Notes and Observations Of Light Rail Line 2 Opening

Redmond Technology Station Train / credit Experience Redmond

The April 27, 2024 ribbon-cutting at Sound Transit's Redmond Technology Station Line 2 Light Rail Starter was an historic day of celebration in Redmond.  Misty, 50-degree temps didn't stop the on-rush of thousands eager to experience their first ride.  My wife Pam and I had a terrific time!

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

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

> Before the ceremony we chatted with David Carson, a recently retired 16-year Redmond councilmember.  He's a Board Member for the Redmond Police Foundation and trying to develop two start-ups.  At the ceremony, David was publicly recognized by the Chamber of Commerce for his work on the Foundation.  Kristina Hudson, the CEO of OneRedmond also stopped by.  She worked with Microsoft for free train passes and service support and lined up Centro Cultural Mexico for a wonderful performing arts show.  

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

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

 Security officer, Jason

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

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

-- Opinion/Photo by Bob Yoder 4/30/2024

Sources:  Redmond.gov demographics

                Seattle Times 4/29 Line 2 story                

   

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

Updated: The Peoples Right To Know

 

The City of Redmond's lack of information on Plymouth Housing prompted this post.

Open Government:  The Peoples Right To Know

Redmond has three local governments:  The City of Redmond, Lake Washington School District and EvergreenHealth Public Hospital.  The public has a "right to know" information about their inner workings.  Public Record Request forms usually find the information you need.  When you don't get good information you may feel like the bearded guy in the cartoon! 

Below, are helpful links to the Public Record Request forms for each government.  In my investigative reporting, I have some good experience with them.  I've found  the public records office of Redmond is the most professional, EvergreenHealth a close second, with LWSD at the rear.      

City of Redmond:  https://www.redmond.gov/1264/Search-Results?q=public+records

EvergreenHealth:https://www.evergreenhealth.com/site-search/?term=public+records

Lake Washington School District: https://www.lwsd.org/search-results?q=Public+Records

-- Bob Yoder. opinion, 4/25/2024

UPDATED 4/28/24: Council Review Of "The Homeless Hotel" And Plymouth Housing

Video of Council's "Safety & Human Services Committee Meeting." 8/16/2024 (Mayor Birney didn't participate.)

Notable viewing stops:  

Min 18:15 - Police Chief's Quarterly Activity Update (hyperlinked topics)

Min 40:00 - Start of the Permanent Supportive Housing Update (hyperlinked topics)

Min 45:35 - Emergency role of the HTH Overlake Homeless Hotel.

Min 47:50 - Community Advisory Group

Min 56:55 - Council Policy 

Min 1:14:10 - Councilmember Steve Fields' dialogue with Planning Director Carol Helland:  As the Administrator carrying out Council's policy Helland "ruled no Hearing was required." 

Min 1:17:04 -  Council President Kritzer said a public comment period is included in the "Spring 2024 permit application process."  

Presently, there are no kitchenettes in the Overlake Homeless Hotel.  It's currently an "emergency" facility.  

Councilmember Melissa Stuart says the public's robust conversations with Council years ago put policy in place to allow permanent supportive homeless housing. Director Helland says she is administering this policy, deciding not to require a public Hearing.  The video will speak for itself.  

You can also find Council's April 16th Business Meeting here.  A record 70 citizens (mostly protesters) spoke at the podium. The meeting was intense, but well orchestrated.

-- Bob Yoder, 4/18/2024 Updated 4/28/2024

UPDATED, 4/18: Councilmember Forsythe's Letter On Plymouth Housing

 

COUNCIL V.P. JESSICA  FORSYTHE'S LETTER

The Facts

Plymouth Housing Business Focus Group

Join Plymouth Housing and OneRedmond in a Plymouth Housing-Business Focus Group.  

 

Wednesday, April 17, 2024
5:30pm-7:00pm
Centro Cultural Mexicano
16300 Redmond Way, Redmond 

RSVP is required due to limited seating. While we welcome attendees from any Redmond businesses, we hope to prioritize space for businesses located close to the Cleveland St. location. 

Any questions, please contact RedmondPSH@plymouthhousing.org

More information about the development can be found on the City of Redmond's website here: https://www.redmond.gov/2116/Plymouth-Housing-in-Redmond

Councilmember Steve Fields Recommends "Neighborhood Meetings."

