IN THIS ISSUE: Michael White Update on Downtown Bellevue Livability Project Keep Vuecrest Safe and Beautiful! Vuecrest Picnic Call for Volunteers Vuecrest Monthly Board Meeting Michael White It is with profound sadness that we note the passing of our neighbor and friend, Michael White. Michael has been a tireless volunteer for Vuecrest, serving as Director, Vice President, and head of our Architecture committee for many years. His passion for our community has made Vuecrest immeasurably better. And his legacy will continue in this neighborhood, which he loved so much. Our deepest sympathies lie with Michael’s wife Judith and other members of his family. Please contact president@vuecrest.net if you would like to be informed of memorials and other remembrances of Michael. Update on Downtown Bellevue Livability Project In the past month, Vuecrest residents have participated in two Downtown Livability Advisory Committee meetings, a city-sponsored Open House, and Vuecrest-focused meetings with the Bellevue Planning department and the Fortin Group (owners of the QFC and adjacent properties). The Advisory Committee process has completed, and will be submitted to the City Council for feedback. From there, the city Planning Department, Planning commission, and consultants will refine a formal plan, which will be sent back to the City Council for discussion and enactment. By the city’s own estimates, this process will take at last a year. There will be formal minutes from Wednesday’s meeting posted to the city’s website at http://www.bellevuewa.gov/downtown-livability-engagement.htm. Here are notes from Jonathan Kagle: · The Committee decided to accept the proposed height increase (55’ to 70’) in Perimeter A (the half-block immediately east of 100th), but keep the existing height (90’) in Perimeter B (the half-block east of Perimeter A). · The Committee expressed interest in the redevelopment of the “Deep B” area (containing QFC and other Fortin properties, the University Bookstore, etc), but did not agree to changes to height. Developers were encouraged to submit a complete development plan if they wish to exceed existing limits. · Parking changes were rejecting, as complete impact studies had not been completed. · A new developer is looking into building a high-rise Senior Center on the property where Papa John’s Pizza is located. · The Sumiyoshi apartment complex on 100th and 10th are on the market (and may already be sold). · QFC and Bartell have recently-renewed leases in their current location, extending a decade or more. The ongoing QFC remodel is a multi-million dollar investment. · At the end of the meeting, I floated an idea of a unified development guide for the redevelopment of the northwest corner of downtown. Due to the large size of this area (22 acres, of which only half is owned by Fortin) and its proximity to nearby residential neighborhoods, it makes sense to have compatible architecture, sidewalks, and amenities. Representatives of the Fortin Group and the city expressed interest in pursuing this concept. Keep Vuecrest Safe and Beautiful! With warmer weather and increased pedestrian traffic, we encourage Vuecrest residents to park vehicles in their driveway or garage. In a community without sidewalks, it is much safer for kids on bicycles, neighbors out for an evening stroll and dog walkers if cars are parked off the street. This practice also makes weekly garbage collection much safer, and deters night time car prowls. Did you know most of the speeding vehicles in our neighborhood are those of our own residents? So neighbors, please take it slow as you come and go. Drive as if every child on the street were your own. In a neighborhood without sidewalks - twenty is plenty! With regard to our dog lovers, please be sure to bring along "doggie bags" when taking your pooch for a neighborhood walk because there is nothing worse than finding a dog's greeting on the sole of your shoe. A little effort goes a long way and the community thanks you for your cooperation! Vuecrest Picnic The Vuecrest picnic is scheduled for the afternoon and evening of Sunday, August 24th. We’ll be bringing back Maximus/Minimus (the giant pig truck) that was such a hit at last year’s picnic. Call for Volunteers The board is looking for a volunteer to write our monthly newsletter and help with other board communications tasks. If you are interested, please email directors@vuecrest.net. Vuecrest Monthly Board Meeting Please join us at the next Board Meeting on Thursday, July 10th [7:00 – 9:00 p.m.] at the home of Jonathan and Laura Kagle, 9342 Vineyard Crest.