Showing posts with label commercial. Show all posts
Showing posts with label commercial. Show all posts

Thursday, July 22, 2021

McDonald's is Concocting Something New

Double click to enlarge (see the pandemic-related sign?) Photo by Pam Yoder

Most of Redmond's original, long standing buildings are being torn down, thanks to the Growth Management Act.  This one passed the test and instead will be remodeled. (B. Yoder)

McDonald's is located within the "Anderson Park zone."  ACCORDING TO THE CITY PLANNERS, the Anderson Park zone "encourages development of a mix of multistory residential and office buildings and allows limited retail space in order to provide convenient access without diluting the more concentrated retail cores of the Old Town and Town Center zones. The Anderson Park zone also enhances the long-term pedestrian character of Redmond Way and Cleveland Street by including street-level building and landscape design.

The McDonald's remodel proposes to enhance the overall appearance of the building with an upgrade to the exterior building materials and change to the roofline. Overall, the intention of the building design is a more contemporary appearance closer in character to the new nearby contemporary construction. All existing trees on-site are to be retained and existing landscaping protected where possible. The proposed modification to the drive-thru lane (2 lanes) includes new landscaping, which provides more parking lot landscaping and more screening of the drive-thru from the parking lot."

For details go to this link.   

Design Review Board, 7/22/2021

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Friends of Sammamish Valley protects the character of our Rural Area

Image result for friends of sammamish valley imageFriends of Sammamish Valley (FoSV) is a group of local citizens, businesses, and organizations with the goals of protecting the Sammamish Valley Agricultural Production District (APD), maintaining the character of the surrounding Rural Area, and preserving the rural lifestyle for local residents. Learn more.
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
The Sammamish Valley is currently being threatened by a proposal before the King County Council (e-mail them here) that would allow for commercial and retail businesses to operate in protected rural and agricultural areas. There are a handful of businesses including remote tasting rooms and event centers that have been illegally operating outside of the urban boundaries. Rather than working with those businesses to relocate into the urban areas, this ordinance would permanently establish them in the protected areas.
Wineries and similar businesses are an important part of the region and we want them to flourish, but remote tasting rooms and event centers belong in the urban area where the vast majority are already legally operating. The result of allowing these businesses to operate on rural land will be increased traffic, parking lots on rural land, pedestrian safety issues, water runoff that damages agricultural areas, lighting and noise pollution, and more. This ordinance threatens a rural oasis that is needed more than ever as greater urban density comes to Redmond, Woodinville, Kirkland, and Bothell. Increased commercialization in the Valley would also hurt the vast majority of legally operating businesses that rely on the rural nature of the Valley as an attractive setting for visitors. We need to make sure that the voice of the Sammamish Valley community is heard by the King County Council.
WHAT YOU CAN DO

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

The Mayor and Council continue to hear complaints about Watson Asphalt fumes

Dr. David Morton, a Redmond resident who lives near Watson Asphalt Paving Company has been speaking to the Mayor and City Council during Items from the Audience regularly for the past six months.  He complains about smelly gas fumes emanating from Watson Asphalt and claims they are carcinogenic.  At last night's Council meeting he spoke again and three other Redmond residents joined in with their similar complaints.  All four residents wanted the city to do something about the problem.

One of the residents complained she had five pets that came down with cancer.  Another resident complained she started getting debilitating migraine headaches starting in 2007. 

A third resident, Al, said his 6 year old asthmatic child had to be admitted to the ER five times, twice two times in one day.  He lives in the Woodbridge area.  He is a particle physicist and electrical engineer and said since the city isn't doing any air quality testing he will take it upon himself and publish the results on a web site.

The Mayor and Councilman Hank Myers said the city doesn't have jurisdiction over Watson Asphalt air quality and that Puget Sound Clean Air Authority has jurisdiction to enforce existing laws.  David Morton spent over an hour talking to Puget Sound Clean Air Authority with no results.  Al said the City "should stop deferring and start championing" the testing of air quality.

Watson Asphalt Paving Company is located in SE Redmond and the Mayor said any changes to the zoning code would not effect existing businesses.

During the Budget Hearing David Morton asked Council to consider funding $200,000 to upgrades of Watson's industrial refining processes.

Reported by Bob Yoder

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

UPDATED OPINION: Citizen claims actions by AWR industry are not environmentally insignificant


AWR Storm water pond  connects to Evans Creek. (2006)

My following public comment was submitted to the City, to protest approval of an environmental land use action on Redmond's polluting AWR industry

Public comments for or against this action (SEPA determination) are due to the city by 2/6/2012.  Send your Comment to city planner Kelsey Johnson  kjohnson@redmond.gov

 Dear City of Redmond,

I disagree with your determination that "All Wood Recycling" (AWR) proposal (L110009) is non-significant to our environment as referenced to the State Environmental Policy Act.   And, I ask you not  approve this environmental action favoring AWR  
Evans Creek banks enclosed
by impervious concrete
 paving. (click to enlarge)
This industrial proposal is environmentally significant owing to the location of AWR over our city aquifer. City staff publicly warned Council late last year that contaminates are leaking into the Redmond aquifer and threatening our valuable drinking water resource. AWR "recycles" hazardous waste-concrete, chemically treated wood products and other toxic materials, including sewage which remains un-piped and unconnected to the City.  Heavy machinery and trucks drip hydrolic fluids into the soils.  In some places the water aquifer is less than 6 feet from the surface so it's a short journey for their waste and toxins to enter our water supply.

