UPDATED: Esterra Park Opens in Overlake Neighborhood

Esterra Park as seen from Verde Apartment.  Note the green roof. Four surrounding buildings also have green roofs.  Two restaurants serve park visitors. One features soft serve and pizza! / credit Bob Yoder

REDMOND, WA -  Recently, Esterra Park (2808 Calder Avenue NE), celebrated opening in Overlake Urban Center. This 2.67-acre park is the first major privately-owned public space (POPs) in Redmond and helps meet the needs of the growing neighborhood.  

The park was created by leveraging developer incentives written in Redmond’s Zoning Code, with the goal to benefit the entire community. Together, the City, Capstone Partners, and JLL worked with care and intentionality to determine how the community would engage with the space. 

From its layout to its accessibility features, as well as the selection of plants and reclaimed wood seating areas, the design elements were meticulously selected to be welcoming and accessible to the community. Notably, the inclusion of a wildflower native pollinator mix aligns with the City and partners’ shared commitment to supporting local ecosystems and providing a haven for the birds and bees.

The completed park, which was designed and approved by the Parks and Trails Commission in 2014, includes public art, a plaza, an accessible elevator, tree groves, a meadow, an amphitheater, and integrates a hill climb to the north of the park to easily access the nearby light rail station.

To learn more about the project, visit redmond.gov/1979.

Homeless Hotel Will House 35-65% Adults With Local Community Ties

Redmond Silver Cloud Homeless Hotel
 credit Kirkland Reporter

King County is partnered with Redmond to provide emergency and permanent housing for up to 100 individuals experiencing, or at risk of chronic homelessness. Redmond's "Homeless Hotel" will open in early Winter 2024 after ramping down its temporary use for the refugee resettlement project. 

The Salvation Army was selected as operator in September 2023.  They will develop a gradual, phased approach for housing up to 100 individuals at this site. 

Q: Who will be considered to live in the building? 

A: The target population is adults whose income is at or below 30% of the area median and who are experiencing or at risk of chronic homelessness. 35-65% of units are prioritized for individuals with local community ties. 

Q: Will the building have 24/7 staffing? 

A: All Health Through Housing buildings have 24/7 on-site support staff and comprehensive, wraparound services, including: • Employment navigators • Behavioral health services available on-site • Connection to physical and behavioral health care • Assistance in enrolling in Apple Health and other public benefits 

Q: Will The Salvation Army provide these services? 

A: The Salvation Army will provide property management and 24/7 support staffing services in-house. The Salvation Army will also partner with King County’s Department of Community and Human Services and local service providers to provide the wraparound services. 

Q: Will there be security? 

A: The Redmond Homeless Hotel will have experienced, 24/7 on-site staff who are trained in trauma-informed care, crisis support, and de-escalation techniques. As an evidence-based model, permanent supportive housing does not feature security guard services, but it does call for clinically trained staff to be on-site and on-duty around the clock. Further, The Salvation Army will be responsible for developing a Safety and Security Plan as required by Redmond Zoning Code 

Redmond Homeless Hotel Opens Early 2024

Silver Cloud Homeless Hotel
credit Kirkland Reporter

Today, King County Department of Community and Human Services announced the selection of an operator for the Health Through Housing building (AKA Homeless Hotel) in Redmond. The building now moves into the next phase of implementation before opening by early 2024.

The Salvation Army will provide 24/7 onsite operations at the building beginning in 2024. The Salvation Army is a long-standing regional provider of emergency shelter and long-term housing assistance. Throughout the COVID-19 emergency, The Salvation Army worked directly with King County on emergency relief and continues to be a partner in serving people experiencing, or at risk of chronic homelessness.

The Salvation Army brings expertise in creating stability for people experiencing homelessness through strategies, including street outreach and diversion, utility and food assistance, housing programs, and connection to integrated physical and behavioral health care. They will begin hiring staff to provide a range of 24/7 services and support for the new residents. The operator, alongside King County and the City of Redmond, will also engage with local area residents, city leaders, and businesses before occupancy. The first meet and greet will take place in late October.

Last year, the Redmond Health Through Housing building was used to temporarily provide a place for displaced refugees to stay from Afghanistan. From May through December, nearly 800 refugees received temporary housing, resettlement support, and connection to community. Of those who participated, 97 percent secured permanent housing. 

