Showing posts with label affordable housing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label affordable housing. Show all posts

Monday, March 11, 2024

UPDATED: 3/14/2024: "SafeEastside" Activists Demand "A Say" On Downtown Homeless Housing

 

 

Blue signs objecting to downtown homeless housing suddenly appeared all over Redmond's downtown today (3/12) including this one at Anderson Park.   

Council did not engage with the public before their Plymouth decision to house100 homeless and low income people in Redmond's downtown.  According to Planning Director Helland, a public Hearing wasn't required; and "comment periods" were tabled in the rush to qualify for funding. Thus, SafeEastside activists are demanding "a Say." 

Various ways to engage: 

  • Phone or email Council President Vanessa Kritzer (and other councilmembers.)  Request an appointment with her. Councilmember Kritzer holds office hours. 425-305-9892.
  • Phone or email Councilmember Melissa Stewart. 425-305-9892. She holds walk-in office hours at the library, 3 - 5 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month.   
  • Every other week on Tuesday's at 7:00 p.m. the public has a 3-minute opportunity to address the Council, Mayor and Staff and at City Hall.   
  • Email: the Mayor, Council or Carol Helland, Director of Planning & Community Development at MayorCouncil@Redmond.gov.  
  • Contact Councilmember Steve Fields, the senior member of Council.  He owns a coffee shop in Redmond and might meet you there. 425-403-9476.
  • Reach out to Mayor Birney.  

-- Posted by Bob Yoder, 3/12/2024, Updated 3/13  Photo: Yoder

A controversial low-barrier homeless hotel will open in the Overlake neighborhood by late Spring.  What kind of human services will be offered and well received?

Friday, March 8, 2024

Letter To The Editor: Disabled Residents Shouldn't Be Left Homeless On Our Streets

Councilmember Osman Salahuddin

From the desk of Redmond Councilmember Osman Salahuddin...

Bob, I believe that you and I fundamentally agree that we don’t want our seniors, veterans, and residents with disabilities to be homeless and living on the streets. They deserve to be able to live in their community and have the help that they need to get by. 

Because of this agreement, our Council has spent a great deal of time addressing this decision. Because I take my responsibility to you as your Councilmember very seriously, I have personally been looking directly into the data about our city in guiding my decision. I’d like to share some of what I’ve learned with you to further our discussion about this important issue.

 

What I’ve learned about our City of Redmond (see data links below for verification):

  • 3,916 of our neighbors are earning less than $15,000 annually (at or below Federal poverty line);
  • 6,401 of our neighbors are living with a disability, some of which impacts their earning ability;
  • 7,502 of our neighbors are seniors ages 65+, some of whom cannot afford the rising cost of living;
  • 1,913 of our neighbors are veterans, many of whom are part of those earning less than $15,000;
  • These are Our community members, who need Our help to stay housed and safe.

 

The intention of the 100 units of permanent supportive housing that Plymouth is offering our community is to house (in the downtown) our seniors, our veterans, and our residents living with disabilities. To add to this, we have an incredible shortage of housing at all levels, so to meet the needs of our own residents – specifically – for safe and healthy places to live, we need to provide housing opportunities for people at or below the adjusted median income of $30,000 annually. The location will be ideal for folks who are experiencing disabilities with its proximity to the Light Rail station. 

Monday, March 4, 2024

"Beat the Bunny" Event, AND MORE!


The city says...

(Ages 6+) Join us on March 30th for our annual Beat the Bunny 5K race, a fun, family-friendly event! Whether you run, walk, stroll, hop, or beat the bunny, everyone wins a prize. The race also includes a FREE kids' dash at 9:30 a.m., prior to the start of the 5K race at 10 a.m.

The race starts from the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village located at 6505 176th Ave NE Redmond, WA 98052. Parking is available at the community center parking lot and surrounding side streets. The start/finish line will be directly behind the community center with an out and back route running thru the scenic Marymoor Park.

Scroll down to register .....and to find important city news and information, including the May opening of the Senior & Community Center, and the decision to house homeless in our Downtown.  

