BELLINGHAM, WA. – (KGMI.com) The Whatcom County Council decided not to pause heavy industrial development in designated urban growth areas at their meeting on Tuesday night, October 24th.

A proposed year-long moratorium on the acceptance and processing of applications for new uses in heavy-impact industrial zones failed after the Council voted 3-3 with one abstention.

The vote was preceded by over two hours of public testimony spurred largely by Candian company ABC Recycling’s proposed metal shredding facility.

“What good could come from a metal shredder that would include hazards for children, wildlife, people and their businesses,” asked one resident.

Another resident asked for restraint from the council.

“Step back, take a breath, look at our process in place. It’s been well thought out over the years by a lot of people before us. I think it will do the job. Please, please do not pass this.”

Those in favor of the moratorium voiced concerns about the impacts of the industrial zones on residential neighborhoods.

Council member Carol Frazey was among the votes to approve it.

“Let’s slow down. Let’s allow the conversation to happen. Allow the stakeholders to come forward and just give it some time,” said Frazey. “Because it’s going to affect a big part of our community.”

Speakers against the ordinance cited a need for jobs that would be provided by the industrial projects.

Council member Ben Elenbaas was among the opposing voters.

“We speak often, people campaign on, we need a clean energy transition. We need to support living wage jobs. We need to do all of these things,” said Elenbaas. “But then when the rubber hits the road, we throw somebody a curveball and change the rules halfway through it.”

Council member Kaylee Galloway was the lone abstention.

The vote came as some residents in northwest Bellingham are pushing back against ABC’s proposed metal shredder that would be built off Marine Drive.