Most of the ground surfaces in AWR are impervious owing to compacting of soils by vehicular use, clogged or removed stormwater pond systems, and paved roadway and work areas. Thus, most AWR stormwater is untreated, toxic and washes into Evans Creek, stressed creek banks (photo), underground streams and adjacent commercial sites.  AWR proposes one vault and one stormwater pond to treat the entire industrial site. At least two vaults are needed - one on both sides of the creek.

Evans Creek runs through AWR property, shown here 
 Evans Creek is a "Class One" stream of highest value and runs through the site. It's regulated by the Department of Ecology and the City as a "Shoreline of the State."  In 2008, Mayor Marchione proclaimed riparian corridors as" habitat of local importance."

Stormwater run-off carries untreated pollutants (photo) from AWR into the creek, harming Federally protected Chinook salmon and destroying their habitat. Sub-surface, underground streams connecting to Evans and Bear Creek were recognized by the Planning Commission during their Critical Areas Ordinance Update several years ago. Underground streams connecting to contaminated Evans Creek storm flows could spread toxins further into our aquifer before they can be treated by downstream facilities.

Toxic run-off can't percolate
 through impervious surfaces
and runs off untreated.  Heavy
equipment drips hydrolic fluids.
The City will incur certain liabilities should significant trending to aquifer contamination be traced to this AWR site and it's vicinity. Approving this "Determination of Non Significance" (DNS) is setting a precedent for further neglect in the SE Redmond industrial complex, besides AWR. By approving this DNS, the C.O.R. is placing itself at risk to lawsuit and most significantly, potential loss of a highly valuable and important municipal natural resource - potable water. 
Read More>>

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

UPDATED: Councilmembers David Carson and Hank Myers conditionally prefer 2-acre "cluster" developments in neighborhoods; Margeson opposes "strips".

UPDATED, 6/20/11:   City Council held a Study Session on 6/14/11 reviewing and clarifying the three methods for zoning "neighborhood commercial".  The complete discussion can be found on hour 1:58 of  the meeting tape: http://rctv.redmond.gov/ondemand/CC06142011.wmv.  The preferred rezone method (C-1) was defined as:  a.) only 1 commercial rezone allowed in each of six different neighborhood areas, b.) the rezone is required to be concentrated in proximity to one of three criteria:  business, residential, or recreation; prominently residential.  C-1 is the method of choice by staff and council.  Myers and Carson preferred the C-3 method, defined as:  market-based, no requirements for proximity other than 1-acre rezones must be separated by 1/2 mile.  Neighborhood commercial rezone must be along collector roads or larger.  Carson suggested the option of grocery stores or establishments in converted residential housing.  Council decided 24-hour convenience stores with a "limited line of goods" (like 7/11) and signage aesthetics unapproved by the Design Review Board would not be acceptable. Public Hearing is set for July19 at City Hall. 

For quite some time, Redmond City Council and city staff  have been studying and planning policy options for creating "neighborhood commercial" zones in our neighborhoods. Fewer car trips to downtown centers, conveniences, and neighborhood gathering places are a few goals.

A significant piece of Neighborhood Commercial policy is "implementation" of size, proximity and types of businesses in the neighborhoods. Councilmembers Allen, Vache, Margeson and Stilin firmly agreed to:  locating commercial within walking distance (~1/4 mile) of residential concentrations (12-30 housing units/parcel) and parks. (Option C-1)  (SEE UPDATE)
.
Preserving neighborhood character is paramount to council.  Councilmember John Stilin commented, "I'd rather have a neighborhood begging us to open up to development, than be pushed..."

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

TEDxRedmond's Youth Conference - "The Power To Be Students!"

Saturday, 2:30 pm, September 18th, 2010
Microsoft Conference Center, Redmond WA
Theme: Power to the Students!  
All youth Grades 6-10 are invited

http://www.tedxredmond.com/

Or, you may watch TEDxRedmond streamed live online and organize a Meetup (watching the stream with a group of similarly interested people) around it at http://www.meetup.com/TEDxRedmond/  .

 Below, are two of seventeen TEDxRedmond Sponsored Speakers!
JORDON ROMERO is the youngest person to climb Mt. Everest at age 14

BRIGITTE BERMAN - experienced bullying, spoke on Good
Morning America, testified to Congress, youngest person to
participate in NASA Space Mission.