Posted by Yoder, 3/4/24

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Updated: Council Explains Decision for Housing Homeless Downtown


The New Plymouth Housing building in Bellevue.  Redmond's building will be 6-stories.
Credit "Seattle Times."  Read their article!

from the desk of Jessica Forsythe, City Council Vice President...

Neighbors, thank you for reaching out to Redmond City Council regarding the recent Plymouth Housing decision to permanently house homeless and low income residents in downtown Redmond. I am responding as the Ombuds for the month of February. 

Council and the Planning Commission spent many months studying data and developing code around Permanent Supportive Housing in 2021 and 2022 with community concerns and feedback being taken into consideration all along the way.

Some items of note are:

  • Plymouth Housing is not a homeless shelter, it is a downtown six-story supportive housing home for those who qualify.
    • To qualify for a home at this location one must:
      • be for those exiting homelessness
      • earn less than $30,000 a year (0-30% of the Average Median Income)
      • may not be a lifetime registered sex offender (all state laws regarding sex offenders registration notification are applicable)
      • may not have certain drug-related convictions
      • this project is not restricted to only those living with disabilities
    • Tenants are required to apply, be screened and selected for approval, sign a lease and abide by it just like anyone else entering into a lease
    • Per our regulations, Plymouth Housing only allows up to 100 housing units. This regulation was in direct response to community concerns that Plymouth Housing is able to adequately provide services for those exiting homelessness and low-income residents. 
  • Plymouth Housing is not a safe injection or safe consumption site.
    • To quote Redmond Police Chief Lowe “Illegal things are still illegal.”
  • Plymouth Housing will enter into an Operational Agreement with the City which includes:
    • Performance expectations and oversite of the Plymouth Housing Operator
    • Rules and Code of Conduct
    • Safety and Security Plan
    • Neighborhood Relations and Community Engagement.

In the development of these plans, Plymouth Housing and their CEO will seek participants and host community stakeholder groups. The Council will be consulted on the final plans / agreements as required. 

The City completed a Housing Needs Assessment which you can read here: https://www.redmond.gov/DocumentCenter/View/25992/Housing_Needs_Assessment_Feb_2021

Additionally, through the city's study and review, Redmond’s affordable housing allocation needs (calculated by the King County Department of Community and Human Services) are 3,694 units of Permanent Supportive for the homeless and low income and 7,025 units in the "Average Median Income" range. 

Jessica Forsythe (she/her)

Council Vice President & Member, City of Redmond

With redactions and edits for clarity and opinion, by Bob Yoder, 43-year resident of Redmond, WA.  2/29/2024


Wednesday, February 14, 2024

UPDATED, 3/14/2024: Council Approves Downtown Homeless Housing Project



As you see from the video, the Council's February 13th Special Meeting in Redmond City Hall was packed, mostly by residents opposing a city-owned land transfer to Plymouth Housing to provide homeless housing in our downtown core (not far from Anderson Park.)   

In the meeting, Council approved the land transfer to Plymouth 5 -1 (Anderson)* to build permanent, low-barrier, supportive housing for over 100 homeless - many with disabilities and some elderly.  Estimated cost:  $40 million.  

The homeless will be housed in a 6-story building with ground floor commercial space on 16725 Cleveland Street next to the Computer Surplus and close to a new high-end apartment building, once finished.  Construction will begin in 2005 with completion expected by 2007.  The City is chipping in $3.2 million towards the building.      

Plymouth Housing, the nonprofit homeless provider, originally asked the City of Kenmore to site 100 homeless housing units but Kenmore Council members voted 4 - 3 against.  So the "ask" was passed onto the City of Redmond, and was readily accepted by Council without a public comment period or Hearing.  Under pressure from the residents, Council President Vanessa Kritzer promised "a robust review." suggesting "Items from the Audience" as the venue.  

Some background:  In 2019, the City proactively purchased this land for affordable housing to for $5.5 million.  The City also set aside $10 million in anticipation. The public wasn't informed, nor was there study by Planning Commission on the purchase.

* Councilmember Steve Fields was absent; CM Jessica Forsythe presented his comments at the meeting.     

