News and Opinion on Neighborhoods, Schools and Local Governments of Redmond, WA.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
UPDATED 5/10/24: Council Review Of "The Homeless Hotel" And Plymouth Housing
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Downtown Homeless Housing Controversy, City Hall Is Packed / Video
One of Many Signs Staked in Downtown Redmond |
https://redmond.granicus.com/player/clip/2809
The video shows a packed house at City Hall with demonstrators peacefully holding SafeEastside signs -- "Demanding a Say on Low Barrier Housing in Downtown Redmond." 40 citizens commented.
Monday, March 11, 2024
SafeEastside Activists Demand "A Say" On Downtown Homeless Housing
Redmond is in turmoil over Council's decision to allow Plymouth Homeless Housing in our downtown. Blue signs objecting to downtown "low-barrier" homeless housing (where drugs are allowed in the hotel with conditions) suddenly appeared all over Redmond's downtown today (3/12) including this one at Anderson Park.
At no fault of their own, Council wasn't transparent in their decision to house100 homeless and low income people in Redmond's downtown. According to Planning & Community Development 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 have a Say:
- 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 (under review) to address the Council and Mayor 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 can meet you there. 425-403-9476.
- Reach out to Mayor Birney. Mayor@Redmond.gov
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
UPDATED: Redmond Locals Wary of Controversial Plymouth Housing Project
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Redmond Mayor and City Councilmembers Sworn In
Redmond Mayor and City Councilmembers Sworn In, 12/5/2023
Birney was re-elected to her second term as Mayor, a position she was first elected to in 2019, after serving on the City Council beginning in 2015, including as Council President from 2018 to 2019. Birney represents Redmond on several regional boards and committees. She grew up in Eastern Washington and moved to Redmond in 1998. Before entering public office, she earned a Master of Education from Heritage University and a Bachelor of Arts in biology education from Eastern Washington University and worked as a middle school science teacher. Birney lives on Education Hill with her husband.
Forsythe is an award-winning Creative Director and owner of a small graphic design studio that works primarily with clients who seek to better their community. Originally from Northeast Ohio, she graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in visual communication design with a concentration in environmental design. Forsythe has worked in environmental design, architecture, and marketing and branding. She is honored to be elected to serve a second term.
Kritzer has been honored to serve on the City Council for the last four years and is looking forward to continuing to provide community-centered leadership in a second term. She has devoted her career to working for social and environmental justice. Kritzer has experience in the nonprofit, government, and private sectors. In addition to her council work, she is currently the executive director of the Washington Association of Land Trusts, where she works to protect Washington’s lands, waterways, and wildlife for future generations. Kritzer attended undergrad at Vassar College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American and Latinx studies and political science, and obtained a Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington Foster School of Business and a Master of Public Administration from the UW Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. Before joining Council, Kritzer served on the City of Redmond’s Planning Commission. She lives in Education Hill with husband and two young kids.
Salahuddin is a lifelong resident of Redmond. After graduating from the Lake Washington School District, he earned a Bachelor of Science in neurobiology with a minor in English from the University of Washington, where he also served as the student body president. His career has included management at a medical device research consulting firm and research at both Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and UW Medicine. He has also volunteered as a member of the Fire Corp with Eastside Fire and Rescue, and helped found the BIPOC Health Careers Ecosystem, a nonprofit. Currently, Salahuddin works as the communications and community engagement manager for King County Councilmember Sarah Perry.
Nuevacamina is a longtime Redmond resident. She is a veteran of the United States Navy, where she served as an aviation electrician and studied philosophy and art history at Oakland University. Nuevacamina's career experience includes working as a financial service professional, consulting small businesses, and previous public service experience serving on the City of Redmond Planning Commission. She lives in Redmond with her family.
For more information about the Redmond City Council, including meeting times, how to participate, Council’s priorities, and how Redmond’s government works, visit redmond.gov/Council.
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Redmond Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer, Uncontested
Saturday, April 22, 2023
Council Notes: 4th Quarter Finance Report
The key financial highlights from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2022 include the following:
General Fund
· Total revenues totaling $250 million are 26.8%, or $52.8 million, above target.
· Property tax is 0.4%, or $186,000, above target.
· Sales & use taxes are 75.7%, or $97.3 million, above target primarily due to the high level of development activity. This includes retail sales tax, criminal justice sales tax, and use tax.
Ongoing retail sales tax is 27.3%, or $13.0 million, above target. One-time retail sales tax, which primarily relates to construction, is $34.7 million through December 31, 2022.