-- C.O.R. Press Release, 10/4/2023

Redmond's Downtown Building Designs

Redmond 2100 ??

The city wants to talk about Downtown architectural and building designs for new development. Help them plan the buildings of 2050.  The 23-acre Nelson downtown village stands out. Townhouses and triplexes are planned for the residential neighborhoods.  Overlake-south will have two new villages.  

Tell the city what you like and don’t like in architectural and building designs.  23 building designs are displayed for your opinion and comment.  Add your own ideas for Downtown buildings and comment on the designs.

The city will use your feedback to develop Downtown’s design standards for new development.  Give your feedback here.  

Questions?  Principal Planner, Kimberly Dietz, kdietz@redmond.gov, 425-556-2415

Posted by Yoder

Overlake: A Three Building Project Totaling 22 Stories

 

Overlake East - three building project - Videos HERE.

The combined site for MGP XII Overlake East is approximately 6.1 acres in size and is fronted by NE 24th Street to the south, 152nd Ave NE — a linear neighborhood core with main street character to the west.  Directly to the north/northeast of the site, King County Housing Authority operates the Village at Overlake Station, which is co-located with the Overlake Transit Center and Metro Park & Ride. 

Overlake Center shopping mall, Macy’s mattress store, Mayuri Foods, TruDental of Redmond, and a variety of retail and restaurant businesses will be torn down. 

The application proposes a Master Plan for a four-building development to be constructed in three phases: 

• Phase 1 includes Building A, located on the north parcel, to consist of an eight-story mixed use building. 

• Phase 2 includes Buildings B and C, located on the corner parcel, to consist of a seven story mixed use building (Building B) and a seven story multifamily building (Building C).

REDMOND BLOG EDITORIAL: Carol Helland, Redmond's Urban Planner Extraordinaire

 

Carol Helland, Director of Planning & Community Development 

The complexity and demands of  Director Helland's job don't compare to Directors of the past. Should the Mayor hire a Deputy of Planning Services?

From observations, I believe Carol Helland, the city's Director of Planning & Community Development is the most influential government executive in Redmond. She oversees land use permitting, is Administrator of the Technical Committee, of Public Notice, Code Administrator, oversees the Design Review Board, and director of Human Services among other high level responsibilities. 

Mayor Birney and Council rely heavily on Helland for her understanding of Washington's Growth Management recommendations and requirements. Her flexible use of building codes shape the form, function and character of downtown Redmond, Overlake Urban Center and our gentrifying neighborhoods. Carol negotiates Development agreements with the Mayor and co-approves project permits with Public Works. (A 22-acre Development agreement for NELSON Legacy's downtown Village was inked; RTC is on deck with others to come.)  

Director Helland recently hired Seraphie Allen as Deputy Director of Planning & Community Development.  Already, Deputy Allen's job responsibilities are to communicate with OneRedmond, work with Director Helland's Redmond 2050 Long Range Planning Team, and guide the Mayor's Planning Commission volunteers.  These roles have the ring of a new title, perhaps "deputy director of community development."

The complexity and demands of Ms. Helland's job don't compare to Directors of the past.  Though outside the HR box, the Mayor might possibly assign a second Deputy Director, one for "Planning services" the other for "Community development?"  Ms. Helland is Redmond's Urban Planner extraordinaire and needs all the help she can get. Once Mayor Birney actively teams up with Helland, fewer mistakes will be made and we'll have a more livable Redmond. 

For answers on how you can make Redmond a better community, email Heather at: info@redmond.gov. She's the city's Customer Experience Coordinator and an excellent resource.  Her phone is 425-556-2900.   

Let's make Redmond better together.

-- Bob Yoder

   Editor, Reporter and Scribbler, Redmond Neighborhood Blog    

   1/21/2023

For the Director Helland's job description....

420 Residential Dwellings in Overlake Under Review

Two buildings 8 and 9 stories tall

The Modera Bel-Red Development in Overlake consists of approximately 420 residential dwelling units with subterranean and wrapped parking in 2 buildings separated by fire walls is located within 0.4 miles from the future light rail station. The location is within walking distance to amenities such as a Highland Middle School, grocery stores and eateries.

THE SITE:  A one-story strip mall is located to the east, a one-story Dollar Tree and K-1 Indoor Go Kart Racing is located to the south and a four-story mixed-use building is located to the west. The site is currently developed with a one-story commercial building housing a furniture store and a two-story office building, both of which are surrounded by surface parking and parking lot landscaping

This project holds significance to this area as the project will be the one of the first Overlake projects to develop on this block along Bel-Red Road and will set a precedence for future development in the area. 

