Bellevue council approves release of sidewalk and utility easement at Northup Way for 15‑unit townhome project

The Bellevue City Council adopted Resolution No. 10634 authorizing the release of an existing sidewalk and utility easement at 16035 Northup Way to allow a developer to build 15 market‑rate townhomes, following a staff report that described a nearly equivalent public access replacement and right‑of‑way dedication.

Jamie Robinson, assistant director for municipal planning and delivery, told the council the developer’s request would replace the existing easement with public access and a right‑of‑way dedication that preserves the connection from Northup Way to an existing pathway and provides a wider sidewalk, improved plantings and lighting. “The area and utility of both the easement being released and the new rights transferred to the city are essentially equivalent, and actually offer improvements to the existing public access,” staff said.

Council opened the public hearing on the easement release; there were no preregistered speakers and staff reported one written comment submitted in advance. After closing the public hearing, the council voted to adopt the resolution authorizing staff to execute the necessary documents to release the easement. The motion passed unanimously.

The council also approved its consent calendar and appointed Bridal Fripp to the Arts Commission earlier in the meeting. Staff said they will be available for follow up questions on the easement process and next steps for the permitting and dedication work.

The council’s action authorizes the documents needed to complete the release and related dedication; staff will proceed to finalize conveyance documents and any required public access easements and right‑of‑way dedications.