Updated: "Council Conversations" In The Downtown Park

Downtown Park COUNCIL CONVERSATIONS, The Safety Table / photo Yoder

I sat in at three tables conversing with councilmembers and residents at the busy Safety table, Environmental Sustainablity table and Miscellaneous table.  Council V.P. Jessica Forsythe presided over the Safety Table. Feedback from a resident/family living in a downtown apartment was especially interesting.  He wanted stop signs placed on Cleveland Street intersections and other downtown intersections -- said he saw pedestrians getting mildly brushed.  He said Uber drivers were the worst; always looking at their cell phones. Another guy complained about gangs that prey on residents for their belongings. He thought only 4 - 6 police officers patrolled the whole city and asked for 16 more officers.  I think Jessica said the department had over 140 officers (traffic, patrol, detective, drone, criminal, crime etc.) with plans for 4 more.  CM (councilmember) Fields asked why the need for 16 more officers?  I questioned the need for council taxing their city utilities and raising the business tax to fund a $6 million dollar public safety gap. IMO, the .25% city excise tax on construction was funding enough. 

I briefly sat in at CM Stuart's Environmental Sustainablity Table. Trees were a topic of great interest.  One resident said low income housing developments "lit up the heat map" owing to significant tree loss. Ms. Stuart said our canopy goal was 40%.  We're at about 38% canopy now.  Ms. Stuart alluded to the Master Builders lawsuit against Kirkland. The city has kept our existing 2018 Tree Regulations as is for 16 years (!) and now the new, approved Update has been delayed for two years longer because of the lawsuit, with no end is sight.  So, 40% goal seems out of reach. I suggested focusing on park and street trees like we have in the Downtown Park. Ms. Stuart lives in Overlake; she knows about the green roof installations on many of the buildings there.  My feedback was the city needs code for encouragement of "green roofs" in all downtown construction projects. At least three developments (villages) are planned for Redmond by 2050 and we need green roofs and wall gardens in those buildings,  

CM Stuart took this opportunity to update us on Sound Transit's light rail progress to our downtown. It was very interesting. I believe she said it will reach our downtown by mid-2025 and cross the bridge by late 2026.  I'm not light rail has something to do with our environment, but maybe in part.  I met Council President Vanessa Kritzer after the event; she spoke of a green vegetative - tree ring around the City one day.

Conversations didn't stop after the event was formally over.  I chatted with two on-duty police officers about "speed cameras."  It re-enforced my belief `they would consistently slow my "speed" around schools, but the ramifications to traffic congestion are unknown. I had a 25-minute talk with Andrew Villeneuve about our "news desert."   He wants to start an online newspaper and I plan to help him.  

Councilmember Fields has been pushing for neighborhood Conversations for years.  This one was a total winner and weather permitting, I hope we have many more!  Thank you Steve.  

-- Bob Yoder, 10/1/2024

[All  the councilmembers participated except for Angie.  Retired councilmembers Pat Vache' and Hank Myers were present. Sue Stewart, Kiwanis Secretary and Siri Bliesner retired LWSD Director, and active member of Civic Genius were present.  

[Siri is starting a Civic Genius roundtable on affordable housing.  "Deliberative Democracy" is at their core. If you would like to join Siri please email her at: siri@ourcivicgenious.org]  

Updated 9/2: Kiwanis Club Trail Clean-Up

 

(l-r)  Bob Yoder (walk-on,) Pat Vache' (Founder,) Sue Stuart (Secretary) Dave Juarez (Lead / Organizer)

I think, twice a year the Kiwanis Club does a "trail clean-up."  (They have a great tool that allows you to pick up trash without having to bend over and get your hands dirty.)  We cleared out several "camps" including a tossed grocery cart.  

Residents are always invited to participate in Kiwanis events even if you're not a member.  For me, this event was really fun, great exercise and a good way to meet some members.  Bear Creek is one of my favorite places in Redmond.  It was a joy to make it better.  