Attendees should sign up at the TEDxRedmond Attend page (www.tedxredmond.com/attend.html , and arrive at the Microsoft Conference Center at 2:30 PM.
What you'll find at the TEDxRedmond event (read more)  

Friday, August 13, 2010

Theno's Dairy is upgrading their facility after an inspection by the FDA

UPDATED:  The Redmond Neighborhood Blog received a tip from a neighborhood mom, who wished to remain anonymous, that Thenos was inspected by the FDA and warned on July 21 for "serious violations of the current Good Manufacturing Practice regulation for foods." 
 "I'm just a mom who wants to know...what they are doing about it etc....as my kids ask all the time "to go to the ice cream place with the cow."
I called Thenos owner, Doug Bloor for his response.  Doug said:  "Absolutely no food has been contaminated, tainted, or recalled. "
Doug went onto say:  The FDA letter was "boiler plate" and that the issues had nothing directly to do with the processing areas.  Remedies are underway and should be completed in a few weeks.  Ice cream will be loaded in closed containment vessels and carted on stainless steel wheels.  A bid is out to modernize the sink drains.  The bathroom is being re-painted and upgraded.  Terminix has inspected the area and taken any necessary measures.  

Mr. Bloor noted that "Thenos started on a farm 26 years ago and has been the same operation all along.  The State Department of Agriculture inspects the processing areas 4 times/year.  The County Health Department is out 1-2 times/year." 

Reported By Bob Yoder
Photo By Yoder

Source:
 FDA Warning Letter, dated 7/21/2010
"Food and Safety News"

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Spicy Talk: staling the Szchuan chef, now in Redmond

'Spicy Talk: stalking the Szechuan chef, now in Redmond'

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/allyoucaneat/2011426448_spicy_talk_stalking_the_szechu.html#continue"

"Did you read Calvin Trillin's story in the New Yorker about those chowhounds chasing after a Szechuan chef?" wondered several of my well-read friends.  more...


Nancy Leson
Seattle Times food writer

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Free Emergency Dental Care in Redmond - one day only

Free emergency dental care

On February 26th Redmond Family and Cosmetic Dentistry will open its doors to any child or adult in need of free emergency dental care. This is an annual event for those unable to afford needed dental care. They will be limiting care to extractions and fillings.

All patients will be seen on a first come first serve basis. Registration will begin at 9am and we will continue to treat patients until 2pm . A Spanish translator will be available. (el traductor español estará en el sitio)

Redmond Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, 8350 164th Ave NE Suite 100, Redmond , WA 98052
(425) 883-1253

By Beth Angelo
Chairperson for the LWSD PTSA Special Needs Group

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Department of Natural Resources uses digital photography to map impervious surfaces for more accurate stormwater billing.

Stormwater treatment infiltration pond next to Evans Creek. Infiltration systems on sensitive Evans Creek properties will be more closely monitored by the City.
UPDATED, 5/21. Opinion: The council voted (7-0) last night to modify stormwater billing to improve billing accuracy. New digital aerial mapping technology allows stormwater engineers to more accurately identify all impervious surfaces (roads, parking, structures) that contribute to dirty stormwater run-off. According staff, an "opt-out" condition only applies to the city-center (downtown) sub-basin, and is only applicable to properties within that sub-basin that are adjacent to the Sammamish River. No change in treatment requirements will apply from this ordinance.
The SW industrial businesses (R.I.C.E.) earlier had lobbied for "infiltration" and against regional treatment improvements. Staff is working with RICE to develop an assessment for existing infiltration systems, and to develop a process and timeline to modify existing systems (if necessary) to reduce risk to the aquifer. The City is building a SW Regional Treatment Plant to treat dirty stormwater more comprehensively and economically along the industrial district of Evans Creek and SW Redmond. Councilmembers Hank Myers and Pat Vache' lended their support to the R.I.C.E. industries during negotiations.
The Administration made some concessions to pass the modification. With staff approval, industries and landowners living adjacent the river would be allowed to "opt out" from hooking into the new Downtown Regional Stormwater Facility. To qualify for reduced rates, a professional engineer would have to make sizing and cost estimates for properties building a private water treatment facility. Department of Ecology water quality standards must still be met. A business could "opt out" for lower rates if their plan was approved by the Staff. Another concession, driven by Myers, was to allow businesses to appeal their bill by October, 2009. Landowners who "opt out" will be reimbursed for the value of their land lost to an on-site facility. Finally, staff had requested that "gravel" count as an impervious surface. The Administration and council decided not to include gravel as impervious, but to study and decide on the issue by December, 2010.

The new digital photography mapping techniques to identify parcels with impervious surfaces is more accurate than on site visits. 78 letters have been mailed to property owners with NEW stormwater bills. Also, the unit measurement of impervious has been "truncated" which will bring higher revenues to the city. In addition, billing by parcel, rather than property owner will add to revenues. Credits will be given for "rain harvesting".

