A Bellevue College campus could be coming to the Issaquah Highlands, after the city council agreed to begin negotiating the sale of land to the college Monday.

“We’re very excited about this opportunity,” said Vicki Orrico, vice chair of the college’s board.

While initial development could start in the next 3-5 years, the college won’t see a complete buildout the land for another 20 years, she said.

The college’s first concern is coming up with the $5.2 million to buy the 19-acre lot, the largest of three lots for sale.

Two adjacent parcels are also planned for housing developments.

The city plans to negotiate with Ichijo for the second-largest property for $2.5 million. Ichijo, known for creating zero-energy houses, proposed building 60 homes.

The Burnsteads are the top pick for a $1.5 million parcel, which would support 40 homes.

City Council’s decision comes after a complicated process of transferring land development rights from Park Pointe, where a large development was planned on Cougar Mountain.

To prevent it from being developed, City Council decided to sell parcels of land in the Highlands to buy Park Pointe. Once acquired, the land would be set aside for conservation.

“This secures in perpetuity in the forested area in lower Tiger Mountain,” said council member Fred Butler. “In addition to that, it provides additional major amenities for the community.”

The college first announced its interest in Issaquah in August, and the city opened up for proposals in October.

Public commenters applauded the decision to choose Bellevue College at the meeting Monday, but in the past residents shared concerns about traffic impacts.

Since, the college has begun a traffic impact study, Orrico said.

The school hasn’t decided what programs it would introduce at an Issaquah campus, she said. “We’re here to listen and learn and plan jointly with you as to what that property will look like.”