Published June 13 2018
A large crowd, including 72 speakers, attended Monday night’s public hearing on a draft Land Use Code Amendment regulating permanent shelters and homelessness-related services. The council is set to discuss and possibly take action on the proposal at the June 25 meeting. The full hearing is available to view online courtesy of Bellevue TV.
Wrapping up the May 21 briefing, councilmembers specifically asked for feedback on two issues: 1) whether background checks and/or warrant searches should be included as part of the security plan for granting access to shelter and 2) whether the code should include buffers or separation requirements from sensitive uses.
Feedback given at the hearing will be considered in the upcoming discussion on the proposed draft. The council has also left the possibility of further discussion on July 2 and 16. Councilmembers are not voting to select a specific permanent site.
The Land Use Code is a permitting tool that governs the location, design and approval process for development in the city. The amendment would add regulations to the code to determine how and where a homeless shelter can be sited in Bellevue.
The draft LUCA is a direct result of a robust public outreach effort which occurred throughout March and April. The initiative included a citywide online survey, one large workshop at Bellevue City Hall, an optional “listening session” and two “Q&A sessions” at local community centers.
Additional background can be found in the agenda packet materials.
Bellevue honors LGBTQ community
Earlier, the council took a moment to declare June “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) Pride Month.” The proclamation recognizes “the meaningful impacts of the LGBTQ community has made and the contributions it has brought to Bellevue’s rich and diverse history and culture.” The full proclamation is available for the public to view online.
As part of celebrating pride month, city staff will be participating in the Seattle Pride Parade on June 24 and the pride flag will appear at City Hall from June 18 - 24. Banners were also posted at the Downtown Transit Station in partnership with the Bellevue Downtown Association.