Council Roundup: Partnership approved for new gym at Hidden Valley Park

Also, growth in Development Services for construction surge and Newport Way sidewalks considered

The City Council Monday unanimously approved an agreement with Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue that allows the organization to lease a portion of Hidden Valley Park to build and operate a gymnasium.

BGCB intends to build a $5 million gym at the 17-acre park a few blocks north of downtown, on 112th Avenue Northeast. The 21,500-square-foot building will include three full-sized basketball courts and accommodate baseball batting cages and multiple sport courts, for sports including volleyball, badminton and pickleball.

The city has no financial obligation for the gym but would have access to it at no cost for community use, when it is not being used for BGCB activities.

Under terms of the agreement, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue will construct, own and operate the gym, and lease the land in the park for $1 per year for 50 years. The city will continue to manage and schedule the use of Hidden Valley Park, and both the BGCB and the city will operate on-site programs and coordinate schedules to manage parking impacts and optimize community use of the gym and sports fields.

The council also agreed that the city will equally share the cost with BBGC to complete up to $6 million in park improvements, including

• Converting the currently lighted field to synthetic turf;
• Converting two additional infields to turf;
• Adding a new unlighted sports field at the north end of the park; and
• Parking, circulation and stormwater drainage improvements.

Funding for the city's share of the project (up to $3 million) will come from the voter-approved 2008 Parks & Natural Areas Levy. Construction is expected to begin in late fall or early spring and be completed by the end of 2014.

Development Services staff to grow for surge of construction projects
With a surge of major construction projects now beginning in Bellevue, the council authorized hiring up to 24 positions to Development Services over this year and next.

With the economy's continued recovery, builders are applying for permits for a variety of projects including office, multifamily, retail and single-family buildings, Development Services Director Mike Brennan told the council.

Development Services, which includes staff from multiple departments, is funded with permit fees. Development Services shed 24 full-time employees, including inspectors and planners, during the recession. The authorization of additional positions in 2013 and 2014 will help the city to keep pace, as needed, with current demand.

The news concerning Development Services was part of a financial status report for the second quarter (Bellevue financial reports).

Sidewalks on Southeast Newport Way?
In response to concerns from residents of the recently annexed Eastgate area, the council directed staff to perform an environmental analysis of a project that would add sidewalks along a three-quarter-mile stretch of Southeast Newport Way.

Depending on the results of the study, concerning the arterial from Somerset Boulevard to 150th Avenue Southeast, the council will consider adding the project to the 2013-2024 Transportation Facilities Plan this fall.

On Monday the council adopted the TFP, which includes 43 projects recommended by the Transportation Commission to support Bellevue's long-range land use vision and accommodate anticipated development.

To be funded, projects in the TFP must be included in the city's capital budget. The next Capital Investment Program Plan budget process (for the 2015-2021 CIP) will take place in 2014.

Questions should be directed to Mike Ingram, transportation planner, 425-452-4166 or mingram@bellevuewa.com.

Monday's meeting was the last for the council in August. The council will resume action on Sept. 3.