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Commission approves 80-unit affordable housing project at Wilshire Drive, requests land‑use map change
Summary
The Bellevue Planning Commission approved rezoning and site-plan elements for an 80-unit affordable housing project at 1724 Wilshire Drive, endorsing a 1.5:1 parking ratio, noting an existing TIF redevelopment plan, and asking that the future land‑use map be updated at council.
The Bellevue Planning Commission approved a rezoning and site plan for a proposed 80-unit affordable housing project at 1724 Wilshire Drive and forwarded the application to the City Council for a public hearing Oct. 21, 2025. Staff and the applicant told the commission the proposal complies with the zoning ordinance and city affordable housing policies.
Tammy, Planning Department staff, summarized that the proposal first appeared before the commission in July as a 96‑unit plan; the applicant reduced the count to 80 units and is proposing a 1.5:1 parking ratio with an underground parking garage. Tammy said staff reviewed a May traffic study and Public Works found no developer-required street improvements; staff recommended approval based on neighborhood compatibility, lack of perceived negative impact and conformance with the zoning ordinance.
Brent Beller, speaking for the applicant, said the team reduced the unit count from earlier proposals to achieve the 1.5:1 parking ratio and that the project is intended as affordable housing. He noted the development will include a four‑story building, roughly 75% one‑ and two‑bedroom units, and a parking configuration that includes an enclosed garage. Beller said the project previously received City Council approval of a TIF redevelopment plan and that the applicant had complied with the city's affordable housing action plan.
Commissioners reviewed community letters, including submissions from Hillcrest Freedom Village that raised safety and occupancy concerns. Beller and staff said some letters referenced earlier, larger proposals (96 units) and that the 80‑unit design cannot accommodate the inflated occupancy figures cited in the letters; Beller also noted that playground and occupancy sizing are governed by code and by project architects and engineers. Commissioner discussion emphasized proximity to amenities and the need for workforce and affordable housing in Bellevue.
Commissioner Ackley moved to approve the application based on compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood, lack of perceived negative impact, conformance with the zoning ordinance, and to request an amendment to the future land‑use map to reflect the change; Commissioner Michael Yoder seconded the motion. The commission voted unanimously to carry the motion. The item will proceed to a City Council public hearing on Oct. 21, 2025.
