Published June 29 2017
In the first of a series of discussions, the City Council on Monday got its initial download on the Planning Commission’s recommendations for updating the Downtown Land Use Code. The process marks the city’s first comprehensive update to the downtown code since its original adoption in 1981.
The code amendments aim to make Bellevue’s fastest growing subarea more “viable, livable and memorable.” Some of the recommended amendments include the addition of standards to increase walkability, enhancements to neighborhood character, refinements to the amenity system and an allowance for taller buildings coupled with added ground-level, public open space and more slender towers.
The council will receive a series of additional public briefings during study sessions later this summer. During Monday’s discussion, councilmembers noted the amount of work and public engagement that went into the recommendations. Additional comments focused on specific topics earmarked for future briefings.
The full proposal and additional background can be found in council materials and the Downtown Livability Initiative page.
King County Veterans, Seniors & Human Services Property Tax Levy
Councilmembers were also given a presentation by King County staff on Executive Dow Constantine’s proposed renewal of the Veterans and Human Services Levy. The new version expands services to seniors and bumps the taxation rate on property from $0.04 per $1,000 in assessed valuation to $0.12.
The proposal provides funding for three categories of services: 1) veterans, military services members and their families; 2) vulnerable populations; and 3) seniors. The veterans and human services groupings would receive double their current funding. County staff noted the growing demand for services and the region’s changing demographics.
Also under the new version, a Bellevue homeowner with a median assessed value of $690,000 would pay $89 in the first year, compared to $28 today. Services provided to the city are dependent on the levy implementation plan which is still being worked on. A transition plan between the current and new levies is expected to be transmitted by Aug. 23.
If approved by the King County Council, the six-year levy proposal would be placed on the November general election ballot. The current levy, passed in 2005 and renewed in 2011, is set to expire in December.
Environmental Services Commission appointments
Earlier in the night, the council made two appointments to the Environmental Services Commission. These include:
- Position 1 - Vanja Knezevic
- Position 5 - Gregg Takamura
The commission advises the council on water, wastewater, storm and surface water, and garbage programs. The seven sitting members, all Bellevue residents, are appointed to four-year terms.