CITY WATCH: Updated Community Notes

NOTES ON THE STORM:    

Lots of comments at tonight's Council meeting on the severe cyclone wind storm.  

One lady complained that the warming stations closed at 8pm.  The community center closed at 8pm.  There was no place to go; no plan.  

Redmond AM 1650 emergency radio wasn't updated or current.  (It's available only in vehicles.) 

I'm a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer and saw no others during my trek outside.  I had to wave a woman with her toddler away from a downed power line.  She couldn't speak English. 

I was shocked to hear from a reader the City discontinued the CERT program.  He thought Councilmember Forsythe might know why.  Over 35 - 8 week CERT classes were held, now unorganized and unrefreshed.  When the next "Big One" comes our neighborhoods we will be unprepared. 

NOTES ON PLYMOUTH HOUSING and SILVER CLOUD:  

Plymouth Permanent Supportive Housing is expected to open late 2026.  Evan Sexton, the Plymouth marketing employee said Plymouth will hold open public office hours at the Together Center the second Wednesday of each month, 11am-2pm.  He said they've already had one Advisory Committee meeting. 

The county's Silver Cloud permanent housing staff are looking for community volunteers for the 15 residents housed there. 12 staff members work there!  Staff leaders give me the go-around when I try to help.  

ELECTRIC FIRE ENGINES:   Council President Kritzer prided the city about including the e-fire engine equipment on the budget.  Redmond is the first city on the west coast to pay for one. It was a race with Bellevue.     

CITY ISSUES $100 GIFT CARDS for select citizens participating in a 2-hour workshop on EV infrastructure and EV experiences.  The workshop will be held at the Senior & Community Center where charging stations are located.    

The Mayor purchased 5 new gas-powered snow plows and gave them names.  

-- Bob Yoder, 12/3/24

City Seeking Comments For Downtown Homeless Project

City Seeking Comments For Downtown Plymouth Homeless Housing Project 

INVITATION TO COMMENT:  COMMENT DUE DATE BY:  NOVEMBER 12, 2024

Description of Proposal: Construction of a six-story mixed-use development including 100 units of permanent supportive housing property management offices, resident services, interior and exterior resident amenity spaces, and approximately 2150 sf of commercial space. 

The building and surrounding fenced structure is located in Downtown Redmond across from Anderson Park and not far from Redmond Elementary. It will permanently house 65% homeless individuals from the Eastside and 35% homeless from the Seattle area.  The facility has "no barrier" to entry.  

 

To view more information about this project, click the link below.

Plymouth Supportive Housing | Redmond, WA 

 

To comment contact the city planner:

• David Lee
• dlee@redmond.gov
• 425-556-2462

Date of City Notice:  Monday, October 21, 2024 

                                           King 5 inclusive coverage 

Letter to the Editor: UPDATED: Mayor Birney Has Too Much Power

Unlike its neighboring cities, such as Mercer Island, Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell, and Sammamish, which ALL have a council-manager form of government, City of Redmond has a strong mayor-council form of government. Under the strong mayor form of government, mayor has too much power: while the council has legislative power, the mayor has veto power; the mayor is the chief executive officer, centralizing executive power. We have all witnessed the damages done allowing downtown homeless housing in Redmond and the entire Eastside when the mayor has too much power yet free from checks and balances.

Safe Eastside

Posted, 10/9/2024

Letter to the Editor: City Council Deprived Peoples' Rights On Homeless Decision

The Washington Constitution states, “All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights.” 

When the Redmond City Council, deprived people of their rights to give input and rushed to give away public land to Plymouth Housing for developing a low-barrier homeless building in downtown Redmond, they failed to comply with the Washington Constitution.

Facts about the Plymouth homeless building in downtown Redmond:

• Located across the street from Anderson Park, only 0.5 miles from Redmond Elementary School;
• This is a 6-story, 100-unit, single adult only homeless building;
• No drug testing will be conducted. Drugs will be allowed in the building;
• Other than lifetime registered sex offenders, all other sex offenders are eligible;
• Other than meth producers who were convicted in the past 5 years, all other drug producers and drug dealers are eligible;
• The city made falsely claim and secretly plans to limit eligibility to people with disabilities. According to state law and the common practices of the state, county, and city, mental illness and substance use disorder are all considered disabilities. The city and Plymouth Housing want to secretly limit eligibility for this building to people with mental illness and drug addiction ;
• Homeless people from outside of Redmond are eligible;
• The City of Kenmore started this project via RFP in 2022 and rejected it in 2024 after three public hearings. The City of Redmond approved this project in 7 days with no public input period at all;
• The city is now withholding critical information and refuse to hold any public hearings;
• We, the people, must remind elected officials that they are elected by the people and for the people.