Source:  Design Review Board.

Posted by Bob Yoder, 10/24/2022

UPDATED OPINION: Big Possibilities For Redmond's Overlake Urban Center

 

Redmond is trying to do something like this. Woodinville, above is designing some attractive buildings and open places for pedestrians and bicycles. These buildings are next to City Hall.  Notice the wide sidewalks with lighting and landscaping on either side. The corridor is an alley.  

###

I'm one of the few in Redmond that actually listen in to the Planning Commission meetings. [I think the city is working them too hard.] The commissioners studied the "Urban Pathway" concept last night.  Elements are 12-foot wide sidewalks with 8-feet of landscaping on either side.  The sidewalks have lighting and are intended for pedestrians (not scooters.)  They will connect to plazas.  Setbacks weren't discussed.  A favorite commissioner, Tara Van Niman was very positive about alleys.  She said they draw people in and are perfect for cafes and pubs.  

Urban Pathways are intended only for the Overlake Urban Center area. The planners missed their calling for the downtown. Very sad.  However, the concept could be applied for the Nelson Legacy Village and Redmond Town Center. 

###

SHOCKING!  Currently, Overlake is zoned 12 stories.   Now the city is seriously looking at 30-story  heights for Overlake, in the vicinity of Sears, as noted in the 9/7/2022 PC meeting.  

Laugh at me if you will, but could the 30-story rezone be attributed to downtown seismic conditions as described on one of my posts by a blog reader?  

Well put Bob! We discussed this at length during one of the planning meetings for the Redmond 2050 planning process. Most of us felt that due to the aquifer and the risk of earthquakes we need to push more of the development into the Overlake and surrounding areas. However some of the surrounding areas are at risk for landslides. There’s no perfectly safe space, but losing her aquifer because the building collapses into it would be catastrophic for Redmond. Thank you for responding, I am also being more aware of the various buildings going up near downtown. I feel like we don’t get enough of a notice. I think the city should be required to send notices to a wider area for each project. There are projects that are Amir two blocks from me that I have not received information for. Be alert citizenry and reach out

Jeff Churchill, the intelligent Long Range Planning Manager went back and forth with the commissioners on how the three major master planned developers in Overlake would respond well to a 30-story rezone.  (Sears, Limited Edition, and Seratige)  It appears the city is encouraging the three to wait for the 30-story rezone; especially Sears. Is the push to densify Overlake attributed to the seismic conditions of our shallow downtown aquifer?  Council Member Dr. Jeralee Anderson would be a good one to ask.  She has a PhD in Civil Engineering.  

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 9/28/2022

City Council Makes Final Decision On "Homeless Hotel" And Similar Low Income Housing Accommodations

Redmond's Silver Cloud Homeless Hotel (Komo)

In their Business meeting on February 1st, Council deliberated and voted on regulation issues of the Silver Cloud "homeless hotel," and similar *types of low income housing.  

The Redmond hotel borders Bellevue neighborhoods, a pre-school and small businesses. Bellevue's George B. emerged as the spokesman-activist for the protesters. They were highly organized. 

Last Tuesday George B. spoke, with Mayor Birney giving him extra time.  Apparently, roughly 85% of the homeless residents will be from outside Redmond.

Throughout this painful months-long drama rarely did I hear of Councilmembers visiting the Bellevue businesses other than CM Fields and possibly CM Forsythe.   

However, last night Councilmember Jeralee Anderson was the star.  CM Anderson met with George B. the day previous.  She was all ears as he explained his expectations for "no negative outcomes."  George complimented Jeralee as "astute and thoughtful."  He called her "a gifted politician."  CM Anderson's connection with George should be vital to the success of this social experiment. 

CM Anderson verified permanent that homeless housing doesn't have to be located in hotels alone.  The housing can go where hotels are permitted, not necessarily built.  

CM Steve Fields was bothered by feelings of lack of trust between Council and the Executive branch.  Time and again he asks for greater Council oversight powers.  CM David Carson asked Planning Director Carol Helland to add context to the amendment to help Mr. Fields.  Ms. Helland, with her depth of knowledge addressed all the questions; she's brilliant. 