 

SafeEastside.com Demands "a Say" on Downtown Homeless Housing

In a phone call yesterday, Councilmember Steve Fields recommended "neighborhood meetings" as a means to "have a Say" in the downtown homeless crisis.  These open meetings will offer Q&A discussions with elected officials, Plymouth staff, stakeholders and community members of various persuasions.  Possible meeting locations:   the Together Center, Redmond Kiwanis Club, downtown businesses, OneRedmond (City Hall,) Down Pour Coffee and residential neighborhoods. 

-- B. Yoder, 4/16. photo Yoder              

UPDATED OPINION, 4/30: Mayor Birney Should Speak Up On Plymouth Housing

OPINION:  Redmond is in turmoil.  From the blue "Demand a Say" signs scattered all over our city and numerous City Hall meetings over-flowing with protesters, we all know Council (and indirectly the Mayor) made a fateful "Plymouth decision" to welcome 100 homeless to our downtown.    

Some background:  The King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRA) is promoting a regional approach to the homeless problem and now taking Seattle's severe homeless problem to the suburbs.  Their disorganized strategy didn't work in Kenmore and it's certainly not working in Redmond.   

Bellevue accepted the first Plymouth Housing building on the Eastside. It opened on July 23, 2023 and is located in a distant 10-acre low income "ecosystem."  So far, no news.

To qualify for a Plymouth studio in Bellevue, potential residents "must have been homeless for at least a year and have at least one disability."  Thus, the conditions of these homeless are severe, by far "not run of the mill."  In 2027 should Redmond have a similar building hopefully our homeless will have  enough Plymouth human services to keep them off the streets, alive and well, with several finding a semi-normal life.          

At Bellevue's Plymouth, "three staff members will live on-site and a health care clinic will allow these homeless to meet with primary care and psychiatry providers, and have an option for 24/7 telehealth urgent care."  Fantastic!  I hope this comes to fruition with many residents exiting.  

Clarity is needed for our community. Mayor Birney should speak directly to the public to explain Council's policy, quell miss-information and stimulate productive, community conversations. Until the Mayor starts leading the chaos could well continue.   

-- Bob Yoder, 4/8/2024, Updated Opinion 4/30/24

Sources:  Seattle Times, 3/21/2024  Seattle Times, 7/17/2023  Plymouth Housing website  redmondblog.org  Cartoon: The New Yorker.                    

8-story Project Will Prod Seniors From Their Homes

8-story project site and Land Use "invitation to comment," credit Yoder

It's been decided, by the city Director of Planning & Community Development (also ARCH Chair,) that 24 Seniors will have to be relocated somewhere to make room for a novel 8-story apartment building.  

Downtown land is at a premium and owners are cashing in any way they can.    

Relocating small businesses for Big Growth hurts.  Prodding Seniors out of their homes is worse. Hopefully, not one of these vulnerable Seniors will need temporary shelter.  

I called Lauren Anderson, the city project planner for verification on the number of Seniors; to date no response.  

 --Bob Yoder, opinion

   3/27/2024

Downtown Homeless Housing Controversy, City Hall Is Packed / Video

One of Many Signs Staked in Downtown Redmond 

 Video-link to the March 19th Redmond City Council Meeting 

https://redmond.granicus.com/player/clip/2809 

The video shows a packed house at City Hall with demonstrators peacefully holding SafeEastside signs -- "Demanding a Say on Low Barrier Housing in Downtown Redmond."  40 citizens commented.

Pro and Con Comments Of Note:

 

Aspen Richter  39:43m

Al Rosenthal 43:36m

SafeEastside activist

Kiki Montgomery 53:43m

Dennis Ellis 59:43

Ramon (from China) 1:10:23

Cynthia Young 1:14:19

Paul Stephano 1:19:45

Linda Yang 1:22:20

SafeEastside Chair

Lisa Tracy 1:35:14

Karen Rodrigues 1:39:17

HopeLink

Bob Yoder 1:46:36

Redmond Blog

Kyle Parker 1:54:37

Sean Moyer 1:55:30

Kathy Lambert 2:08:03

Retired King County Councilmember 

Yuyan 2:15:14 

Video Sources : redmond.gov  YouTube clip

3/23/2024

SafeEastside Activists Demand "A Say" On Downtown Homeless Housing

 

 

Redmond is in turmoil over Council's decision to allow Plymouth Homeless Housing in our downtown.  Blue signs objecting to downtown "low-barrier" homeless housing (where drugs are allowed in the hotel with conditions) suddenly appeared all over Redmond's downtown today (3/12) including this one at Anderson Park. 

