Redmond's Poet Laureate, Laura Da' created this lyrical nature walk through the downtown natural, cultural and historical places of Redmond. QR Code will open the map guiding you through five special places.
Laura Da' is a poet and teacher. A lifetime resident of the Pacific Northwest, Da' studied creative writing at the University of Washington and this Institute of American Indian Arts. She is Eastern Shawnee. Da' lives near Seattle with her husband and son.
To take the tour, on your phone, click on the small Google square next to the microphone symbol, hover over the QR code and click on it as if taking a picture.
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| Heritage Red Oak Tree in apparent distress during Senior Center construction. (click to enlarge) |
After a Vision Redmond 2050 meeting last night I joined Pam for some awesome "Hey Jude dancing" to the "Beatnicks." It was Rockn' on the River time!
The Senior & Community building construction was nearby so we checked it out. We first noticed the Heritage Red Oak Tree. Not to alarm, but I'm concerned for its health. Notice the mound of earth piled within the dripline root zone. The roots are clearly disturbed. Near the trunk a subsurface cement box is dug-out. Does the right side of the tree look somewhat shriveled/limp to you? Why is the invasive work done in the heat of the summer?
Worries out of the way, we then rushed to see if Council kept Red Oak 161. Yes, they did! All three landmark Red Oaks are standing tall. Three other good sized trees remain nearby.
At a Council meeting (7/26) the Parks Director reported concerns that removing the tree will increase impervious surfaces in the shoreline buffer. In my opinion, pervious asphalt should be installed on the Center walkways within the shoreline buffer. Yes, it's expensive but if the city can install pervious asphalt on the entire Phase II Central Trail Connector they can certainly afford it on the State shoreline buffer.
It was nice to see the white detention tanks for treating runoff. They looked new, state of the art, and clean. Only the best for the Sammamish River!
After Rockn' on the River was over we ran into Marty Boggs, Senior Center Administrator; he noted something extraordinary. There wasn't a shred of litter on the lawns! Said Marty, "It's like this every year, Redmond is a special place"
-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 8/12/2022
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| Attractive "Red Oak Community Center" signage may complement the building's wood design. UPDATE: On 8/16/2022, Council named the building "Senior & Community Center" 4-1 (Anderson) Video Tour |
Throughout community engagement, community members expressed during the design process that the name “Redmond Senior & Community Center” implied that this space was only for seniors and did not feel that their feedback was important to the process. Additionally, senior centers throughout the region have moved toward more inclusive naming such as the Edmonds Waterfront Center to be representative of the community in which it exists.
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| Redmond's Heritage Northern Red Oak credit, Yoder |
The Parks and Trails Commission discussion on July 7, 2022 focused on whether “Senior” should be part of name but determined that “Community” is inclusive of all the people who would use the center. After discussion, the Planning Commission passed a motion 4:3 in favor of the “Red Oak Community Center.” It will be going to the City Council for action August 2022.
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| Pat Vache' in his early days / courtesy of Arnie Tomac |
In 2022, Pat Vache', a "Founding Father" of Town Center gave testimony encouraging Council include the founders in the development process citing their previous experience (and collective wisdom.) He emphasized the need of engagement opportunities, especially town hall meetings.
Mr. Vache' stated “Throughout the history of Redmond Town Center two issues were foremost, 1) protecting open space and 2) creating a major retail facility for all to enjoy. If history taught us nothing else, it is clear that three elements were important then and are critical today:
1) Redmond residents want and deserve the opportunity to engage,
2) A robust retail environment is a necessity for Redmond residents and the economic sustainability of the City of Redmond, and
3) Redmond residents demand a sustainable environment, an environment characterized by trees, lots of trees and open space, lots of open space," in fact a minimum of 43 acres."
THE EARLY HISTORY - a quick story
Town Center’s modern history began in late 1978 when the Old Redmond Golf Course (in King County) was purchased by Winmar, a Safeco company. A total of 120 pristine acres were purchased, including the 87-acre golf course. Forty-four acres would remain open space. (C. Beason played a large role in that.) The acreage was invaluable to the community. Open space is a very big part of Redmond culture.
Winmar proposed development of the 87 acre golf course twice, once in 1979 for $4 million (per Town Center Associates) and again in **1982 for $6 million ($16.5 million in today's dollars.) Though open space was desirable, The Sammamish Valley News, businessmen and many residents wanted shopping and commercial development.
To counter development, in 1978 a coalition of preservationists, “Civic Action for Redmond Environment” (C.A.R.E.) formed to retain the golf course and influence public opinion. One of the C.A.R.E. Presidents Richard Grubb, Pat Vache', Arnie Tomac, Chris Himes, the Beasons and other citizen activists organized the coalition. Grubb, Vache' and Tomac became councilmembers. Himes became Redmond's first full time Mayor. Nothing ever came of the 1979, $4 million Town Center Associates offer, probably because of C.A.R.E.
