Great Neighborhoods - Newport

I bought my house in Newport Hills in 1988 with my now ex-wife. We loved the small neighborhood community that wasn't far from work and a lot of options. I finally retired 8 years ago and have continued to enjoy my quiet neighborhood that I worked long and hard for. I don't want that to change.

One of the biggest arguments I've heard for this development is "affordable housing". I don't think any part of the Eastside has ever been "affordable". I got into my house because, as a veteran, the GI Bill helped. Have any of the young people who want the luxury of living on the Eastside served their country? I know that's not an argument that will matter.

The neighborhood has already started to lose some of its character with the mega-houses now being built in the area. I only see it getting worse for we long-time residents. Already I can't leave the house for a simple trip to Newcastle without encountering narcissistic drivers speeding or failing to yield right of way. Adding more population and vehicles will force me to either move or live in my house as a hermit, relying on home delivery instead of enjoying the area I know and love.

My first and most concrete objection to the draft policies is this: Over and over in the engagement process, Newport residents requested that a *community center* be located in Newport Hills. Many suggested that one of the vacant school properties (particularly Ringdall) would be ideal for this. Those two school properties have provided formal and informal recreational, meeting, and open space on our hill since the 1960s and 1970s. And yet the proposed policies say nothing about a community center - they include only vague references to "community-serving uses" (which could mean anything or nothing, like a 10x10 foot "plaza" sandwiched among privately owned townhouses - as a previous developer proposed). As the Council discussion made clear in September, our neighborhood deserves the same resources and benefits the city is now lavishing on sexy pet projects like Bel-Red. I understand that what we are looking at are "policies," that the city's budget is not unlimited, and that Bellevue Schools, not the city, controls those underutilized school properties - but this neighborhood needs and deserves a full-on community center, with athletic facilities, senior programs, all of it. The school properties present an opportunity that will be lost forever if the city does not act. Think what our downtown would be like now if the city had not had the foresight to create Bellevue Downtown Park from the original Bellevue Junior High site.

I re-listened to the staff's introduction of the Newport NAP to Council from last September. Each Neighborhood Area Plan is supposed to address Land Use and Economic Development, among other topics. Why have those topics been removed from the Newport NAP? It would seem that both those areas are important to Newport, especially given the crucial role of our central commercial district. (I also looked back at the current Subarea Plan and wish that the Citizen Participation policies were included in the current draft!)

Frankly I feel that the NAP process for Newport is being overwhelmed by the ongoing HOMA and Middle Housing LUCA processes PLUS the possibility that Bellevue Schools will dispose of either or both the Ringdall or Jing Mei properties, likely changing their use forever - and that finalizing our NAP would be better deferred until those changes are made and the terms of our neighborhood's future are clearer.

We are a car society - something I don't see changing in the next 10 or so years. Adding a great deal more density to Newport Hills will make getting in and out of the area that much more of a nightmare.
Allowing lots to be split and up to 6 units on a single-family lot would change the entire flavor of this unique neighborhood. Maybe an ADU on a lot within a certain size range (not every lot) along with off-street parking required! Our kids need to be safe on their walks to and from school.
The Shopping Center needs updating but not at the expensive of our local small business owners. Any upzone to a 5+ story dwelling would put them out of business as well as add an extra burden of traffic that our neighborhood cannot afford. Not to mention look out of place in this area.
Builders are not going to build affordable housing (HOMA's thoughts on this are naive at best) and builders are either not cognizant or tend to ignore Bellevue's tree canopy policies. And no one is paying attention at City Hall! Our area is very much nature-oriented with trees and trails and we don't want to lose that.
Thank you.

Overall, it looks like a good plan.

Bellevue Planning Commission,

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the Draft Newport Neighborhood Area Plan. While we appreciate the City’s commitment to guiding the neighborhood’s evolution, the current draft does not go far enough in safeguarding the characteristics that define Newport or in addressing the risks posed by unchecked development.

