A noise test will be done on Saturday May 2nd to determine the effect of the noise of a helicopter landing at Bellevue’s Bank of America building.
This test will be the 2nd noise test, to determine if Kemper Development Co. will be allowed to install a helistop atop the Bellevue Place Bank of America building. As proposed, the helistop would allow for a maximum of 40 landing and take-offs per month, between the hours of 8am and 7pm.
This topic has been one for great debate, as many residents are hesitant to have this added noise and think it could disturb sleep in early mornings, on weekends, and at other peaceful times of day. The other side of the coin is that with all the traffic that is going to be created in Downtown Bellevue, there needs to be easily accessible options for those of high status to get in and out as the city continues to grow.
There was a public meeting on February 18th at Bellevue City Hall to address community members’ concerns. Individuals with concerns were given a chance to communicate their issues about the helipad. Kemper Development Co. was able to voice their reasoning for wanting one, as well as present their learnings from tests that they had done over the past several months.
Below is a flight map of where the helipad is currently purposed to fly through, if allowed.
Helicopter Flight Path and Altitude Plan. Courtesy of Kemper Development Company.
