Agency moves forward with RFP for dead-end rights-of-way, seeks selection committee

The Bellevue Urban Renewal Agency on Nov. 4 heard that a request for proposals is live for conceptual design of several dead-end rights-of-way between Main Street and the harbor. Brian Park, the agency’s development director and secretary, told the board the RFP seeks landscape-architecture concepts to improve walkability and create small gathering spaces on underused parcels.

“One of the things that we’re talking about…is planning landscape architecture to kind of conceptualize some improvements and ways to better utilize that space,” Park said, noting staff budgeted $100,000 for preliminary design and concept work rather than construction. Park said the $100,000 is intended for design services so that the board can present a cohesive plan for Main Street and adjacent parcels in spring.

Board members discussed how to run the consultant selection without violating open-meeting protections. Chair Diane said staff and the attorney recommended using a small selection committee or staff scoring so the process remains consistent and defensible. Members agreed to convene a selection committee before a full-board meeting and set scheduling targets around proposal deadlines.

“We want to move forward faster than that…we would like a time that would work for you guys for a special meeting,” the chair said as members agreed the submittal deadline was Dec. 4 and the selection committee should meet the week of Dec. 8, with the full board reviewing recommendations at the Dec. 18 packet or in early January if additional time is required.

The board did not take a final vote on a consultant selection at the meeting; staff marked the item as an action to return with committee recommendations and proposal packets. The agency also asked members to compile example fixtures, site photos and preliminary ideas to distribute with the December packet.