-- Bob Yoder, 2/14/2024

Twitter @ Kenmore reactions/ - Johnathan Choe, journalist

The Planning Commission seemed in the dark on Plymouth; the Chair asked Director Helland for an explanation of what Plymouth does for affordable housing. Her response was short and nebulous.

Monday, June 12, 2023

Affordable Housing Progress In Redmond

A multifamily property tax exemption (MFTE) program is authorized in chapter 84.14 RCW. in Redmond for the purpose of encouraging the production of affordable housing. 

Redmond offers an 8- year and 12-year property tax exemption program to developers to encourage affordable housing.  The 8-year program has been very successful. As of the first quarter of 2023, there are 5 constructed and occupied market-rate projects in the 8-year MFTE program, which contain 134 affordable units. 

To date, no market-rate developer has used the 12-year exemption. For the 12-year exemption, state statute requires that 20% of homes be affordable. Redmond requires this housing to be affordable between 60% and 85% of area median income. A pilot program would adjust those limits to between 80% and 115% as allowed by state statute to increase uptake of the 12-year exemption and thereby increase the supply of affordable homes.

-- Source:  Council Committee of the Whole memo, 6/12/2023

Sunday, July 31, 2022

UPDATED: Affordable, Pleasant Housing At "Friendly Village"

The Village is surrounded by nature.  
Restored Bear Creek runs through the Village. Homes on right / credit: Yoder
(click to enlarge)

I was kibitzing with long-time resident John Oftebro at the Derby Days Historical Society booth.  I found myself at a loss when the subject of the "Friendly Village" came up.  

Fast forward:  Last week, on a sweltering day Pam, I and Zoey took a ride to the Friendly Village.  Driving east on NE 95th Street (also known as Conrad Olsen Road on Google maps,) the Friendly Village, 55-plus mobile home park, immediately came into view. The Village opened in 1971.

I was surprised by the beautiful landscaping, an old growth tree, and the attractive, well-maintained homes.  The varied amenities include a common hall, fenced dog park, new pool, and salmon-bearing Bear Creek running through the 40-acre parcel.  

In the common hall, I bumped into Mary, a kind lady and long-time resident of the park.  She was selecting gleaned groceries from the food service area. 

I really enjoyed my conversation with Mary.  She pointed towards the creek saying the land was first a "wash" and later a turkey farm.  She is happy her home is creekside.  Mary said Ms. McRedmond, a descendent of the McRedmond founders used to live in the Village.  She now lives a bit east on Conrad Olsen Road. Mary suggested I knock on her door.  It's possible, Ms. McRedmond may still be going to the Redmond Cafe once a week.

The Village, including 224 pads, was purchased by the King County Housing Authority (KCHA) in 2017.  The Housing Authority apparently charges $850/month per pad. Some utilities are covered. The county also gets credits for housing seniors.  Mary said the Village is a "cash cow" for the county.

Village living is affordable, attractive, and green.  Home prices are roughly $90k - $375k (RMAX)  

-- Bob Yoder, 7/31/2022

EXTRA!  FOR SALMON WATCHERS:  The City of Redmond's NE 95th Street Bridge Bear Creek Enhancement Site  (excellent map.)  The Bridge is a great  place for viewing salmon (Sept.-Nov.) 

Friday, April 22, 2022

PATCH: Silver Cloud To Temporarily House Refugees

King County will temporally use Redmond's Silver Cloud Hotel to house refugees from Afghanistan and elsewhere.  The county plans to welcome the first guests to the hotel by the first week of May and will host them through September. 

King County Constantine's office said temporary use of the hotel will not impact the timeline for transforming the hotel into a supportive site for people experiencing long-term homelessness

-- Lucas Combos, PATCH, 4/21/2022  (excerpted and edited.)

Read the complete PATCH article here.

Monday, April 4, 2022

Kirkland Residents Suing City of Kirkland and King County Over Plans for "Homeless Hotel"

A group is suing the City of Kirkland and King County over the county’s plan to convert a Kirkland hotel to a permanent supportive housing site for people who are chronically homeless.

"Keep Kids Safe," a group of Kirkland residents and parents whose children attend schools near La Quinta Inn & Suites, allege in the lawsuit that city and county officials didn't hold public meetings that were required before King County bought the site in March.

