Showing posts with label marchione. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marchione. Show all posts

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Downtown Monotony

Beijing based public company financed this $31 million project.  The yellow building is under
construction and part of the project.  The remaining orange vapor barrier film is being covered with more drab materials.  See the small cranes at work?
 
The mixed use "Grand" building will house 1,2,3,4 bedroom apartment units and first floor retail.  It's right in the center of town at the Redmond Way / 166th Avenue and replaces Redmond Square retail mall.  Trees were once visible here.  

Last month, the planning department distributed a questionnaire with pictures of different building designs. Believe it or not, there are still many large projects in the pipeline. Please take the survey!  

Who was our mayor in 2008?  Mayor Ives / Mayor Marchione?  Building design surveys, open houses, and workshops should have been done ~ fifteen years ago.  As is, we will have to live with this and other high profile ugly buildings with no art for over ~ 50 years.  😮 

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 8/30/2023

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Updated Opinion: Woodinville's Attractive Downtown Is Well Designed, Redmond Is Working On It



Image Credit:  "Next City"

A Redmond Blog reader says...

We live in "unincorporated Woodinville" and had the occasion to drive through downtown Redmond for the first time in a while. Holy cookie cutter, I haven't seen so many gray apartments lined up one after the other along a major thoroughfare, with almost no setback from the street for trees. Either the council or the Community Development department failed residents of the city. I'm not sure why every building has to look exactly the same with almost no character or distinguishing features? Housing was needed, yes - but downtown Redmond now feels soul-less. Gone are the days where you could grab cheap eats at Herfy's or Frankie's. Now you're stuck with expensive restaurants sitting in the first floor retail spaces of these apartment buildings, if they're lucky enough to be able to pay the rent these spaces charge. I get it - old strip malls are eyesores, but they often house popular businesses that would otherwise be unable to afford higher rent. On the other hand, I have been super impressed with what Woodinville has done with the schoolhouse district and Woodin Creek areas. It actually feels like it has character and it has adequate parking for the retail that's there. The Molbak's redevelopment seems encouraging and hopefully it can continue the trend in that area. That actually feels like a place I would want to live if I was single and wanted an apartment or if I wanted to downsize. Redmond does not.

-- Anonymous comment:  "City Salaries Under Review, Bonuses Unknown" post.

Videos of downtown Woodinville streetscape design to follow. by

Saturday, October 29, 2022

Happy Halloween!

 

John Marchione's old neighborhood cul-de-sac. 
(click pic to enlarge)

Photo, Yoder

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

UPDATED: Dr. David Morton, Redmond's Most Prolific Speaker

Dr. Morton posing at the Youth Climate Strike
In my 13 years of observing and reporting on city government I can say Dr. David Morton, a citizen of greater Redmond with a PhD in Chemistry, is unarguably the most prolific public speaker in the City of Redmond, and perhaps it's history.  For six years David's been speaking during  "Items From The Audience" at the beginning of  each and every  Regular meeting held by Council. Since David's first speech on Sept. 17, 2013 he's delivered 124 prepared  four minute talks.  Besides public speaking, David participates in Redmond's "Green Redmond" program, planting trees and restoring urban forests.

David is a gentle spirit, obsessed with anything having to do with pollution in our city. An activist by nature,  environmental sustainability and pollution in Redmond are his top priorities. He works exceptionally hard with extreme persistence to raise awareness. Very rarely the city takes action but he's had a couple wins along the way.

Dr. Morton's first and longest sequence of speeches (rants) was about the pollution and smell emanating from Watson Asphalt.  He doesn't live far from Watson and was concerned and fearful that plumes of carcinogenic air were blowing into the neighborhoods.  Citing scientific and case studies, he stubbornly recommended  newer scrubbing technology but Council didn't act, though Watson quietly stopped using "cutback asphalt." So David picked another topic to harp on -- leaf blower air and noise pollution.

