Published May 4 2016
Also, Bellevue recognizes 'Older Americans Month' and low-impact development outreach
At Monday's study session, the City Council received a briefing on the status of marijuana regulations affecting the city. The update is the first step in discussing, and possibly adopting, local regulatory mechanisms passed by the state Legislature last year.
During the session, staff presented three issues for possible council action in the future. These included banning marijuana cooperatives in single-family residences, allowing licensed marijuana research in light industrial areas and whether or not to allow civil penalties in regards to medical marijuana. Further, councilmembers were shown options for refining existing regulations. The list of possible refinements includes adding a separation requirement between marijuana retail locations and residential zones and requiring store owners to do more public outreach.
Older Americans Month
Nearly one in five Bellevue residents are 60 or older. To honor those residents and others, the council Monday proclaimed May "Older Americans Month."
Parks & Community Services staff noted that the city provides a number of services tailored for older adults -- from community meals to tax assistance to financial workshops -- at the North Bellevue Community Center. The Bellevue Network on Aging promotes awareness of needs and resources for older adults.
Proposed code changes to cut stormwater runoff
The city is considering changes to its development codes and standards that could cut stormwater runoff from development and redevelopment. Staff told the council that residents will be able to give feedback at open houses this month.
The proposed code changes are intended to encourage the use of low-impact development principles, which involve reducing impervious surfaces and keeping more vegetation on a site than traditional development. Staff in the Utilities, Transportation, Parks and Development Services departments, working with consultants, have drafted the proposed changes as part of the city's Low Impact Development Principles Project.
Once the proposed changes are ready for review, they will be presented at three open houses and also to the city's boards and commissions for feedback. The open houses will be:
- May 17: City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE, 10 a.m.-noon;
- May 18: Lewis Creek Visitor Center, 5808 Lakemont Blvd. SE, 6-8 p.m.; and
- May 19: Northwest Arts Center, 9825 NE 24th St., 6-8 p.m.