Please consider the following critical areas for revision and reinforcement:

1. Implement Accountability for Code Compliance
The Plan acknowledges the importance of maintaining neighborhood character, yet enforcement of existing regulations is often inconsistent. Without clear accountability mechanisms, violations — including unauthorized tree removal and damage to stormwater infrastructure — will persist. We recommend provisions for more proactive monitoring and meaningful penalties for noncompliance.

2. Address Developer Oversight and Permit Eligibility
Permit issuance should be contingent upon a builder's verified business standing. Allowing defunct or inactive LLCs to pull permits increases the likelihood of substandard work and undermines community trust. A formal review process for builder credibility should be established.

3. Protect and Regenerate Tree Canopy
Tree loss continues at an unsustainable pace. The plan should mandate retention targets, enforce replanting ratios, and create incentives for preserving mature trees. Urban forestry is not just an aesthetic concern — it’s a public infrastructure and climate resilience issue.

4. Tie Growth to Infrastructure and Safety Readiness
The Newport neighborhood is already facing strain on transportation corridors and road safety. Adding density without first investing in capacity improvements — including pedestrian infrastructure, transit, and emergency response routes — will compromise resident safety and livability. A phased density approach tied to infrastructure benchmarks is essential.

5. Incorporate School Capacity Forecasting into Growth Plans
Local schools are near capacity, and adding new housing without a clear plan to accommodate additional students is short-sighted. This plan should align with the Bellevue School District to model enrollment scenarios and include mitigation strategies.

6. Recognize Private Covenants in Permitting Process
Private covenants play a vital role in defining neighborhood character and should be acknowledged during permitting. We recommend requiring applicants to affirm covenant compliance in permit submissions and making those covenants visible in city documentation, including multilingual translations where appropriate.

Recommendations Summary:

Introduce enforcement metrics and accountability tools.

Require permit applicants to provide active business registration proof.

Implement binding environmental preservation standards.

Phase density increases alongside infrastructure improvements.

Coordinate with BSD on capacity planning.

Include covenant disclosure as part of permit reviews.

We support thoughtful, well-managed growth. But to be successful, this plan must move beyond vision statements and include enforceable measures that balance development with community integrity, safety, and sustainability.

Thank you for your consideration.

Dear Bellevue Planning Team,

Thank you for the opportunity to weigh in on the draft of the Newport Neighborhood Area Plan. As someone who lives here and cares deeply about the future of our community, I’d like to call attention to some important areas where the plan needs strengthening — not just in words, but in action.

1. Enforcement Has to Match Policy
Right now, there’s a gap between the rules on paper and what actually happens in practice. We've seen developers cut down trees without permits, damage stormwater drainage systems, and ignore the private covenants that were put in place to protect neighborhood character. These things shouldn't just be "noted" — there should be real consequences. If this plan doesn't include concrete accountability measures, we’re just setting ourselves up for more of the same.

2. Growth Must Respect the Community
Change is inevitable, and many of us welcome thoughtful growth. But what's being proposed feels out of sync with what makes Newport special. Large-scale developments, squeezed onto small lots, fundamentally alter the look and feel of the neighborhood. Let’s focus on maintaining consistency in scale and style, and protecting the livability we moved here for.

3. Tighten Permit and Builder Review
Permits shouldn’t be granted to builders who are operating under expired or inactive LLCs. This opens the door to bad-faith development and leaves neighbors holding the bag when things go wrong. It’s a basic quality control step that the city needs to implement immediately.

4. Tree Canopy Loss is a Big Deal
We’re losing trees far faster than we’re replacing them — and it shows. Trees are more than just nice to look at; they cool our streets, manage water runoff, and support wildlife. The city needs to put real retention and replanting standards in place and stop relying on vague commitments.

