Hebert Research of Bellevue, Wa., conducted research with 606 Bellevue businesses across three sections of the city [1] and 611 individuals to determine the impact of construction of the Sound Transit East Link project on business revenue, operations and consumer purchasing behavior. The research was conducted between Sept. 19 and Oct. 12, 2011.
Assessment of the total impact considers nearly one-third of Bellevue households (50,355 total – 2010 U.S. Census) will make one less visit per month in each of four categories: shopping, dining, enjoying entertainment and using professional services in the CBD. Impact is based on results of 417 residents surveyed.
Nearly one-third (31.7%) of Bellevue residents in the research reported they will visit the Central Business District less frequently during construction. In addition, 3.4% said they will increase their visits, creating a net reduction of 28.3% in annual visits. The research found a resident makes an average of 165 trips to the Central Business District per year for shopping, dining, entertainment and professional services. Average amount spent per visit is $97.34. By calculating one less visit per month for each of the four activities noted, the total economic value of the “missed visits” is more than $1.8 million for individuals surveyed.
Other Key Findings:
Background on businesses surveyed
[1] Click here for a map of business sections included in the survey (Sections B,C,D) and research methodology
