November 1, 2007 Public Forum

News Release from the Bellingham Herald

• Western panel looks for comment

On November 1, 2007 Western Washington University held a public community forum in the Communications Building on the university’s progress and plans for the waterfront development. Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ron Kleinknecht, provided updates on the committee’s work, guiding the forum participants through a summary of academic, enrollment, space plans and potential development models for the waterfront project.  Consultants from Stratus and representatives from WWU's waterfront development committee, the Port of Bellingham and City of Bellingham were on hand to provide insight on the project. Updates on the overall timeline for waterfront development and discussion of specific accomplishments to date were also provided. These accomplishments were outlined by Dean Kleinknecht in his review of Phases I and II of the project.

Dean Kleinknecht then outlined the current developments in Phase III. He outlined the 6 major steps that will be taking place within the next year. These include:

1. Academic and Enrollment Planning
2. Space Needs: Short and Long Term
3. Economic Cost Benefit Analysis
4. Financial Plan
5. Development Model
6. Waterfront Campus Master Plan

An in depth discussion from Stratus consultants followed this outline, identifying the key issues currently being looked at in the development process.  

For further information on the various phases of the development project and key issues, please view the links provided.

• Phases I and II
• Phase II and IIA
• Phase III: Integrated Planning & Due Diligence

The forum ended with questions and comments from the audience.

To View the entire presentation (in pdf) please view the link provided

• November 1, 2007 Waterfront Campus Forum