· Utility & other taxes are 10.3%, or $2.2 million, above target primarily due to an electric and gas utility tax spike.
· License & permit fees are 38.2%, or $8.4 million, above target primarily due to the high level of development activity.
· Total expenditures are 2.5%, or $6.1 million. In year 2022, the personnel cost is over the target due COLA at 5%, overtime cost increase for Fire due to vacancies because of vaccination mandate, retirement payouts, rate increases after unions contract negotiations.
Other Funds · Recreation Activity Fund: Total revenues are 51.1%, or $1.1 million, above target primarily due to increase in both indoor and outdoor recreation programs, field rentals, and donations. · Water/Wastewater M&O Fund: Total revenues are 5.0%, or $3.8 million, more than total expenditures. Commercial water consumption is 2.9% below target.
· Capital Investment Program: Total expenditures are 71.3% of budget at the 100% point of the 2021-2022 biennium.
-- Source: Business Meeting memo of 4/18/2022
Friday, April 7, 2023
UPDATED: City Council Meeting Notes, 04 April 2023
CM Melissa Stuart Featured City Council group picture not available |
https://www.facebook.com/
(short pause at start of tape)
ADVANCE TO 3:00 for poet Laureate Laura Da's description of her poetry inspired "Nature & City History Walk" around our lakefronts.
ADVANCE TO 4:52 for Dr. David Morton's "Item From The Audience" suggesting solutions to various city challenges.
ADVANCE TO 11:53 - Mayor Angela Birney kicks off Council's OMBUDS report where resident inquiries (positive and negative) are addressed. As follows:
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Lake Sammamish Kokanee Salmon Release Celebration
It was special for all of us to join with the Snoqualmie Tribe in celebration of the Release of the endangered "Little Red Fish."
l-r, Redmond Council Member and Vice President Vanessa Kritzer, Congresswoman Kim Schreier, Issaquah dignitary and King County Executive Dow Constantine. (click to enlarge) |
Steve Laing, President of Trout Unlimited, Three Rivers Chapter, Issaquah. (click to enlarge) |
Snoqualmie Tribe and Guests Celebrate the Release of Kokanee (YouTube)
King 5 video of the Kokanee comeback
Posting, pictures and video by Bob Yoder, 10/15/2022
Saturday, July 9, 2022
Update: 2022 Derby Days Grand Parade
click to enlarge |
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
UPDATED 6/19: The High Value Of Downtown City Trees
Three landmark oak trees. The Design Review Board says one must go. |
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
UPDATED, 2/12/2024: Redmond Town Center Could Have 12-Story Buildings
RTC / Kidder.com |
Several years from now, Redmond Town Center (RTC) may be torn down and redeveloped. The vision is "to encourage redevelopment of RTC from an auto-centric suburban campus to a walkable mixed-use urban neighborhood." The light rail station is a step away; it's a primary driver. Council is presently reviewing, the Master Plan, Zoning amendments, and the urban center element. To a small degree the Planning Commission is involved.
- build as high as 12 stories "in return for public benefits."
- removing the 600,000 square feet requirement of minimal leasable areas.
- remove the minimum retail provision
- remove the commercial provision
Planning Director Helland asked the public to give their input to the Planning Commission. To comment email Chair Sherri Nichols at planningcommission@redmond.gov. It's my understanding the
Commission has had two Study Sessions but only two citizens commented at their Hearing. This is a huge development. Consider commenting.
The applicant, Fairbourne Properties, LLC is a full-service real estate investment and property management company focusing on acquiring, managing and asset managing office, retail, and mixed-use properties throughout the United States. Fairbourne is the property manager of the "Redmond Town Center Creekside Crossing." The firm is also the applicant for redevelopment of the Center.
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Thursday, March 17, 2022
UPDATED: Redmond Police Update, 2021
Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe |
In a March 14th City Hall meeting, Police Chief Darrell Lowe gave Council an overview of 2021 activities, as follows:
- 78 commissioned staff, with 8 vacancies; 38 professional staff, with 4 vacancies
- Mental health specialist: 376 response calls, 1,127 total contacts (follow-up with families, courts, health systems and other services.)
- 25,000 calls for service in 2021; a 2.8% increase over 2020.
- 1,171 arrests in 2021; 294 fewer arrests than 2020.
- Crimes per day, down 2.3% from 2020.