At no fault of their own, Council wasn't transparent in their decision to house100 homeless and low income people in Redmond's downtown.   According to Planning & Community Development Director Helland, a public Hearing wasn't required; and "comment periods" were tabled in the rush to qualify for funding. Thus, SafeEastside activists are demanding "a Say." 

Various ways to have a Say:   

• Phone or email Council President Vanessa Kritzer (and other councilmembers.)  Request an appointment with her. Councilmember Kritzer holds office hours. 425-305-9892.
• Phone or email Councilmember Melissa Stewart. 425-305-9892. She holds walk-in office hours at the library, 3 - 5 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month.   
• Every other week on Tuesday's at 7:00 p.m. the public has a 3-minute opportunity (under review) to address the Council and Mayor at City Hall.   
• Email: the Mayor, Council or Carol Helland, Director of Planning & Community Development at MayorCouncil@Redmond.gov.  
• Contact Councilmember Steve Fields, the senior member of Council.  He owns a coffee shop in Redmond and can meet you there. 425-403-9476.
• Reach out to Mayor Birney.  Mayor@Redmond.gov 

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

UPDATED, 4/23/2024: Council Explains Decision for Housing Homeless Downtown

Image of the Plymouth Housing building in Bellevue.  

Redmond's building will be 6-stories.

Credit "Seattle Times."  Read this article.

from the desk of Jessica Forsythe, City Council Vice President...

"Neighbors, thank you for reaching out to Redmond City Council regarding the recent Plymouth Housing decision to permanently house homeless and low income residents in downtown Redmond. I am responding as the Ombuds for the month of February. 

Council and the Planning Commission spent many months studying data and developing code around Permanent Supportive Housing in 2021 and 2022 with community concerns and feedback being taken into consideration all along the way.

• Plymouth Housing is not a homeless shelter, it is a downtown six-story supportive housing home.
• To qualify for a home at this location:
• The applicants must be single adults exiting homelessness and living on extremely low incomes. Many of these individuals are seniors, veterans, and/or people living with disabilities.
• Residents will earn less than $28,000/ year.
• Residents will not be a lifetime registered sex offender (all state laws regarding sex offenders registration notification are applicable)
• Residents will not have certain drug-related convictions.
• Tenants are required to apply, be screened and selected for approval, sign a lease and abide by it just like anyone else entering into a lease
• Per our regulations, Plymouth Housing only allows up to 100 housing units. This regulation was in direct response to community concerns that Plymouth Housing is able to adequately provide services for those exiting homelessness and low-income residents. 
• Plymouth Housing is not a safe injection or safe consumption site.
• To quote Redmond Police Chief Lowe “Illegal things are still illegal."
• Plymouth Housing will enter into an Operational Agreement with the City which includes:
• Performance expectations and oversite of the Plymouth Housing Operator
• Rules and Code of Conduct
• Safety and Security Plan
• Neighborhood Relations and Community Engagement.

In the development of these plans, Plymouth Housing and their CEO will seek participants and host community stakeholder groups. The Council will be consulted on the final plans / agreements as required. 

The City completed a Housing Needs Assessment which you can read here: https://www.redmond.gov/DocumentCenter/View/25992/Housing_Needs_Assessment_Feb_2021"

Signed, 

Council V.P. Jessica Forsythe 

[see comments]

UPDATED 4/16/2024: Plymouth Homeless Housing FAQ

  

Plymouth Homeless Housing in Redmond FAQ

The building will contain 100 units for homless residents with ground floor office space, commercial space, and amenity areas. 

History and Background

In alignment with Redmond’s Housing Action Plan, the transfer of publicly owned property to Plymouth Housing for development of a 100-unit Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) housing project in Downtown was approved by the Redmond City Council on Feb. 13, 2024. The City is committed to increasing the overall supply, variety, and affordability of housing to achieve desired livability and equity outcomes in Redmond.     

