Published January 27 2016
Also, Quarterly Sound Transit briefing and I-405 tolling update
The City Council was briefed Monday on two affordable housing projects being reviewed for funding by local cities through A Regional Coalition for Housing, or "ARCH," Trust Fund Process. During the presentation councilmembers voiced their support for two local projects; Imagine Housing Totem Lake senior apartments and Imagine Housing at St. Luke's in Bellevue. A vote on the $120,000 in funds requested by ARCH to support both projects is expected in February.
ARCH, a partnership of 15 Eastside cities, assists households looking for affordable rental and ownership housing, coordinates local cities' financial support to groups creating housing affordable to low and moderate-income households and assists member governments in developing housing policies. In addition to its engagement with ARCH, Bellevue is currently in the process of creating an affordable housing strategy to present to council later this year.
East Link topics and questions
The council devoted a significant amount of time to issues related to the East Link light rail project. In addition to city staff, officials with Sound Transit and the state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) attended to present information and respond to numerous questions.
Topics included: work to create the first light rail tracks across a floating bridge (on Interstate 90); closure of the South Bellevue Park and Ride related to construction of the south Bellevue light rail segment, slated to start in the fall; and the schedule, design and development agreement for Sound Transit's future Operations and Maintenance Satellite facility in the BelRed area.
The council also revisited planning principles pertaining to transit-oriented development near the two future light rail stations in the BelRed area: the Spring District/120th Station and the BelRed/130th Station. Councilmembers indicated their support for the planning principles, with a few modifications.
I-405 express toll lanes performance update
Councilmembers were also given a status update on the I-405 toll lanes between Bellevue and Lynnwood. Staff from WSDOT presented a mixed bag of key takeaways, including better southbound traffic performance, shorter travel times for transit users and higher than anticipated maximum toll rates. Councilmembers relayed concerns from constituents ranging from increased congestion to confusing signage. WSDOT staff stated they are taking steps to address these issues. The council asked to receive regular updates on the project as it continues to develop.