Regards,



   -Jonathan

Dear Neighbors, I wanted to update everyone on the status of the recommendations of the Planning Commission on the "Downtown Livability Initiative" project. Through discussions with key stakeholders and testimony before the Planning Commission, the Vuecrest Board has made significant progress over the past year: * Area 2d-a: The original proposal raised the maximum height from 55' to 75'. We opposed this, and the proposal was withdrawn. * Area 2d-b: The original proposal raised the maximum height from 90' to 125'. We opposed this, and the proposal was also withdrawn. * Area 2c: The original proposal increased the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from 5.0 to 6.0, allowing developers to build 20% more square footage. After discussions with the Planning department, this too was withdrawn. The Fortin Group requested that Area 2c go from a 90' maximum height to allow a 320' tower. The Community Advisory Council (CAC) recommended a 300' maximum. We advocated for a lower maximum, and to require that any development over the current 90' maximum be required to a public process involving a master development plan, a design review with community input, and approval from the City Council. In the end, the Planning Commission agreed to a 240' limit, subject to the reviews that we requested for any developments over 90'. These are significant victories for our neighborhood. But there is more to do. Among the upcoming areas of discussions are a new incentive system for development, to encourage designs that make downtown more livable. What are the things that are most important to you: * Building shape/alignment to maximize views and minimize shadows? * Traffic improvements (e.g. lights)? * Guest parking (so they don't park in our neighborhood)? * Open space? Dog areas? * Pedestrian shortcuts? * Fountains, public art, benches, and trees? More ideas are found on p. 38 of the CAC recommendations reports: http://www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/pdf/PCD/CAC_Final_Report(1).pdf Please send feedback and ideas to president@vuecrest.net <mailto:president@vuecrest.net> Regards, -Jonathan Jonathan Kagle President Vuecrest Community Association www.vuecrest.net