What is the Wilburton study area?

    The study area refers to the area that was the focus of the Wilburton Commercial Area Study by the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) in 2017-2018. The Wilburton study area is located east of I-405 across from Downtown and is part of the larger Wilburton Neighborhood Area.

    Specifically, the “study area” refers to the area bounded by NE 12th Street in the north, the Lake Hills Connector in the south, I-405 in the west and an eastern boundary that meanders from 124th Ave NE in the north to 118th Ave SE in the south.

    How will zoning changes affect properties in the Wilburton study area, and when are they expected to occur?

    Zoning within the Wilburton study area will almost certainly change with this initiative to implement the Wilburton study area vision.  New zoning regulations are anticipated to be adopted in mid-2024.

    While we do not yet know how new zoning will affect properties in the study area or what this zoning will be, it will support the vision for a dense, walkable neighborhood with predominantly mixed-use development. Specific standards for permitted uses, and building height, bulk, design, etc., will be developed further along in the process.  

    Amending the Comprehensive Plan is the first step in implementing the CAC vision. The land use plan and policies provide direction and guidance for developing more detailed zoning classifications and regulations.

    Why do we need to change the Comprehensive Plan and subarea plans before changing the zoning?

    Washington state law requires cities to ensure that any zoning changes are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Currently, policies in the Comprehensive Plan and subarea plans for the Wilburton study area are inconsistent with the CAC vision.

    Why are we completing another Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Wilburton study area if one was already issued in 2018?

    An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) informs the public and decision makers about proposed actions, alternatives, impacts, and mitigation measures to avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts. Although a draft EIS (DEIS) was completed for the Wilburton study in 2018, there have been many changes to the existing conditions within and surrounding the Wilburton study area that make it challenging to pick up directly from the 2018 DEIS.

    Why is the environmental review for the Wilburton study area combined with the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update?

    Including the Wilburton study area in the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update EIS gives the city the ability to assess and communicate the impacts of the proposed Wilburton study area land use alternatives within the context of citywide growth, jobs/housing targets, and housing needs. This combined effort will also inform updated policies and zoning for the study area.

    Why re-affirm the vision and re-engage stakeholders?

    In the years following the completion of the CAC study, Bellevue has continued to grow and transform into a major urban center.  Office development, primarily in Downtown, has exceeded the city’s growth targets, while housing development has not kept pace with demand.  The city is underway with the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update which provides the opportunity to consider how Wilburton can play a key role in meeting the city’s housing growth target and realizing Bellevue’s vision for an innovative, diverse, equitable and sustainable community.

    We will build off the recommendations from the CAC while considering change, new challenges and opportunities and incorporating the input of stakeholders and community members not previously engaged as part of this process.

    What types of housing are envisioned in the Wilburton study area? Will there be affordable housing?

    The Wilburton vision lays out a diversity of housing types that are affordable to households of all income levels. Multifamily/apartment units in mixed-use buildings will likely be the predominant housing development in Wilburton, although townhomes and other medium-sized developments are also envisioned.

    The need for affordable housing is being considered citywide as part of the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update.  Opportunities for creating affordable housing in the Wilburton study area will be considered as part of the citywide effort.

    How will sustainability be incorporated into the Wilburton plan?

    The CAC envisioned the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of key natural features from Lake Bellevue through Sturtevant Creek, as well as wetlands and other natural assets in the area. The vision also includes the expansion of urban tree canopy and integration of green infrastructure, such as bioswales and rain gardens, in new development.

    Other sustainable innovations may also be considered, such as King County’s Sewer Heat Recovery program and other green technologies.  

    How will the history of Wilburton inform the plan and give the area a unique identity?

    The design principles laid out by the CAC include the incorporation of local history and culture within the design of the public realm. As the engagement process continues, the vision of this design principle will be further defined with input from the community.  

    How will the Wilburton Vision Implementation initiative influence adjacent neighborhoods?

    The Wilburton Vision Implementation is intended to revise the development and design standards only within the 300-acre study area. However, this work is happening alongside the citywide Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update. This effort will consider Wilburton’s anticipated development pattern when examining the areas immediately adjacent to the study area.

    What kinds of transportation impacts and improvements are anticipated in Wilburton?

    Wilburton will see a lot of growth, and with that, more people will be travelling to, from and within the area. How these people move around will be a key consideration for this initiative. The CAC envisioned a complete and connected multimodal transportation network within Wilburton.

    The major transportation investments coming to Wilburton inspired the work to prepare a new vision for the area. The Eastrail and Grand Connection both present great opportunities to enhance mobility and create exceptional public spaces, and the light rail investments can support the jobs and population projected for the area. As development concepts and standards are developed, a close eye will be kept on these projects to make sure they are being leveraged to the greatest degree possible. 

    How can people access the light rail stations from Wilburton?

    The Wilburton and Spring District stations will be a short walk from central and northern Wilburton. A new pedestrian/bicycle bridge for Eastrail over NE 8th Street will enable people using the trail to access to the Wilburton Station without crossing a busy arterial. Access to Downtown Bellevue and East Main stations will require crossing I-405 but are within a roughly 10-minute walk from central and southern Wilburton. A newly rebuilt Main Street bridge will provide facilities for people walking and bicycling between Wilburton and the East Main Station.

    I have a question that is not addressed on this website. Where can I find more information?

    Additional information can be found on the City’s project webpage, which includes links to relevant documents generated throughout the process.

    You can also ask us a question directly on Engaging Bellevue here, or you may email WilburtonVision@bellevuewa.gov

    How can I stay involved?

    Learn more about the project and discover other opportunities to have your say. You may also subscribe to project updates, including alerts on upcoming engagement events, at the Wilburton Project Webpage.