Public Works Director Bill Campbell and Stormwater Manager Jon Spangler, have been progressive and innovative in meeting city needs for cleaner water, all the while, dancing the political jig for council and property owners. Councilmember Hank Margeson concluded the billing modification was really all about cleaner water for our streams (and aquifer zones). Margeson Chairs the Planning & Public Works Committee.
Link to the Modified Stormwater billing ordinance

draft

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Updated, 12/16 - Redmond's New Sign Ordinance will keep our sidewalks and neigborhoods clutter-free


Update, 12/16: Opinion on the new sign ordinance from an West Redmond realtor.
OPINION: City Council, the Planning Commission, and our two Code Enforcement Officers have been working for months, if not years, to update and improve our sign ordinance. A new, improved ordinance will be officially in place after one final Hearing on private "banner signs". Signs come in all shapes and types. The photo on the left shows two "A-Board directional signs" for the same project. On the right is a large residential property sign. Hey, do ya think those copper capped posts come included with the Purchase & Sale!
At stake has been striking a balance between the needs for advertising, public safety, and removal of visual clutter. In addition, the ordinance had to be written within the confines of the 9th Circuit Court decision. Doborah Farris, Code Enforcement Officer said the ordinance would be strictly enforced. The first violation is a warning. Second violation is the sign will be pulled with a $50 fee for retrieval. Third violation is a $100 fine. Redmond's two Code Enforcement officers have many other duties than monitoring signs. The Code Enforcement officer's email and phone is 425-556-2465
In short, only one sign is allowed by the the new ordinance for commercial, project construction, and residential advertising. Councilman Vache made a point that precautionary safety signs should not restricted. Signs are limited in size to six square feet. Council Pres. McCormick indicated the Land Use Application Project requirements for 1 4x8 "extraordinary" White Sign every 500 feet (and 1 Yellow 2x3 sign/project ) remain the same.
After persistent lobbying by the Real Estate industry, an exception to the 1-sign rule was allowed for residential real estate advertising in most neighborhoods (R-1 to R-8). Real estate agents, FSBO's, landlords and new single family home projects are allowed up to 3 "directional signs" only during OPEN HOUSES, in addition to the one property sign. Arrow signs count as directional signs.
In a short drive through N. Redmond, I found one housing project posting 11 directional signs and three "landmark signs". A-Boards (sandwich board) and any other staked signs are restricted from public right-of-ways. i.e sidewalks, driveways, bike lanes. Home businesses, including daycare, are not allowed to put out signs. Deputy Planning Director Roberts said code enforcement recently pulled out over 100 signs - mostly in N. Redmond.
Apartment and condominium complexes zoned R-12 & up are allowed 1-sign per complex and no directional signs. Councilman Margeson emphasized visual clutter would be mitigated on roads with multiple apartments/condos like Avondale, 148th Ave, and Redmond Way.
The ordinance will especially be felt by landlords and FSBO's who are often desperate to get the word out. I know for a fact, since I rented a house for years and eventually sold it by owner. I won't tell you how many signs I staked because I'm embarrassed. Most that were pulled were on the 104th Street and 166th Avenue intersection. With this new ordinance - advertisers beware!
Disclaimer: to verify the ordinance quoted in this post, please contact Deborah Farris. This story is informational and my sole opinion. Signs leading from Redmond to the county or another city may or may not be subject to the new ordinance.

Friday, December 5, 2008

2/4/09, UPDATED: Will Redmond Town Center partner with the City on flood protections and salmon preservation?

2nd in a series of opinions on Redmond Town Center.

UPDATED 2/4/2009  You'll find a post 2 days ago trying to understand the relationship between Redmond Town Center and the City. Talk from some neighbors and my review of several city council meetings reveal the city was negotiating with Redmond Town Center for Bear Creek buffer land. It appeared from these talks the city was frustrated with Redmond Town Center and their owner, Macerich REIT.  Its since been learned, the relationship is back on track with hopefully no strings attached by Macerich.

According to Mayor John Marchione: "...Regarding the (Redmond) blog, the City has a very good relationship with Redmond Town Center. We are working together to transfer land buffering Bear Creek to City control. Earlier in the year we approached Macerich for permission to perform survey work on the land in anticipation of the project. There was a delay as attorney’s work on language. But the delay was weeks, not months or years.....  Read More >>

Monday, July 14, 2008

FINAL Updated Opinion; Do SE Redmond industries have a valid alternative to the city's regional plan for managing filthy industrial stormwater?

FINAL UPDATES: "And the answer is..." - it appears the industries & city will achieve a workable variation to the city regional stormwater plan to allow infiltration, if necessary. County Councilmember Kathy Lambert will tour parts of the Evans Creek county shoreline with me and other city officials on 7/16. Kathy is also a Redmond resident.

UPDATED, 7/14 - King County Environmental Health Manager Fay reassured me that fecal coliform bacteria issues should probably not be a big concern in SE Redmond city septic systems. Many thanks to county councilmember Kathy Lambert for her assistance in this matter. Dave Garland of Ecology reported inconsequential fecal bacteria in Evans Creek, at this time.