Safe Eastside

Posted by Yoder, 10/23/2024

Homelessness and Panhandling in Redmond

"Not all people who are panhandling are homeless. And not all people who are experiencing homelessness ask for money. Learn what the City is doing to address the issue, and how you can be a part of the solution." redmond.gov

Feel free to call Tisza at 425-802-2523 if you have any questions about the panhandling or homeless individuals you think need help. Tisza's email is trutherford@redmond.gov. She's a tremendous asset for our city and very kind!

Posted by Yoder

9/23/2024

Opinion: Redmond's King County's Homeless Project Is Failing

                                                 

"Haven Heights" homeless building lobby
Credit Bob Yoder

                           Bob Yoder's Testimony to City Council and Mayor Birney, City Hall, September 3, 2004:

"Council and Mayor Birney, the success of the Silver Cloud Homeless project in Overlake is a litmus test for the future downtown Plymouth Housing project.  Though with good intentions, it's failing miserably  I've visited the facility twice.  

1. The Silver Cloud hotel was purchased two years ago by King County for ~$28 million for their "Health Through Housing" (HTH) homeless program and so far only 10 homeless reside there.  The operator says 15 total homeless will be housed there no sooner than October.
2. 
   
3. The facility is defined as "emergency housing" until all 100 studios are phased in for completion sometime in 2027, 28, or who knows.  The incompetent KCRHA County homeless agency that triages the homeless for Coordinated Entry blames the supply-chain, permitting and scarcity of contractors on their extreme delay.  There was no evidence of construction.
4. 
   
5. Mayor Birney and other electeds on the KCRHA Governance Board are given new authority to manage and expedite the coordinated Entry process.  Transparency should improve, as well.  I asked Mayor Birney to please act expeditiously to fill "Haven Height's" with permanent supported housing as it was intended.  
   
6. 
   
7. When I dropped in last Tuesday three staff were idling in the lobby and we had a good chat.  They have college degrees (business, computers.) and said they were case managers, too.  Nice people but with not much to do.  Staff said each resident has a phone.  There's no curfew but if they're out more than three days they must call in. Right now there at 8 staff managing their 10 homeless residents.  King County taxpayers are paying 14 cents/$1000 to support operations.  
8. 
   
9. Orca cards are issued. A van takes them shopping.  So far Trader Joes and the Dollar Store are popular.  
10.  
11. The operator's Safety & Security Plan, Community Relations Plan, and Code of Conduct wasn't available. The building located behind Goodwill and is named "Haven Heights."  The six story building is fenced looks formidable but it's plush inside.  16725-152 Avenue NE" 

-- Bob Yoder's testimony to Council and Mayor during Items From The Audience, 9/3/2024

NOTES (Part 2); Silver Cloud Homeless Housing Community Meeting

Two staff members man the remodeled front desk. 

Will the studios be as nice?

It's one thing to provide the "low barrier" HTH Silver Cloud building for housing chronic, disabled homeless, it's another to care for them.  I attended the Salvation Army's first community meeting and took notes addressing the "care and rehabilitation" provided by the Salvation Army, as follows: 

• HTH care facilities are modeled after "Don's Place" in Auburn.
• Ms. Cook, administrator of "King County Regional Homeless Authority" said twice the Silver Cloud building is "low barrier" meaning there will be no discrimination against homeless residents taking street drugs, excessive alcohol, and/or with serious mental illness.  
• Currently, the residents are housed in rooms, with rights of tenancy under emergency conditions.  Once the studios are fully occupied (with 100 residents) they will be permanently supported with:  24/7 wrap-around services including 11 support staff, 4-5 case managers, three meals a day and more. Until full occupancy the HTH building called "Haven" will operate under emergency conditions.   
• It appears nonprofit support services like "4 Tomorrow,"  and "Nourishing Networks," will volunteer.  Currently "life skills" are on the weekly calendar. Yoga was mentioned.  No A.A. 
• Behavioral health was a key topic since ~ 70% of homeless have a mental health condition and often treat their sickness with street drugs. "Harm reduction" service will be minimal until the building is fully staffed. 
• City of Redmond Fire mobile behavioral health is available for crisis response. A psychiatrist was mentioned.  Ms. Cook said funding is not a problem for services, however Matt said money "will have to be carved out" for mental health care owing to poor Medicaid reimbursement. 
• Primary care will be available, but no details. 
• Matt said there would be transparency on "Code of Conduct."  A man dressed in old "Security Officer" clothes was standing in the parking lot.  He could have been a resident-in-training.  