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Mayor Marchione's Biography

John Marchione - 2018
Mayor John Marchione

Mayor's Biography

Term: 2016 - 2019
First elected in 2007, John Marchione is now in his third term as mayor of Redmond, a thriving city 16 miles east of Seattle. The community of over 65,000 is home to a variety of industries such as aerospace, high tech, video gaming production, and biotech, as well as several thousand small businesses where over 85,000 people are employed.
As Mayor, he is the executive leader of a full-service city, overseeing eight departments consisting of over 660 employees. The Mayor partners with the City Council to set a strategy, vision, and policy direction for the City of Redmond. To date, the City has adopted Budgeting by Priorities, completed the downtown street grid, and purchased the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line and converted it to the Redmond Central Connector.

Accomplishments

Mayor Marchione’s accomplishments include the implementation of an “Organization of Excellence” program, improved overall financial performance and operational efficiency at the City by 18%, and fostered relationships with city, state, federal, and tribal governments to create environmental investments to improve fish habitat, stormwater storage, and water quality.

Thursday, January 3, 2019

Redmond Mayor will not seek re-election this year

Council President Angela Birney and businessman Andrew Koeppen have their hat in the ring.
Mayor
John Marchione
Redmond, WA – Yesterday, Mayor John Marchione announced to city staff that he will not seek re-election later this year. The three-term mayor started in 2008 and was immediately challenged by a major recession and an affordable housing crisis. During this period of economic instability, Marchione created balanced budgets and earned the City a financial rating of AAA from Standard and Poor’s. 

Monday, August 20, 2018

Redmond mayor says rapid growth is here to stay

Image result for mayor john marchione photo
Mayor John Marchione
(Internet)
The following are excerpts from Mike Rosenberg's "Seattle Times" article of 8/11/2018:  Sure looks like rapid growth is here to stay.  

Redmond grew its housing stock by about 15 percent this decade, behind only Seattle among major King County cities.  Redmond is actually one of three King County suburbs (along with Issaquah and Federal Way) where a majority of homes are in multi-family buildings.

"Moratoriums and people who want to slow down growth exacerbate the housing problem." said Redmond Mayor John Marchione.  "I hear people who say' I want you to stop the growth in downtown and I want to lower prices.'  And that's economically impossible.  It's illogical but people still ask for that."

"If you really want housing prices to be stable, you need to increase the supply to lessen the price hike."

Of course, a big part of why housing doesn't get built in my suburbs is community opposition.  Marchione, the Redmond mayor guesses about one-third or his city's resident are generally opposed to all growth. What does he tell those people?

"I ask, where do you want your kids to live?"  Marchione said. He also tries to counter the impression among some homeowners that renters are "other," different people, noting that he himself recently downsized from a single-family house to an apartment.

Source:  "Housing Construction is at historic lows, while Seattle is setting records." 
By Mike Rosenberg, 8/11/2018 "Seattle Times."

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Mayor Marchione's 2018 State of the City Address



Mayor Marchione is way underpaid.  His salary is ~$137,000.  In contrast, the Communications and Community Engagement Director at Lake Washington School District is paid $169, 285 and only works 10 months a year.  Nine Associate Directors are paid $153,800 per year.

This video is a must listen even if you see only the first 5 minutes.  

Monday, April 2, 2018

Council "Neighborhood Conversation" at Audubon Elementary

Paige Norman, founder of "Education Hill Neighborhood Association" (EdNHA,) videoed Council's "Neighborhood Conversation" at Audubon El last Tuesday.  Affordable housing, the Overlake build-out, Overlake transportation, lots of discussion about removal of the Idylwood Park Cottonwoods.and the eagles there.   

The mayor said 1700 housing units have been built today, 1300 are under construction and 800 are in the permit review process. Hopefully the public will be notified of the status of these permits so we can comment to the Design Review Board before project approval. There's not enough color or architecture in our downtown buildings. 