Two unintended consequences arose today during my meeting with staff:
1) The inaccurate city-county "zoning jurisdictional city web map" caused undue strain and waste of staff and citizen time during this fact-finding process. 2) Presently, no planner is assigned to the SE Redmond industrial district to review permit applications on site for either conforming or nonconforming uses. Photos are not required by permit to monitor "creeping" of uses onto the Evans Creek tree-lined banks in SE Redmond. (Yet, photos by homeowners are required in residential tree removal permitting. In addition, unannounced on-site residential tree inspections were made by planners and the code enforcement officer, during Ives Administration....my home and my neighbor's for my tree permit).

Councilman Hank Margeson, Chair Public Works Committee reported at a recent council meeting I was concerned about the integrity and safety of the county septic systems in SE Redmond. This is innacurate and a misunderstanding; and probably attributed to the outdated & confusing jurisdictional map on the city website. I've since edited my article to clarify my concern is about city septic systems. Mr. Jon Spangler, DNR, was aware of my intentions and concern about aging city septic in SE Redmond at: Cadman Gravel 'Olympian PreCast,' Skanska, Rainier Welding and most likely Genie Industries. I may be requesting public records to identify & confirm the location of these septic systems (and the newer sewer lines partially servicing 192nd Ave. Ne ) city industrial. In talking to city Dept. of Nat. Resources, East Redmond Properties, LLC (Watson Asphalt Co.) appears hooked up to the sewer line on 192nd Ave NE, though the department was unsure if All Wood Recycling, Inc. (AWR) was hooked up to sewer...hmmm.
UPDATED, 6/26
- after a 30 minute conversation with Jon Spangler of the Department of Natural Resources today I learned the SE Redmond city septic systems are safely operating and probably good for at least another five years.

During the June 17 council meeting, Public Works presented a proposal that could move forward plans for a critical new regional city stormwater facility for SE Redmond. Staff's Regional city Stormwater Facilities plan for SE Redmond can be found HERE with map in its entirety. Excerpts from the proposal are below. You may find these snippets astounding or laugh nervously; I'm ecstatic the Marchione Administration is proposing a regional stormwater system for SE Redmond. The facility would service over 300 acres in the vicinity of Union Hill and 192th Ave. NE adjacent Evans Creek. Find a helpful satellite terrain map HERE of Evans Creek running through a section of city, SE Redmond industrial park.

Below are excerpts from the staff report:


"Stormwater infrastructure in the area is primarily characterized as uncontrolled flow of stormwater from paved surfaces into sandy gravel areas where the water seeps into the ground to enter groundwater flowing towards the City’s municipal drinking water wells." !

"With minimal stormwater infrastructure, this contaminated stormwater can flow into the City’s groundwater (drinking water supply) and into Evan’s Creek, jeopardizing water quality for both of those resources." !

"In response to the need to end the practice of infiltrating potentially contaminated stormwater in this area, and in response to three currently proposed projects (Costco, extension of 188th Ave NE, and Union Hill Road Phase 3) City staff have worked to identify and size potential regional stormwater facilities to meet the current and future needs in this watershed."

This is something! In review of the archived tape of the 6/17/08 Council meeting, it sounds like most of SE Redmond's untreated stormwater currently flows slowly towards Wellhead #5. According to the Public Works director, Wellhead 5 is our most productive well and very important to our supply for affordable drinking water.

"R.I.C.E" -- "Redmond Industries for a Clean Environment" lobbied Council last Tuesday to water-down the proposal to allow existing infiltration practices (against new municipal code) and to not implement the 50 year flood capacity of the facility. SE Redmond city businesses lies in a 100 year floodplain above a shallow aquifer but fortunately, city sewer has been installed in the last 2 years at most city businesses along Evans Creek, according to DNR.

Council may make a decision on the RICE proposal in their their July 1 meeting. Tune into RCTV Channel 21 Tuesday, 7:30 to follow it. According to city Jon Spangler of the Depart. of Nat. Resources, within the last two years SE Redmond city businesses have partially converted to city sewer. In past decades the city businesses relied exclusively on city septic tanks and septic drain fields to treat wastewater. The drain fields are decades old and are buried near the shallow aquifer.

Think about the benefits of sewer and regional stormwater when you look at the photo of this filthy city stormwater pond. This detention pond is the only one I'm aware of in SE Redmond. It's located adjacent Evans Creek on 42nd Street on city property. According Jon Spangler of Redmond Department of Natural Resources the surface water, ground water, and Evans creek is free of significant fecal coliform bacteria; and all existing city septic fields are maintained and not failing. Now that's reassuring!!

Take a quick look at the Department of Ecology's "Citizen Guide to Monitoring Streams - fecal coliform bacteria". Does this answer some of your concerns? Click this link to read my last story on "Evans Creek - what went wrong?" As with any opinion story, I am always open to hearing and sharing your opinion in the comments section below.