Reported by Bob Yoder, 8/4/2024

Part 1 Notes on Community Meeting

Photo by Yoder

My last report will be a personal opinion focusing on delays and purpose.

UPDATED NOTES (Part 1): Silver Cloud Homeless Building - Community Meeting

Lobby of the Overlake Silver Cloud HTH homeless building

Housing for the Eastside's homeless is "desperately" needed owing to King County's decision to spread Seattle's homeless housing regionally.  In 2020, the county purchased the Redmond Silver Cloud Hotel for $28.25M.  The building is being renovated by "Health Through Housing"  into studios for "low barrier"  emergency and permanent supportive housing for 100 chronic, disabled homeless.  The forecast for completion is no sooner than late 2025.  

On July 30, I attended their first Community meeting.  My notes:  

• At least 11 signed-in, mostly nonprofit voluntary support services:  (2) KinderCare,  Bellevue School District, no businesses, Nourishing Networks, 4 Tomorrow, ACS Discovery Shop, Redmond Deputy Police Chief Coats, Community police officer Meora,  Redmond Human Services Manager-Brook Buckingham, Media-Redmond Neighborhood Blog, various community members, Plymouth Housing, and the KCRHA agency.  
• Salvation Army's operator, Matt Garrett presented, and introduced key staff.  Matt is friendly and open to questions.  HTH hotels are funded by a .1% property tax.  KCRHA triages referrals and coordinates their entry.  65% of the residents are targeted to come from Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland and United Methodist Church.  35% or more from the Seattle area.  
• Upon the "Community Advisor Group" recommendation monthly community meetings will be held (the last Tuesday of every month, 6pm.)  Matt emphasized the meetings are targeted for nearby neighborhoods and businesses but are open to all; staff will be present and possibly residents.  
• 10 chronic homeless are currently residing under emergency circumstances. 15 additional homeless will be housed no sooner than October, 2024. According to Ms. Cook, KCRHA manager, the 2-year occupancy delay is attributed to shortage of contractors and materials. 
• Renovation won't be complete until at least late 2025. In the meantime, it's used on an emergency basis and won't become Permanent Supportive Housing until all 100 rooms are completely renovated with studios.
• The address is 2122-152 Ave NE.  It's set-back and behind Goodwill.  Heading south on NE 24th Street take a left onto 152nd.  The Silver Cloud "Haven Heights" HTH building is immediately on the right.  A newer mixed-use apartment building fronts the building.   

PART 2  Services provided

Reported by Yoder, 9/2/2024 

Photo credit Yoder 

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Downtown Plymouth Homeless Project A Ticking Time Bomb

I want to share my thoughts regarding the Plymouth Housing project for chronic homeless in downtown Redmond and the city council’s actions to discourage public comments.

The Redmond City Council rushed and acted recklessly when they decided to award the expensive public land and high-impact project to Plymouth Housing after less than one hour of discussion (a 30-minute behind closed doors executive meeting on February 6th, and a 30-minute special meeting on February 13th). Basic questions asked by the Kenmore City Council, such as those regarding “set aside” for local placements, “low barrier” and public safety, compliance, tenant screening, and Plymouth’s application process, etc. were never asked by the Redmond City Council.

Plymouth Housing’s troubled reputation: The recent overdose death of Mike Matzick inside the Plymouth Housing run Scargo and Lewiston Apartments in Belltown. Mike “had been deceased for three days when he was discovered.” The lived experience at the Plymouth Housing run Pat Williams Apartments in South Lake Union that “newcomers who move in & WANT to become or stay clean and sober” “get preyed on by the toxic residents.” 

Additionally, the concerning 911 call records at the Plymouth Crossing in Bellevue show incidents of death, VUCSA, disturbances (including harassment), behavioral health issues, assault, fire, indecent exposure, etc. Yet, the city council rejected the proposal to go through an open RFP to select the best qualified operator. Led by Council 

President Kritzer and Planning Director Helland, they openly misled the public on this project both in council meetings and through communications and set up barriers to prevent the public from getting critical information in a timely manner. Many questions remain unanswered. They want to quietly move forward to avoid public scrutiny.