Sunday, January 28, 2018

Mayor Marchione responds to City of Everett's initiative to transfer land for housing mentally ill homeless


Below is an "Everett Herald" article announcing the transfer:


City votes to transfer land for homeless, mental ill housing

Everett Herald, Updated: 



    113
EVERETT, Wash. - The Everett City Council voted to approve the plans for low-barrier housing and to transfer land to Catholic Housing Services.
The Everett Herald reports the Safe Streets housing project on Berkshire Drive is set to be a 65-unit complex with around-the-clock staffing primarily for the chronically homeless or those living with mental illness.

Tenants cannot have convictions for arson, sex crimes or producing methamphetamine.
About half the residents would be from Everett.
The construction budget is $10.5 million. Most of the costs are borne by Catholic Housing Services and funded by tax credits and grants, which the city helped secure.
Groundbreaking is planned for later this month.
An artist’s rendering of the Safe Streets housing project designated for Berkshire Drive. (Catholic Housing Services)
Rendering of Everett's "Safe Street project"
Mayor Marchone's comment on the Everett Herald article:
"Thank you Bob. We are always interested in, and staff work to stay apprised of, what other jurisdictions are doing to address the challenge of homelessness.  That said, not every strategy is appropriate for every jurisdiction.  Everett is essentially the Seattle of Snohomish County, with both the largest population and greatest concentration of resources.
As one of many connected suburban cities, Redmond works closely with our Eastside neighbors to craft policies and strategies that will serve the sub-region as a whole.  In addition, Redmond has been very proactive in developing strategies focused on our local community. 

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

UPDATED: Ramiro Valderrama brings growth and traffic into perspective


City of Sammamish councilmember Ramiro Valderramo is interviewed and touches on concerns with the growth management act, pace of growth, impact fees, 3 new high schools within a mile of each other, lose of tree canopy....

Our Redmond council candidates, electeds and voters need to listen to Ramiro's interview..  He is a wise man with a good sense of humor; they could learn a lot from him.  Though Duvall may have wiggle room it's almost too late for Redmond to adjust to our growth cycle. This is a must listen for Redmond City Council and Mayor Marchione. I'm sure the council candidates are listening.

B. Yoder

"King County Assessor Wilson says tonight at a [Sammamish] city council meeting we should expect average Home in Sammamish will pay $1,400 more for McCleary Tax alone -add ST3 property tax, car tabs and sales tax and he says “we are precariously close to pricing people out of homes” and encouraging having a CA proposition 13."

-- Quote from Ramiro Valderrama, City of Sammamish councilmember.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

UPDATED: Mayor Marchione stimulates talk on mental health and substance abuse recovery

Image result for national recovery month images
Mayor Marchione read a proclamation last week to recognize September as "National Recovery Month"   The purpose is to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the people who recover. 

I know something about mental health disorders. For three years I sold an SSRI for OCD, slow-release Ritalin for ADHD and  sustained-release lithium for bipolar disorder.   Poor mental health is rampant in my family, especially on my mother's side. Many of my relatives have recovered (myself included) some better than others, with the exception of my younger brother Rick. He died at 46, from complications of severe bipolar disorder, co-morbid alcoholism, and prescription drug self-medication.

The Eastside has many good recovery and treatment programs.  Kent Hay, Redmond's Outreach Specialist provides psychiatric and social services for the vulnerable and homeless. Youth Eastside Services, Friends of Youth, HERO House. NAMI Eastside and other Eastside non-profits have recovery programs. Therapeutic Health Services in Bellevue offers opioid  addiction treatment.. 425-328-3757

I can't stress highly enough the importance of finding a science-oriented doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Overlake Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic in Bellevue provides excellent doctors (20) who accept Medicare and Medicaid patients.

EvergreenHealth doesn't employ psychiatrists or psychiatric nurses or have an out-patient clinic. However, they provide an "In-Home" program operated by trained social workers.. Evergreen opened a 14-bed "Transitional Care Unit" this year to attend to  their Emergency Department patients awaiting transfer to a mental health facility..In the past some of these patients had to be "boarded." (strapped to a gurney for hours or even days.) 

Evergreen is a public hospital and supported in part, by King County taxes. Unfortunately. this year the State legislature reduced mental health funding in King County by over 8% from last year.  Washington State has the lowest access to mental healthcare in the Nation!

