The Bellevue City Council has recently approved several initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and expanding housing options within the city.
Reduced Speed Limits for Safer Streets
In response to an uptick in fatal and serious injury crashes, the council has enacted the ‘Safe Speeds Bellevue’ program. This initiative reduces speed limits across a significant portion of the city’s arterial road network. Notably, streets like Bel-Red Road and NE 20th Street will see speed limits drop from 35 mph to 25 mph. The goal is to curb high-end speeding and reduce crash severity, thereby improving safety for all road users.
Expansion of Housing Opportunities
To address the region’s housing shortage, the council has updated zoning regulations to allow for ‘middle housing’ in neighborhoods previously restricted to single-family homes. This change permits the development of duplexes, cottage courts, and small apartment buildings, providing more diverse and affordable housing options for residents.
Addressing Homelessness
The city continues its efforts to prevent and respond to homelessness by providing access to shelter, housing, and services that support housing stability. Bellevue supports regional initiatives to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring, emphasizing the importance of affordable housing and comprehensive support services.
These measures reflect Bellevue’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive community, ensuring that residents have access to secure streets and diverse housing options.