Published April 6 2023
Plus, eviction resolution program update, Convention Center Board appointment and proclamations for autism acceptance and distracted driving awareness
The City Council approved on Monday a preferred alternative of the updated Bellevue Airfield Park master plan to undergo environmental review as recommended by the Parks & Community Services Board.
After a year of public outreach, the Park Board recommended a design that is responsive to community preferences, including an aquatic facility, pickleball courts, trails, picnic shelters and expansion of the Robinswood Park off-leash area.
The next step is environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act. Once that is completed, a master plan will go before the council for adoption.
Details of the preferred alternative design are in the agenda materials.
Eviction Resolution Pilot Program
The council received an update on the effectiveness of the city’s Eviction Resolution Pilot Program, which has helped thousands of Bellevue tenants and landlords connect to rent assistance and negotiate repayment agreements for unpaid rent during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center program is administering the state-mandated eviction resolution program for residents of Bellevue and Kirkland. Last year, an estimated 6,000 tenants were able to maintain their rental housing through participation in the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program.
The state pilot program will run until June 30. While landlords will not be required to negotiate repayment plans with dispute resolution centers after July 1, the Conflict Resolution Center will continue to help landlords and tenants regarding landlord/tenant disputes on a voluntary basis. Information about available rent assistance can be found on the city’s Rental and Mortgage Assistance page and the full presentation is available on Bellevue Television replay.
Convention Center Authority board appointment
In other business, the council approved the appointment of Uzma Siddiqi to the Bellevue Convention Center Authority Board.
Siddiqi will fill the remainder of the term for the position formerly held by Bob Wallace, who stepped down from the board at the end of 2022, following many years of valued service. After the current term ends Jan. 1, 2024, Siddiqi will be eligible for reappointment.
Proclamations for autism and distracted driving
The council acknowledged April as Autism Acceptance Month with a proclamation noting the city’s commitment to diversity and accessibility and the unique perspectives those with autism bring to our communities and society.
In addition, the council read a proclamation recognizing April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The proclamation highlighted the many dangers of distracted driving including crashes that injure more than 700 people on an average day in the U.S.
Note: There will be no council meeting Monday, April 10. Meetings will resume on Monday, April 17.