We need to focus on the future area at the SE of town by Le Platte and our SW remaining land. Being bordered by Douglas County, the Missouri River, Platte River, La Vista, and Papillion, we need to be thoughtful about how we plan for the little area of growth we have left. Platteview Road is the next major artery for the entire metro area and we should place some focus on that area. Attention also should be given to continue annexation of the neighborhoods surrounding Bellevue which will help those residents gain additional access to City services like Police, Fire, and Rescue along with roads and infrastructure. With that will also come additional tax dollars from those residents to help with growing costs of those same elements listed above.
We need to look hard at Overlay Districts in key areas like Fort Crook Rd. + Old Towne to maintain a standard of quality, type, and size of projects that we should expect and deserve in our City. This is how our neighbors in Omaha + La Vista have been able to be very strategic about their current developments. It also gives us the ability to develop design standards that are uniquely Bellevue, and not just anywhere USA.
As a resident living blocks away from Ft. Crook Rd., it is in dire need of attention and revitalization. The City needs to put their foot forward and show a commitment on its part to redevelop this area, and that means more than declaring it blighted - which while this opens it up to TIF funding opportunities for new development - is still not enough to show developers we are committed to clean things up as well.
We need to work together as a community to decide our next steps. Being a City of over 64,000 people and growing, we need to understand what is important throughout our community and act on the things we can effect as a City. Rethinking how the city can effect transportation and development with Civic improvements like a new Library, Waterpark, and potentially a Children's Museum.
We also need to be sure we are creating our new roadways not just for cars, but also for pedestrians and cyclists, and work with OPPD and Internet/Cable/Phone Providers to bury their lines on major roadways when they are redeveloped.