There's far to little "talk" to mitigate the stigma associated with poor brain health. Discrimination in the workplace occurs. Doctors, medications, counseling and family support can only go so far and it's easy to lose hope or courage. Spiritual support can help a lot.. Two churches on the Eastside offer support programs. A group in Bothell meets once a month at St. Brandon's Catholic Church.  The  "Celebrate Recovery" group at Overlake Christian Church on Willows Road in Redmond has an excellent program. They meet every Tuesday at 7 pm  About 125 citizens attend their meetings. 

One in five Americans have a mental health condition and only half are treated.  Please tell your friends and neighbors about the recovery programs available in our community and celebrate with those who have recovered!

Bob Yoder 

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Updated: Indian out-sourcing giant interviews Mayor Marchione


I stumbled upon this 2016 video of Mayor Marchione's interview with the Chief Marketing Officer of HCL, a billion dollar global out-sourcing company headquartered in India.  They are contracting with technology companies like Microsoft to supply Indian labor in the "Innovation Triangle" of Redmond, Kirkland and Bellevue.  In 2011 they opened an office in the Overlake urban center near Microsoft.  You can read more about them and their move to Redmond HERE.

The interview is long but informative with interesting tidbits toward the end. I was  surprised that 40% of Redmond's population is non-native English speaking.

Bob Yoder

Saturday, May 20, 2017

Downtown Park Groundbreaking 2

Image may contain: 9 people, people standing, wedding and outdoor
Credit/Jeni Craswell

Nancy McCormick (retired CM) is far left.  She's a strong advocate and defender of the Downtown Park. On the night of her retirement from Council she gave a check towards the Downtown Park to Mr. Mayor. Nancy is now a member of the One Redmond Foundation.  Rep. Joan McBride of the 48th District is right of Nancy.  Councilmember David Carson is the tall guy in the blue shirt. Molly Hill, the wife of Sen. Andy Hill is speaking. Mr. Mayor is behind her. King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert was present.  Is that John Aftebro  (V.P. RHS) in the foreground with the blue cap?

The photographer, Jeni Crawsell was Marchione's 2007 campaign manager, the Executive Director of  "Realize Redmond" (precursor to the One Redmond Foundation) and now works for Hopelink.

An individual on Facebook thought the Park should be named after John Couch, the city's Park director of 30 years.  Nancy McCormick the "Facebook park defender" responded a park can't be named for someone until they've been deceased for at least 2 years.

Photo source:  Facebook

Friday, September 2, 2016

GOING BACK IN TIME: "2011, Council approves Chicken Code"

This is an interesting 2011 report about the process the city went through in passing the "Backyard Chicken" ordinance. The current, approved Chicken ordinance is detailed here.  

Redmond City Council approves backyard chicken code

NOVEMBER 9, 2011:  Council approves Animal Husbandry (backyard chicken) code 6-2 (Carson and Cole voting NO).  A noted requirement is covenants will be honored and supersede the animal husbandry code.

Redmond City Council held a final study session November 7 on "Small Animal Husbandry" - commonly known as "Backyard chickens."  Their normal Tuesday meeting was cancelled for the Election.  Council plans to adopt  "Backyard chicken policy and code" on December 6, without any further study sessions.