And not to forget, the City of Redmond "2007 Water Quality Report" has city contact information. This 2007 report was printed & delivered this summer of '08. The city's new slogan is: "Safe Drinking water is our highest priority". It sure looks like they are working hard towards that end. Thank you, Department of Natural Resources & Council for your efforts!

cc: city council, mayor, city clerk, WDOE.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

UPDATED: Evans Creek - Where is it? Where does it go? What went wrong?

OPINION:



click on the pics to enlarge









Can you guess where Evans Creek is in this picture?

Find a graphic satellite map HERE of Evans Creek running through the industrial park and connecting with Bear Creek. Can you find the confluence of Bear & Evans Creek on Keller Farm on the left of the map? Zoom in. Can you can find the stream culvert and creek banks?

Evans Creek is a important salmon-bearing stream located in SE Redmond. The picture on the right is the beginning of Evans Creek near the county - city border. This photo was taken on the historic Red Brick Road looking west. See the beaver dam? You pass over Evans Creek everytime you drive on Union Hill Road near 192nd Avenue NE, just south of the Red Brick Road. Another good landmark is Legacy Roofing.

In the photo on the left, Evans Creek is further downstream into the industrial park running through a pipe (culvert) under the gravel road. A small bridge over Evans Creek is marked by orange posts. The creek flows left (west) under the tiny bridge & parallel to NE 84th Street through this industrial business and several others. About a half mile downstream adjacent Millennium Park it connects with Bear Creek on Keller Farm.

Bear Creek and Evans Creek are state and city protected salmon-bearing streams. Federally endangered wild Chinook salmon run through the Evans Creek industrial area on their way to spawn upstream. I don't know how far they make it. Evans Creek is supposed to have a 150 -200 foot buffer but the industrial businesses on 84th Street have been grandfathered for scores of years with a 25 foot buffer. As you see from the left photos the 25-foot buffers have been ignored by the landowners and city. Trucks, junk and debris sit directly on top of the bank.

Without a buffer, the salmon and other in-stream critters and wildlife lose the natural "riparian" food and protections they would have received from trees, shrubs, logs, and spongy earthen banks. Every truck, car, and piece of junk on the stream bank contributes to polluted run-off into Evans. The city's Department of Natural Resources has a distant goal to re-locate Evans Creek north and away from the industrial park. The stream banks could be restored with 200 foot buffers. The business owners land values on NE 84th Street would increase, too, and redevelopment would be possible. If you want to send a message to the city about Evans Creek buffers contact Code Enforcement Officer Carl McArthy or Mayor John Marchione. "What went wrong" with the buffers was not Mayor John Marchione's doing. (In this photo, the creek runs right to left between the trucks/cars and the trees).

6/3/08 Planning Commission's report (currently under review by Council): "[The Planning Commission] did however, discuss the issue of how to address existing industrial users along Evans Creek and the Sammamish River. The Planning Commission acknowledged lands zoned for these users are limited, and it is appropriate to allow these structures to continue to operate and possibly expand under certain circumstances."
- 2007 Shoreline Master Program Update staff report is (here)
At the 6/3 council meeting, Councilman Cole mildly reasserted the Planning Commission's recommendations. Councilman Myers said he wasn't interested in the Shoreline plan going to court. Councilwomen McCormick & Allen discussed holding multiple study sessions. The Department of Ecology Hearing and final decision will be made by December 1, 2009. Comments can be sent to Cathy Beam, Redmond Environmental Principal Planner and David Pater, State Ecology Shoreline Planning Manager. A statement by Mr. Pater is under "comments".

State Department of Ecology Website: Shoreline Master Program (SMP)
King County Website: Evans Creek Natural Area
If you or your friends and family are interested in taking a closer look at Evans Creek, the Water Tenders (a local nonprofit that cares about Bear Creek Basin), is sponsoring a car tour of the Evans Creek riparian corridor this Sunday afternoon, June 8. Please contact Bob Yoder (me) for details.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Playdates & Perks at RTC

Contributed by Kay Tarapolsi

In order to save my sanity midweek, I decided to get my three kids (ages 6, 4 and 1) out of the house to try the 'Playdates & Perks' that the Redmond Town Center features every Thursday from 10-2pm. I had been told about this from another mom who loved to stop by with her kids and get a Kid's Creation for a reduced fare. Our first step was at the Information office to get the membership card and a list of participating stores. The first disappointment of the hunt for Perks? Cold Stone is no longer offering their Kid's Creations for $1.50. When I asked why, the information hostess had no answer for me. Additionally crossed off the list was Cosi, who is no longer at RTC (what's more, the RTC website lists a discount at Rubber Sole, another defunct business). We also realized we were too late for the Hush Baby Boutique story time that was at 11am. Too bad, I heard they have fabulous cookies. Undeterred, we headed to Pizza Schmizza for a kid's slice of pizza. As usually, it was superb. It just came out of the oven and was perfect sized for the price ($1).

