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Here Come the Trains
flickr/Zack Heistand
If you’ve been out-and-about between downtown Bellevue and Redmond in recent weeks you’ve likely seen light rail trains on daily practice runs. On two occasions this week I’ve stopped at crossings to let trains pass.
Trains will start running on regular schedules with passengers this spring connecting the South Bellevue station and Redmond Technology station. In the next year or so the “2 Line” will connect Redmond and Bellevue to Mercer Island and Seattle.
After years of construction it is exciting to see trains running on tracks along roadways and overpasses. Drivers and pedestrians will need to be aware of train crossings, so keep in mind:
–trains run in both directions, so always look both ways before crossing
–when driving, stay alert and observe crossing markers, lights and traffic arms
–when walking, stay alert, especially if wearing headphones or focusing on a tech screen
–use designated crosswalks and pay attention to crossing signals
–bike riders remember to cross tracks at a 90 degree angle to prevent getting stuck
It’s been a long time coming, but light rail is going to bring an efficient and exciting new way to commute to the eastside.
Meydenbauer Bay Park Expansion
Meydenbauer Bay Park in Bellevue, WA (photo credit: iStock/gmc3101)
The City of Bellevue is planning to expand Meydenbauer Bay Park. Completed in 2019, the waterfront park has become a popular year round destination. Potential plans include improving access to the Downtown Park, adding a community building, marina and parking changes/improvements and continuing shoreline restoration. Meydenbauer Bay Park will be the anchor at the west end of the future Grand Connection.
The design phase is expected to last about 18 months. The City is soliciting community input for this project. Public meetings will be scheduled in the coming months and into early next year. You can visit EngagingBellevue.com to learn more about the project, take the survey, and let the city know what you’d like to see as plans to expand the park take shape.
Robin Myers/Windermere Real Estate/East, Inc.
Condominium + Urban Lifestyles
BellevueUrbanLiving.com
Have You Tried Bellhop?
Bellhop is a new alternative to driving and paid ride share programs. Bellhop, which started August 1st, is a pilot program running through the end of the year. Visit Bellevue Washington, in partnership with Circuit, is offering a free, all- electric shuttle serving the downtown Bellevue area.
The on-demand electric shuttle supports Bellevue’s commitment to sustainability and hopes to fulfill the need for a quick ride for around-town trips. The hope is this service will replace short car rides which account for nearly a third of daily car trips. Bellhop could reduce over 100 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.
How does it work?
Download the Circuit app, schedule a ride and the driver will confirm when they’re on their way. It’s a free ride anywhere within the service area. Four-legged family members are welcome as long as they sit on a lap or on the floor directly next to their person.
For more information visit Visit Bellevue Washington at https://www.visitbellevuewa.com
BAM Arts Fair and Seafair – It’s Summer in Seattle
courtesy flickr/pveland
You know it’s summer in the Northwest when it’s time for the BAM Arts Fair and Seafair.
The BAM Arts Fair is the largest juried arts and crafts festival in the Northwest. Located at the west side of Bellevue Square, you’ll find 300+ artists featuring everything from nationally known artists to local one-of-a-kind arts and crafts designers. Don’t miss the Kids Fair, food trucks and exhibitions. (visit bellevuearts.org for more information)
The weekend of the BAM Arts Fair also signals the start of Seafair. Events kick off with the Alaska Airlines/Seafair Torchlight Parade on Saturday July 29th. The parade starts at 3:00 PM this year (earlier than in the past) at Seattle Center with endless entertainment and of course the Seafair Pirates. The Boeing Air Show runs August 4th – 6th (seafair.org/seafairairshow). The Blue Angels arrive mid week. Watch the skies starting Thursday for their practice runs across the Puget Sound region in preparation for the big show on Sunday. (You’ll hear them before you see them.) Seafair wouldn’t be complete without the hydroplane races on Lake Washington – practice runs Friday and Saturday with races on Sunday. Whether you’re on the lakeshore at Genesee Park, on a boat rafted to the log boom or have a front row seat on your own deck, enjoy this Seattle summer tradition. Wrapping up Seafair is Fleet Week August 1st – 6th on the Seattle waterfront (seafair.org/fleetweek). There’s a parade of ships through Elliot Bay, ship tours and the opportunity to meet sailors and guardsmen.
