Published May 11 2016
The Wilburton commercial area east of downtown holds tremendous potential for planned growth, and a panel of experts will help the City of Bellevue find ways to tap the neighborhood's full potential.
Long dominated by car dealerships along 116th Avenue Northeast, the Wilburton commercial area is set for change in the near future with a light rail stop and designation as one end of a "Grand Connection" through downtown. In a weeklong study, an advisory panel from the Urban Land Institute will explore what kind of change could be best.
Residents and other stakeholders can provide input for the study at a reception at City Hall on May 16, 4:30-6 p.m. At the conclusion of the study, the ULI panelists will present their findings and take questions at an open house at City Hall on May 20, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
ULI is a national, nonprofit education and research organization that fosters and encourages high standards of land-use planning and development. The members volunteering their time to serve on this panel have been selected from ULI membership for their expertise relevant to the problems and opportunities facing this project.
The city's study of land use in the Wilburton commercial area is a part of its Wilburton-Grand Connection planning efforts. The ULI panel study will consider the area's potential in light of major transportation improvements, including an extension of Northeast Fourth Street, as well as its place in the Grand Connection.
To learn more about the ULI National Advisory Panel, contact Bradley Calvert at bcalvert@bellevuewa.gov or 425-452-6930.