Chimney CPA Rezone to Mixed Use

Submissions to City of Bellevue                         Lochleven Community Association Documents 

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Chimney Condos Withdraws their CPA to re-zone the property

Property will remain as R30 as currently zoned! 
 

March 10, 2022 - After nearly six months of the Lochleven Community Association (LCA), meeting with City Staff, the Planning Commission and Council members providing fact-based rebuttals to the application, the developer has withdrawn their application.  Collectively LCA submitted over a dozen documents to the City and Developer, while challenging the applicant's legal standing.  The Board spoke at several public meetings articulating the need to protect the community and how the application to add retail and a hotel conflicted with the recently approved comprehensive plan for NW Bellevue and was an unnecessary intrusion into the neighborhood without any public benefit.  While the CPA process presented a steep learning curve for all involved the support and patience from the Planning Department and City staff including Kate Nesse and Thara Johnson has been very much appreciated. 

This effort was accomplished by the community coming together making their voices heard, amplifying key concerns. Nearly 50 members of the community submitted comments voicing their opposition.  Following the Planning Department's recommendation to not expand the geographic scope of the CPA and Planning Commission vote affirming the recommendation on Feb 23, the next step was a public hearing on the threshold review.  At the 11th hour, the rezone application was withdrawn by the developer, right before the Planning Department was to release their recommendation to the Planning Commission on the merits of the CPA. Based on the new City comprehensive planning process which recently kicked off, the City has advised LCA the developer or (any applicant) cannot resubmit a new CPA until the plan is finalized which is slated for the fall of 2024. 

What is next? After LCA learned the developer had their license revoked last May by the Department of Labor & Industries, LCA notified the City who temporary suspended the demolition permit due to safety and liability risks for the neighborhood.  The State of Washington reinstated the license on March 1, after the developer paid for a new bond and insurance. Today we received word that the asbestos removal is to start any day, followed by the demolition. LCA has reiterated our concerns on the lack of perimeter fencing and how in the current state the property is an "attractive nuisance".  We have contacted the attorney representing the developer and requested fencing be re-installed and asbestos warnings be posted.  As the project moves forward, LCA anticipates it will continue to be involved through the plan review process and hope to open a constructive dialog with the developer. 

How you can help - This was team effort.  This is a great win for the Lochleven Community and the city at-large demonstrating how working together we can make an impact!  Join LCA today and support our community building efforts. 

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