Pat Vache', Redmond's first planning commissioner and a councilmember of 16 years, says "in over eight years the public, planning staff, and Policy Advisory Commission had a series of public meetings, visioning exercises and just about any type of public process imaginable. Town Center didn't just happen. It has history."
"Old Redmond" vs. "New Redmond" issues were reaching a boiling point. So, in 1982 Council, led by Council President Arnie Tomac and councilmember Pat Vache', proposed a $6 million bond measure to “let the voters decide" if they wanted to purchase the land for preservation or take Winmar’s offer and develop it. According to Rosemarie Ives, the 60% supermajority bond failed by 2%.
Mayor Doreen Marchione is quoted in the Sammamish Valley News, “we have no choice but to annex the property for reasonable development.” Former Mayor Rosemarie Ives felt the city should have immediately gone out for a second vote.
With that, Vache' notes by 1986, (Ord. 1328) 120 acres were annexed from King County, pre-annexation zoning was completed, the ***Master Plan was approved, and the property was incorporated into the City of Redmond. *Seven years following the City’s 1988 approval (Ord. 1416) Winmar didn’t develop anything with Town Center, though there still was much debate and talk. In 1994, Winmar proposed an outdoor mall of 1.3M square feet of shopping and offices. The proposal was approved by Council in 1995 (Ord. 1841.) Construction started in 1996.
-- written by Bob Yoder, 7/15/2022
Sources: Sammamish Valley News, Pat Vache, Arnie Tomac, Nancy McCormick, Rosemarie Ives, Holly Plackett, 4/8/2022 Fairbourne Properties Letter to Redmond City Council, Seattle Times, 8/10/1997.
Arnold Tomac's Leadership and Involvement with Redmond Town Center. Arnie is a good friend of Pat Vache'.
* Quick stories: Though, not directly related to Town Center, past councilmember and planning commissioner Holly Plackett wrote Winmar's seven "idle" years were spent developing Target, Mervyns, and Bella Bottega cinema.
This story is so interesting! As editor of the Sammamish Valley News at that time, I was deeply involved in studying the options for this property. Redmond was sorely in need of a better commercial zone….the town was growing and there really was a great need. Although Town Center perhaps failed to fulfill that dream entirely, there is still hope. The city has grown…the possibilities are still endless! I hope Redmond marches ahead, brings itself completely into this century to keep up with the vast population growth!
--Deb Akerstrom, 7/2022. Deb is presently a Director on the Redmond Historical Society Society. 12/2022
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** The MASTER PLAN was approved in 1986: "The design and development of this zone is controlled by a Master Plan established to ensure that development here integrates with and positively influences future development of the Greater downtown area and retains traditional building styles, street patterns, variety of uses, and public amenities." (Ord. 1328.)
The MASTER PLAN was scrapped in 2022. New language: "Design and development of this zone is controlled by zone-based regulations and additional special design standards for development projects located within the downtown urban core."
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| The Oak Heritage Tree Chris Weber, Arts Administrator next to trunk (click to enlarge) |
Opinion: Mayor Angela Birney's "Senior & Community Center" groundbreaking ceremony yesterday was fabulous. After the ceremony, we walked to City Hall for a poster session and to meet *city staff, our elected and city leaders.
We were asked to "vote with stones" for a building name we liked best. I recommended "Red Oak Senior Center" on one side and "Redmond Community Center" on the other side. I really hope it's the peoples' choice. So, what's so special about "Northern Red Oaks" Quercus Rubra?
* SEEN: Hank Myers, Hank Margeson, Vanessa Kritzer, Angela Birney, Pat Vache', Arnie Tomac, Laura Lee Bennett, John Oftebro, Cherl Strong Magnuson, Rosemarie Ives, John Couch, Jessica Forsythe, Eric Dawson (project manager,) Zach Houvener, Loreen Hamilton (parks director.) Jim Kalelage (architect,) John Marchione, Sue Stewart, Chris Weber, Marty Boggs, David and Chip.
Source: https://localtreeestimates.com/northern-red-oak/
-- Bob Yoder, opinion, photo, 6/3/2022
Mayor Angela Birney's monthly "Let's Connect" videos are well done, with staff interviews and a brief comment from the Mayor herself. Her last video was on sustainable gardening.
The Mayor should consider a "Let's Connect" series on growth, infrastructure and development, as well. We need her compass.
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| The Harvest / Courtesy of the City of Woodinville |
"Development Continues In Downtown Woodinville" by Mike Millman, Mayor
Woodinville Weekly, April 14, 2022
Three large developments: Harvest, Eastrail Flats, and Molbak's Garden + Home
Two boutique hotels, 42-mile pedestrian trail, living roof surrounding greenhouses, restored Woodin Creek, bike lanes, 206 residential units, 63 for-sale townhomes, retail, grid roads.
REDMOND, WA – The City of Redmond invites community members to celebrate the commencement of the construction for the new Redmond Senior & Community Center during a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, June 2. Brief remarks from Mayor Angela Birney and Parks and Recreation Interim Director Loreen Hamilton will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the site of the new center, 8703 160th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052, followed by an open house inside the lobby of City Hall.