5. Infrastructure Can’t Handle More Without Investment
Newport has a limited number of ways in and out, and traffic is already an issue. Without serious upgrades to roads, transit, and safety infrastructure, we simply can’t absorb a big population increase. Please tie future density to actual infrastructure capacity, not just planning goals.

6. Our Schools Are Already Full
The schools serving our area are at or near capacity. Any plan to increase housing needs to be paired with clear coordination with the school district. Families shouldn’t have to pay the price for planning disconnects.

7. Honor Our Neighborhood Covenants
Private covenants help maintain the character and integrity of our neighborhoods. Builders and developers should be required to acknowledge these up front, ideally with clear disclosures in the permitting process (including multilingual versions if needed).

Key Suggestions

Add meaningful accountability and follow-through.

Require business standing checks before issuing permits.

Scale growth in line with schools, roads, and community feedback.

Create specific and enforceable environmental standards.

Prioritize safety and livability — not just housing numbers.

We want to see Newport thrive, but not at the expense of what makes it livable. I urge you to take this feedback seriously and revise the plan accordingly.

Sincerely,
Dr. A Mos

Dear Bellevue Planning Department,

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft policies for the Newport Neighborhood Area Plan. As a long-term resident of the neighborhood, I would like to express my appreciation for your work while also highlighting a number of areas that require further refinement. I respectfully submit the following concerns and suggestions with the hope they will be meaningfully incorporated into the final plan.

1. Need for Meaningful Oversight and Accountability
A plan is only as effective as its implementation. Unfortunately, we have seen multiple instances where policies on paper are not reflected in enforcement on the ground. Tree removal violations, disrupted water drainage, and disregard for established private covenants have occurred with little to no recourse. The final version of this plan must include specific mechanisms for oversight, enforcement, and accountability.

2. Preservation of Community Character Amid Growth
Residents are not opposed to responsible growth, but it must be proportional and respectful of existing neighborhood scale and style. The current draft does not adequately reflect the community’s expressed concerns regarding overdevelopment and housing density that is incompatible with the existing residential fabric. Upzoning and infill must be approached cautiously, with safeguards in place to protect our community identity.

3. Strengthening Builder Vetting and Permit Processes
There are troubling cases where permits have been granted to LLCs that were inactive, dissolved, or suspended. This undermines trust in the permitting process and enables potentially negligent development. Bellevue must take steps to verify builder legitimacy and ensure permit applicants are in good standing with state business registries before approvals are granted.

4. Tree Retention and Environmental Sustainability
We are losing too much of our tree canopy to unchecked development. Trees are vital for stormwater management, air quality, and quality of life. Rather than aspirational tree language, the final plan should codify retention requirements and introduce meaningful replanting mandates, particularly for large new homes or multiple-lot developments.

5. Infrastructure Strain and Transportation Limits
Newport Hills is constrained by a limited number of entry and exit points, which already creates traffic congestion and safety issues. Additional residential density will only exacerbate these problems unless major infrastructure investments are made. Transportation planning must be tightly coupled with land use decisions in this plan.

6. Schools Are at Capacity
Our schools are already operating near or at capacity. Increasing residential density without coordination with the Bellevue School District risks overcrowding classrooms and diminishing educational quality. The City must proactively plan for educational infrastructure in parallel with housing expansion.

7. Protecting Private Covenants and Community Standards
Many of our neighborhoods operate under legally binding covenants that are central to maintaining community character. Builders must be informed of these documents and expected to adhere to them. Consider requiring a multilingual disclosure of CC&Rs during the permitting process to improve compliance and understanding across all parties.

Recommendations for Strengthening the Plan

Add enforcement guidelines with measurable consequences for violations.

Verify LLC status and require builder disclosures before permits are issued.

Scale growth responsibly to avoid overwhelming existing infrastructure.

Collaborate with the school district to align housing growth with capacity planning.

Require frontage and sidewalk improvements for new developments.

Improve cross-departmental coordination to ensure consistent policy execution.