King County paid $28.1 million for the 121-room building, according to the Department of community and Human Services, with money from Health Through Housing program financed by a 0.1-cent sales tax to buy hotels, motels and other sites with single rooms for emergency and permanent housing.

-- Paige Cornwell, reporter for the "Seattle Times," 4/4/2022
   The article is truncated and excerpted by Bob Yoder. 
   The entire article and a photo is here.





Wednesday, November 24, 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

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

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.

Monday, September 20, 2021

2021 Private Development -- Low Affordablity, High Commercial

Rendering of Redmond Square (facing light rail) ckos.com

Recap of Redmond Council's 9/14 Study session:

PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT: Summary: 1) excessive commercial space (office space; industrial; multi-family rentals; and retail.) 2) lack of affordable housing units.  
  • Of significance, Commercial Space grew 90% from last year.  7,500sf (2020) 77,912sf (2021)  The senior planner glazed over this; council didn't raise any questions. Redmond is becoming a retail desert.  Our planners should report retail statistics and be held accountable. 
  • Staff reported 58 Pre-Applications on all projects under review.  😩
  • Nelson "Project One,"  4,316 Sq ft Commercial proposed, 25 Affordable units,Woonerf and Open Space.
  • Redmond Square:  623 New units, only 62 affordable units, 30,000 Commercial SqFt Retail is getting shoved out.
  • Redmond Sunrise Apartments:  93 dwelling units. 2,000 SqFt Commercial (yes, more) Roof top activity deck and Car stackers. Innovative design! 
  • LMC South Marymoor Village: 284 Units, 28 low-cost affordble units. Why is 10% affordable units the city standard for all these projects?  Why not an extra story to incent 25% affordable?
  • The Spark, 217 Dwelling units, 12,800 Sqft proposed. Here we go again:  22 affordable units.
  • Proctor Willows:  195 Dwelling Units, 20 affordable,  22,000 Sq ft. commercial (yep) Trails/Public Art. (Yay)
  • NOTE:  President Padhye asked the Planning Director why 10% affordable units are so common in developments. The Director appeared to brush this aside saying the large projects have a higher percentage of affordable.  Why not an extra story to incent 25% affordable?
This clip was taken during Council's Private Development discussion in City Hall. CM Vanessa Kritzer is the first to speak.  She was concerned with the retail driven out of Redmond Square and other developments.  She thought shoppers may have to take light rail to get their things.  Council V.P. Jeralee Anderson asked Planning Director Carol Helland questions related to parking challenges.  Jaralee is up for re-election in November.  

Watch the video in full screen.  It makes a big difference.

 -- Bob Yoder, 9/20/2021 

Friday, July 16, 2021

King County Purchases Redmond Hotel For Housing Homeless

Photo credit:  Redmond Reporter
King County has purchased the former Silver Cloud Inn in Redmond, its fourth hotel purchase through the Health through Housing Initiative. King County Executive Dow Constantine joined Redmond Mayor Angela Birney and other guests at a news conference today to announce the $28.25 million purchase of the hotel, which will soon provide housing for up to 144 people experiencing homelessness.

"Across King County, communities are stepping up to the challenge of addressing chronic homelessness, and I am excited to partner with Mayor Birney and the City of Redmond on the next step of Health through Housing," said Executive Constantine. "Health Through Housing is built on partnerships to bring in our neighbors from off the street, and I’m thankful for Mayor Birney and the City to bring this vision to life for the people of King County."

The former Silver Cloud Inn in Redmond is located [near Microsoft] at 2122 152nd Ave. NE and is conveniently located near transportation options and other services. It was constructed in 1984 and contains 144 units and sits on approximately 1.94 acres.

Health through Housing is a regional approach to addressing chronic homelessness on a countywide scale. By the end of 2022, King County will partner with local jurisdictions to create up to 1,600 emergency housing and permanent supportive housing units for people experiencing chronic homelessness. The County is acquiring existing facilities, like the Silver Cloud Inn in Redmond, to quickly create housing that is dignified, protective and service enriched.

