetation and trees.  

• Temporary fencing, private security or other efforts to monitor and secure the properties .  

• Staff from local and state agencies providing specific services, such as law enforcement security support, waste disposal activities, and regulatory oversight .  

How You Can Help  

We recognize this work may temporarily increase activity in the area, and we appreciate your patience and partnership while these actions are underway.  

• Call 911   to report urgent threats to safety, criminal activities, or trespassing on your property.    

• Report   new non - urgent issues (abandoned tents, encampments on public and private property) through SeeClickFix, at cob.org/fix. No need to continue reporting known encampments.    

• Stay informed   by visiting cob.org/encampments.  

How Owners of Large Parcels Can Help  

•  Secure large vacant properties  by regularly monitoring, fencing, security patrols and/or other means. Information and assistance available at cob.org/encampments

.  

• Post no trespassing signs on all sides.  

• Act immediately if unauthorized people are trespassing. Early action prevents new encampments.  

• Call 911   to request a trespassing response for new activity. Calls are prioritized based on officer availability and immediate threat to public safety.  

We will update our webpages at cob.org/encampments in the days and weeks ahead with more information or changes to these plans. Please check there if you have any questions or contact me at jkeller@cob.org or (360) 778 - 8115.  

We remain committed to acting with urgency and care — protecting public safety , treating everyone involved with dignity , and convening the appropriate partners to address dificult problems.    

Janice Keller     (she/her/hers)  

Deputy City Administrator   Mayor’s Office, City of Bellingham  

jkeller@cob.org or (360) 778 - 8115