Thank you for your attention to these concerns. I urge you to revise the draft to ensure that the values and needs of the Newport community are fully reflected and protected.

Sincerely,
Samual

Dear Bellevue Planning Team,

I appreciate the opportunity to review the draft policies for the Newport Neighborhood Area Plan. As a resident who deeply values the character and livability of our community, I wanted to share several concerns and recommendations that I hope will be incorporated into the final plan.

1. Accountability and Follow-Through
Many of the draft policies are well-intentioned, but without robust enforcement, they risk being ineffective. Our neighborhood has already experienced damage from developments that violated tree regulations, altered drainage paths, and disregarded private covenants. Despite repeated reports and outreach, violations often go unaddressed. Clear enforcement protocols and consequences must be embedded in the final plan.

2. Community Character and Responsible Growth
Preserving the established character of Newport Hills is a priority for many of us. There is deep concern that upzoning and infill development, if unchecked, could erode what makes this area special. The community has repeatedly expressed discomfort with oversized or high-density developments, yet those concerns seem absent in the draft. Growth must be carefully calibrated to reflect the scale and design of existing homes.

3. Builder Oversight and Permit Process Integrity
Permits have been granted to entities operating under dissolved or suspended LLCs. This raises serious issues about transparency and accountability. Bellevue must implement stronger checks on business status and builder legitimacy before issuing permits. Misrepresentation by developers cannot be allowed to continue unchecked.

4. Tree Protection and Environmental Responsibility
Our canopy is disappearing, and with it, the ecological benefits it provides. Trees are vital to managing stormwater, improving air quality, and preserving the aesthetic of our neighborhoods. The City must shift from aspirational language to enforceable requirements when it comes to tree retention and replanting.

5. Infrastructure and Transportation Constraints
Newport Hills has limited ingress and egress points, and many of our roads are not designed to handle increased density. Without significant upgrades to transportation infrastructure, adding new housing will lead to bottlenecks, safety issues, and declining quality of life. Planning efforts must be integrated across departments to align transportation with land use decisions.

6. School Capacity and Student Well-Being
Our public schools are already strained. Increasing residential density without adequate school planning will only worsen overcrowding. The City must partner with Bellevue School District to ensure that any new development aligns with available school capacity. This includes not just physical space, but also safe routes to school and appropriate staffing levels.

7. Private Covenants Must Be Respected
Longstanding CC&Rs play a critical role in preserving the character and integrity of our community. Permit applicants must be made aware of these covenants, and the City should not process applications that knowingly violate them. Adding a multilingual notification process would be a meaningful step toward ensuring compliance.

Suggestions for Improvement

Implement enforceable regulations with clear penalties for non-compliance.

Require builder verification and active business license checks before issuing permits.

Limit housing scale and density to respect neighborhood character and infrastructure limits.

Integrate school capacity and traffic analysis into all development review processes.

Require sidewalks or frontage improvements for large new homes.

Improve communication and coordination between City departments to ensure aligned execution.

Thank you again for your work on this important plan. I hope you will take this feedback seriously and revise the draft to better reflect the needs and realities of the Newport community.

Sincerely,

Dear Great Neighborhoods Planning Team,

Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the draft policies for the Newport Neighborhood Area Plan. I appreciate the City's efforts to engage the community and plan for the long-term future of our neighborhood.

However, I would like to express some serious concerns that must be addressed in order for this plan to be meaningful and successful:

1. Enforcement and Accountability
The plan outlines many strong ideals, but enforcement remains a critical gap. Current issues—such as unauthorized tree removal, elevation changes that redirect stormwater onto neighboring properties, and disregard for CC&Rs—have caused significant distress in our community. These issues persist despite petitions, documentation, and direct outreach to the City. Without real consequences for violations, these policies will fall short in practice.

