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It has been too long since we at the MBNA updated you on matters around Meydenbauer Bay. The COVID-19 pandemic has put most projects behind, including those that pertain to the City of Bellevue and our communications. We would like to bring you up to date on several important topics.
Milfoil Treatment: As you will recall, the MBNA coordinates the annual eradication treatment of milfoil between the City of Bellevue, Meydenbauer Bay Yacht Club, single-family residents of the Bay, and several of the waterfront condos on the Bay. Due to Federal and State regulations, this cannot be completed until salmon hatching season is over in mid-July. At that time, treatment by our licensed applicator, Northwest Aquatic Eco-Systems is scheduled for July 16, 2021. The milfoil bloom this year has been extremely vigorous due to warmer weather. For those of you single-family homeowners who would like treatment, the price remains at $330. We urge you to contact the MBNA at: [email protected] or [email protected] to arrange for this treatment.
Meydenbauer Bay Park Phase II: Design work for Phase II of the park, which was scheduled to start in 2020, was pushed back due to COVID-19. Very preliminary discussions are now underway to begin design work in 2021, and we expect the City to send out a Request for Proposal for the design work before the end of the year. The MBNA will be monitoring this process closely as it requires parking and traffic studies and other access issues to be addressed.
The Grand Connection: Some of you may have heard about this initiative on the part of the city. When completed, this pedestrian pathway will connect all Bellevue Parks, and also provide access from Lake Sammamish to Lake Washington. The MBNA will be involved as the connection reaches Meydenbauer Bay Park after crossing Main Street.
Marine Patrol and Policing on the Water: The recent movement in some cities to “Defund the Police” has resulted in the City of Seattle cutting their Harbor Patrol Unit from 28 officers to 15. Because of this forced reduction, their ability to patrol has been eliminated, and they are now only responding to emergencies. Because of this, they have terminated their contracts to patrol Medina and Hunts Point. This has now placed a heavier burden on the Mercer Island Marine Patrol who patrol Bellevue, Renton, and Mercer Island. Response times will be lengthened and frequency will be reduced. We are concerned that these reductions will cause a shift in anchoring and swimming from Andrews Bay by Seward Park to Meydenbauer Bay, and we are in the process of preparing for these changes as much as possible.
Water Safety and Security: There have already been three drownings in two days in Lake Washington, with one just outside Meydenbauer Bay. The lake is still extremely cold due to increased snow melt in the mountains, and we urge all boaters, swimmers, and paddle boarders to use increased caution while enjoying the Bay. We also urge extreme caution for power boats operating in the Bay to avoid these people powered vessels.
The November Bellevue City Council Election: Three members on the current City Council are up for reelection this fall. Current Mayor Lynne Robinson and Council Members Jared Nieuwenhuis and Conrad Lee will be running again in November. It is anticipated that the MBNA will have a candidate forum prior to this event.
As most of you know, the MBNA is a 501C3 Non-Profit Corporation. Our mission is to preserve, protect and enhance the quality of Meydenbauer Bay. As we approach the planning, design, and eventual construction of Phase II of the park, it is anticipated that we will be hiring consultants in the areas of Traffic, Parking, Design, and Legal. Donations can be made using Paypal or mail check to:
MBNA
1100 Bellevue Way NE, Ste 8A
Box 278
Bellevue, WA 98004
