Advocacy in Action Council Moves Forward with Grand Connection I-405 Lid Option

The Bellevue City Council has unanimously endorsed the Grand Connection I-405 lid crossing alternative, marking a pivotal moment for urban development in the city. This initiative is part of a larger framework aiming to connect Meydenbauer Bay with Downtown Bellevue and the Wilburton Commercial Area, promoting a non-motorized corridor. The Bellevue Downtown Association (BDA) has communicated its preference for this option, highlighting that it could generate new open spaces and support future development while potentially lowering land acquisition costs for the city. They have urged the city to conduct thorough funding analyses and to consider a phased implementation approach that allows for incremental improvements as funding becomes available. The BDA's recommendations also emphasize the importance of designing the crossing in a way that accommodates future property developments on both sides of I-405, ensuring functional transitions between public and private spaces.

Communication with property owners is deemed crucial to avoid delays in development caused by the Grand Connection project. The design refinements for the I-405 crossing are set to commence in Q1 2019, coinciding with rezone efforts in the Wilburton area. As the project progresses, it promises to enhance livability and connectivity in Bellevue, making it a key focus for city planners and stakeholders alike.