It's important to know the County will require additional "homeless hotels," possibly as frequent as every two years.  Thus, separation of permanent supportive housing and other types of emergency low income housing need spacing for density issues.  The Planning Commission recommended half mile (2641') separation between  "homeless hotel" housing types.  Vice President Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer recommended separation of no less than 1,500 feet. The vote was YES for 1,500 feet (Kritzer, Forsythe, Kahn, Stewart.) 

An amendment fixes the hotel occupancy to 100.  CM Anderson suggested greater latitude. Council voted YES 7-0.  

HB 1220 required amendments to Redmond Code, thus, Council's deliberations.  Although *permanent supportive housing, *transitional housing, *indoor emergency housing, and *indoor emergency shelters are allowed  under our Redmond Zoning Code, it does not define nor clarify the provisions through which  are mandated consistent with HB 1220 requiring amendments to current Redmond regulations.

Bob Yoder, OPINION, 2/3/2022

Read More on HB 1220

The Development of Esterra Park Leveled A Forest To Provide Needed Microsoft Housing

SHORT VIDEO OF ESTERRA PARK, THE ESTERRA APARTMENTS. AND OFFICE SPACE -- Worth every minute

Many posts on the controversial deforestation of the land are here!

2600 apartment units / 6 communities 

285 rooms/ 2 hotels

Project Overview

Lincoln Properties (PARKSIDE) is designing three multifamily buildings on blocks 5, 6A and 9 of Esterra Park. Building “6A” on block 6A is proposed at six stories with 215 homes. Building “A” is proposed as an eight-story building with 212 homes that straddles blocks 5 and 9. Building “B” is also on blocks 5 and 9. It is proposed as two buildings connected by enclosed walkways, with heights of five and six stories and 231 homes. The north portion of Building “B” faces the Park at Esterra Park.

Project Overview

The project (white structure on right) incorporates a 7-story office building with 3-levels of underground parking featuring a new access road with fire truck and utility access. (The white structure on the left is lodging.)

Project Number:  LAND-2018-00817

Project Overview

Avalon Bay Communities is designing a six-story, 330-home building on block 8 of Esterra Park. Block 8 is across NE Turing Street from the Park at Esterra Park site. The design for the building includes a ground-level courtyard that opens to the side facing the park.

Project Overview

As part of the Esterra Park Master Plan, Capstone Partners is designing a 2.67-acre publicly-accessible park. After completing design of the park, Capstone will construct, own and maintain the park. Early in 2014, Capstone solicited input on park design and presented a design to the Parks and Trails Commission in June and August 2014. Capstone presented a park design to the City Council in August 2014. Elements in the current design include: 

• Hill climb
• Meadow
• An open green
• Overlook
• Plazas
• Terraced garden
• Tree groves

-- Esterra websites, 12/20/2021

Redmond's "Verde Esterra Park" Is 644 Units With A Bicycle Shop

 

Overlake's Verde Esterra Park to open January, 2022 / Yoder, 12/17/2021

The vision
Capstone designed the park and ran it past Council and Parks & Trails Commission.  The City won't maintain it. 

The last phase of Esterra Park, the 28-acre mixed-use redevelopment of an old hospital property (Group Health) in Redmond, will be carbon neutral. This phase includes an office building leased to Microsoft, which has a stated goal of operating as a carbon negative company by 2030, more than 600 apartments and the overall project's centerpiece, a 3-acre park.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Verde at Esterra Park is a 634-unit residential development located in the Overlake community of Redmond, WA. The property abuts a 2.6-acre park and offers easy access to the region’s largest employer and to public transit. Verde at Esterra Park features 34,000 SF of outdoor amenity space, including two courtyards, two rooftop decks, and a central mews. Interior amenities include a collaborative working space and an on-premise bike shop. Bike-friendly facilities and easy access to public transit help reduce residents’ dependence on vehicles.

Verde at Esterra Park takes the site’s challenging grade and transforms it into a celebrated feature, with unique stepping of the building masses mimicking the natural landforms and patterns of the Sammamish Valley. The development’s folded planes maximize solar exposure for units and frame memorable vignettes of the park and surrounding context. Amenity spaces and exterior courtyards are located adjacent to the park to enable interaction with nature.

-- Runberg Architecture Group

Website information:  "If you could design your own park, (Esterra Park) what would you include? Exercise, music, food trucks, restaurant pop-ups, gathering spots, a comfortable work area, green space? We agree with you. When completed in 2022, The Park will have all that and more."