The building will be located at 16725 Cleveland Street. It will not be a safe injection site and will not be an overnight shelter, but will serve as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). It will provide homes to extremely low-income adults who are exiting homelessness and are eligible for PSH.

The building will contain 100 units total with ground floor office space, commercial space, and outdoor amenity areas. 

Redmond code requires a robust community engagement process for Permanent Supportive Housing projects. During the special meeting on Feb. 13, 2024, Plymouth representatives underscored that they are willing and able to comply with code requirements. 

View a video of the special meeting.

Plymouth Housing in Redmond FAQ

BUILDING INFORMATION AND BACKGROUND  

Where will the housing be located?
16725 Cleveland Street. This housing will be in Downtown Redmond, close to the light rail stop. 

Who will live there? 
Single adults exiting homelessness and living on extremely low incomes would be eligible for the proposed Plymouth PSH project. Many of these individuals are seniors, veterans, and/or people living with disabilities. The income criteria is set at 30% or below Area Median Income (AMI), which means an individual is earning less than $28,800/year. Lifetime registered sex offenders and individuals with certain past drug-related convictions will not be eligible for this housing. 

What services will be on-site?  
Permanent Supportive Housing means in addition to housing, residents have access to a range of onsite services designed to help them achieve stability in their new home, including personalized housing case management services, veterans counseling, health care, 24/7 staffing, and other critical services. The PSH model is unique because the 0 - 30% AMI housing is paired with services designed to support people living with complex and disabling health conditions. Proximity to the Downtown Redmond light rail station will also help residents with their transportation needs.

Is this a homeless shelter?  
No, this is Permanent Supportive Housing for single adults. There is an application process for prospective residents, which includes determination of eligibility for the project. After individuals are approved and move in, they will no longer be considered homeless. Residents are responsible for abiding by their lease agreement and building rules, while also having access to onsite support services.  

How big is the building?  
The building will contain 100 units total for residents with ground floor office space, commercial space, and amenity areas. 

What about parking?  
Parking is limited at this site. Most Plymouth residents do not own a vehicle. Proximity of this site to the Downtown Redmond light rail station will offer robust transit options to future residents and help the City achieve its Environmental Sustainability Action Plan goals for reduced vehicle emissions and vehicle miles traveled.

Who will operate the building? 
Plymouth Housing will provide property management and wraparound supportive services at the building. 

How many people will be housed at this location?  
Plymouth Housing projects primarily serve single adults. However, as a landlord, Plymouth is required to abide by occupancy standards and fair housing law, which in rare cases requires them to house couples if both individuals qualify for the building. The design in the current Plymouth proposal contains 85 studios and 15 one bedrooms. We expect that the new design will reflect a similar unit mix.

Will the building have 24/7 staffing? 
Yes, Plymouth Housing will provide 24/7 staffing and support for residents. 

When will the building open for occupancy? 
There is not a specific timeline for construction yet. However, the goal is to break ground in 2025. Typically, it takes about two years of construction prior to opening for operations. 

What is the City of Redmond's role in the building? 
The City of Redmond is the host city for the Plymouth PSH project. Plymouth will be required to apply for and obtain permits necessary to construct the project. In addition, the City will be coordinating with Plymouth to ensure that the necessary agreements and terms set forth in Redmond Zoning Code requirements applicable to PSH are met. Among other things, an operational agreement, program rules and/or code of conduct, safety and security plan, community relations plan, and parking management plan will all be required. The City will partner with Plymouth to develop necessary policies, procedures, and plans.

When did the City Council first learn about this project? 
The City Council first learned about this project in February 2023 when the funding recommendation from A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH) was presented to them for approval. The Council unanimously approved the Redmond ARCH Housing Trust Fund contribution on March 21, 2023, for its original location in Kenmore.  Applications for Redmond Housing Trust Fund dollars are submitted to ARCH where they are vetted by a Community Advisory Board (CAB) that makes a recommendation to the ARCH Executive Board.  The ARCH Executive Board concurred in the CAB recommendation and transmitted the recommendation to ARCH member jurisdictions for City Council approval. 

