Public commenters urge attention to Maidenbauer Bay plans, call for local disc golf and criticize Bellevue Police Commission; councilmember seeks review

At the start of the Jan. 8 Parks and Community Services Board meeting, five scheduled public commenters and several walk‑ins raised a range of requests for the department and the board.

David Schuler, a former member of the Maidenbauer Bay Park planning committee, urged the board to keep water and waterfront access central to the park’s design and flagged concerns about proposed changes to the waterfront plan. He closed his remarks by offering a contact number and email to discuss detailed suggestions.

Patrick Bannon, president and CEO of the Bellevue Downtown Association and co‑chair of Friends of the Grand Connection, voiced strong support for the Grand Connection and the crossing design, describing the project as one that will “connect some of Bellevue's most cherished parks and open spaces” and praised the city’s phased approach.

Rob Bridal, president of the Maidenbauer Bay Neighbors Association, and resident David Bonifin said neighbors were worried that the Grand Connection elements (a proposed viaduct and increased visitor traffic) could take precedence over neighborhood concerns and that consolidated parking could bring more vehicles and noise to adjacent residences. Bridal asked the city to ensure neighbors’ voices are heard during design and implementation; Bonifin said the scale of proposed parking and traffic felt like a “game changer” for the neighborhood.

From the public, Steve Fantel (representing grassroots group Bellevue Greening and Clean) asked the board to explore installing disc golf facilities in Bellevue, noting the sport’s growth and low cost to establish courses; he suggested modest investments such as a few baskets in neighborhood parks or school grounds.

A commenter identified as Alexei (in transcript) delivered extended, derogatory remarks about the Bellevue Police Commission’s openness and public access; Councilmember Hamilton later called the remarks “completely out of line” and asked staff to review whether the commenter’s remarks conformed to the rules for public comment and to follow up as appropriate.

Councilmember Jennifer Hamilton — speaking in the city council communication portion of the meeting — told the board she intends to review Olympia legislative priorities relevant to the Grand Connection and thanked staff for their work on the Eastgate and Coal Creek acquisitions. Hamilton explicitly requested staff look into the inappropriate public comment made earlier in the meeting.

Ending: Board members and staff took the public concerns under advisement. Multiple commenters asked for continued neighborhood outreach on Maidenbauer Bay Phase 2; staff indicated outreach and translated materials have been part of the project and will continue as the design and phasing work proceeds.