Published March 17 2021
Plus, assistant chief and crisis team introduced, Asian-American support proclamation and improving Bellevue’s pedestrian-bicycle network
On Monday, the City Council gave input on proposed updates to the city’s multifamily tax exemption, an affordable housing incentive program. The tax exemption is designed to encourage developers of multifamily housing to include affordable units in exchange for certain tax breaks over 12 years. Fewer developers than expected have used the program since its inception in 2015, driving the city to explore updates that make the program more attractive.
The city began collecting stakeholder feedback after the council directed staff to undertake an update to the program in October. Councilmembers reviewed potential areas for updates based on the feedback including: geographic expansion of the program beyond targeted growth corridors; expanding the program with new requirements for project typologies that do not qualify for the program today; shifting the levels of affordability to target workforce housing; how incentives from different programs might overlap with MFTE to provide deeper affordability; changes to program parking provisions; and offering an opportunity to extend the timeframe that units are required to be made available as affordable units.
The council discussion on these topics is available through video replay from Bellevue Television with program outreach and proposal details available in the meeting agenda item. Councilmembers will have another chance in April to review and discuss the refined program update areas incorporating their input, before a public hearing and expected council action on the program changes in June.
Assistant chief and crisis team introduced
In other business, councilmembers were introduced to the new assistant chief for the Bellevue Police Department, Wendell Shirley, as they received a separate introduction to a developing crisis response program initiated by the department.
“The welcoming could not have been better,” Shirley told councilmembers as he also delivered a message to the community. “I look forward to meeting you, to listening to you and working side by side with you to make Bellevue an even better city.”
Shirley spent 26 years working for the Santa Monica, California Police Department and joined Bellevue Police March 8. More details on his selection are in the city’s formal announcement.
Shirley and Chief Steve Mylett were on hand to share with councilmembers an update on the development of a new Community Crisis Assistance Team (CCAT) program. The program is being developed between Bellevue Police and Bellevue Fire to better respond to and serve members of the community suffering from mental health crises and substance abuse issues. Bellevue teams evaluated several similar programs from around the country and plan to adopt similar aspects for use in Bellevue’s program.
A further report on the CCAT program development process and proposed structure will be presented to the council at a later meeting. A replay of the introductory presentation is available through Bellevue Television.
Proclamation supporting the Asian-American community
In light of recent acts of hate targeting members of the Asian-American community, the council read a proclamation denouncing discrimination in all forms and urging residents to continue to support their neighbors. Bellevue is one of the most diverse cities in Washington state, with over 40% of the population identifying as Asian-American and Pacific Islander
The proclamation acknowledged that these incidents often go unreported and that all community members should speak up when they see or experience hate or bias-related incidents. The city has an online crime reporting tool that tracks non-emergency crimes, which could include bias incidents.
Improving Bellevue’s pedestrian-bicycle network
In other action on Monday, the council approved funding for two projects to improve regional trails in Bellevue, making it safer and more comfortable for people who walk and roll.
- SR 520 Bicycle Corridor Safety Improvements: Council awarded a contract for $353,844 to improve bicycling conditions where the SR 520 regional trail runs on city streets. Construction, primarily near major intersections along the corridor, is expected to start in April and last approximately three months. The project is partially funded by the voter-approved Neighborhood Safety, Connectivity and Congestion Levy. More information and a map is available with the council agenda materials.
- Eastrail to Northeast Spring Boulevard Trail Link: Council accepted a federal grant for $1.28 million to design a 850-foot long, 12-foot wide trail link connecting the regional Eastrail to the city’s recently completed multi-purpose path. The city will provide $200,175 in matching funds. More information and a map is available with the council agenda materials.