In 2020, the City also completed a Housing Needs Assessment, which informed the Housing Action Plan, both of which were approved in early 2021. Different scenarios were considered, and at the time Council directed staff to pursue the “Housing Equity Scenario,” outlined on page 20 of the Housing Action Plan.

Why is this being built in Redmond?  
Washington state is experiencing a housing crisis. Cities across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties are diversifying their housing inventory in accordance with Washington State Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1220. Redmond leaders, including the Mayor and City Council, have declared affordable housing a top priority and specifically included a prioritization for the development of affordable housing close to transit. King County Countywide Planning Policies have established housing targets for cities to accommodate anticipated future growth in the next 20 years. The housing needed for Redmond has been estimated across all income levels and includes anticipated demand for PSH. Every unit of added PSH helps to address the identified need and improve the lives of people who currently do not have access to safe and dignified places to live.

The City Council recognizes that Redmond lacks sufficient affordable housing, especially where the need is greatest in the 0-50% AMI range. 

New projections estimate by 2044, the City of Redmond needs nearly 24,000 units of affordable housing. Redmond is a high-cost area with an AMI of $137,000 per year.

UPDATED: Redmond Locals Wary of Controversial Plymouth Housing Project

This video is eye opening.  

After the Special Meeting closed, Mayor Birney refused to respond to questioning from the media: though a 2/13 agenda memo stated:  "Council's approval gave the Mayor approval to pursue the project contingent on further discussion."    

The housing project is described here. 

-- Bob Yoder, 2/15/2024

Source:  Council's Special Meeting agenda of 2/13/2024

UPDATED, 3/14/2024: Council Approves Downtown Homeless Housing Project

As you see from the video, the Council's February 13th Special Meeting in Redmond City Hall was packed, mostly by residents opposing a city-owned land transfer to Plymouth Housing to provide homeless housing in our downtown core (not far from Anderson Park.)   

In the meeting, Council approved the land transfer to Plymouth 5 -1 (Anderson)* to build permanent, low-barrier, supportive housing for over 100 homeless - many with disabilities and some elderly.  Estimated cost:  $40 million.  

The homeless will be housed in a 6-story building with ground floor commercial space on 16725 Cleveland Street next to the Computer Surplus and close to a new high-end apartment building, once finished.  Construction will begin in 2005 with completion expected by 2007.  The City is chipping in $3.2 million towards the building.      

Plymouth Housing, the nonprofit homeless provider, originally asked the City of Kenmore to site 100 homeless housing units but Kenmore Council members voted 4 - 3 against.  So the "ask" was passed onto the City of Redmond, and was readily accepted by Council without a public comment period or Hearing.  Under pressure from the residents, Council President Vanessa Kritzer promised "a robust review." suggesting "Items from the Audience" as the venue.  

Some background:  In 2019, the City proactively purchased this land for affordable housing to for $5.2M.  The City will chip in $2.4M towards the project. The public wasn't informed, nor was there thorough study by Planning Commission on the purchase.

* Councilmember Steve Fields was absent; CM Jessica Forsythe presented his comments at the meeting.     

-- Bob Yoder, 2/14/2024

Seattle Times article, 2/19/2024

Redmond blog's video post on resident push-back. 

Twitter @ Kenmore reactions/ - Johnathan Choe, journalist

The Planning Commission seemed in the dark on Plymouth; the Chair never heard of Plymouth asking Director Helland for an explanation of what Plymouth does for affordable housing. Her response was short and nebulous. B. Yoder

Homeless Hotel Will House 35-65% Adults With Local Community Ties

Redmond Silver Cloud Homeless Hotel
 credit Kirkland Reporter

King County is partnered with Redmond to provide emergency and permanent housing for up to 100 individuals experiencing, or at risk of chronic homelessness. Redmond's "Homeless Hotel" will open in early Winter 2024 after ramping down its temporary use for the refugee resettlement project. 

The Salvation Army was selected as operator in September 2023.  They will develop a gradual, phased approach for housing up to 100 individuals at this site. 

Q: Who will be considered to live in the building? 

A: The target population is adults whose income is at or below 30% of the area median and who are experiencing or at risk of chronic homelessness. 35-65% of units are prioritized for individuals with local community ties. 

Q: Will the building have 24/7 staffing? 