After our snack we mozzied over to Learning Quest for the free gift. The girls were given little lizards that they loved and they were still playing with the next day. Next we stopped at the Paint Away and were shown three birth plaques (of which we would pick one) we could receive for free if we purchased $20 worth of items. I asked the sales clerk if they had other options that were for kids since these were adult projects and was told no (even after showing her the list that says "children's activity" next to their name). I actually would have spent the $20 on extra items if we were given a "children's activity" to decorate that was more appropriate for a child of 6 or 4. We left Paint Away with the girls being let down that they wouldn't get to participate.

Looking at the list of other stores, it seemed that others offered services that just weren't very 'Playdate' friendly. Some of the stores listed (Laura Victoria and Lucy) don't even offer children's clothing or items while others (Sahib Cuisine of India) are not child suitable and are geared more towards the business lunch crowd. And whereas Regis does offer a $5 off a children's haircut, I don't know that many kids that need a 20% discount on chemical services.

I think the 'Playdates & Perks' is a really fabulous idea and while we were sitting at Ruby's enjoying the free kids meal (with a purchase of an adult entree), I realized it just needed a bit of work to make it more 'Playdate' friendly for children. Start by handing out an updated list of 'Perks,' with non participating merchants removed and matching the RTC website. Next, make a separate list for places that offer discounts for moms, but maybe at a time without the kids. How about a MNO (Moms Night Out) that includes dinner at Sahib and price cuts at Laura Victoria, Lucy, Chico's, Victoria's Secret, etc followed by some deliciously discounted brew and gossip at Tully's? My final suggestions to make this concept work? Encourage more stores that appeal to children to participate, places such as Gymboree, Gap Kids, Claire's, Red Robin, REI, Uncle's Games and Wetzel's Pretzels. These merchants need to be reminded that the Redmond/Woodinville/Duvall area has more children under the age of 5 then any other surrounding city. As they should have said in Field of Dreams "build it for the kids and the parents will come."

Koloud 'Kay' Tarapolsi
Co-author, Overlake Neighborhood

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Register now for the 7th Annual Redmond El. "Hawk Walk and 5K Run!!"

DON'T MISS THIS ONE!

THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 9AM, Redmond Town Center !

7th Annual "Hawk Walk & 5K Run" fundraiser for Redmond Elementary School!
Register in the morning at RTC at 8:00 ish.
Come join some of the top competitive runners from throughout the region, Redmond Councilwoman Kimberly Allen, and your friends and neighbors at the 7th Annual Redmond Elementary Hawk Walk and 5K Run this Saturday, April 26, at Redmond Town Center. The event includes both a 1-mile walk/run starting at 9:00 am and a USA Track & Field-certified 5K race starting at 9:30 am.

Last year, more than $14,000 was raised for programs at Redmond Elementary School thanks to the support of Redmond area businesses This year’s top sponsors include Watermark Credit Union, now in its third year of sponsorship, and the 2008 Blue Ribbon Sponsor is Redmond Town Center, in its 7th year of sponsorship.

Other sponsoring businesses include Redmond General Insurance, Redmond Medical Center, ANM Electric, Helsell Fetterman, Family Pancake & Dinner House, Jazzercise, Jet City Pizza, JJ Mahoney’s, Lee Johnson Chevrolet, Redmond Physical Therapy, and The UPS Store.

DID YOU KNOW? Redmond Elementary has a very diverse student population. The school often enrolls children from two local shelters, and nearly 42% of the students participate in the free/reduced lunch program. Nearly 18% of the Redmond Elementary student population speak English as a second language. All profits from the race will benefit the students at Redmond Elementary.

All donations above the race entry fee for this event are tax-deductible. The success of the event allows the PTSA to finance programs including: Classroom equipment and supplies; field trip scholarships and transportation, academic enrichment, and emergency preparedness.

Questions? email Alina
The PTSA WEBSITE FOR REDMOND EL IS: http://redmondelptsa.org/.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Manufacturing Parks are feeling the squeeze from 'higher uses'.



Manufacturing and Industrial Parks have been an important part of Redmond ever since 1936 when Horace Cadman acquired a gravel pit from Columbia Lumber Company to start up his concrete business.

Cadman and all industrial and manufacturing parks these days are feeling the squeeze of rapid residential growth, congested roads, higher land costs, scarce parking, and the higher uses of business parks. Software companies, R&D, retail, office and residential are all competing for downtown space and manufacturing parks are feeling the brunt of it.

On January 18, 2008, Mayor John Marchione held a Breakfast Forum to study these Manufacturing and Business Park issues. The meeting was run by staffer Sarah Stiteler and most planning staff councilmembers and planning commissioners were present. The Council chambers seemed almost full with many Chamber of Commerce members present.

One of the biggest problems is competition for land within the city owing to the relatively low cost of manufacturing parks (MP) in Redmond. According to an Overlake chamber member warehouse space costs only 70 cents/SF vs. $1.70/SF - $2.00/SF in Bellevue.
Some interesting factoids:
1) 7.4% of total land in downtown is zoned manufacturing - 737 acres. 2) 11.5% of total employment in the city is manufacturing, decreasing from 15% in 2001. 3) total business park space is 529 acres or 5.9% of the downtown. 4) total industrial space is 79 acres.