“We are excited to see all of the planning and community engagement coming to fruition during the construction phase,” said Interim Director Hamilton. “A new community center with dedicated space for seniors, as well as additional recreational opportunities is the culmination of years of work and collaboration across the City, including input from a wide variety of stakeholders and Redmond seniors.”
The new Redmond Senior & Community Center will be a 52,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility, with a total project budget of *$48 million. The building will utilize LEED-certified materials, efficient energy-conserving systems, and rooftop solar panels which will provide 50% of the building’s electricity. The City of Redmond began outreach for the project in 2020, which confirmed Redmond’s need for a larger center to serve the senior population while also serving the entire community with cultural arts, events, and multigenerational recreation experiences and gathering space.
The city is updating their tree regulations soon. City council is reviewing the tree permit and considering community donations to a "Tree Fund" for tree planting events.
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| Pam on Landmark tree stump in our front yard. |
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| My double-trunked fir on the left was removed after getting a permit from the city. |
Derby Days is Redmond’s signature historic town festival. Rooted in the spirit of friendly competition, Derby Days started in 1940 as a bike derby and parade for the community and continues each year as an opportunity to bring together Redmond’s diverse community in celebration. This year’s event takes place July 8 & 9 on City Hall’s municipal campus and features parades, bike races, a 5K community walk/run, carnival rides, live music, food, and more.
Council meeting, 3/2022
Council voted 5-2 (Carson, Kahn) for "Option 3" bonding at their March 8th Study Session. They chose a $16,814,039, 20-year council-manic bond bearing 3% interest. Total debt after 20 years is $21,000,000. Interest after 20-years is $5,393,340.
"One-time money" ($16,814,039) from 2021 construction taxes will not be spent. Enormous construction activity in Redmond's urban centers generates one-time money. The City accumulated $11,066,344 one-time money in 2020, as well. According to the Council President the funds must be used for capital expenditures, not operations.
Councilmember David Carson prefered "Option 1." He liked that $2 million in interest is saved up front over the life of the loan. "Not knowing what could come, paying the price down as much as possible is a safe, conservative route," said Carson.
CM Kahn was present and quiet.
-- Bob Yoder, 3/15/2022
Schedule a meeting to see the office and displays
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| Halee Turner, Redmond Historical Society's Administrative and Collections Manager. |
One of our favorite displays was Redmond's chicken industry. The society mapped each farm, and there were many. As I remember, some of the farmland was sold to Microsoft. The posters were very interesting.
Probably, the most cherished and fascinating exhibit was of wood sculptor Dudley Carter. View the intriguing film clip, see some special pictures of him, you'll be amazed! Do you see the animal art he carved into this log? Hint: click both pics!
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| Dudley Carter art is displayed in the office. |
-- Bob Yoder, 3/6/2022
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| amnh.org |
-- Read by "Redmond Historical Society" President John Oftebro on 2/12/2022
The City of Redmond is proud to announce the 2022 Poet Laureate, Laura Da'.
Our new Poet Laureate, a poet and a public-school teacher, Da’ studied creative writing at the University of Washington and the Institute of American Indian Arts. A lifetime resident of the Pacific Northwest, Da’ is the recipient of fellowships from the Native Arts and Culture Foundation, Richard Hugo House, and the Jack Straw Writers Program. She is the author of Tributaries, winner of the American Book Award, and Instruments of the True Measure, winner of the Washington State Book Award. Da’ is Eastern Shawnee. She lives near Renton with her husband and son.
If you're a bird watcher you'll truly love Da's work of art. If you're not a watcher, close your eyes, listen, and feel their special presence. Your journey is just beginning! -- B. Yoder, 2/8/2022
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| Redmond's Silver Cloud Homeless Hotel (Komo) |
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
"Safe Eastside's" relentless attacks on Mayor Birney are unconscionable. Kudos to CM David Carson for his efforts to defend the Mayor and the City. Anderson, Fields, Forsythe, Kahn and Kritzer should defend the Mayor and City, as well. They have the same voice as the Mayor in representation of the public. Councilmembers, please actively stand up and defend the Mayor and City tomorrow. B. Yoder, 10/18/2021
KAN QIU'S MESSAGE TO "SAFE EASTSIDE" VOLUNTEERS:
Please come to public comment Tuesday 10/19 to demand amendment of Ordinance No. 3059 at City Hall, 15670 N.E. 85th Street, Redmond, Washington, 6:30 PM, the last public comment opportunity before the council's study session 10/26 on this matter. We have all witnessed, in the public hearing nearly two weeks ago, Mayor shamefully staged her out of area supporters to call in before many of us who showed up physically since as early as 6:30. But we are more determined than what she could ever have imagined. We need to pack the room again, speakers make sure you sign up in advance on the sheet outside the chamber room. To help us track attendee numbers, please register at https://www.eventbrite.
"Buttons is ~maybe~ the first dog in Downtown Park."