Yoder, 12/17/2021

8-story Modera Overlake's Plaza Is A "Crown Jewel"

Modera Overlake / Apartments.com

The site is approximately 1.41 acres in size and is located on the southwest corner of Bel-Red Road and NE 21 Street, in Overlake. Currently, this would be the first Redmond redevelopment along Bel-Red road, in Overlake Village. (15260 & 15248 Bell Red.)

The proposal is to construct an 8-story mixed-use apartment building with approximately 288 residential units and approximately 3,500 square feet of ground floor commercial space.

The development is proposed to have four levels of parking; two & half below grade and one and a half above grade. 

The applicant is proposing an 8-story building, which is possible in this zone with the use of various incentive techniques, including the plaza dedication, subterranean parking, and provide housing above the minimum required. Why doesn't the Planning Department incent with a "green roof?"

Modera Overlake will set the design direction and tone for this neighborhood for years to come. Staff believes that this project has done a good job in breaking up the massing of the overall building by creating two unique facades on NE 21st and Bel-Red Road. Staff believes that the bold design and brick façade will create a building that differentiates itself from other mid-rises in the area. The corner (above) creates a simple gateway that helps highlight the commercial space and provides ample pedestrian zone next the busy road. The plaza design will be a jewel in the crown of the overall project and will be a great example of what other pocket parks throughout the community can be. 

-- Design Review Board pre-application meeting memo, 8/15/2019

Abridged by Yoder, 12/17/2021

Photo, City of Redmond

OPINION: How Will Lake Washington School District Adapt To Our Rapid Growth?

I've been reporting on Redmond's downtown growth for over a year.  Growth has been massive with still no end in sight. On brief count, 2025 dwelling units are approved for construction in Redmond this year. (This, not counting SE Redmond where schools are planned on a $25 M. parcel and burgeoning Overlake Urban Center.) How can Lake Washington School District adapt to this growth?  Drastic measures may be required. Unfortunately, few of the thousands of new dwelling units are family-friendly 3-BR.  

I'm concerned newly-built schools will require building UP to accommodate this growth. Sad for the disruption to educators and the students; distressing for the community taxpayers.  Also, newly built schools are more expensive since the State doesn't fund new construction.

Below, is a sampling of Redmond's downtown growth:

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2021/11/redmond-center-8-story-twin-towers-to.html 

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2021/11/5-story-apartment-project-proposed-near.html

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2021/11/376-unit-development-planned-for.html

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2021/09/project-one-will-dislocate-three-small.html

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2021/07/lamenting-about-downtown-redmond.html

Does Kirkland have a similar problem?

-- Bob Yoder, 11/30/2021

Buffering Between The "Homeless Hotel" and "Others" In Redmond Isn't Possible

Silver Cloud Inn, Redmond, WA.

On November 23, 2021, Director Carol Helland of Planning and Community Development gave an excellent presentation to Council on the Homeless Hotel "Occupancy Agreement" between Redmond and King County.  

The agreement governs five areas to which the Operator (hotel manager) will give input.

• Program rules
• Code of conduct
• Safety and security
• Parking management 
• Community relations plan

CM Carson wanted to make sure Case Managers would be present.  He wanted background checks.  Director Helland said there was something similar to a background check; it sounded more thorough. Carson asked for heightened coordination between Redmond Fire/Police and Bellevue Fire/Police.  It's State law that sex offenders, released criminals, evicted are welcome in "low barrier permanent supportive housing."

Director Helland said not all 144 rooms will be used.  They need to reserve some rooms for repair and remodeling.  Communal kitchenets are planned, though with uncertainty.  

CM Kistler brought up the question of car camping. Director Helland noted there will be a second parking lot for safety.  

CM Anderson noted a need for Human Services and Planning Commission input.  The Planning Commission will present the final ordinance to council.  

Don't quote me, but there's apparently a high demand for homeless hotels in Puget Sound and we have to do our share."  The sad news is buffers and 5-mile separations between "permanent supportive hotels" won't work owing to Redmond's small geographic size.  The Planning Commission's ordinance decision could address this problem.

It's anticipated the Operator will be chosen in February, 2022.

