Planning commission backs TIF redevelopment plan for Lot 6 (Tiller’s) to support 96-unit affordable project; commissioner abstains

The Bellevue Planning Commission voted Thursday to recommend approval of a redevelopment plan and tax-increment financing (TIF) request for a proposed 96-unit multifamily development on Lot 6, Tiller’s Fourth Edition (general location 1724 Wilshire Drive). The commission’s recommendation is based on finding the property a blighted and substandard area and the project’s conformity with state statutes on redevelopment; the recommendation will be considered by City Council at a July 15 public hearing.

Tammy Curry, planning staff, said the site is approximately 1.5 acres and that the developer estimated about $2,300,000 in TIF-eligible redevelopment costs and requested $1,500,000 in TIF assistance. The application, Curry said, was reviewed by planning and finance staff; the finance director was “comfortable with the interest rate the applicant is proposing.” Curry also noted the property was declared blighted and substandard in February 2007 and has been vacant for roughly 20–25 years.

Brent Beller, applicant representative, described the project as “truly affordable housing” and said it will rely on low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) and TIF. Beller told the commission the full development budget is approximately $28 million with about $18 million in construction costs; the plan calls for 96 units: 22 one-bedroom, 45 two-bedroom, 19 three-bedroom and 10 four-bedroom units, with an emphasis on larger units. “This is a need,” Beller said, adding the development would include a fenced perimeter and an on-site playground to separate the project from nearby properties, including Freedom Village of Bellevue.

Nick Goede of Great Lakes Capital clarified income restrictions and unit mix. Goede said the project will be a mix of income-restricted units with most at 60% of area median income (AMI), about 15% at 80% AMI, roughly 25% around 40% AMI and about 10% at 30% AMI; rents will be set so households generally pay no more than 30% of income. The team told commissioners they expect approximately 197 residents and roughly 40 children in the development, and estimated construction could begin in 2026 with an 18-month build timetable.

Optometrist Carrie Hill, owner of Bellevue Vision Clinic, spoke in opposition and listed concerns about traffic, retaining walls and potential utility relocations tied to underground parking and garage access. Hill said she received developer outreach the morning of the hearing and handed commissioners a written list of about a dozen concerns; planning staff responded that detailed engineering, landscape and utility plans are under review by city departments and that many of Hill’s technical questions will be addressed during the zoning and site-plan public hearings that follow TIF/council action.

Commissioner Bennett moved to approve the redevelopment/TIF plan based on the elimination of a blighted and substandard area, conformance with state statute and infill redevelopment opportunity; the motion was seconded and passed with Commissioner Arnie recused from the discussion and vote. The item will be scheduled for a City Council public hearing on July 15, 2025.