BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – An appeal seeking to slow progress of a new residential area in south Bellingham has been rejected.

Bellingham City Council voted Friday, Aug. 21 to reject an appeal that sought to overturn a decision to approve a preliminary plat for the Woods at Viewcrest subdivision.

The appeal was filed in June by the local Protect Mud Bay Cliffs (PMBC) group, after the hearing examiner announced that an Environmental Impact Statement would not be required to move forward.

In the appeal, PMBC claimed that the subdivision’s construction could result in ecological hazards.

Councilmember Michael Lilliquist referred to the contents of PMBC’s appeal as a judgement call rather than proof of substantial evidence to overturn the hearing examiner’s decision.

The council voted unanimously to reject the appeal.

Ali Taysi, a consultant for the Woods at Viewcrest development, issued a statement following the council’s decision:

“From day one the Jones Family, with the entire project team, has worked tirelessly to design a project that is thoughtful toward the environment, focuses on preserving natural systems and sensitive areas, mitigates unavoidable impacts and exemplifies responsible development,” said Taysi. “Despite this, the appellants have continued to make unsubstantiated assertions about the project impacts; assertions that are not based in fact or law.  These assertions have now been rejected three times: by Staff, the Hearing Examiner and the City Council.  The Jones Family looks forward to proceeding with The Woods at Viewcrest project.”

My Bellingham Now reached out to PMBC for further comment.