Kemper Freeman, Jr.: unfiltered

Normally it would not be news that a commercial developer has launched a website to advance his or her ideas and initiatives. But in this case that developer is Kemper Freeman, Jr. The Bellevue mall developer is arguably the Eastside’s most controversial civic leader. He may also be its most misunderstood.Hence the quiet (day after Thanksgiving) launch of KemperFreeman.com.“Every once and a while, I am quoted in a local newspaper or magazine, usually discussing one of the numerous issues that I am very passionate about,” he wrote in his first post on the site. “This site gives me the ability to speak directly, and unfiltered, to anyone who is interested.” Where his passions and reader interests most frequently meet is the proposed East Link light rail system that would connect Seattle, Mercer Island, Bellevue and Redmond. Freeman has strenuously fought efforts to build the East Link, but his new website seeks a more moderate tone, which sources close to the developer say more accurately reflects his views.“We need a measurable reduction in traffic congestion. Traffic congestion in the Central Puget Sound region has been worsening for decades, damaging the State’s economy with attendant loss of time, wasted fuel, cost for the traveling public, and the cost for freight movements.”He calls for a mixed mode transportation strategy while also scoffing at “anti-auto forces.”There is plenty of promotion on the new site — Snowflake Lane, Bellevue arts and the like — but Freeman and his supporters are hopeful that through his posts, videos, speeches and essays he will develop more understanding and support on both ends of the floating bridges.