Led by Council President Kritzer, the Redmond City Council has refused to allow public input. No public comments were allowed before the council cast their votes. Despite the public’s repeated requests, the City Council refused to hold any public hearings or two-way dialogue meetings.The public was left with no choice but to attend council meetings and raise their concerns during public comment time. The Redmond City Council later voted to curb public comment during council meetings on May 7th.

The Redmond City Council has been completely ignoring the public’s safety, drug use, and drug trafficking concerns. What is happening in Factoria, where the Plymouth Crossing is located, is a clear warning. A local developer told the city, “The landscaping around his Eastgate location has been damaged over the last 8 months, people doing drugs, police called daily.” Yet, the Redmond City Council continues to turn a deaf ear to those concerns and pat each other on the back for being the heroes and picking up the project that the City of Kenmore deemed would hurt its community and denied. 

The skimping on parking space at the Plymouth Housing building in order to “be as cost-effective as possible” under the guise of being “green” will worsen the already challenging parking situation in downtown Redmond near the Anderson Park area. By Redmond zoning code, Plymouth Housing is required to build 120 parking spaces for the 100-unit building. Yet, Plymouth Housing is asking for “NO RESIDENTIAL PARKING BE PROVIDED” and “A REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF REQUIRED PARKING STALLS.” This is absurd! 

In comparison, the King County-owned and Salvation Army-operated Redmond Silver Cloud has 140 parking spaces for its 100 units, and its Safety and Security Plan states, “Residents are prohibited from parking along the street or in other areas alongside the HTH Redmond facility.”

The Plymouth Housing project to house 100 chronic homeless in downtown Redmond is a ticking time bomb.  I'm counting on State Representative Amy Walen and our leaders to help save our city from turning into Seattle. 

KATHY LAMBERT

Redmond, WA.  

July 31, 2024

UPDATED: Council Plans Public Hearing On "Climate Commitment Act" Initiative

The Mayor made a precedent-setting exception to RCW #427855 when she opened "Items From the Audience" in City Hall last week.  The RCW code prohibits public testimony on candidates, initiatives and measures - pro and con - during Council business meetings.  Setting precedent by using a new "tool" Mayor Birney and council agreed a city Hearing was necessary for Initiative No. 2117.  Her exception brings up the question of why a Hearing couldn't be scheduled for the Plymouth decision.     

Mark your calendars for a potential October 3 Council Hearing in City Hall on ballot Initiative No. 2117 repealing sections of the "Climate Commitment Act."  The repeal would increase greenhouse gas emissions throughout the State and forfeit $1M in Supplemental funds. The city already received $2.2M from the Act to advance critical climate mitigation/resilience. (Supplemental funds would be allocated for electric charging stations and transportation infrastructure.) 

City Council strongly opposes State Initiative No. 2117.  The Hearing will give  public an opportunity to learn about the measure and weigh in. In short, the initiative will repeal the market-based "cap and invest" carbon program -- which reduces greenhouse gas emissions -- and will prohibit carbon tax credit trading.  It's possible, but doubtful a repeal could increase costs of fuel recipients and fuel suppliers.  

Council has a deep commitment to environmental sustainability.  In 2020 they declared a "climate emergency" and adopted a 30-year plan for the community to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.  They have worked closely with the city Legislative coordinator to make the Hearing happen; and in conjunction with other jurisdictions.

The Climate Commitment Act has already generated $3.25 billion statewide for forest protection, transportation projects, electrification efforts, wildfire prevention, salmon recovery, tribal investments and more.  

Source:  7/23 Council Study session and "Council Talk Time" memos.

Reported by Bob Yoder

UPDATED: Plymouth Housing "Lunch & Learn," Together Center

 Rendering of the downtown Redmond
Plymouth project

The Together Center is hosting a Plymouth Housing "Lunch and Learn" event on Tuesday, August 13, 12 - 1:30 PM.  The Together Center is located at 16305 NE 75th Street, Redmond.

The purpose of the event is for the community to:  

1) learn about Plymouth Housing permanent supportive housing services for the chronic homeless.   

