What Would You Rename These Bel-Red Area Streets? Bellevue Wants to Know

As part of a plan to transition the Bel-Red corridor from light industrial to an area feating housing, shopping, employers and light rail, Bellevue is considering renaming several streets along Bel-Red road, according to an announcement released Monday.

The area is slated for change over the next 20 years, as Sound Transit makes plans to put East Link stops in the area, and the city in 2009 changed the land use codes and zoning to allow for increased walkability and housing, according to the city.

The city says that by 2030, the area, called the Spring District, is expected to have vibrant walkable neighborhoods, comprehensive connected parks and open spaces, reclaimed and enhanced streams and an arts district. 

The city said in its release:

The city will consider all suggestions for street names. The names may be based on the area’s industrial past or recall its natural, agricultural and ethnic heritage. Suggested names may also refer to neighborhood landmarks and events, as well as something about the area’s future.  

The streets to be named are:

• Northeast 15th/16th Street: This street will be a lynchpin and key east-west corridor for Bel-Red, serving cars, pedestrians and cyclists and incorporating a series of environmentally sensitive urban open spaces.
• Two segments each of Northeast 14th and 18th streets: These streets will be “green streets,” generally located between stream corridors and trail connections, with an abundance of trees and landscaping to limit stormwater runoff.

Anyone with suggestions may submit them online at www.bellevuewa.gov/street-names.htm. Suggestions will be accepted until 3 p.m., Nov. 30. The Transportation Commission will choose names and forward them to the City Council for its approval in late 2012 or early 2013, according to the release.