Bellevue College Selects Issaquah Highlands for Satellite Campus; Port Blakely, City of Issaquah Complete TDR

In March 2011, the City of Issaquah and Port Blakely Communities celebrated the completion of the Park Pointe TDR agreement. The TDR (transfer of development rights) adds residential/commercial density to Issaquah Highlands, while dedicating 144 acres of land as permanent open space. The preserved land includes 43-forested acres in Issaquah Highlands.

The TDR made it possible for Bellevue College to purchase land for a satellite campus in Issaquah Highlands. As the campus grows in the coming years, students of all ages will have a more affordable, close-to-home option for post-secondary education and career training. The campus will also establish hundreds of additional professional jobs in Issaquah Highlands.

In addition, the agreement brought two new residential construction projects to the community. Ichijo USA – a partner in the zHome project – purchased land to build 60 homes. Regional homebuilders The Burnsteads also secured land to build 40 homes. While these projects are in the early stages, Issaquah Highlands could potentially see a ramp-up of permitting and construction activity in the 2012-2013 time frame.

For current Issaquah Highlands residents, the completion of the TDR also brings many benefits, including roughly $2 million in road/transportation improvements as well as the new mountain bike skills course.

The success of the TDR has firmly established Issaquah as a focal point for successful public-private partnerships between private industries and local government that can serve as a national model. Most importantly, all generations will enjoy the beautiful 144 acres of preserved land for many years to come.