Flash:  Sign up for their September 28 Mariner fundraiser HERE, at their website.  Great seat locations and for a good cause!  $27 of each ticket purchased will be donated to Kiwanis feeding programs!  

- Posted by Yoder

  updated: 9/2/2024

Redmond Senior & Community Center Ribbon Cutting

 

(L-R) John Marchione, former Redmond Mayor; David Carson, former City Councilmember; Jessica Forsythe, City Council Vice President; Keri Pravitz, Head of Community Affairs for Amazon on the Eastside; Loreen Hamilton, Parks and Recreation Director; Senator Patty Kuderer; Redmond Mayor Angela Birney; Vanessa Kritzer, City Council President; Senator Manka Dhingra; Cari Scotkin, Redmond Arts and Culture Commissioner; Angie Nuevacamina, City Councilmember; and former City Councilmember Tanika Padhye. Photo: City of Redmond

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 

-- Opinion by Bob Yoder, 3/12/2024, Updated 4/16/2024  Photo: Yoder

UPDATED 6/19: The High Value Of Downtown City Trees

Three landmark oak trees. The Design Review Board says one must go.

.

Councilmember David Carson led Council discussion on the Senior & Community Center monthly report.  It was the April 26th "Committee of the Whole" meeting. Councilmembers Varisha Kahn and Steve Fields were absent.

Eric Dawson, Project Manager gave each councilmember a tree heath assessment map  (or something similar.) Thirty-two trees will be removed,  mostly from around the building. 199 replacement sapling trees will be planted.  The high count is attributable to the 128 replacement tree requirements in the "Shoreline jurisdiction."  

President Jessica Forsythe asked "how many trees can potentially be saved, especially looking at the first one nearest the River Trail?  It's a pretty substantial tree and lots of people enjoy the shade. There's about five I'm hoping we can do something." 

Mr. Dawson said mildly, he was looking into small shrubs to give away to homeowners.  huh?  At one time he said the City could afford a "green roof" on the Center.  A sliver of one is planned.

President Forsythe asked about reworking the trail rather than removing the tree.  Mr. Dawson said the Design Review Board studied every angle to find the "best connection point" between the river and the Center. They decided the entrance to the Center near a landmark tree was the most inviting and the tree would need to go; yet he committed to one more look.  

Parks Chair Councilmember David Carson was positive about saving the tree saying "it took 50-60 years to get that tree to where it's at."  He said it was an ideal shade tree for the picnic tables. City planner Cameron Zapata said Red Oaks are sometimes called "Champion Trees." 

Odds & ends:  Vice President Vanessa Kritzer asked about the pickleball courts. Eric said they will stay open until the cranes are up.  "Art Hill" will close for staging.  Late 2022, early 2023 construction cranes will be up.  Councilmember Malissa Stuart got assurances from Mr. Dawson that full programing with some finishing touches will be in place late 2023 when the Center opens.  

I did quite a bit of research on the "inviting entrance" near the landmarks seen in this photo. The OPSIS Health Assessment marked the three trees as "significant" Oaks measuring 24", 20", and 24".  I measured them: all three were a minimum 30 inches ABH while standing on their roots. These Oaks are landmarks.  I fear the the middle landmark will be removed unless Council intervenes. I'm not positive they are Red Oaks. The foliage of  three Oaks looks different from the Heritage tree.

It's interesting four Oregon White Oaks are designated tree replacements.  For more information about the tree replacements.  READ MORE: 

Stewart - The choice on Nov 8th

Stewart - The choice on Nov 8th



Sue Stewart

 As the days of the campaign draw to an end, some may be wondering what are the differences between Sue Stewart and my opponent. Is the incumbent a safe bet or is Sue Stewart the better candidate for Redmond?

