Westbrook Avenue Traffic
Residents have expressed concern that traffic has increased and speeding is a problem on
Westbrook. Several residents spoke regarding this issue. Opinions were mixed as to whether
or not traffic was really a problem. Most spoke against the idea of a three way stop at Crestwood
and Westbrook.

Steve Hansen, Traffic Engineering representative serving Bellevue:
"3 way stops, in reality, don’t control speeds well. We don’t recommend them." He went on to
explain that Westbrook is a wide roadway with a current speed limit of 35mph. He can recommend
a reduction to 25 mph if we want to do that, however that will mean it will often be Bellevue
residents who are stopped for speeding .

An assessment was made regarding Westminster Canterbury’s expansion, and based on the estimated
growth (1%) a signal (at the entrance of WMC and the intersection of Crestwood) is not warranted.

Ed Parks informed Mr. Hansen that the stop bars (the painted line that reminds drivers to heed the
stop sign) has worn away at Lorraine and Newport, and at Fauquier and Crestwood. Mr. Hansen said
he will report this and they will be re-painted. If there are other stop bars that need attention
please let the city know.

Lieutenant John Koehane, who is the executive officer for the 3rd precinct’s Captain David Martin,
spoke as the city’s Public Safety representative. He had two surveys done at different times of the
day in 15 minute increments to determine how many vehicles are using Westbrook and how fast
they are going. The average speed was 42 mph. Lieutenant Koehane will respond to concern of
speeding GRTC buses on Crestwood. If a GRTC bus driver gets a reckless driving ticket, (s)he will
lose his/her job.

In the last month (Dec 20 -Jan 20) Bellevue’s only crimes reported to the police were 1 burglary and
1 auto theft. These on-going statistics are available online at richmondgov.com. Click on Police Dept.
and crime statistics. A link is available thru Bellevueweb.org. There are 80 new police officers (13%
of current numbers) coming out of training this year which should bring Richmond up to the strength
needed to address many of the city’s issues. The largest group (approx 40) will graduate in August.

Westminster Canterbury updates, Bob Cox
Construction is behind schedule due to the wetness, but they are hoping to do some catch up.
Current construction traffic is using an entrance off Dumbarton Rd. The main entrance to WMC will
essentially meet the intersection of Westbrook and Crestwood. A true gatehouse will be built at this
entrance. A staff entrance will be located adjacent to the Azalea Mall property. The Villas will have
4 to 5 floors and have underground parking. They will open in 2005. WMC wants to have the area
"dressed up." They will have sidewalks and a decorative fence. They have already moved mature
crepe myrtles along Westbrook. The 22 individual houses should provide a pleasant visual "buffer" to
the apartment buildings (the Villas).

Bellevue Security Patrol
A General Meeting will take place 7pm Wednesday Jan 22 at Westminster Canterbury’s Assembly
Room. All Bellevue Residents are welcome. Discussion will include improvements, revitalization,
moving forward and building bridges with the Neighborhood Watch. Training may be formalized to
work with the police and co-ordinate with other neighborhoods (Rosedale and Sherwood Park). The
commitment is 1 and 1/2 hours per month if you are interested in participating on patrol. Crime is
down in Bellevue, however the security patrol does not currently have anyone operational during the
peak breaking and entering hours of 2am - 6am.
Of course any time you are available is greatly appreciated.

BCA Business

Garden Walk is June 13th
Garden Walk committee meets Feb 1st (new members welcome)
To join the committee or show your garden call Betty Smith 266-9410

The Bellevue Newsletter will add a Kid’s Corner, which will feature
contributions from the children of Bellevue. To submit your child’s addition email Florenz at
fsterling@mindspring.com.

Treasurer’s report: We are doing fine, but we are currently $800 lower in funds than we were this
time last year. This is most likely due to higher costs for the newsletter (currently at about
$600/issue), a new cost of $350 for our website, and some advertisers still owe for ads in the
newsletter. We currently have 203 paying members.
In this new year we will push to double this figure.

Officer elections were tabled until the March general meeting. Everybody bring a neighbor so that we will have quorum.

March 20th City of Richmond "Adopt a trash can" campaign

Open House Feb 5 -20 for Richmond’s Technical Center (off of Westwood)

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