2) fulfill the City requirement to develop  community relations plan for the downtown Plymouth - Redmond project and asks for topics of your interest;   

3) organize a "Community Advisory Group" (CAG.)  The event invitation and CAG application is HERE. (RSVP is strongly recommended.)

The CAG will develop operation plans, review the plans, share feedback, and support ongoing community engagement.  

City Council deliberated on the development and importance of the CAG in last week's Study Session meeting.  Councilmember Osman Saladuhhim strongly recommended involving community members in the advisory process even if they aren't formally on the CAG.  Councilmember Steve Fields noted some residents have fears and recommended they apply.

According to Plymouth's website, King County has a "goal of developing 4,000 units of Permanent Supportive Housing by 2050."  Plymouth-Redmond will house 100 chronic homeless individuals.    

-- Bob Yoder, 7/19/2024

Homeless Housing Update, Overlake Neighborhood

Grand Opening, June 2024
Health Through Housing (HTH) homeless building
Credit/Andrew Villenveue/ NPI 

                                            

According to Community Development Director Carol Helland, the HTH building vacancies will be filled by late 2025.  It will be renovated to house 100 homeless individuals on a emergency/permanent basis. (The building capacity is 144 units.) 

Updates (Summary of Recent Activities) 

 Ten residents moved in on June 28, 2024. Three residents were referred by Redmond Outreach staff. The remaining residents were identified by local referral partners including Porchlight (formerly CFH) and The Sophia Way. 

Building Updates:

 Minor rehabilitation required to open the building is complete.  New fencing was installed. 

Next steps:  

 King County will continue to finalize required building updates in coordination with The Salvation Army. Future renovations and rehabilitation will be completed over two phases. 

o Phase 2 (June 2024 – February 2025): Includes general contractor procurement; conversion of units to include kitchenettes, renovation of community space, medical room, laundry room, and computer room.

 o Phase 3 (February 2025 – May 2025) Conversion of additional units, PSH approval, new accessible/ADA unit conversion and office use conversion. 

 The Salvation Army will provide ongoing opportunities for community members to engage as outlined in the Community Engagement Plan. The next community meeting will be held July 30, 2024 at 6:00 pm. (at the Silver Cloud HTH building.)  It is not known if Mayor Birney or a councilmember will be attending.

will report out to the City Council regarding facility operations within six months of accepting residents as outlined in the Operational Agreement.

Source:  Regular City Council meeting memo, July 16, 2024

NOTE:  In July, 2021 King County purchased this HTH building from Silver Cloud for $28.25 million.  According to Dircetor Helland's report this week, the building won't reach functional capacity to house 100 homeless until 2025 -- four years later.  In the meantime, these 100 homeless individuals will be living on the streets without the benefit of "harm reduction" and some will die. -- Bob Yoder

The entire data base of HTH blog articles and stories is HERE.

Updated: HTH-Redmond Chronic Homeless Building Opens / Community Meeting, 7/30

"Grand Opening" of HTH - Redmond homeless building
 credit: Andrew Villeneuve/ NPI

According to the City, HTH - Redmond building in Overlake is now open. 

The Salvation Army will be hosting a community meeting for residents and businesses to learn more about how they will house 100 chronic homeless.

Where: Health through Housing (HTH) Redmond, 2122 152nd Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052  (Overlake Silver Cloud Hotel location.) 

When: July 30, 2024, 6 p.m. 

If you have questions or concerns, please contact The Salvation Army at 425-689-5771 or email HHRedmond@usw.salvationarmy.org. 

BACKGROUND: 

The County paid $28.25 million for the Silver Cloud hotel in Overlake.  

Roughly four weeks ago 6/6/24, Tisza Rutherford, Redmond's Homeless Outreach Coordinator reported all 144+ units of the HTH-Redmond building in Overlake were presently unfilled, awaiting final construction of 100 units reserved for chronic homeless individuals. She didn't know how / if the remaining 44+ units will be used.   According to Tisza, 65% of the homeless individuals will enter from Redmond, Kirkland and Bellevue;  35% will enter from the outlying cities / locations. Tisza works with the King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRHA) to select and admit the individuals. She had 10 Referrals waiting for admission. The HTH - Redmond is providing only Emergency Housing. It has no kitchenettes. Permanent Supportive Housing is not guaranteed. Tisza's work and mission is invaluable.

Mayor Birney is on one of three disorganized KCHRA boards authorized to select a much needed new CEO which they now have. (3 CEO's quit.) 