For 15 years I have served the community of Redmond, often in partnership with representatives of our business community. My opponent, through his endorsements, would have you believe that he is the only pro-business candidate in this race. Nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is that I understand and value the role of business in our city and the benefits these entities bring to our community. In recent discussions about the neighborhood commercial process, my opponent resisted the additional requirements for community input. Neighborhood Commercial has great potential for bringing small businesses to the edge of our neighborhoods but I believe that the size, scope, and esthetics of these establishments have to be thoroughly vetted with the neighbors.  Read More >>

UPDATED ENDORSEMENT: The Stewart - Carson race for Redmond City Council is one to watch.

For an archive of all RNB Election news, stories, and opinions or to comment, please visit this page.

Bob & Pam Yoder

Dear Friends,

UPDATED ENDORSEMENT:   We're less than a week away from the November 8 General Election!  You may have already cast your ballot in the mail; some are waiting to hear the "rest of the story."   If you're undecided about voting at all, I hope some of the election resources and comments you read here will move you to take a moment and vote.

Wouldn't you know it, November is the beginning of the flood season and  it could rain 'cats and dogs' the day you need to mail your ballot!  Find comfort!  A drive-through Ballot Drop Off  Box awaits your vote at Redmond City Hall and other convenient drive-through locations.  Just pop it in the secure, Green metal box - no need for a stamp!  The good news:  Convenience!  Comfort!  Hardly a wait.  (The Boxes close at 8PM, Election night). 

Redmond Neighborhood Blog (RNB) is not endorsing any one candidate this year.  RNB has no Editorial Board, though as a voting Redmond resident I'm expressing my personal opinion on candidates.

Make your voice heard on RNB.  Please send your comments, arguments, passion, and counter-points to RNB for publication (and take courage and mail a copy to the Redmond Reporter for the broader coverage they provide.)  "RNB Facebook Page" is a good stop, too.

Pam and I are personally endorsing most candidates on their campaign websites, including Sue Stewart, Hank Myers, Tom Flynn, Mayor John Marchione, King County Councilmember Jane Hague, Incumbent Port President Bryant and school district candidates Siri Bliesner,  President Jackie Pendergrass, and Christopher Carlson.  I hope my blog will provide a useful resource for your own decisions.   

I'm posting a series of  reports and arguments, pro and con, on the contested local races for Redmond City Council.  (The school and hospital district races are uncontested).  I watch the Council and School Board meetings almost every week and can't wait to share my observations and opinions with you.

The Stewart-Carson race is the most exciting race for me and I will personally focus on it.  My wife and I favor Sue Stewart for Redmond Council Pos.7.  The "Municipal League of King County", the Cascade Bicycle Club, and small business owners like John James of Instant Imprints all like Stewart.

Sue Stewart #7, Tom Flynn #5 and Hank Margeson are rated  "VERY GOOD"  by the non-partisan "Municipal League." Hank Myers and David Carson #7 rate "GOOD."  Joel Wright #5 rates "ADEQUATE."
On August 8, 2011, Mr. Carson wrote: 

"I did not participate with the Municipal League’s rating interview or their questionnaire this year. I believe them to be less-than-impartial and a complete waste of my time."

Mayor Marchione is trying his hardest to move our blossoming city forward in the right direction.  He needs the support and intelligence of an independent-thinking, balanced council team.  Please help him put it together on November 8th with your vote.

Sincerely,

Bob Yoder
Education Hill Neighborhood
Redmond resident of 30 years

LETTER: Councilmember Allen personally endorses Sue Stewart for Redmond City Council #7.

Redmond City Councilmember Kim Allen personally endorses Sue Stewart for Council, Position 7. 

Hi friends,

Councilmember Kim Allen

I am NOT up for reelection this election cycle, but a competent and committed woman is running for seat 7 on the Council. As you review your candidate ballots, I want to share with you my personal endorsement for Sue Stewart. I have known Sue for many years and know her commitment to our community of Redmond. She’s lived here for 30 years and has been active on boards and commissions for the last 15 years. Additionally, she has been involved in other community activities from PTSA to Redmond West Little League, and our high school Drama Boosters. As a Redmond volunteer, she has covered the whole gamut from parks and trails to budget to zoning code review--dedicating HUNDREDS of hours to improving our community and helping to make government responsive to the people who live here.

