To update you, several members of MBNA’s board recently met with representatives of Bellevue’s Park Department to review the first ten months of the new Park’s operation. Topics included in the meeting were safety & security, hours, noise level, lighting, parking, traffic, park rangers, police patrol, the REI kayak rental program, visitor moorage, and use of the curved pier. Our intention was to share input, largely provided by our members, to help the City understand the needs and livability of our neighborhood. Our comments were well received and we left with the sense that areas needing improvement would be addressed. As a point of interest, there were 89 police calls regarding the park between March and August, with most being for noise or similar disturbance.
We also discussed the next, and final, phase of the park and its design. Design work is scheduled and budgeted to begin in 2020. It is somewhat dependent on the nationwide search for the new park director who will replace Patrick Foran. The search is underway. MBNA will be deeply involved with the design of the final phase. It includes two of our major concerns: the City’s proposed closure of SE 100th and the activity center suggested for 99th & Lake Washington Boulevard. These desires will increase the areas existing traffic problems significantly. We are also hopeful for a greener phase II.
We have changes in our board membership. Ray Waldmann retired after ten years which included serving as MBNA’s president. Many thanks to Ray for his guidance and commitment. We have welcomed Scott Lampe, who previously served on the City’s transportation commission. We welcome Scott to our ranks.
MBNA sponsored another successful City Council candidate forum just prior to the recent fall election.
This year the Argosy Christmas Ship will visit Meydenbauer Bay on Saturday 21 December from 7:40 - 8:00 pm. The performance will take place just off the new park and there will be a bonfire sponsored by the Bellevue Park Department.
At year’s end we all receive numerous invitations to support our favorite charities. We hope you will include MBNA in your giving. The coming year will bring increased activity and financial needs for MBNA as we work on attaining our goals for the last Phase of the park which impact traffic and livability in our area. Donations can be made using Paypal or mail check to:
MBNA
1100 Bellevue Way NE, Ste 8A
Box 278
Bellevue, WA 98004
We wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.