In addition to a room to call their own, the hotel will offer residents 24/7 onsite staffing that will include case management and access to physical and behavioral health services. A competitive process will determine the onsite service provider before the facility is operational later this year.

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

OneRedmond's housing initiative will help middle-income residents

Image result for middle-class housing image
Internet
"Middle-income residents are increasingly being priced out of communities in the greater Puget Sound area.

According to a recent report by "Challenge Seattle," home prices have risen nearly 60 percent in the past decade, three times the national growth rate. Housing prices are seven times the median income in King County, and nearly 40 percent of middle income households find themselves cost burdened by housing. The result is that a middle income household can no longer afford to rent, let alone buy, a home in most of the county’s zip codes. This, in turn, has implications for a community’s quality of life, workforce retention and attraction and overall vitality.

OneRedmond has responded to these challenges by launching a "Workforce Housing" initiative that has a goal of securing 1,000 units of workforce housing in Redmond in five years.

“Workforce housing” is housing that middle-income households could typically afford when earning 60–120 percent of the region’s median household income of $89,700 (i.e., $53,800 – $107,600). This initiative emphasizes taking intentional action to preserve existing workforce housing and increase the availability of new workforce housing by increasing opportunities for land for housing construction; streamlining regulatory and other requirements that impact housing construction costs, and supporting creation of financing mechanisms to support workforce housing options."

Source: Redmond Council Study Session memo, 2/26/19

Thursday, January 19, 2012

UPDATED: Bloodmobile in Redmond closes early due to storm - 7 pints collected

Bloodmobile has "room for five"
 A serious shortage of blood at the Puget Sound Blood Bank was announced by the city yesterday and today.   One of their bloodmobile's drove up from Tukwilla (said  traffic on 405 was the worst) and parked outside the Police Safety Building.   They were in operation from 10a.m. to 1p.m. and collected from no more than seven donors.  That would be 7 pints.  They were supposed to be open til 4p.m. but left early owing to the roads.

I ran into an old acquaintance giving blood, Art Sullivan.  Art's the Executive Director of  the A Regional Coalition of Housing. (ARCH).  He's got a really cool website that was just updated with a new category on Senior housing options.

Even with the shortened hours and ongoing snowfall, I thought there'd be more than seven donors.  The city advertised the blood drive on their website, by email, and press release.  Are city communicatons getting through?  It was a while since I gave blood and I barely noticed the needle.  It felt good to give ha ha!  The staff were nice, with juice and cookies afterwards!  

Updated Opinion By Bob Yoder
Photo was taken by bloodmobile staff

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

7% net job loss in 2010 won't affect Redmond housing targets.

Housing targets unchanged
by 2010  job losses
UPDATED:  Last night, city council reviewed the 2010 employment estimates for Redmond.   Total employment was down 15.2% from  90,704 ('09) to 76,876 in 2010.  Actual employment loss was approximately  7% or 6,000.  The 7,746 jobs (8.25%) lost when Microsoft relocated employees from Redmond to Issaquah and Bellevue in 2009-2010 are not counted.  
As a result, Council voted to lower their 2030 employment target from 126,600 to 119,000.  The source for employment estimates is Puget Sound Regional Council
Councilmember Pat Vache' got a "no" from staff when he asked if the job loss "will affect housing targets."   President Richard Cole had concerns of a housing imbalance, saying "Redmond has been picked on in the past" for being behind in housing goals.  Staff responded, a small imbalance could create an oversupply of housing in our favor.   
The percent reduction in jobs by sector, based on Redmond licensing data is, as follows: 
  • Construction Resources,  - 25% 
  • Finance, Insurance, and Real estate - 15%  
  • Manufacturing,  -23% 
  • Retail, --2%
  • Services, -4%
  • Wholesale, Trade, Transportation - 3%
  • Government -4%   [*includes reduction of 19 contracted jobs (2%) paid by Microsoft, B.Y.]
  • Education, -5%)
Redmond was ranked the highest for percent job loss 2009-2010, as compared to other cities.  To name a few:  Redmond, -15.25%, Sammamish - 9.59%, Sea Tac 6.80%, Woodinville, -4.75%, Seattle, -2.35%, Mercer Island, - 1.33%, Bellevue, -1.03%, Kirkland ++1.02%, Issaquah  ++5.59 
(Redmond's net job loss is 7% after Microsoft location corrections)
Reported by Bob Yoder
Source:  City document AM 11-166
* 2009 - 2010 city budget manual
Internet photo