A: All Health Through Housing buildings have 24/7 on-site support staff and comprehensive, wraparound services, including: • Employment navigators • Behavioral health services available on-site • Connection to physical and behavioral health care • Assistance in enrolling in Apple Health and other public benefits 

Q: Will The Salvation Army provide these services? 

A: The Salvation Army will provide property management and 24/7 support staffing services in-house. The Salvation Army will also partner with King County’s Department of Community and Human Services and local service providers to provide the wraparound services. 

Q: Will there be security? 

A: The Redmond Homeless Hotel will have experienced, 24/7 on-site staff who are trained in trauma-informed care, crisis support, and de-escalation techniques. As an evidence-based model, permanent supportive housing does not feature security guard services, but it does call for clinically trained staff to be on-site and on-duty around the clock. Further, The Salvation Army will be responsible for developing a Safety and Security Plan as required by Redmond Zoning Code 

City Council Makes Final Decision On "Homeless Hotel" And Similar Low Income Housing Accommodations

Redmond's Silver Cloud Homeless Hotel (Komo)

In their Business meeting on February 1st, 2022 Council deliberated and voted on regulation issues of the Silver Cloud "homeless hotel," and similar *types of low income housing.  

The Redmond hotel borders Bellevue neighborhoods, a pre-school and small businesses. Bellevue's George B. emerged as the spokesman-activist for the protesters. They were highly organized. 

Last Tuesday George B. spoke, with Mayor Birney giving him extra time.  Apparently, roughly 85% of the homeless residents will be from outside Redmond.

Throughout this painful months-long drama rarely did I hear of Councilmembers visiting the Bellevue businesses other than CM Fields and possibly CM Forsythe.   

However, last night Councilmember Jeralee Anderson was the star.  CM Anderson met with George B. the day previous.  She was all ears as he explained his expectations for "no negative outcomes."  George complimented Jeralee as "astute and thoughtful."  He called her "a gifted politician."  CM Anderson's connection with George should be vital to the success of this social experiment. 

CM Anderson verified permanent that homeless housing doesn't have to be located in hotels alone.  The housing can go where hotels are permitted, not necessarily built.  

CM Steve Fields was bothered by feelings of lack of trust between Council and the Executive branch.  Time and again he asks for greater Council oversight powers.  CM David Carson asked Planning Director Carol Helland to add context to the amendment to help Mr. Fields.  Ms. Helland, with her depth of knowledge addressed all the questions; she's brilliant. 

It's important to know the County will require additional "homeless hotels," possibly as frequent as every two years.  Thus, separation of permanent supportive housing and other types of emergency low income housing need spacing for density issues.  The Planning Commission recommended half mile (2641') separation between  "homeless hotel" housing types.  Vice President Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer recommended separation of no less than 1,500 feet. The vote was YES for 1,500 feet (Kritzer, Forsythe, Kahn, Stewart.) 

An amendment fixes the hotel occupancy to 100.  CM Anderson suggested greater latitude. Council voted YES 7-0.  

HB 1220 required amendments to Redmond Code, thus, Council's deliberations.  Although *permanent supportive housing, *transitional housing, *indoor emergency housing, and *indoor emergency shelters are allowed  under our Redmond Zoning Code, it does not define nor clarify the provisions through which  are mandated consistent with HB 1220 requiring amendments to current Redmond regulations.

Bob Yoder, OPINION, 2/3/2022

Read More on HB 1220

King County Aims To Mandate 30-Day Notice Before Re-purposing Hotels For Homeless Shelters

SafeEastside.com

County Councilmember Dunn aims to mandate public comment, 30-day notice before King County can re-purpose hotels into homeless shelters. 

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn on Tuesday introduced an ordinance that would require King County to notify the public before purchasing a hotel for use as a homeless shelter, supported housing, or similar housing option.

“It is not good government for King County to make hugely impactful land use decisions by siting large homeless shelters without first providing full transparency to the public. The impacted communities, including residents and the municipal governments that represent them must all have a chance to provide public comment in advance of the decision being unilaterally made by King County,” Dunn said. “My legislation provides a simple fix to that problem by putting it in King County code that the government must notify the public before siting a shelter in their community.”

