What’s best for Bellevue?

Forty years ago, smart city planners designed a tree-lined avenue in East Bellevue. As a result of their foresight, 148th Avenue provides efficient access to homes and businesses between two freeways while preserving the feeling of a “City in a Park.”

In a few months, PSE will mar this achievement by removing 300 trees and installing poles and wires that crisscross the street. PSE claims the project is necessary to improve reliability, but a decade of historical data shows it would improve reliability metrics by less than 1%.

PSE has installed “self-healing grid” technology in dozens of other neighborhoods, improving reliability 20-40% without destroying trees. There has been little opportunity for the public to learn about this alternative. 350 Eastside, CENSE, and a large coalition of neighborhood and environmental groups invite you to a public forum with representatives from the community and an expert on grid technology.

• When: Thursday, December 6th, 7:00 pm
• Where: Highland Community Center, 14424 Bel-Red Rd., Bellevue (map)

After short presentations, there will be an opportunity for Q&A. This may be our last chance to discuss what is best for Bellevue, our environment, and our legacy for future generations. Please join us!

Energize Eastside update

Public hearings will determine the fate of PSE’s larger transmission project, Energize Eastside. Although no dates have been set, the City of Bellevue anticipates holding a public hearing January. Bellevue, Newcastle, and Renton will provide at least three weeks’ notice prior to the hearing date. CENSE will alert you through the newsletter (sign up!) and let you know how you can voice your opinion in writing or in person at each hearing.