The deadline for Bellevue residents to apply for a spot on a citizen advisory committee for the light rail permitting process has been extended to Sunday, June 30.

The City Council will appoint seven to nine people to the committee, which will take public comments and provide guidance to decision makers as part of the city’s permit review and approval process for East Link.

Residents also can apply for seats on two other council-appointed bodies, the Bellevue Regional Library Board and Environmental Services Commission. The Library Board serves as an advisory body to the King County Library System; the ESC advises the council on water, wastewater, storm and surface water and garbage programs.

The deadline for applications for the Library Board and ESC is 4 p.m., Friday, July 19. Applications for the light rail committee must come in by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, June 30.

Community service application forms are available online at bellevuewa.gov/apply-boards.htm, or may be picked up from the City Clerk’s Office or the Service First desk at City Hall, the Bellevue Regional Library, the Lake Hills Library or Mini City Hall at Crossroads Bellevue. Applicants may also request a form be faxed by calling425-452-6466.

Once filled out, applications may be submitted by one of the following methods:

· Hand delivered: Second floor at City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE

· Mailed: P.O. Box 90012, Bellevue, Washington, 98009-9012

· Fax: 425-452-5247

· Online: http://surveys.bellevuewa.gov/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=98MI3l4

· Email: mmurphy@bellevuewa.gov

Formation of the Light Rail Permitting CAC is a result of the council’s recent adoption of codes governing light rail permitting in Bellevue. Sound Transit, which will build and operate East Link, will begin to apply for design and mitigation permits soon. The council identified a CAC as necessary to represent community, neighborhood and citywide interests during the permit review process.

Seven to nine members will be selected representing a breadth of professional experience as urban planners, artists, architects, landscape architects, engineers and builders with large project experience

The members will serve for the duration of the permit review process, which is anticipated to last approximately two to four years. The CAC will likely meet twice monthly during the early months of its formation, monthly for the first year and as needed to monitor follow-through after design and mitigation permits are issued.

Residents who are transit riders and property owners in the vicinity of the light rail alignments, but not immediately abutting it, are particularly encouraged.