After thorough discussion, Council consented to Chicken regulations.  The ordinance is expected to include the following code:
  • Mandatory registration.  (Permits, subject to land use requirements, are not required.
  • Maximum allowable chickens decided by Residential zoning only.  Lot size is irrelevant.
  • One Acre (R-1) and 1/2 acre (R-2) lots are allowed a maximum of 10 chickens (hens only).
  • R-4 and R-5 lots are the most common SFH lots in Redmond.  (4-5 lots/acre).  R-4 lots allowed a  maximum of 4 hens, R-5 allowed a maximum of 3 hens.  R-6 maximum 3 hen
  • In R-8 lots chickens won't be allowed.
  • Setbacks:  15' setbacks for adjacent property required with exceptions.
  • Slaughter:  May slaughter 1 chicken per day on site.  More than 1 chicken must be slaughtered off-property in a slaughterhouse, farm, non-residential area. 
  • Predators:  sturdy coop required
  • City Small Animal Husbandry Code will not supersede Homeowners Associations (HOA). 
  • No roosters
Councilmember Kim Allen was the proponent.  She ran the meeting and drove consensus.  Councilmember Hank Margeson had experience in Tacoma with backyard hens in his youth and was considered a council 'expert.'  Hank suggested "no more than a handful of chickens," except for 1/2 acre lots.  He said "chickens should only supplement food, not feed a family of four year-round."  Councilmember Carson has two dogs and his wife was in real estate; he was against backyard chickens.  Councilmember Hank Myers suggested keeping the rules simple saying too many regulations will keep people from participating.  Margeson owns a horse and raised 3 hens as a kid living in Tacoma.  Mayor Marchione was present and quiet throughout the discussion.

Cole, Stilin, and Vache were openly concerned about chicken owners who mistreat or miss-manage their poultry.  Code enforcement was their big issue.  Apparently, the history of chicken neglect and nuisance in other cities is very low.  Cole ended the discussion stating he won't endorse backyard chickens on the basis of:  smell, noise, real estate, disease, predators, potential for harm to the animals.  His property is governed by HOA rules.
Margeson referred to Sustainable Redmond for their help in getting the word out and educating Redmond citizenry.

Reported By Bob Yoder

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

The City Council meeting last night was loaded with neighborhood and downtown news.

UPDATED:   Mayor Marchione asked Council to make a decision within 45 days about the poor condition of Hartman Pool and how to implement needed repairs.  Find the full story HERE.

A King County planner reported that a new sewer pipe will have to be installed along parts of the West Lake Sammamish Blvd, the Sammamish River Trail, and through some neighborhoods. This will be terribly disruptive and messy 3 year construction project impacting traffic, the trail, and neighborhood homes!  It will run 4.5 miles with construction beginning in 2018.  Find the full story HERE.

The Couplet Conversion -- Planner Lisa Singer reported on progress with the Redmond Way - Cleveland Street "Couplet Conversion" project.  Construction will begin this May and start with utility improvements and signaling.  Lane re-alignment will begin toward the end of 2017 with completion early 2018. . The conversion project runs from 160th Ave NE to Avondale Way.  Redmond Way will have a center turn lane with parking provided on each side as the city redevelops. Cleveland Street will be two-way with parking on either side.  According to Singer, the purposes of the conversion are to allow easier access for businesses and provide pedestrian safety with shorter crossing distances.  Council member John Stilin suggested the city hold social events downtown as a reason for citizens to go downtown during the construction.

The Downtown Park -- Council member Byron Shutz reported 60% of the design work is completed with construction scheduled for 2017 - 2018.  There is a $1.5 million "delta" of budget vs. costs.

Eastside Woman's Winter Shelter -- Byron Shutz reported the shelter was over capacity during Thanksgiving and clients were turned away. The City of Redmond gave $15,000 (along with Bellevue, Kirkland, and Issaquah) to re-fund the shelter.  Short term housing may be provided.

Ombudsman Report -- Council member David Carson reported on a complaint of homeless loitering around the library.  He contacted the police chief.  Carson reported about a complaint on Facebook regarding the poor 2-day Notice on the Marijuana Public Meeting.  He explained the Administration's problem with getting the Notice out.

Items from the Audience -- Gary Smith, Redmond's Trout Unlimited advocate for Lake Sammamish Kokanee salmon asked Council for $10,000 to help fund a local Trout Unlimited staff position. A citizen complained about Watson Asphalt air pollution.

