Published May 20 2019
Also, Environmental Stewardship Initiative and Public Works Week
At Monday’s regular session, the City Council adopted comprehensive plan amendments for the East Main transit oriented district – envisioned as a dynamic, livable neighborhood.
The amendments to the Bellevue’s comprehensive plan for East Main recognize this new type of development, which includes a variety of housing choices, offices and hotel and commercial services supported by transit.
Over the past two years, a resident advisory committee created a framework for the East Main area. Changing the city’s comprehensive plan is the first step in recognizing this new development type. A discussion of the East Main Land Use Code Amendment guiding principles is slated for the May 28 extended study session.
Councilmembers studied the proposal in December, January and April before adoption of the ordinance this week.
Background information is available in the agenda packet materials.
Environmental Stewardship Initiative
Earlier, councilmembers reviewed progress on updating the city’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI) Strategic Plan. The briefing included time for suggested updates to the plan’s goals and potential targets.
Suggested ESI focus areas include:
- materials management;
- mobility and land use;
- natural systems;
- energy; and
- climate change.
Next steps include additional research and analysis followed by public engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders to gather input on key strategies. Once this initial phase of work has been completed, the council will revisit the goals and targets, and make further recommendations.
Bellevue’s ESI, launched in 2007, was envisioned as a way for the city to coordinate and lead important environmental efforts. Additional information can be found in the agenda packet materials.
Public Works Week
In other action, the council recognized the contributions of public works staff from multiple departments during National Public Works Week (May 19-25). A proclamation describes the important role they play in residents’ everyday lives.
These employees work on city assets and programs such as streets, traffic safety, public buildings, delivery of reliable and safe water, stormwater management and fleet management. The proclamation also noted that in February 2019, public works staff worked around-the-clock for 13 straight days in response to a series of snowstorms.
MEETING NOTE: Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the next council meeting will be on Tuesday, May 28.