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Tent City is coming to Redmond - Public Meeting set for Monday, 3/23

Two years ago, St. Jude Parish hosted Redmond's first Tent City(4) for the homeless. Tent City is planning to open again at St. Jude from April 25 for about three months. You can see from the above photo of last month's Informational Meeting on Tent City-4 community turnout was low, very low. The few who did speak up were positive and supportive of Father Dave Rogerson's invitation to host TC-4 at St. Jude Parish. The TC-4 nonprofit "SHAREWHEEL" is a co-applicant with Father Rogerson for the Temporary Use Permit required of the City.

A Public Meeting will be held Monday, March 23, 2009, 7PM at the Redmond Junior High School to announce the application and plans for TC-4 and to seek comment from the public.

Interest may be lower this year for some of the following reasons: 1) St. Jude Parish hosted TC-4 two years ago and the community is familiar with the program. 2) The Planning Commission and Council clarified the code to be able to swiftly deal with any permit appeals, 3) the Recession has opened residents minds and hearts that people DO lose their homes and sometimes need a temporary shelter - whether it be in an apartment, a relative's home, or even in an outdoor shelter.

Interest in TC-4 will be heightened for organizations and individuals who want to help with food, clothing, or blanket donations. Call St. Jude Parish 425-883-7685 to donate or volunteer or contact Father Dave Rogerson. Last time the public was welcome to visit TC-4 without apointment after you checked in first at the gate. I spent a lot of time there two years ago visiting the residents. It was both interesting and enlightening.

The TC-4 Code of Conduct - if these rules are not respected and enforced TC-4 may be permanently closed.

FAQ about TC-4 60 -100 residents are expected. Two years ago TC-4 averaged about 40 residents. The average stay is about 3 weeks.

The Site Plan of TC-4 with diagrams of the parking lots that will be use to pitch which tents. "The Hilton" is where newcomers spend their first few nights. It looks like they moved The Hilton and Community Tents closer to NE 104th. St.

The Vicinity Map of TC-4 shows an aerial view of the church and labels the location of the tents and facilities.

The Land-Use Notice

Friday, July 18, 2008

Editorial - the Magic of Mayor Marchione

The pace of change and events in Redmond has increased exponentially since John Marchione was elected Mayor, joined the Sound Transit Board and began his work. Enhanced transparency of government operations and a well oiled council machine move city actions and events faster than can be reported. To be frank, it's impossible to keep up as a 1-man nonprofit neighborhood reporter.

Mayor John Marchione is off to a fast start. Just off the top of my head, I can think of many positive actions and events of the first seven months of the John Marchione Administration. Of course, there are bumps along the road and a mayor's work is never done, but Mr. Marchione is generally doing a fantastic job. Here are my thoughts about Mr. Mayor's progress:

1. Improvement and transparency of Open Meeting policies, Public Records Requests, Council Committee activities, participation of commissions in Council Meetings, and increased public participation by staff members previously unseen. Council meetings are efficient, productive and documented online for the public.

2 Reaching out to citizens to engage our neighborhoods by: promoting Neighborhood Block Watch potluck gatherings and looking into "Neighborhood Associations", keeping a watchful eye on the Redmond Neighborhood Blog, enhancing Derby Days with extra support from Microsoft, Geni Industries, and small businesses, providing a Neighborhood Land Use map on the city website, and yes, team building with fire and police during the First-ever Dodgeball tournament at Redmond High School!

2. Making the Budget process more palatable and participatory for the neighborhoods by prioritizing citizen needs. Providing document links to the online Consent Agenda to expose budget decisions.

3. Improving traffic and pedestrian safety by problem solving controversial road projects like the Bear Creek Parkway Extension, Redmond-Woodinville widening idea, 166th Ave rechannelization and RJH stop light project and on. At a recent Conference of Mayors Mayor Marchione demonstrated leadership for bicycle commuting. John is an influential member of the well connected Sound Transit Board.