Sue understands how government works and will dig deep to understand the heart of the issues and find effective solutions. She has a depth of experience in transit, which is vital to our city, and is committed to assuring Redmond's sustainability and continued excellent quality of life. Please take a few moments to look at Sue's website below and please pass the word to your neighbors and friends. I remain committed to keeping Redmond a wonderful place to call home and I believe Sue is too.

Many thanks!
Kim Allen
Redmond City Council

What's the most important transportation issue facing Redmond?, By Candidate Sue Stewart, Pos. 7

Sue Stewart
Council Candidate Pos. 7

This is third post in a series covering the four questions from the recent City of Redmond Chamber of Commerce candidate forum.

Question: What is the most important transportation issue facing Redmond and how would you address it?

Having an effective and efficient transportation system is vital to our entire community. We need to have the ability to move goods and services to our businesses and then residents to these businesses. We will need to connect our urban centers and then outward to the region. How do we accomplish this? We will need a network of complete streets, parking management, and improved transit services.

To improve transit, we will need to continue to assert ourselves with Metro and Sound Transit to insure we get our fair share of transit. As someone with 30 years of transit experience, I bring a depth of knowledge to the table that Redmond can use to fight to make sure we have the right service at the right time. I also know what a network of complete streets should look like to enable efficient movement about town both for our residents and for future transit. Parking management means having ample spots for people to park once and then be able to walk about the community from place to place.

By Sue Stewart, Pos. 7

Is the race between Carson and Stewart non-partisan?

David Carson and Sue Stewart campaign signs are at "opposite poles" 

Sue Stewart is endorsed by the 45th District Democrats. - Sue's website
David Carson was sworn* into city council office in 1998 by Republican King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert. 

*Historically and traditionally Redmond elected officials are sworn into office by the city attorney.

"Redmond has a strong Mayor/Council, non-partisan form of government.

The City Council adopts the City budget, establishes law and policy, approves appropriations and contracts, levies taxes and grants franchises."

  -- City of Redmond website

Dave Carson endorsements, Pos. 7
Sue Stewart endorsements, Pos. 7

Posted and Photo By Yoder

Sue Stewart rated "Very Good" by Muni-League for Redmond Council, Pos. 7

Muni-League rates Sue Stewart, Pos. 7 "Very Good" after interviews

Challenger Sue Stewart, Pos 7

Describe your most important personal characteristics or traits as they relate to the office you seek. M.L.

I am a consensus builder. I am able to analyze and drill down to the core elements of what is needed and help broker a solution through a collaborative process.

Please describe, in sufficient detail, one to three accomplishments or contributions of which you are most proud. These examples should illustrate skills and capabilities you think apply to the office you are seeking. These accomplishments may have occurred at any time in your personal, professional, or public life. M.L.

"There are three contributions I am proud to have accomplished and which I believe demonstrate my readiness to serve on the Redmond City Council.

o As a Safety Officer, I am keenly aware of the importance of reducing risk and injury to our employees. The City of Redmond was considering a significant change to the building code to require sprinkler systems in all new home construction, a first in the state of Washington. Using my knowledge of loss control and the associated risks of being a fire responder, Read More >>

Chamber question: What role should the city have in economic development? By Sue Stewart, Pos 7

Chamber question: What role should the city have in economic development? Elect Sue Stewart:

This is the second post in a series covering the four questions from the recent City of Redmond Chamber of Commerce candidate forum.

Question: What role should the city have in the economic development?