So many summer traditions in the coming weeks . . . and still a month until Labor Day.
Bellevue Has A New Earthquake Resilient Reservoir
The City of Bellevue Utilities Department has completed construction of a new 1.25 million gallon reservoir. The new reservoir replaces an aging one million gallon steel reservoir. The new concrete reservoir, which is earthquake resilient, provides essential water to all of Bellevue and also supports fire protection to residents of the Bridle Trails, Pikes Peak and Cherry Crest neighborhoods. Bellevue Utilities has owned, operated and maintained the Pikes Peak Reservoir for over 50 years.
For more information search:
Downtown Bellevue Pop-Up Dog Park
courtesy flickr/Jelene Morris
Have you visited Wildwood Park just south of Main Street in recent weeks? You may have noticed one of three new pop-up dog parks.
Bellevue Parks & Community Services has launched a pilot program to create safe and accessible spaces for pets and owners to play, socialize and exercise. Other pop-up parks are at Wilburton Hill Park and in Crossroads Park. These dog parks are part of the City’s 2022 Parks & Open Space System Plan to provide off-leash areas near downtown and other underserved neighborhoods.
The parks are fenced, have safe double entry gates, dog waste bag dispensers and waste cans. The temporary status could change depending on popularity and costs to convert to permanent installations. Feedback has been positive so far and two additional dog parks will be popping-up in Lincoln Center and just north of City Hall.
Stop by the Wildwood Park park and give your four legged family member chance to mingle with local pups and their people.
Visit Bellevue’s Park’s & Community Services website for more information.
AND DON’T FORGET . . . Friday, June 23rd is National Take Your Dog to Work Day
Opening Day – Bellevue Farmers Market
photo courtesy flickr
It’s that time of year again, and a sure sign of spring/summer’s arrival. Opening day of the Bellevue Farmers Market is this Thursday, May 18th. The market is located at the Bellevue Presbyterian Church (1717 Bellevue Way NE). Access the market and parking area off of Bellevue Way. There’s ample parking available.
Market hours are 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
What’s the Expected Local Impact of Recent Tech Industry Layoffs?
There’s been a lot of media coverage in the last six weeks relating to local and national tech industry layoffs. The Pacific Northwest has a significant tech industry presence, not just all the major players but also many smaller but successful start-ups What impact can we expect in the Seattle and Eastside economy and housing market as a result of these layoffs?
Matthew Gardner, Windermere’s Chief Economist, doesn’t anticipate significant change as we move through 2023. Take a look at his thoughts on the local economy and housing market.
Bellevue Outdoor Movies In the Park
Downtown Park canal and grass lawn
It’s summer and movies in the park are back! Gather family, neighbors and friends, pack a blanket, lawn chairs and snacks and head to the Downtown Park and Crossroads Park for Tuesday and Thursday night movies. A 40 foot movie screen will show movies in both locations. Seating starts at 7:30 PM and movies begin at dusk.
BELLEVUE DOWNTOWN PARK
August 10th Trolls World Tour
August 17th The Croods 2: A new Age
CROSSROADS PARK
August 12th Onward
August 19th Raya and the Last Dragon
NOTE: Movies will be cancelled in the event of rain. Movie titles are subject to change without notice.
Another Great Reason to Call Bellevue Home
The City of Bellevue was one of 10 cities nationwide honored with this year’s All-American City Award. This year’s theme focused on building equitable and resilient communities. The award celebration was held virtually in June.
“We are honored to receive this award on behalf of a city that addresses community needs together with resilience and equity, even in the midst of new and unprecedented challenges.”
Mayor Lynne Robinson
Joining Bellevue as a 2021 All-American City award recipient were Carlisle, PA, El Paso, TX, Evanston, IL, Fort Wayne, IN, Kansas City, MO, Livermore, CA, Miramar, FL, Morrisville, NC and Wheat Ridge, CO.
First presented in 1949, the award recognizes communities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation to successfully address local issues and create stronger connections among residents, businesses, nonprofit and government leaders.
Read the full story here:
https://nwreporter.nwmls.com/Issues/July-2021/page/Bellevue-AllAmerica-City
