Published July 24 2013
Two key Bel-Red thoroughfares -- 124th Avenue Northeast and 130th Avenue Northeast -- are slated for improvements. Businesses, neighborhood organizations, property owners and residents can offer input and learn more about both projects design concepts at an open house.
At the event, Wednesday, July 31, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Three Cedars Waldorf School, 556 124th Ave. N.E., people can share their thoughts and ideas regarding future bicycle and pedestrian connections and urban design features, such as landscaping, public space and street design to create a sense of place.
Multi-phase projects will improve access, circulation, mobility and safety for all users of the 124th Avenue and 130th Avenue corridors. The projects are part of a larger system of planned improvements supporting planned growth in the Bel-Red area, which will include two East Link light rail stations at the 120th and 130th avenues.
Over the next several years, improvements are planned for 124th Avenue, from Northeast Eighth Street to Northup Way. Participants will be asked to select a pedestrian and bicycle alternative to the section of 124th between Northeast Eighth Street and Northeast 14th Street. Between Northeast 15th Street and Northup Way, open house attendees will see several urban design elements, such as the West Tributary overlook, pedestrian crossings, planters, railings and wall treatments.
The city aims to transform 130th Avenue Northeast, between Bel-Red Road and Northeast 20th Street, into a retail "main street," serving a high-density residential neighborhood. Smaller-scale retail would line both sides of the street. The street will include three lanes south of the future Northeast 16th Street. North of that intersection, 130th Avenue will have two lanes with on-street parking and bike lanes. Other improvements include sidewalks, landscape strips and street lighting. City staff are seeking input on urban design features for 130th Avenue Northeast at the open house.