Bob Yoder

I usually tape the Tuesday night meetings on my DVR (7:30PM, Channel 21), take notes and if I find any worthwhile neighborhood news I often post it here and on Facebook.  I try to keep this as factual as possible but I'm not perfect so I'm sorry if a screw up from time to time. BY






Sunday, October 25, 2015

Steve Fields Restates His Viewpoint About Downtown Developers

UPDATED:  Steve Fields has received strong criticism and in some cases insult from a few supporters of Mr. Marchione's campaign.  This has been evident in Facebook social media, a few Letters to the Editor of the Redmond Reporter and a Letter sent to me by a Downtown developer.   

As a supporter and volunteer for Steve Fields I want to share some recent correspondence with Steve that answers criticism and misunderstandings about his views of downtown developers, as follows:  

And I quote Mr. Fields:  "I have never said and never would say anything against any group or person. What I have said is the city government listens more to developers then they do people in the community. And as a result the outcomes are not very good. My complaint is with the city government. Not any developer. We need balance. And I think that would be better for whoever develops and builds in our city as well. Their reputation would be enhanced."

Please visit https://electstevefields.com for more information about Mr. Field's vision for our city.  

Opinion by Bob Yoder

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Opinion: The silence of Mayor Marchione on neighborhood issues is deafening

It's a rainy day and I am without work so it's a good time to express my observations and feelings again about how I think our elected councilmembers and mayor run our city and how they could improve.  I will admit that I have become picky and pestering especially with the mayoral election underway so my apologies for being a Monday Morning Quarterback, but unfortunately I am one of the rare everyday citizens that is engaged with local government.

The city council meeting last night was one of the most functional meetings I've seen in a long time (with the exception of the Mayor's silence -- which I will address soon.)  James Johnston, a neighbor shared his expertise during Items for the Audience for improving the noise problem from Marymoor Park concerts.  This same neighbor is very vocal on the "Education Hill of Redmond" Facebook Group and several councilmembers are finally paying attention to us through this vehicle.  It would be great if all our neighborhoods (including the Downtown neighborhood) had a Facebook Group for input but so far the City government hasn't facilitated this and continues to miss out in how we feel. The City of Kirkland has "neighborhood associations" which organized a Council Candidate Debate.  Redmond neighborhoods aren't even close.  Fortunately Councilman John Stilin has found the Education Hill facebook group and has observed and participated in it.  John Marchione and Council have been dealing with the Marymoor noise for over 8 years without results; it finally took chatter from the Facebook Group to help John Stilin identify the problem and bring it to the attention of government.  The discussion with King County during the Council Meeting was truly one of the most productive and thorough deliberations I've seen for a neighborhood issue.  Stilin and the Council in general shined.  It would have been healthy for the city if our government was just as functional on "city growth issues."  But, it's too late for that and a contested mayoral race is on.

What was glaringly noticeable last night at the Council meeting was the Mayor's lack of participation and representation during the Marymoor deliberations.  The Mayor was full of "Thank You's" and minor management of the agenda.  He looked weak and is weak in this regard. While council certainly wasn't under Marchione's grip last night, the Mayor was complacent and non-responsive to the neighborhoods on the important Marymoor issue (as he is on the Downtown neighborhood growth issue.) He also has a problem conveying his representation on regional issues during council meetings.  He is touted for being a leader on regional issues but he rarely brings up the specifics of his representation locally during council meetings, OP-ED's or the like.

In a Steve Fields Q&A that resident and blogger Paige Norman conducted, Mr. Fields was asked:  "What do you think is the primary role of the Mayor in Redmond?"  Mr. Fields answered:  "The Mayor is the only full-time, elected position that exclusively represents and answers to the people who live in Redmond. This creates a unique position. The citizens need to trust the leadership and the word of the Mayor." 

 "Full time" .  "Word of the mayor"  "Represents and answers to the people"  Fields nails it.  

The Mayor needs to take notice and be more open and representative for the people. His silence is deafening. Thank you Mr. Fields.  

Opinion by Bob Yoder 




Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Redmond Mayor Marchione gives "State of the City" address to City Council

Mayor Marchione gave a fascinating and thorough presentation to City Council of "The State of the City" last night.  With all the changes going on around town he felt it was time to summarize "Who We Are" and Where Are We Going.  Below is a summary of some of his talking points. 

