Hearing to consider release of restrictive covenant

The City Council will hold a public hearing during its virtual meeting on Monday, Oct. 19, to consider the release of a restrictive covenant governing a group home for individuals with developmental disabilities at 600 124th Ave. NE. Release of the covenant would allow the nonprofit operating the home to move it to another location. A replacement covenant would be provided at the new location.

In 1972, Washington voters approved Referendum 29, authorizing a $25 million bond for the planning, acquisition, construction and improvement of health and social services in the state. The City of Bellevue, acting as a ''pass-through" agency, oversaw the funds to develop several facilities in Bellevue, including the subject property. 

In 2009, the city transferred its interest in the property to a nonprofit organization that operates it as a group home, but placed a restrictive covenant on the property in accordance with Referendum 29. 

The covenant restricts the use of the property to programs as designated by the state Department of Social and Health Services, including social services, adult and juvenile correction or detention, child welfare, day care, drug abuse and alcoholism treatment, mental health, public health, developmental disabilities and vocational rehabilitation.  

The covenant also includes a provision that the property reverts back to the city if not used for DSHS programs, subject to the city paying the difference between the state funds and the value of the property. The covenant provides that the property may be sold, but requires that the proceeds must be applied to the purchase of another property that will be used for DSHS programs. 

Details on how to view the 6 p.m. meeting and provide testimony at the hearing will be provided in the agenda, to be posted Oct. 15 at bellevue.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. 

Any person may participate in the hearing by submitting written comments to the City Council in care of Charmaine Arredondo, City Clerk, by mail to P.O. Box 90012, Bellevue, WA 98009, or by email to cityclerk@bellevuewa.gov, before the hearing, or by submitting written comments or signing up to make oral comments to the City Council at the hearing. Comments will also be accepted at the same mailing address by Kim Bui, Sr. Real Property Agent, Finance & Asset Management Department, or kbui@bellevuewa.gov. Comments must be received by 3 p.m. on Oct. 19. 

Additional information on the subject matter may be obtained by calling Kim Bui, 425-452-5269. For questions regarding the public hearing process, call Charmaine Arredondo, City Clerk, 425-452-6466.