LEED ND of the Fountain District for Environmental Impact Assessment Capstone course

1. Fountain District Project Huxley College of the Environment Western Washington University December 2, 2009 Courtney Amerine Mason Fidino Amne Hiraiwa Ethan Rommen Michael Stephen-McRae Disclaimer : This report represents a class project that was carried out by students of Western Washington University, Huxley College of the Environment. It has not been undertaken at the request of any persons representing local governments or private individuals, nor does it necessarily represent the opinion or position of individuals from government or the private sector.

3. Fountain District Site Map

5. Design Overview

6. Parking Proposal

7. Street Improvements

8. Street Improvements

10. Fountain Galleria Building – Increased Height Proposal Building Specs 55 ’ tall 0 ’ setback FSI – 2 Existing FSI – 1.3

11. Griffith Furniture Inc. – Increased Height Proposal Building Specs 50 ’ tall 0 ’ setback FSI – 2.1 Existing FSI – 1.1

12. Site of Nails off Broadway – New Building Proposal Building Specs 44 ’ tall 5 ’ setback FSI – 1.6 Existing FSI – .1

13. Site of the Dance Studio – New Building Proposal Building Specs 48 ’ tall 0 ’ setback FSI – .83 Existing FSI – .24

14. Fountain Park

18. The importance of Green Building In United States, buildings account for: Green buildings can significantly lower these environmental impacts.

28. SLL Prerequisite 5: Floodplain Avoidance Purpose: The location of the project will protect life, property and will promote open space and habitat conservation. Current Evaluation: Site does not contain any land within the 100-year floodplain defined and mapped by FEMA Conclusion: Prerequisite Met

43. Neighboorhood Pattern and Design (NPD)

51. Built Environment: NPD Credit 1 and Credit 2 Credit 1: Walkable Streets Current Evaluation: (3/12) The site is already walkable with sidewalks provided and access to the commercial buildings from the sidewalk. Alternative Action: (4/12) Since the site already has a defined road system changing is next to impossible. By providing multiple uses through redevelopment the community becomes more walkable. Credit 2: Compact Development Current Evaluation: (0/6) Alternative Action: (5/6) Residential Density Non Residential Density Current Evaluation 0 .68 Alternative Action 59 1.9

52. Built Environment: NPD Credit 5 and Credit 6 Credit 5: Reduced Parking Footprint Current Evaluation (1/1) With no proposed new development the project, no additional parking lots will be added. Alternative Action (1/1) No additional parking lots will be added – parking lot size will decrease by 1,600 square feet of private parking to be replaced by a new building. To address parking public parking spots will be added along roadways. Credit 6: Street Network Current Evaluation (2/2) Internal connectivity of street system already meets requirement with 444 intersections within ¼ mile of project boundary. Alternative Action (2/2) Proposed project will not change road systems keeping connectivity at 444 intersections per square mile.

53. Built Environment: NPD Credit 7 and Credit 11 Credit 7: Transit Facilities Current Evaluation (0/1) No benches or shelters are currently provided at any transit stop in the project area. Alternative Action (1/1) The transit stops will be reconstructed to include a shelter, bench, and Pulse Start Metal Halide Cutoff Street Lights Credit 11: Visitabilty and Universal Design Current Evaluation (0/1) With no proposed development the credit will not be met Alternative Action (1/1) It will be stipulated in the CC&R that all developers will meet a minimum of 20% of universal design features to make the neighborhood more accessible for all individuals.

54. Social/Economic Environment: NPD Credit 3 and Credit 4 Credit 3: Mixed-Use Neighborhood Centers Current Evaluation (0/4) No dwelling units within the project boundary. Alternative Action (3/4) The proposed dwelling units will be within ¼ mile of 12 diverse uses in order to promote mixed-use development Credit 4: Mixed-Income Diverse Communities Current Evaluation (0/7) All buildings are currently privately owned and not used for residential purposes. Alternative Action (6/7) Adopt a plan as part of the project development to provide affordable housing based on HUD housing requirements for Bellingham

55. Social/Economic Environment: NPD Credit 8 and Credit 9 Credit 8: Transportation Demand Management Current Evaluation (0/2) Alternative Action (2/2) Credit 9: Access to Civic and Public Space Current Evaluation (0/1) Alternative Action (0/1) No open spaces are provided as part of the current evaluation or proposed project Current Prices Subsidized Prices Monthly Quarterly Monthly Quarterly Regular Pass $25 $70 $12.50 $35 People w/ Approved Disability $13 $35 $6.50 $17.50

56. Social/Economic Environment: NPD Credit 10 and Credit 12 Credit 10: Access to Recreational Facilities Current Evaluation (0/1) Alternative Action (0/1) No recreational facilities large enough are provided currently or part of the proposed project to meet the credit requirement. Credit 12: Community Outreach and Involvement Current Evaluation (1/2) Although no development has been proposed the City of Bellingham has held 3 focus group group meetings as well as 4 public input meetings for ideas on how to develop the area. Alternative Action (2/2) As part of the community outreach a developer will need to implement a charrette

57. Social/Economic Environment: NPD Credit 13 and Credit 15 Credit 13: Local Food Production Current Evaluation (0/1) Alternative Action (1/1) In order to promote access to community-based and local food developers a Community Supported Agriculture program may be implemented for the Fountain District since so little land is left within the project area for food production. Credit 15: Neighborhood Schools Current Evaluation (1/1) Alternative Action (1/1) The schools within the project boundary area are and will continue to be integrated In the neighborhood fabric.

58. Natural Environment: NPD Credit 14 Credit 14: Tree-Lined and Shaded Trees Current Evaluation (0/2) Alternative Action (2/2) Add aspects of the natural environment to the project area by adding trees along the sidewalks and streets within the project area.

59. Summary