--Bob Yoder, 11/24/2021

  Source:  Facebook LIVE, 7PM Council Business Meeting

  Redmond Health Through Housing

King County Aims To Mandate 30-Day Notice Before Re-purposing Hotels For Homeless Shelters

SafeEastside.com

County Councilmember Dunn aims to mandate public comment, 30-day notice before King County can re-purpose hotels into homeless shelters. 

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn on Tuesday introduced an ordinance that would require King County to notify the public before purchasing a hotel for use as a homeless shelter, supported housing, or similar housing option.

“It is not good government for King County to make hugely impactful land use decisions by siting large homeless shelters without first providing full transparency to the public. The impacted communities, including residents and the municipal governments that represent them must all have a chance to provide public comment in advance of the decision being unilaterally made by King County,” Dunn said. “My legislation provides a simple fix to that problem by putting it in King County code that the government must notify the public before siting a shelter in their community.”

Dunn’s legislation would provide the opportunity for public comment in advance of all such purchases by requiring a public notice to be circulated in a local newspaper at least 30 days before the purchase takes place in order to inform the impacted community of the location of the property; the purpose for which King County intends to use it; the funding source proposed the purchase it; information on how the public may provide comment; and the name and phone number of the King County person of contact.

Highlights From The City's New "Homeless Hotel" Website

 

One of my wishes is the Operator use the homeless
hotel's whirlpool for rehabilitation and therapy.  Internet

 

Did the City recruit the County to locate the Silver Cloud  facility in Redmond?

No, the City did not seek out the Silver Cloud facility in Redmond.

When did the Mayor’s Office make City Council aware of this program in Redmond?

City Council was made aware of the new legislation supporting this type of program through a variety of 2020 and 2021 legislative updates by the City’s lobbyist. **Mayor Birney called each of Redmond’s seven City Council members on Tuesday, July 6, to notify them of the County’s purchase and intended use of the Silver Cloud Inn in Redmond.

When did the City learn about the County’s desire to locate a homeless facility in Redmond?

In spring 2021, King County informed the City that they were actively exploring locations in Redmond and in late May 2021, Redmond was made aware of the County’s intent to purchase the Silver Cloud Inn. **As this was a private real estate transaction, it was kept confidential, as requested. Redmond first became aware of this potential type of program early in the 2020 legislative session. The City has continued to follow this since the State Legislature passed House Bill 1590 in 2020, which allowed jurisdictions to enact a 0.1% sales tax to finance construction of affordable housing and behavioral health facilities and operations or services supportive of affordable housing residents. In 2020, Executive Constantine proposed, and the County Council approved, this dedicated sales tax. In 2021, the State Legislature passed House Bill 1070, which clarified acquisition of property as an eligible use of these funds.

Will the City consider making it illegal to camp or sleep outside in public spaces?

The City passed ordinance 2911 in 2018 which prohibits camping and storage of personal property in parks, public spaces, and on publicly-owned property when overnight shelter space is available.

Will the City forbid use of drugs and alcohol at the Silver Cloud HTH facility?

The City will provide the same policing and uphold the same safety protocols regarding drugs and alcohol as is provided throughout the community. HTH residents will be considered tenants under Washington State landlord/tenant law and as such will have specific rights with regards to their leased space, which are consistent with the rights all tenants have throughout the city. King County will provide a code of conduct that residents must agree upon to remain housed at the facility.

Will the City be involved in choosing and monitoring an operator for the facility?

Yes. ***The City will participate in the evaluation and selection of the facility operators.

Source:  Redmond.gov/hth (City's homeless hotel website)

**  CM Forsythe and Fields griped in last night's Study session they were notified too late so couldn't participate in the decision-making.**  I'm not so sure about that.

*** CM David Carson said his energy will be put into finding a suitable operator. Thank you David.  One of my wishes is the operator use the whirlpool for rehabilitation and therapy.  

CM Varisha Kahn was not at either meeting to comment.

-- Bob Yoder 9/29/2021

Redmond's Homeless Hotel - A Recovery Resource

 National Recovery Month 

In the September 7th Business council meeting Mayor Birney proclaimed September as National Recovery Month.   Immediately afterwards, during "Items From The Audience," over 15 individuals vehemently spoke against the Silver Cloud Homeless Hotel, some even challenging Mayor Birney. They were bothered by poor notice, poor information on how the hotel will operate, it's location near 12 schools, absence of long and short term goals, and other issues. Unfortunately, the hotel will be low barrier. 