4. Proving to be as "green" -if not more so - as previous administrations by: Bringing out the best of our already top-notch Natural Resources staff to upgrade our stormwater management systems with state of the art regional plans for Overlake, Downtown, and SE Redmond urban centers. Funding reforestation programs with the Cascade Conservancy to remove riparian invasives, recruit youth for stream restoration, hire a geologist and "aquifer team" to sustain the quality and affordability of our drinking water. Work with inter-local governments, like county councilmember Kathy Lambert to improve our Evans and Bear Creek shorelines and safeguard our aquifer; and converse with Rep. Ross Hunter to assist Cole and Allen secure SR 520 widening species protections and flood mitigation.

5. Swift and open acknowledgment of serious needs for affordable housing. John invited Art Sullivan, Manager of ARCH eastside affordable housing, to present solutions to council. Funding was quickly approved to help service-workers, teachers & young adults of Redmond families afford a place to live in Redmond and reduce fuel consumption.

6. Parks are expanding. A string of 5 rural parks along historic Bear Creek East of Avondale will be developed and connected by a trails. Environmental education and heritage centers will occupy the park's historic buildings.

7. I have never seen staff happier or more empowered. John wasn't afraid to identify and cull the few "bad apples" early in his administration. City Hall staff was downtrodden by stalled salary and benefit negotiations under the prior administration for over a year. John and council swiftly dealt with the problem and re-energized the staff.

8. Mr. Mayor has put the exterior art "crystals" back on the city hall building RCTV. This, small act is a loud symbol of city pride and transparency. John has revitalized the Arts Commission with new goals to attract tourists and commuters with nationally renknowned art, like the coming Digital Arts Festival!

9. John's accomplished all this and he's only into 1/8 of his first term! I've reported on Mr. Mayor for over a year, including councilwork, 5 months of his mayoral candidacy and 7 months in office. And, he's been more active than I can report!

10. The reason for John's success? He doesn't let his ego get in the way of a good idea. He is willing and open to bend or change course when he sees a good thing. He listens, respects and values citizen and staff opinions and ideas, and responds! John is not afraid to put his ego aside and to achieve the best, consensual decision for the city. John will make you chuckle. John understands the numbers. And, he is bright.

As with all my opinion stories, your comments are welcome and encouraged by posting them below or emailing. For this Opinion, I will publish Letters submitted by citizens.

As I said, I just can't keep up with the pace of the Administration and our council! My neighborhood reporting is falling behind. Volunteer Kay Taraposli ("kid's topics") and Richard Morris ("parks & trails") and others gave me more work than I could review. Thus, I'm looking for funding to keep this non profit weblog, or a non-political version, running. If you can help with funding please email me at redmondblog@gmail.com. Thank you! Bob Yoder

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Councilman Richard Cole - regional leader in Growth Management

Long-time Councilman Richard Cole has given hours of his free time (besides work at Council) these last 4-plus years as a Policy Board Member of the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC). In fact, every month Richard has attended monthly meetings lasting anywhere to 1/2 a day to 3 days. We applaud you, Mr. Cole!

PSRC is composed of four counties: Kitsap, Peirce, Snohomish, and King. It's mission is "multi-city planning" for population growth and transportation funding distribution. PSRC Vision 2020 is just about over and with it, Mr. Cole is retiring from the Policy Board. Though, Richard isn't hanging it up quite yet! He'll be moving to the PSRC Executive Board to begin work on Vision 2040 for the Puget Sound Regional Council.

After meticulous statistical study and review, PSRC Vision
2040 anticipates 4-county growth of 1.7M people in the next of 30
years of which 0.2M have already arrived. Interestingly,
70% of the growth is "internal" - from Washington State
families! Planning encompasses transportation
infrastructure and more affordable housing stock for our children.
Sustainability is critical to the plan.
Mr. Cole stated the failure of Proposition 1 to pass left our area in a bigger hole. (It's unfortunate the Proposition 1 funding proposal was so all-encompassing & immediate rather than incremental. Even more unfortunate, citizens rejected mass transit funding years ago when costs were much lower.)
Mr. Cole didn't represent just Redmond in the growth management process. He worked for "Suburban Cities" -- a growth management coalition that represents more than half the population of King County -- 37 cities. One of Mr. Cole's biggest accomplishments was to hold back Snohomish County from establishing a policy of " fully contained communities".... similar to Trilogy & Redmond Ridge. King County executive Sims agreed. The decision? Growth should occur where infrastructure already exists.

