The recent revelation that six-story buildings would be allowed around future light-rail stations in Seattle, over objections of many neighbors, should come as no surprise here in Bellevue. As one Seattle councilmember stated, “What’s the point of neighborhood planning, neighborhood outreach, if we don’t listen to the neighborhood?”

Sound Transit’s East Link route selection and station demands have been based upon the inclusion of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) from the beginning of negotiations with the Bellevue City Council. This is why a station is being planned for 112th Avenue Southeast and Main Street, only 2-3 blocks from the downtown transportation terminal.

Sound Transit’s Seattle-centric motivation for such a design in Bellevue, providing work for a Seattle developer, has been fully backed by a minority group of Bellevue City Council members. They should be remembered for their support of Sound Transit’s preferred route, rather than supporting Bellevue’s preferred route, and the devastating effect it will have on several South Bellevue neighborhoods.

Dick Applestone, Bellevue