Bella Vista

Bella Vista

Bella Vista Profile

The Bella Vista Neighborhood is centrally located within, and is a part of, the larger neighborhood of Cascade Park in East Vancouver. It is a relatively small and well defined neighborhood occupying an area of approximately 100 acres. The neighborhood boundaries are described as:
At a point beginning at the northwest corner of SE 19th Street where it meets McGillivray Blvd.; east on McGillivray Blvd. to the extension of SE
145th Avenue then south following the north western boundary of Cascade SE Neighborhood Association, then south to SE Cascade Park Drive then west to SE Bella Vista Avenue; then north on SE Bella Vista Avenue to SE Bella Vista Road and then west along the extension of SE Bella Vista Road to the extension of SE 139th Avenue to SE 28th Street then west to SE 138th Avenue including one parcel to the south of SE 28th Street and one parcel to the north of SE 28th Street and including the portion of SE 28th Street which abutts both parcels then north along a line which follows the east boundaries of properties which abutt SE 138th Avenue and SE 139th Avenue to the middle of SE 19th Street then east on SE 19th Street to the point of beginning.

Historic Bella Vista Road dates back to 1915 when the original subdivision contained about 20 five-acre lots. When Highway 14 was built, the southern portion down to the Evergreen Highway was split away. Later, the remaining lots were divided further to an average of 2 ½ acres. The land was then rezoned to 7,500 and 10,000 square foot lots. However, very little development occurred on these smaller lot sizes, except for the northern third of the neighborhood. In 1980, the first Bella Vista Homeowner’s Association was successful in their quest for larger minimum lot sizes and the County Commissioners voted to rezone the southern 60 acres down to Highway 14 to R1-20 (20,000 square foot single residential lots). On December 20, 1994 the County adopted the 20 Year Comprehensive Plan and again the area was changed to 7,500 square foot lots. The Bella Vista Neighborhood Association was formed and after numerous meetings with County departments and commissions, the R1-20 designation was returned to the effected area. The neighborhood now provides a mix of residences and residential lots of varying size. The area is more densely developed at the north end with smaller lots (R1-6 and R1-7.5) and changes to the larger lots (R1-20) at the south end. The majority of the homes have been built during the past 15 years. In all, the homes are well kept and on nicely landscaped lots. A true pride of ownership is evident. Interspersed in the neighborhood are several areas of undeveloped land, some of which are heavily forested. There are cul de sacs, circles, loops and private roads off of Bella Vista Road that enhance the privacy of much of the neighborhood. A number of the public and private streets within the neighborhood do not have either curbs or sidewalks. As a result, the neighborhood has what many of its residents describe as a comfortable rural feel. Unfortunately, this also creates a safety problem with the increased traffic on Bella Vista Road. The area, as developed, provides a mixture of mature trees, vegetation and open spaces for recreation.

Because Bella Vista is exclusively single family residences, it is not directly challenged with the issues that arise in an area of emerging businesses. However, the local church and the soon to be improved park site will provide a centrally located focal point and gathering spot for the neighbors.

We value and seek to protect and improve our neighborhood and our community. To that end, we seek stability in those aspects of our neighborhood that add to our quality of life. Those include quiet and clean streets, safe parks and open space, and a sense of welcome, community, and belonging among all of our residents and visitors.

About our association

Brief History

Our neighborhood association was formed in September, 1995. In September 1996, our association was incorporated as a federal non-profit corporation with 501 C6 status. With this designation, we are eligible for a number of grants that can be used for the betterment of our neighborhood.

Purpose of our Association

The purpose of our association is to promote, enhance and protect the quality of life within the boundaries of our association. We endeavor to formulate and disseminate public positions on matters of neighborhood-wide significance which the views of the residents and encourage and assist in the formation and management of neighborhood crime watch programs.

Association Meetings/Board of Directors

We hold quarterly meetings for the whole association and directors meetings as required. As well as a business meeting, guest speakers are invited to present topics of interest to our neighborhood. Our normal meeting place is at the Cascade Park Church of the Nazarene on Bella Vista Road. Meetings are announced in our newsletter and start at 7:00 PM on the 3rd Monday of the designated month.

Board of Directors
President: Dale Erickson 256-6412
E-mail: maxntosh@wa-net.com
Secretary: Chuck Hoover 256-2730
Treasurer: Gene Sampair 892-7674
Directors: Perry Elliott 896-0891
Fred Garmire 896-0462
Stephen Houston 892-4925
Bob Keller 254-8913
Julie Weaver 896-0168
Chris Reive 254-5357
Bill Renfroe 896-0749
Bob Rowe 254-8699
Ed Shaw 256-7249
Bill Stanwood 260-2030
Lori Warmack 254-5348
Pat Wilmoth 892-9459
City Liaison: Chad Eiken X8091 696-8873
Comm. Policing Specialist:
Marion Swendsen 735-8770

Committee Chairs/Representatives:
Parks: Bob Rowe & John Craig
Crime Watch: Gene Sampair
Road Improvements: Pat Wilmoth
School Liaison: Bob Rowe
Newcomers: Lori Warmack