Stigmatism of the mentally ill at the meeting was at an all time high. The importance of consistent medical pharmaceutical treatment was barely addressed.  Hotel shelter and socialization with case managers would provide a safe environment to reliably facilitate medical management.  

In each weekly report I will address one mental health and/or substance abuse topic relevant to the Homeless Hotel.  My first topic is the mentally ill and "acts of violence":

SUMMARY:

1. Most individuals with serious mental illness are not dangerous.
2. Most acts of violence are committed by individuals who are not mentally ill.
3. Individuals with serious mental illness are victimized by violent acts more often than they commit violent acts.
4. Being a young male or a substance abuser (alcohol or drugs) is a greater risk factor for violent behavior than being mentally ill.
5. No evidence suggests that people with serious mental illness receiving effective treatment are more dangerous than individuals in the general population.

That being said, a small number of individuals with serious mental illnesses commit acts of violence. Individuals who are not being treated commit almost all acts of violence; many of them also abusing alcohol or drugs.

Source: "Treatment Advocacy Center"

-- Bob Yoder, 9/13/2021

Redmond Light Rail Station Art

The two images on the left @ Overlake Village Station
 Three images on the right @ Redmond Technology Station 

When light rail begins servicing Redmond’s Overlake neighborhood in 2023, riders will experience more than fast, convenient connections throughout the region. Sound Transit commissioned four artists for the Overlake Village Station and Redmond Technology Station.

-- redmond.gov

The commissioned art is paid by the City of Redmond.  You are looking at five different images.

Growth Is Exploding At Overlake Urban Center

Of course, one of the best measures of growth in Redmond is the number of cranes. If you squint how many cranes do you see? (I count six.)  Overlake is laden with cranes from the construction of light rail and the "Microsoft Refresh."  

Microsoft Refresh

Photo Yoder

5/21/2020

UPDATED: Exciting Art Planned for Overlake Village

In the October 1st Council Committee meeting some exciting news was reviewed about two large-scale Overlake Village art projects in the vicinity of 152nd Ave. NE.

152nd Ave NE  is planned to become the main street, pedestrian and retail focused corridor in Overlake Village that connects Bellevue, the bus transit center, two city parks and the Overlake Village Light Rail Station.  Bike/Pedestrian and Gateway art are planned.

Gateway "wall art" is planned for the corner of 152nd Ave. NE and 124th Street S.to welcome travelers coming to Redmond by light rail. Council member David Carson (running for re-election) recommended focusing the art on the north wall to greet the incoming light rail travelers. Parks Committee Chair Councilmember Hank Myers (also running for re-election) was concerned  the current SW and NW walls would be cut into existing properties, like Goodwill. He was re-assured the walls would remain at the same level, that it was more of a Department of Transpiration issue, not affecting art. Staff assured council the art wall will be small and fit well with the landscape design.

The Bike/Pedestrian SR520 Bike/Ped bridge to Microsoft has exciting large scale art in the design stage. It's a square tunnel decorated with tiles made, by a robot. with rainbow colors arched over the tunnel and two rows of palm trees leading up to the tunnel. Staff coined it "a celebration of the LGBPQ community." Staff assured Mr. Myers and Mr. Margeson tagging with graffiti wouldn't be a problem.

I was put off staff labeled and pigeonholed this art as they did. Personally, it made me feel happy like I was heading off from our dreary weather to a vacation in Florida. Council President Angela Birney (running for Mayor) thought it was cool too.  Councilmember Steve Fields asked what inspired the City to install it as is?  He referenced his knowledge of art in Santa Clara.  

Hank Meyers said he has a lesbian daughter but Redmond had many other cultural opportunities; that LGBPQ didn't represent our greater community.  Staff answered that Redmond already has a diversity of art! Can you believe it?!  He and Councilmember Steve Fields (running for mayor ) were disappointed by the poor public notice, saying community feedback was insufficient. I agree! Staff responded with a very weak response, referencing: an arts commission review, a 2013 "public process,"  a 2015 survey and a hearing in 2014.

The total budget for this public art project is $180,000, including a one percent allocation from the project. As usual, Steve Fields brought up the budget. $90,000 was spent on the tiles through a $32,000 grant and the general fund bringing the city over-budget. Councilmember Hank Margeson (running for council) said adjustments to the general fund weren't unusual. He appeared to be the go-to man for knowledge on city finances.

-- Bob Yoder