-- Bob Yoder, 7/3/2024

[ In 2026, KCHRA will participate in selecting chronic homeless individuals for Plymouth Housing in downtown Redmond.  FAQ ]

The Status Of Mental Health Care At EvergreenHealth

 

"The many colors of  bipolar mood disorder"
Dale Chihuly art (Internet) 

The National Association of Mental Health says 1 in 5 Americans struggle with a mental health condition in a given year and only half are treated.  COVID brought this home.

This Spring, EvergreenHealth's seven commissioners and CEO Palazzo approved  psychiatric and therapy treatment for their two Emergency Departments and three of their Urgent Care clinics. This is a giant leap forward for EvergreenHealth (Evergreen) and the community. The COO of Trauma is putting the program together. She's hiring psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and advanced social workers; it will be remote and in-person. Evergreen is community-owned and a levy lid-lift may be proposed this year or next in support of this program and others.   

Some of the levy-supported Programs today are:  EPIC (MyChart,) "Community Healthcare Access Teams," Grief, Palliative and Hospice care services, Geriatric services, a "Mental Health First Aid Kit" program for LWSD student suicide prevention, and perinatal mood and anxiety maternity care.  

UPDATED:, 6/6-2024 - Regan Dunn Condemns Homelessness Approach, Population Surges Past 16k

 

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn issued the following statement Wednesday after the King County Regional Homelessness Authority issued its 2024 Point-in-Time count of the number of people experiencing homelessness in King County, which tallied 16,385 people:

“King County’s homeless population has surged nearly 50% since the King County Regional Homelessness Authority was first formed five years ago and a shocking 23% since 2022, despite the millions of dollars spent. Leaders need to face the fact that the KCRHA’s current approach doesn’t work. Lives depend on leadership’s ability to change course.”

-- CONTACT: Daniel DeMay, 206-265-9197

###

"To qualify for a Bellevue Plymouth Crossing studio potential residents must  come through the King County Regional Homelessness Authority’s Coordinated Entry process, which determines who is prioritized for permanent supportive housing."

-- Seattle Times, Paige Cornwell, 7/17/2023

Update:  Presently, the Redmond Silver Cloud permanent housing hotel  is only used for emergencies until kitchenettes are installed. 35% of chronic homeless individuals go through a King County Coordinated Entry.  65% will be locally placed through Coordinated Entry by Tisza Rutherford as well (from Redmond, Kirkland and Bellevue referrals.) "The hotel has a capacity of 184 units and will house 100 after renovation is completed in 2025. Those in need of permanent housing are sent elsewhere."  So far, there are 10 referrals and the facility is currently unoccupied.  Tisza is doing a fantastic job finding homes and shelters for Eastside residents.  

 -- Source:  Tisza Rutherford, Redmond Homeless Outreach Coordinator, 425-553-7093 (mobile.)  6/5/2024

Redmond Councilmember Melissa Stuart said earlier this week that until KCHRA gets a new CEO and reorganizes, the Silver Cloud housing hotel could start moving forward.  On 6/5/2024 they hired hired Kelley Kinnison. 

-- posted by Yoder, 6/6.   

Business/Community Plymouth Housing Forum

Centro Cultural Mexicano hosted the forum.  
Plymouth CEO Carol Lee sitting far left. 

Carol Lee, CEO of Plymouth Housing held a forum on April 27 for Redmond business and community members to learn about Plymouth's homeless services and operations.  About five businesses showed up. 

Plymouth Housing will build a downtown facility for 100 chronic homeless people.  It will be sited in a 6-story building near Anderson Park, with completion expected by 2026

Notes and Observations Of Light Rail Line 2

Redmond Technology Station Train / credit "Experience Redmond"

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

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

UPDATED: The Peoples Right To Know

 

The City of Redmond's lack of good information on Silver Cloud-Redmond homeless housing and 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 or it's a hassle finding it, 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 and their Public Request Offices.  I've found the public records office of EvergreenHealth the most professional, the City of Redmond a close second with LWSD in the rear. 

UPDATED 5/16/24: 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:  

Helland said, as the Administrator carrying out Council's policy, "there is no Hearing required" by State law.  Background information is included in the Plymouth Housing - Redmond FAQ's.

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

 

COUNCIL V.P. JESSICA  FORSYTHE'S LETTER

The Facts