The City must continue to provide ample infrastructure such as accomodations for transit, utilities and completing and enhancing its network of roads and sidewalks. The changes coming to downtown have started in earnest, like the connection of 161st NE between Redmond Way and Cleveland Street. The next step will include returning Redmond Way and Cleveland to two-way. Combine these improvements with replacing missing sidewalks and working with METRO to bring about the service that connects us both inside and outside our community, and we will maintain our role as an Eastside transportation hub. Read More >>

Sue Stewart's Endorsements

By Sue Stewart
Redmond City Council Challenger Pos. 7

Incumbent David Carson's Endorsements Pos 7
Redmond Neighborhood Blog isn't endorsing a candidate for Pos. 7

OPINION: Seattle Times article a "must read" on tolling Initiative 1125 controversy

520 bridge

OPINION:   At the Oct. 4 council meeting Redmond Mayor Marchione  OPPOSED Initiative 1125, as he addressed council before their vote on a Resolution on the initiative:   

"520 is an economic lifeline to the city of Redmond. It's in the direct interests of the City of Redmond and our economic development and our community; and the Resolution be opposed and take the leadership required."

The Redmond City Council majority followed the Mayor and voted AGAINST an endorsement Initiative 1125 (5-2).  Incumbents David Carson and Hank Myers made a political vote FOR the Resolution to endorse Initiative 1125. 

David Carson is challenged by Sue Stewart for Redmond City Council Pos. 7.

According to the TIMES, the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce is AGAINST Initiative 1125 (which is significant in that "one of Bellevue's most prominent businessmen, Kemper Freeman, is the biggest backer of I-1125, contributing more than $1 million to the campaign.).  

SEATTLE TIMES REPORT:  Local News Eyman challenges state's route on tolls Seattle Times Newspaper

By Andrew Garber, 10/1/2011
Seattle Times Olympia bureau

OLYMPIA — Tim Eyman and state officials agree on one thing: His tolling initiative on the November ballot would upend state plans for reducing traffic congestion and financing costly highway construction, including the Highway 520 floating-bridge project.

Eyman says Initiative 1125 would make lawmakers more accountable for raising and spending billions of dollars in tolls, and would make tolling fairer by banning variable-rate tolls that he says hit the state's poorest residents the hardest.

But it also would undermine long-term efforts, state transportation officials say, to find an alternative to gas taxes to help finance highway construction.  READ MORE >> 

Opinion By Bob Yoder
Internet photo - Cascadia

Revealing 5-Minute Speeches from City Council contestants: Stewart, Carson, Flynn and Wright

City of Redmond City Council Contested Races:

Candidates give 5 minute speeches.

Click blue links to select the candidate videos

David Carson vs. Sue Stewart - Pos 7

Tom Flynn vs.  Joel Wright - Pos. 5

Margeson, Myers and the Mayor are unopposed. 

Redmond Council Candidate Sue Stewart works to make Redmond a livelier place.

Challenger Sue Stewart
Education Hill Neighbor

from the desk of Sue Stewart, Redmond  City Council Candidate, Pos. 7...

"I recently participated in a candidate forum hosted by the Redmond Chamber of Commerce. We were asked to respond to four questions, and I wanted to share the questions, and my answers with you over the next week here as well.

How would you help make Redmond a livelier place?

Redmond is a great place to live, work, and play – we know that, but we can do better. The City of Redmond can help to promote places and activities that the community wants, like more dining choices, recreation, and entertainment. This is something that I have heard from my neighbors and friends who have suggested places like..>>

Redmond Chamber's City Candidate Forum is on TV and on video 24/7.

Ballot Drop-Box at City Hall

Seven candidates for City Council and the Mayor's seat participated in a Candidate Forum on September 21st.  It was sponsored by the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce.  Topics included strategies on increasing activity in downtown, positions related to various transportation issues and candidates’ priorities.

The contested races are: Incumbent David Carson (Pos. 7) vs. Challenger Sue Stewart (Pos. 7); Tom Flynn (Pos. 5) vs. Joel Wright (Pos. 5).   Mayor Marchione and Councilmembers Hank Myers and Hank Margeson are running unopposed.    To see how the council candidates are rated visit this "Municipal League of King County" Redmond candidate site.