- Public Record Requests up 6.8% from 2020
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Updated: Redmond Lies On The Ancestral Lands Of The "Coast Salish Peoples"
amnh.org |
"We acknowledge that we are on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, who continue to steward these lands and waters as they have since time immemorial. We recognize Washington’s tribal and Indigenous or Native organizations, which actively create, shape, and contribute to our thriving communities. The Redmond Historical Society is committed to doing our part to engage with, and amplify the voices of, Native peoples and tribes."
-- Read by "Redmond Historical Society" President John Oftebro on 2/12/2022
Friday, February 4, 2022
UPDATED, 2/23/2022 Exciting Senior & Community Center Updates
Do you see the black solar panels on the roof? Will there be space for green roof tops? |
Per Business Council meeting of 2/1/2022: Senior & Community Center updates:
1) Vice President Vanessa Kritzer announced the possibility of Green (Roof) Tops at the Center. President Jessica Forsythe has advocated for green roof tops for years. Jessica asked staff for maintenance costs. Eric Dawson, Public Works and project lead estimated a green top would cost about $15,000. He felt it would easily fit in the budget. Hopefully, this will be the first of many green tops on City buildings.
2) Design costs of the Center are increasing with inflation. The cost will be $52,000,000 if Council passes an ordinance to cover a $4,000,000 shortfall. Public Works "value engineered" the project saving $2,480,000.
3) Most of the funding is collected from the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) $17,116,000 and a "councilmanic" bond. The CIP is funded by taxpayers.
Total debt payments on the councilmanic bond are $32,217,000 over twenty years. Cumulative interest over twenty years is $8,264,000. The interest rate is 3%. President Forsythe was concerned about the rate rising. Councilmanic bonds are not voter approved.
Here's some upbeat news. The councilmanic bond can be spent as one-time money for construction of the Center. President Forsythe questioned having enough one-time money to "go around" towards other projects. Parks Director Carrie Hite wasn't too concerned stating the 2022 CIP was "robust." The final decision is expected in June.
-- Bob Yoder, opinion, photo, Internet, 2/1/2022
OPINION: Director Carrie Hite was released or resigned from her position just recently. Council decided not to use the councilmanic bond to fund construction of the Senior/Comm. Center. Council may have decided the 2022 CIP was not robust and perhaps didn't like staff making budget decisions. Council President Forsythe was concerned the 3% interest rate would increase with inflation. My guess is she has other places to use the bond in the immediate future. Losing Director Hite is a big loss IMO.
Thursday, February 3, 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, 2022 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
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Anderson, Fields, Stuart Sworn In To City Council
(lr) Melissa Stuart, Steve Fields, Jeralee Anderson Courtesy of redmond.gov |
Redmond, WA – In a ceremony during last night’s Redmond City Council meeting, newly elected Redmond resident Melissa Stuart (Council Position No. 4), along with re-elected residents Steve Fields (Council Position No. 2) and Jeralee Anderson (Council Position No. 6), were officially sworn in. Their terms are effective January 2022 through December 2025.
Melissa Stuart, MNPL, is a non-profit leader working to improve the lives of children, youth, and families.
She’s currently working on behalf of youth at Boys & Girls Clubs of King County. Her past work includes securing affordable access to behavioral healthcare for families at Youth Eastside Services, ensuring educational justice for youth in foster care at Treehouse, and more. Stuart is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, former board member at Zero Waste Washington, and previously served as a Redmond Library Trustee. Melissa grew up on the Kitsap Peninsula. She lives in Redmond’s Overlake neighborhood with her husband and stepson.
Anderson, Fields, Stuart (click to enlarge) |
Jeralee Anderson is the President/CEO and Co-founder of Greenroads Foundation, a Redmond nonprofit organization focused on sustainability education, performance management, and strategic programming for transportation capital projects. She received her doctorate in sustainability and civil engineering from the University of Washington in 2012 and is a licensed professional engineer. She currently represents the City as an alternate on the Cascade Water Alliance (CWA), and she serves as an Association of Washington Cities (AWC) representative on the State Public Works Board.
"On Deck" Varisha Kahn, Vanessa Kritzer, David Carson (click to enlarge) |
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
Friday, November 12, 2021
Community Conversations -November 8, 2021
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer Hefts A Monster Salmon
Redmond Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer says on Facebook:
"This is probably one of the coolest things I've done all year: got to help with salmon spawning at FISH (Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery)! What a great way to see the returns on our chinook salmon by actually wading around in a pool and handling them. Grateful for the work of this mostly volunteer-powered group!" V.K.
Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer, hefting a Chinook |