2. Protection of Neighborhood Character
There is widespread concern about overdevelopment and the impact of upzoning, particularly the introduction of large-scale housing projects that are out of character with existing homes. Residents have consistently voiced opposition to these changes across multiple planning engagements, but that feedback does not appear reflected in the draft.

3. Transparency and Permit Oversight
Builders using dissolved LLCs or misrepresenting themselves during permit applications must be addressed. I urge the City to invest in tools that can detect expired or suspended business entities before permits are issued and implement stricter verification protocols.

4. Tree and Environmental Preservation
Tree canopy loss is irreversible and has a direct impact on stormwater management, air quality, and the character of our neighborhood. The current language on environmental sustainability needs to go further—policies must ensure tree protection is prioritized in action, not just in writing.

5. Transportation and Infrastructure Limitations
Newport Hills is uniquely constrained by geography, limited road access, and soil conditions. Increased density without resolving these access challenges will exacerbate traffic congestion and decrease safety. Coordination between transportation and development departments must be a foundational element of this plan.

6. Density in Schools
Our local schools are already experiencing capacity challenges. Adding more housing—especially multi-family units or large-scale developments—without clear coordination with Bellevue School District will put undue pressure on our classrooms, educators, and children. Any new development must be evaluated not just on housing needs, but also on the capacity of our educational infrastructure. This includes forecasting enrollment impacts, increasing classroom space, and ensuring safe walking and transportation routes for students.

7. Respect for Private Covenants (CC&Rs)
The City should not accept applications that directly violate long-standing private covenants. Constructive notice to applicants—available in multiple languages—must be a minimum standard. Residents should not be forced to defend CC&Rs after permits are approved in error or omission.

Recommendations for the Plan

Include real enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations.

Prohibit elevation changes that cause runoff onto neighboring lots.

Require validation of builder identity and business status.

Limit redevelopment scale to reflect community housing patterns.

Require sidewalks for homes over a certain size to manage pedestrian access.

Tie development approval to infrastructure capacity—including roads, schools, and public utilities.

Incorporate school capacity analysis into future zoning decisions.

Bellevue’s Comprehensive Plan should reflect the lived reality of its residents. We hope this revised plan will be enforceable, transparent, and rooted in the unique needs and limitations of Newport.

Thank you again for your efforts and for taking community feedback seriously.

Sincerely,
SNH

I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the draft policies for the Newport Neighborhood Area Plan.
Newport Hills used to be a great neighborhood. Now it is a grieving neighborhood. Longtime residents are watching our streets transform overnight—mature trees gone, huge houses built too fast, too high, and too close, while developers ignore neighborhood rules and the City looks the other way.
At Newport Hills SE 52nd St, I’ve experienced the worst of this first-hand:
All trees were cut down without proper protection.
The lot was raised unnaturally, and water now flows directly onto my property. A gas pipe was damaged, endangering my family. The builder used a dissolved LLC, lied about being a homeowner. What’s more concerning is that several large trees originally marked for retention were removed after the permit was submitted. It like a bait-and-switch: the plans showed tree retention, but the trees were cut, and no drainage or slope mitigation was added to compensate for their loss.
Despite a signed petition and multiple complaints, the City has not addressed or solved the underlying problems.

Our CC&Rs clearly state that lots cannot be split. This rule has been recorded in our deeds since the 1960s. Now, the City allows multi-home builds that violate our neighborhood’s intent and character. CC&Rs must be respected.
👉 Petition: https://www.change.org/p/protect-bellevue-s-heritage-trees-and-hold-developers-accountable

I am also concerned that the City doesn’t have the tools or technology to track expired or dissolved LLCs, or catch repeat violators. You cannot “enforce accountability” without basic systems to verify who is building and whether they are legal. Please invest in tools to flag expired business entities before permits are issued.

This 10-year plan sounds nice on paper. But if nothing changes in how the City permits and enforces construction, then it will be useless in practice.

Please revise the NAP to include:

Real enforcement of CC&Rs where applicable.

