Published June 22 2016
Also, Mount Rainier view corridor vote and Bellevue Rotary check for Inspiration Playground
On Monday evening at a regular session the City Council held a public hearing regarding interim zoning regulations enacted in May. The temporary regulations limit recreational marijuana sales locations in the city. Public testimony included statements opposing and supporting the interim code, adopted via Ordinance No. 6286.
The regulations also allow for no more than one marijuana retailer within the BelRed, Crossroads, Downtown, Eastgate, Wilburton and Factoria subareas and prohibit retailers from locating within 100 feet of single-family and multifamily residential districts (R-1 – R-30). There are currently three marijuana retail sales locations in Bellevue.
Earlier on a related action, the councilmembers held another public hearing, also required by state law, to consider temporary zoning regulations banning medical marijuana cooperatives and marijuana research uses as well as imposing civil fines and allowing for the abatement of certain violations of the Medical Cannabis Act (RCW 69.51A). After the hearing, the council voted 6-0 in favor of Ordinance No. 6296, keeping the regulations in effect until November.
In their concluding remarks, councilmembers noted that they will continue to study permanent zoning regulations related to recreational and medical marijuana uses to ensure the regulations meet Bellevue's needs.
Mount Rainier view corridor
At the council's study session, councilmembers were briefed and asked to give staff direction on further study of a view corridor stretching from public spaces in City Hall to Mount Rainier. The council previously discussed this policy issue in March.
The Downtown Livability and East Main Station Area planning efforts are recommending denser, transit-oriented development between 112th Avenue and I-405 south of City Hall. Analysis showed the view corridor could be impacted by allowing additional height in portions of the area occupied by the Sheraton, Red Lion and Hilton properties.
After a lengthy discussion, councilmembers voted 5-1 to halt further staff work on retaining the view corridor.
Bellevue Rotary and Downtown Park Inspiration Playground
To kick off the regular session, councilmembers formally accepted a $3,351,861 check from the Rotary Club of Bellevue, including fundraising and grants, as part of their funding commitment to Downtown Park Inspiration Playground. In 2012 the council entered into a partnership agreement to expand the existing Downtown Park playground with a focus on inclusive, accessible play opportunities.
As part of the agreement, the city committed to providing design and other project soft costs -- and to operate and maintain the playground. Bellevue Rotary committed to raise construction costs for the Inspiration Playground and Sensory Garden.
Note: The council's next extended study session meeting, on June 27, has been cancelled. The council will meet again during its normally scheduled study and regular sessions on July 5.