UPDATED OPINION, 11/7/2021: What Will Redmond Look Like In 2050?

Is it too late to make the massive 22-acre downtown Nelson "Village" palpable and resident friendly or will our elected officials cave to this developer?

In 2007, Redmond hired consultant Guy Michaelson from Berger Partnership of Seattle to give a vision  and suggestions for the development of Downtown Redmond.  Below, are two points he made, salient to Redmond 2050:

Guy emphasized the importance of "promenades" for connecting a hierarchy of streets. Promenades are not boulevards but important avenues with canopy and wider (20')sidewalks.  The Parks Director and Mayor Ives talked with excitement about street-side cafes, book stores, spilling over onto wider sidewalk promenades. (Thank you COVID for the later.)

Guy suggested improving the "green ring" along the Sammamish River by softening the eastern slope of the river with a more gradual grade to "get out of the ditch". He suggested building a bike/running trail on the west side to allow for more passive activities on the eastern slope. He thought Luke McRedmond Park had great potential. [He failed to point out King County has jurisdiction over the river corridor.]

Mayor Birney and Council, please zone for greater use of promenades, wider sidewalks and bike lanes, specifically in the Nelson Master Plan and SE Redmond Neighborhood (where new schools are planned.)  Thank you.  B. Yoder

READ MORE for the abridged Berger report and my opinion:

I was one of the few public attending the "Downtown Parks Open House" meeting on April 24, 2007 at the Old Redmond School House. 

The mayor, councilmembers Vache', McCormick, and Jim Robinson (Parks Chair) were in attendance along with Sue Stewart, Park Board Chair and Gary D. Smith of the Trails Commission.

Parks Director, Craig Larson introduced a well-paid consultant, Guy Michaelson, from Berger Partnership in Seattle. (206-325-6877) to address the audience. Mr. Larsen showed a map depicting 6 downtown projects underway. Most of them were residential. 

Guy spent most of the night evaluating our downtown parks, topography, and making suggestions for improvement and park development. 

I found Guy's observation of the unique character of  Redmond's "wooded hillsides" surrounding the city interesting. He thought they were an under appreciated city asset.

He spent a lot of time talking about the place he envisioned the heart of our downtown. He identifies our "heart" at the confluence of the sterile heron rookery, Bear Creek Parkway, and the Burlington Northern corridor; and artist Dudley Carter's Haida House as the "spirit" of our downtown. Gary Smith (trails commissioner) disagreed, suggesting artist Dudley Carter's Haida House -- adjacent to the Leary bridge and Sammamish River -- is the "heart" of our downtown. [In 2024, Dudley Carter park will become a landing site for the King Council Sewer project.]  

Guy's only complaint about Redmond is there's no "major destination."  [Our Downtown Park appears the answer.  Nancy McCormick was recognized at a City Council meeting for a donation to the Park]  

-- Nov. 9 2007, Redmond Neighborhood Blog

It's obvious Guy's suggestions were never implemented, with the developers "winning." It's not too late!! Must we expect more of the same from 2050 consultants and city planners?  -- Bob Yoder, 11/6/2021