The General Assembly will be meeting on 4/24 to vote on the plan. Council President Nancy McCormick is a past Executive Board member will attend. Redmond gets 8 votes out of 400. Thank you Mr Cole, for your dedication and efforts in planning regional growth for "Suburban Cities". It was reported by Ms. McCormick yesterday:

Vision 2040 passed this afternoon on a 97.3% vote (think it was .3,
know it was 97+%). Kitsap County split their weighted vote and one city
voted no. 4/24/08
Vision 2040 update: visit SEATTLE TIMES, 4/14 "Steering growth to uban areas"

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

"Odds & Ends"

Odds & Ends

Affordable Housing 101

"Thumbs up" on purchasing Lake Tapps

That jokingly "evil" PRR government form!

SR 520 road widening news!

Affordable Housing 101- Many citizens are mis-informed about affordable housing, thinking it is funded primarily by public assistance. On the contrary -- on the Eastside, the majority of affordable housing is funded by the private sector. Visit "Housing 101" to learn more. Mortgage assistance (4% loans, and more!) is available for first time buyers of homes under $361,000 with incomes ranging from $40K - 67K. For details visit "House Key Plus ARCH". And don't forget to tell your children!
-- source: City Council meeting, 2/2008 and Arthur Sullivan, Program Manager, ARCH.

"Thumbs up" on buying Lake Tapps - The city council gave a "thumbs up" on approval of the Purchase and Sale of Lake Tapps (near Tacoma) for the Cascade Water Alliance. The Cascade alliance plans to pipe water into Lake Tapps for storage. The water source is the White River. It drains Emmons glacier on Mt. Ranier -- the ultimate source. A pipe up to 70 inches in diameter will transport the Lake Tapps water to Redmond and other eastside cities and districts. Since 2003 Emmons glacier has been receding. In one study, University of Washington scientists forecast a 59% loss of snowpack by 2050. I've mountaineered Emmons - its huge. The receding glaciers were not discussed publicly as a concern by the either the Cascade alliance or city officials during the council 3/08 meeting. The Cascade alliance pipe, conservation, and a smaller carbon footprint will ALL be required to keep our water supply at capacity. "By 2020 existing water supplies will not be enough to reach forecasted demands" according to the "2001 Puget Sound Regional Outlook". Councilman Cole summarized, we are fortunate to have the resources of Cascade Water Alliance.

That jokingly "evil" PRR government form - "PRR" is a government acronym for "Public Records Request Form". Yes, indeed, the public has a wonderful tool to acquire information they need to conduct business with the government and communicate with neighbors. It's the PRR! When you can't get the information you want from city hall you can try a PRR! By state law (and as long as your request is NOT for profit) the city is required to hunt around for what you ask for -- budget information, land use documents and more! And they can't dilly dally. Law states the information should arrive within 5 working days. Obviously, the city doesn't particularly like us snooping around "their records" and it creates extra work on their part. In addition, some would prefer to control the "inside information" rather than give it up to the public. Thus, the PRR is jokingly "evil" to some but a god-send to most.

SR 520 road widening news - Word is out a few local city and state government officials are "cautiously optimistic" about funding a Bear Creek meander to move it away from the 4 additional lanes planned for 520. The lanes will be built on the creek-side and will consume flood plain capacity and threaten endangered salmon. Meandering the creek will mitigate flooding, make traveling safer, and protect the listed salmon. Citizen Gary Smith (past Trails Commissioner, salmon aficionado and Water Tender ) has spearheaded and coordinated citizen efforts with the city, agencies and legislature and is a large reason for the success we've had to date. You can find Gary's regionally renowned 520-Bear Creek flood video clip here. Gary only recently announced guarded optimism for creek restoration funding.

Bob Yoder
Education Hill neighborhood