Published June 17 2013
Bellevue's Best Ideas forum, an effort by the city to engage the public in an update of the comprehensive plan, is coming to the Crossroads Shopping Center and Bellevue Square on June 21, at events where the public can engage in casual conversation with city planners and submit their own "best ideas" on-site.
Ideascale, an interactive social media tool, presents posted ideas. Visitors to Bellevue's Best Ideas can vote on whether they agree or disagree. Or they can post their own ideas. The ideas with the most "agree" votes will show up at the top.
One of the most popular ideas submitted so far points out the desire for welcoming public gathering spaces.
"One great asset for neighborhoods is to have vibrant public gathering places -- or "third places" -- that provide a place for neighbors to connect," the post from an unidentified community member says. "Crossroads Mall is a great example of a dynamic public gathering place. Can we be more intentional about cultivating these places on a neighborhood scale across Bellevue?"
Residents who visit Crossroads Shopping Center on Friday, June 21, can experience the "third place" concept firsthand. From noon to 2 p.m., participants can also engage with city planners and submit their own ideas onsite to the Bellevue's Best Ideas forum. All submitted ideas become part of the public input for the city's comprehensive plan, which guides city development and vision through 2035.
Participants are also eligible to win gift certificates from the Crossroads Shopping Center and the Microsoft Store. The same evening, from 6 to 8, city planners will move their "Best Ideas" station to the Microsoft Store at Bellevue Square. Up to 10 interactive stations will be available to submit ideas, and city planners will be on hand for conversation. Refreshments will be served.
The Best Ideas campaign will run through July 4. Ideas can also be submitted directly at Bellevue's Best Ideas.