Substantial fines and stop-work orders when builders ignore approved site or drainage plans, or make illegal elevation changes that push water onto neighboring properties.

Investment in tech tools that allow staff to detect dissolved or suspended business entities before granting permits.

Stronger accountability for LLCs and developers who break rules or misrepresent themselves.

Protection of trees, soil, and slope—not just in policy, but in practice.

If you want this plan to protect the future of Newport, make it enforceable, transparent, and based in the reality we are already living.

While I appreciate our shopping areas could be updated, I object to moving out current small businesses that will not likely survive the process.
Suggest further attention and planning are needed regarding the limited roads and current traffic back-up problems we have in and out of Newport Hills before increasing the housing density. Driving and road safety are already problem issues for residents; any increased density projection needs to start with that in mind and coordinate planning between traffic and development departments.

These policies are not strong enough to show the need to stop high density development. The push to upzone shopping center is just one example of how the community is being ignored. We spoke up each time an upzone has been tried, attended all the Comprehensive Plan workshops saying the same thing, and have said so again during HOMA and NAP, but not showing that reflected. Also, I don't think the language to save trees goes far enough. Thank you.

I’m sure there is no way for COB to predict or prevent the type of situation that is ongoing at the Cambridge Manor/Basel Homes abandoned project.
However, the loss of 200+ old growth trees, which were brutally clear cut for the project, and the total lack of any attempt to build affordable housing leaves the COB at with a planning credibility gap, as far as I’m concerned. I’d hate to see Newport Hills turned into a Newcastle Commons the 2nd, with high priced apartments, limited parking, and poorly planned businesses and services for the neighborhood. I won’t be here long enough to make a difference, but I urge my neighbors to be aware of these very visible issues, and I urge the COB to try to rein in their relationships with developers. Anyone who drives by the abandoned complex and its mound of dirt where we had old growth trees should be angry (and voted out of their city jobs). Don’t let this happen to any other part of Bellevue, people.

Like many in Newport Hills, I am greatly concerned that the proposed changes to policy can result in very increased density in this community. Some increase might make sense, but it appears that very tall construction (up to 6 or 10 stories) and multiple dwellings on a single property (as many as 4 where now there are one), will change the character of my neighborhood immensely, and not in a good way. At a minimum, access in and out of Newport Hills is very constrained, and already crowded and slow at key times of the day. We may lose the shopping at the center of our area, several restaurants that are much used. Finally, nothing will be required of those who build the new housing. Expensive dwellings will be made, doing nothing to provide the low income housing that we all agree is needed. Builders will maximize their profit, and vague promises will be immediately forgotten.

I love that you're concerned about keeping the tree canopy and making sure the streams are protected. Biking in and out of Newport Hills is not a priority as the majority drive - the 3 arterials are all steep hills and our population does not bike for the most part - even the younger generation. Signage at entrance to trails is a great idea. Keep any new developments to a low height to blend into this unique area. More grass, less concrete so there's little to no impact on polluted water runoff. Work with BSD to repurpose 1 of their unused schools into a community gathering spot. Encourage a low-impact, non-high-rise redevelopment of the shopping center, which would encourage a variety of small business that could serve the community. Signage as to types of vegetation and animals that live in our area is also a great idea.