Dunn’s legislation would provide the opportunity for public comment in advance of all such purchases by requiring a public notice to be circulated in a local newspaper at least 30 days before the purchase takes place in order to inform the impacted community of the location of the property; the purpose for which King County intends to use it; the funding source proposed the purchase it; information on how the public may provide comment; and the name and phone number of the King County person of contact.

Since May of this year, King County has purchased nine hotels across King County to use as housing for the chronically homeless, including sites in Auburn, Federal Way, Seattle, Redmond, and Renton, and plans to purchase three more hotels by the end of the year.

According to King County’s 2020 Point in Time Count, 64% of the chronically homeless reported that they are battling a substance use disorder and 73% reported battling a mental illness. Past placement of people with untreated addiction and mental illness has impacted the safety of the surrounding communities and businesses.

The ordinance will be referred to the Committee of the Whole.

-- King County Press Release, 11/9/2021

"Safe Eastside" - Activists Fighting Off The Homeless.

 "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.com/e/keep-up-the-pressure-tuesday-october-19th-speak-up-at-redmond-city-hall-tickets-193136014017 .

What's even more outrageous after the shameful display of public hearing is that Mayor Birney's puppet in the council David Carson had to go the extra mile and filed a frivolous PDC complaint on October 14 against us in an apparent attempt to suppress public voices. Sadly as an elected official, puppet CM David Carson obviously forgot that this is America and people's rights express themselves are fully protected by the constitution, particularly on matters that are lack of government transparency. Since when citizens setting up and running a website to inform the public becomes an issue ? It's appalling that such despicable scare tactics have being used against average citizens who simply fill in the vacuum due to the very lack of information from the government!

Highlights From The City's New "Homeless Hotel" Website

 

One of my wishes is the Operator use the homeless
hotel's whirlpool for rehabilitation and therapy.  Internet

 

Did the City recruit the County to locate the Silver Cloud  facility in Redmond?

No, the City did not seek out the Silver Cloud facility in Redmond.

When did the Mayor’s Office make City Council aware of this program in Redmond?

City Council was made aware of the new legislation supporting this type of program through a variety of 2020 and 2021 legislative updates by the City’s lobbyist. **Mayor Birney called each of Redmond’s seven City Council members on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 to notify them of the County’s purchase and intended use of the Silver Cloud Inn in Redmond.

When did the City learn about the County’s desire to locate a homeless facility in Redmond?

In spring 2021, King County informed the City that they were actively exploring locations in Redmond and in late May 2021, Redmond was made aware of the County’s intent to purchase the Silver Cloud Inn. **As this was a private real estate transaction, it was kept confidential, as requested. Redmond first became aware of this potential type of program early in the 2020 legislative session. The City has continued to follow this since the State Legislature passed House Bill 1590 in 2020, which allowed jurisdictions to enact a 0.1% sales tax to finance construction of affordable housing and behavioral health facilities and operations or services supportive of affordable housing residents. In 2020, Executive Constantine proposed, and the County Council approved, this dedicated sales tax. In 2021, the State Legislature passed House Bill 1070, which clarified acquisition of property as an eligible use of these funds.

Will the City consider making it illegal to camp or sleep outside in public spaces?

The City passed ordinance 2911 in 2018 which prohibits camping and storage of personal property in parks, public spaces, and on publicly-owned property when overnight shelter space is available.

Will the City forbid use of drugs and alcohol at the Silver Cloud HTH facility?

The City will provide the same policing and uphold the same safety protocols regarding drugs and alcohol as is provided throughout the community. HTH residents will be considered tenants under Washington State landlord/tenant law and as such will have specific rights with regards to their leased space, which are consistent with the rights all tenants have throughout the city. King County will provide a code of conduct that residents must agree upon to remain housed at the facility.

Will the City be involved in choosing and monitoring an operator for the facility?

Yes. ***The City will participate in the evaluation and selection of the facility operators.

Source:  Redmond.gov/hth (City's homeless hotel website)

**  CM Forsythe and Fields griped in last night's Study session they were notified too late so couldn't participate in the decision-making.**  I'm not so sure about that.

*** CM David Carson said his energy will be put into finding a suitable operator. Thank you David.  One of my wishes is the operator use the whirlpool for rehabilitation and therapy.  

CM Varisha Kahn was not at either meeting to comment.

-- Bob Yoder 9/29/2021