Redmond currently has a resident population of 56,000 with a growth management target of 78,000 some day.  Redmond has more jobs than people at 79,000.  Most of them are skilled computer science jobs (48%) including some skilled machinists.  Some day the city expects to harbor jobs for 119,000 workers. 

Redmond is composed of 10 neighborhoods, 40 acres of  parks, and 40 miles of trails (and more trails if you count the myriad of informal trails between developments).  Redmond is a young town and getting younger with an average peak age between 20-34.  The largest group is between 5-44 years.   Redmond is 45% 'other than Caucasian' with 1/3 of residents speaking a language other than English in their homes.  Over 80% of our residents have an education higher than high school and the most prevalent household size grouping is two/household.

Redmond has won several awards from national publications for quality of life.  In 2012 the city won Money Magazine's Top Five "Best Places to Live" for cities under 300,000.  Redmond was also awarded best place for young people, young professionals and best place to raise a family.

According to the video tape applause as heard on www.redmond.gov of John's speech to One Redmond a few months back, the business community is supportive of the Cleveland - Redmond Way couplet reversal.  John said work will begin first quarter of 2016 to change Clevelend Street to 2-way with 3 lanes and change Redmond Way to 2-way with 4 lanes.   The second phase of the Downtown Park development will begin in the summer of this year and next.   John said it will be congested there owing to using the park development as a staging area for Cleveland Street improvements. 

The "Redmond Central Connector" spine that parallels Cleveland Street should be mostly developed with trails and art from the Red Robin to the Trestle Bridge over Redmond Way -- in time for a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for September, 2013.  A Sound Transit Station is planned for the south side of the Connector in 2025 but it is not yet funded. 

Besides all the high rises and cranes you see underway the city has permits in review for an additional 437 residential units and 7,000 SF of retail.  It appeared John's slide show showed four or five additional buildings in the permitting plans.   A significant stormwater vault is planned along 85th Street across from Kentucky Fried Chicken.  It will clean stormwater before draining into the Sammamish River. 

5,000 new homes and 25,000 new jobs are expected in the Overlake Urban Center within the next 20 years.  A critical access ramp into the neighborhood from SR520 will relieve congestion brought on by high job densities.  Light rail service is planned by 2023.  Two parks are planned for the Overlake neighborhood.  One park will be built over a huge stormwater vault in the Sears parking lot.  Vault construction is 2-3 years out.

Marchione credited the council for their participation in regional matters...in particular the Sound Cities Association (SCA).   Pat Vache', Hank Margeson, Kim Allen, John Stilin, and the Mayor are all on one or two SCA committees.  The Mayor is also on four other regional committees (ARCH, NORCOM, EPSCA, and RPEC). 

John concluded that it appears Redmond is weathering the 2008-2012 recession with assessed property values back to 2008 levels.  He said "growth is marching to the vision for the city" even though it's a little shocking at times. 

Reported by Bob Yoder
  

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Councilmembers Margeson and Allen and Mayor Marchione appointed to committees of influence

Councilmembers Hank Margeson and Kimberly Allen have been working diligently on regional committees to bring transit to Overlake and downtown Redmond.   Both attend the Sound Cities Association (SCA) to this end.  Allen recently announced she chairs the SCA for the Regional Transit Committee where they focus on developing the Metro Strategic Plans.    Margeson is newly appointed Caucus Chair for the SCA Growth Management Policy Board working closely with staff on growth issues. 

Mayor Marchione announced at last night's business meeting he was appointed to the US Conference of Mayors' Infrastructure Committee along with the Mayor from Philadelphia and Mayor from Chicago who chairs the the committee.  Marchione said "This is a real plum."   He quipped "My daughter had nothing to do with it. She was out of the country."  

"Redmond is by far the smallest city but what got us attention is we are a tech city," said Marchione, "Philadelphia has a school system of the future.  We're the government of the future so there's a Microsoft connection there..."

Reported by Bob Yoder