Honor the homeowner's private covenants. The City of Bellevue has the records indicating private covenants. It is wrong for the city to accept an application for splitting a residential lot where they know the covenant against dividing lots exists. This problem became an issue in the Somerset neighborhood approximately 12 years ago. At that time the City of Bellevue agreed to notify applicants at the permit counter that private covenants may exist, and it was up to the applicant to investigate. This does not go far enough. The times have changed and there is very little person to person contact in the permit process now. The notice from the City to the applicant needs to be in writing of several languages. The city has the responsibility to give constructive notice. It is wrong for the city to receive fees where city knows the city is causing discourse in the community. I understand it is up to the homeowner to defend the private covenants, but it would not even be an issue if constructive notice is given by the city when the application for permit is made. As homeowners we are caught off guard because we never anticipate city officials would allow this to happen. For the taxes we pay, this is advocacy we can and should expect. You have it in the records the Wu short plat on 52nd street is not allowed by covenant, and the community is very much opposed.
Newport Hills is and elevated plateau of land that is limited for access due to elevations, creeks and soil conditions. Access by vehicle has its limits. Newport Hills cannot be treated the same as most Bellevue Neighborhoods. The streets cannot be just widened for more capacity. The area is mostly built out and remaining open space has tough or wet terrane. It is time to accept sensitivity to reality. Newport Hills can be rebuilt, but the capacity is very limited for added large numbers of people.
Regarding the rebuilding, there has been several very large homes built recently in the area. I find this strange on several fronts considering issues of carbon footprint, water runoff, gas, electricity, tree canopy, wind tunneling, fire hazard and traffic. All of these issues are reported to be out of balance with nature. Why is this allowed? Taking resources down to bury in the ground and then cutting more down to replace what was thrown away multiplies the issues. Couple this with the market for a single-family home in this area is greatest under 3000 square feet, it is more affordable, and it fits better in the existing community vibe. It appears these big homes exist for profit and a few buyers that want new with ample funding to purchase, but do the buyers really want them. Many of the buyers do not stay in them very long. I submit the notion, maybe they should not be allowed. A better formula might be the average square footage of the neighboring housing, multiplied by 1.2 to establish a market size for the replacement home. It would fit in the community better and represent a compromise.
A good add-on for homes built over 3000 sq. ft. would be a required sidewalk to be added for walkers that will need navigation around the cars sure to be parked in the street.

I have read the policy, and appreciate the effort that’s gone into its development. My thoughts are as follows.
Most of us, including my neighbors and myself, are not policy wonks. We live in Bellevue for a number of reasons including safety, good schools, reasonable access to good jobs on the Eastside, and the beauty of living in a park like environment.
Having said that south Bellevue needs some attention. We have 2 seemingly abandoned school sites. What’s the plan and how long will they be vacant? Residents have a right to know. Two shopping centers that have been under utilized for years and are subject to criminal activity. Another issue is the new Woodlawn Park that has grass that’s all torn up and has become a muddy mess.
In short…south Bellevue needs some TLC so that it is as well cared for and has as many public amenities as other Bellevue neighborhoods.

Thank you for the thoughtful and community-oriented plan. I appreciate the attention to trails, cycling, gathering spaces, and neighborhood identity. While traffic and parking are acknowledged, the current plan doesn’t quite go far enough to address long-term congestion. As more housing is added and our retail center grows, we need stronger strategies to manage car traffic and parking. The reality is we are a driving culture, cars will line residential streets near the retail core, limiting visibility and making navigation (car/bike/pedestrian) less safe. Looking 10+ years out, thoughtful investment in traffic flow, parking design, and street safety will be critical to preserving Newport’s livability for all ages.

One comment:
1) S-NP-19: Traffic calming should not just be enabled when new housing is constructed. It is needed now.

Traffic calming is already required due to existing traffic volumes and speeding. For example, on 116th Ave SE between SE 60th and Newcastle Way, even though there are existing speed activated speed limit signs and traffic calming on that part of the road, drivers more often than not exceed the posted 25 mph speed limit, to the point where the red "slow down" warning comes up. Speeding is a problem all over the neighborhood except on the portion of 119th Ave SE between SE 58th and Coal Creek Parkway - this is due to extensive speed calming measures on that portion of the road.

I'm excited about updating the area, however, my concern is for the additional traffic that will be added to our hill. It is already a constant stream of cars at commuter times, and when the elementary school starts and ends. Assuming that new housing will not impact that or that people moving in will not have cars is short-sighted. I would like to see that taken into consideration when planning how many multi-family units go in.