"Higher and better" uses discussed by MP businesses were, as follows:

  • the Firestone and car care businesses on Redmond Way complained the area is "going retail". Traffic and parking issues arise from incompatible zoning.

  • a commercial real estate executive in Overlake complained of rent increases and losing space to office, R&D, and software.

  • Olympian Precast just wants to be "left alone" from housing and any encroachments.

  • Overlake Church was upset with corporations using their parking lots. Microsoft is actually looking for land for a shuttle park.

  • Cadman claimed the truck traffic to Costco (Taylor Park Development) will go past their business on Union Hill owing to nearby incompatable residential zoning. Rising construction costs make manufacturing projects unfeasable. Thus, the Taylor Development is appealing to Costco.

Some possible solutions? 1) zone to "bridge" manufacturing parks to business parks 2) charge for parking, 3) zone for business diversity, 4) limit residential near MP by building more units in Overlake Urban center. Councilmember McCormick was pleased Mayor Marchione encouraged this Forum. She said it had been years coming. I think the city will be developing a comprehesive plan for MP soon.

I wonder what the neighborhoods think? Or, do we even care?

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

The city's first strip mall will be torn down next year & replaced with a road.

This historic 1950's structure - now the remodeled into "Kanishak Cuisine of India" --will be torn down next year to build a downtown connector road to Bear Creek Parkway. It's located on Redmond Way and 161st Street in Redmond's first strip mall, still named "Redmond's Shopping Square" and now very unattractive.

"Mayor Bud Young did not own Bud’s Drive Inn, nor was he related to the other Bud who did own it. Bud’s laminate-topped tables, strong coffee, hot soup, ashtrays aplenty, pour your own refills. Town business was decided by the regulars at Bud's." -Neo Hardy, RHS.

This description kinda sounds like popular downtown "Victor's Coffee" on Gilman Street, only without the ashtrays and wood replacing the laminate.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Shops in downtown "B&B" strip mall to get "the boot"

161st Street will punch straight through Redmond Way and B&B Auto to connect with Bear Creek Parkway. This red roofed, unsightly strip mall will be leveled. Redmond's first skyscraper (Cleveland building ) is in the background. (Taken from 161st / Redmond Way intersection.)

Small businesses are just beginning to exit the older downtown strip malls of Redmond and more will follow. Downtown real estate is expensive so these shops are being forced out of their digs by "higher and better uses."

The historic and now unsightly "Redmond Shopping Square" (pictured above) is scheduled for demolition by 2009, according to tenants. The 58-year old 8-store strip mall is anchored by B&B Auto Parts, Frederick's Appliance Center and Parker Paint. It's at the intersection of Redmond Way and 161st St. According to tenants & historical society, "Sol" has owned the property since about 1955. Before that, I think it was a grocery store run by a Filipino farming family - but the Historical Society or Sol would know best.

I visited almost every store in the Square including having a savory lunch buffet at Kanishka Cuisine of India. Great food and I discovered taste buds never known! Sol wasn't happy when the city asked him to demolish his Square for the road. At last resort, the city had to "take" Sol's (with compensation) property because improving traffic circulation downtown is now critical. Luke at Frederick's Appliance said they were happy with the city's relocation support and terms.

The 161sth Street extension will move B&B, Frederick's, Parker Paint and Kanishka Cuisine of India out of the immediate downtown but I don't know what will happen to the smaller eastern shops. Rumor has it a "modern" retail and or parking may go in. Will our fair city convert 161st Street to an attractive, pedestrian friendly "promenade" with outdoor shops, book stands, dining, bicycle racks, and...? Is this an opportunity!

Where will the small businesses flee? It appears most prefer to be associated with Redmond, but downtown real estate is expensive ....up to 5 times more expensive than their strip mall digs, according to a tenant. The Bell-Red and Rose Hill areas were mentioned a lot. Parker Paint is planning to merge with their Bellevue Store when they move and focus more on retail business. I hoped for Kanishka Cuisine, they would move to the evolving Overlake urban"international district".

When my neighbors watch Black-tailed deer wander down 116th St. looking for a new forest home taken by redevelopment, I'm saddened. Fortunately, these small businesses aren't on the "endangered list" - in fact, I'm counting they will thrive. We WILL miss our "old friends" at the Redmond Shopping Square and look forward to rediscovering them when they find their new homes next year. In the meantime, this historic mall and their tenants will be in business all this year so stop by, and say hi!
A native of Redmond owner of the EASTSIDE GYM ( 95st St. & Willows Rd.) first told me about the proposed extension of 161st St. The Gym is friendly & affordable & I can bike to it from my home on Ed. Hill. It was dis-located last year from a strip mall demolished to build a new Group Health clinic and multi-family housing. (near the construction cranes.)