UPDATED. 5/4: Notes and Observations Of Light Rail Line 2

Redmond Technology Station Train / credit Experience Redmond

The April 27 ribbon-cutting for opening Light Rail "Line 2" was an historic day in Redmond.  The ceremony took place at Redmond Technology Station. Misty, 50-degree temps didn't stop the rush of thousands eager to experience their first ride on the Eastside.  My wife Pam and I had a terrific time!

The 6-mile, 17-minute trip from Redmond to south Bellevue had eight fun-filled station stops.  By far, the Overlake Village Station had the most exhibits, entertainment and food choices.  Unfortunately, we didn't have time to fully immerse, but I do have a few notes and observations to share:    

> We arrived to the garage early, taking a long stairway down to the lower level and a waiting food truck.  We passed a sign posting the 11:17 ribbon cutting.  Stairs up to the platform were long and arduous even for us pickleball players like us! We are in the our 70's and puffed. The stairs didn't seem built with seniors and families in mind. The garage has an elevator though.  (The median age in Redmond is 34 years and Line 2 mostly serves young Microsoft employees.)  

> Before the ceremony we chatted with David Carson, a recently retired 16-year Redmond councilmember.  He's a Board Member for the Redmond Police Foundation and trying to develop two start-ups.  At the ceremony, David was publicly recognized by the RedmondOneChamber for his work on the Foundation.  

Kristina Hudson, the CEO of OneRedmond also stopped by.  Among other things (more important than I know) she organized  Microsoft -  Centro Cultural Mexico and vendor events.    

> Before the ribbon was cut, we scurried and caught the last car of the first train!  Coping with a delay we had opportunities to chat. Many cultures and languages were seen and heard. People jockeyed for any place they could find. Seniors found their seats and wheelchairs their space. Few toddlers.  After a 40 minute wait the train was off with a short studder-step and cheers.  The train was remarkably clean and surprisingly smooth running.   

>  Kind of like monkeys, we hung on the strap loops for a better view. Wow, we passed by many evergreen trees and even wetlands!  So relaxing.  Most of the greenery was near the South Bellevue, Wilburton and Spring District stations. 

 Security officer, Jason

> Safety of course, is of utmost importance.  According to Jason (in the picture) four INTER-COM Security officers are contracted by Sound Transit to work each station.  Jason mentioned, eventually police will patrol each train; paid by Bellevue, not Redmond.  "Ambassadors" dressed in yellow jackets document non-paying riders.  After four warning / violation interactions non-payors are fined.   

> We were bothered that residential, commercial, apartments and small businesses didn't appear clustered (yet) around the South Bellevue, East Main, Wilburton, Spring, Bell-Red stations. Are the stations ahead of their time?  It could take decades and even more tax dollars for densification to catch up.      

-- Story, Photo by Bob Yoder 4/30/2024, Updated, 5/1/2024

Sources:  Redmond.gov demographics

                Seattle Times 4/29 Line 2 story                

   

"Read More" to post comments and learn about Claudia Baldacci, the second longest running member on the Sound Transit Board of Directors.  She was the most vocal proponent of the Line 2. 

Redmond To Launch Small Business Resiliency Grant

REDMOND, WA - The City and OneRedmond are partnering on a small business grant fund, which will open for applications on Monday, Oct. 16. The program will offer relief in the form of one-time $5,000 grants to small, for-profit businesses that have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 and related public health measures.

The City is dedicating more than $500,000 to this fourth round of city-distributed funding, specifically designed for the small business community. The grant is funded by American Rescue Plan Act federal dollars and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) will be required prior to the award.

“The City of Redmond is committed to supporting small business owners,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “These small businesses bring a vibrant and vital energy to our local economy, and it is important that we nurture their success today, tomorrow, and well into the future.”

Echoing Mayor Birney, Kristina Hudson, Chief Executive Officer for OneRedmond, said, “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they have been vulnerable to the lingering effects of the pandemic. OneRedmond is proud to partner again with the City of Redmond on this grant program to help support small businesses who are critical to our community’s economic vitality.”

Eligible businesses must be located within the City of Redmond zip code of 98052 and have 10 or fewer employees. Grants will be awarded through a lottery system performed by an external organization.