The City of Redmond taped the Forum for Redmond City Television Channels 21 (Comcast) and 34 (Frontier FIOS).  TV replays will begin at 9pm, Monday, October 3 and run through the election on Tuesday, November 8th.

The program is also available on demand 24/7 at the City’s website here.

The Redmond Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event as part of their monthly membership luncheon series.  Chamber Chair Tim Martin, an Evergreen Hospital executive, moderated the candidate panel.  The Forum was held at Matt's Rotisserie Bar and Grill in Redmond Town Center.

City of Redmond's Patrick Hirsch filmed the Forum.  Questions?  425-556-2439

Photo By Bob Yoder

Carson and Stewart vie for Redmond Council Seat #7: The Facts. The Issues.

REDMOND CITY COUNCIL SEAT 7 (Carson vs. Stewart)

READ MORE...the issues, ratings, campaign contributions, websites>>  

Sue Stewart states why she's running for Redmond City Council

Sue Stewart

Candidate for Redmond City Council Seat 7

 UPDATED: Sue Stewart, a 30-year resident of Redmond is running in the November 2011 election for Redmond City Council Seat 7. Who is she? And, why is she running for this office?

Ms. Stewart provides answers in a newly published Municipal League of King County 2011 questionanaire. The " Muni League" of King County rated Sue Stewart "Very Good". Her opponent, Council member David Carson is rated "Good" by the League. (I'll write-up David next.)

In July, the Municipal League released valuable information about the political history of the candidates. Sue lists the following history of her work for the City:

• Code Rewrite Commission, September, 2009 - November, 2010, Vice Chair
• Budget By Priorities, "Results Committee" 2008
• Parks and Trails Commission, 2002 -2007, Chair
• BITI Committee, (Business Tax Transportation Improvement) 1996 -2003

I live in the same Education Hill neighborhood as Sue and know of her experience and participation with neighborhood traffic and safety programs, land use development process and the LW School District.

Stewart wrote the following one-page statement answering the Municipal League's questionaire question: "Why are you running for this office"?

"My family and I have lived in Redmond since August 1981, when I began my current position as a Safety Officer for METRO Transit. I initially chose Redmond for its proximity to work but quickly fell in love with both the environment and the deep sense of community. Read More >>

Redmond was small by Los Angeles standards but as the years went by our family grew along with the community of Redmond. I knew it was important to get involved to have an opportunity to shape the vision for our growing city. Read More >>

OPINION: The sidewalks on 166th Ave. are dangerously narrow

Sidewalks on 166th Ave NE are so narrow kids have to hike on garden beds

OPINION:  Two weeks ago and a woman running along a road in Chelan was hit and killed by an old man who fell asleep at the wheel.  Could it be a matter of time before a car loses control on 166th and runs into a pedestrian or bicyclist....or worse, a group of kids?  Children may walk in groups to be more visible to traffic and feel safer?  The oldest and tallest child usually walks closest to the street or on the curb. 

The traffic and safety on 166th Ave. has been under the watchful eyes of citizens, city council and administration for years. In the 2007 election one of Brian Seitz's campaign pledges was to slow the traffic and widen the sidewalks and bike lanes on 166th with 4:3 conversion.  The conversion was partially implemented. (Brian lost to Dave Carson by 200 votes).  Objections were concerns of trucks and buses plugging up traffic.   Carson and Cole were particularly focused on freight and buses.  Sue Stewart said Metro bus slowdowns on a conversation wouldn't be significant.  She works for Metro in Safety.  A few weeks ago, Councilmember John Stilin strongly indicated the conversion should be completed.

When you look at the video, picture a bicyclist coasting down the hill between the kids and a car.  No wonder so few bicycle here.  It's surprising to see so many pedestrians using the sidewalks.  Drivers often react by swerving away from small groups.  

Do you think 166th can take the traffic?  Do you think the city should finish the conversion?  The city put in red lights to improve safety at key intersections.  Should the city build safety improvements on 166th with proceeds from red-light tickets?  What do you think?
 

Opinion and photography by Bob Yoder