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| Rick with Scully On Education Hill Happy Easter Neighbors! |
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| Scully all suited up for Saint Paddy's Day |
-- Bob Yoder, 3/22/26; photos
click pictures to enlarge
click pictures to enlarge
Showing posts with label neighborhood-ed hill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label neighborhood-ed hill. Show all posts
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Rick's Outdoor Neighborhood Art
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Backyard Cherry Tree
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| Massive cherry tree specimen |
A view from my desk to our backyard cherry tree. You can't see, but it's a grouping of 2 landmark trees and 2 others (cabled) reaching over our fence. Can you find the bird house we nailed to the trunk years ago without use of a ladder? Yes, it's grown tremendously in our 36 years here. All kinds of wildlife live in this tree, including racoon families. On the downside, it's a garbagy tree. In the Spring, faint blossoms and copious pollen falls on our windshields for weeks, then in the summer and Fall a multitude of sepals, inedible cherries and leaves must be swept from the patio. Though this monster is my "therapy tree," I'll be glad to leave it behind when I move out of Redmond this year.
-- Bob Yoder, 1/25/2025
For personal reasons, I'm taking a break from this blog. I may be back in several weeks or so. [Most of the "Popular Posts" on the sidebar are dated.]
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Updated 10/27: Neighborhood Stormwater Threatens Sammamish River Salmon.
In response to this post the City posted this advisory on their website front page.
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| Redmond's pollution truck advertises their pollution hot line: 425-556-2868 photo by Yoder |
We live two houses up from the intersection of NE 100th Street and 169th Ave. NE. City public works had two trucks there working on a major drain to "clear up stormwater pollution." Comcast is planning a downhill dig into 169th Ave. to install new cable that's eroded. Comcast must have notified the city of a possible pollution problem since there was no "salmon sticker" near the drain. A sewer line parallels the stormwater pipe making things more complicated.
Copper residue from vehicular tires and/or fertilizers, car-washing soaps, and lawn mower oils may all have contributed to the pollution. My guess is the stormwater pollution may have been caused by corrosion from Comcast's aging cable, tire contaminants, a sewer line leak or all three. This particular drain is in a prime location for stormwater run-off; collecting stormwater from two long residential roads. One could say the subject drain services a mini-stormwater watershed.
Fortunately, there are two nearby "wet-vaults" just downhill from the subject drain. Vaults treat the stormwater before it eventually enters the Sammamish River where salmon are migrating. The supervisor said the vaults were fully operational containing only 20% sediment and didn't need to be vacuumed. While Public Works was there they cleaned out a drain above the house from ours.
If you have concerns about possible pollution in your neighborhood call the city hotline at 425-556-2868. I asked the city and two city councilmembers for a "salmon sticker" for this drain and they didn't respond.
-- Bob Yoder, Updated: 10/27/24
Friday, July 14, 2023
Redmond Middle School Courts Resurfaced, Lined For Pickleball
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| Redmond Middle School Tennis Courts |
You may have noticed? The Redmond Middle School's six tennis courts are being resurfaced (with an acrylic coating.) Though unconfirmed, the workers said all six tennis courts will also be lined for pickleball. Completion is expected by 7/31/2023.
Only 42-inch high standard tennis court nets will be installed. 30-inch pickleball nets will not be available. I've played on both net sizes and find them equally fun.
-- Bob Yoder, photo, 7/14/2023
Grocery Stores and Cafe's In Our Residential Neighborhoods?
Will the City increase and encourage densification in our single family home neighborhoods by zoning for townhomes, triplexes, and fourplexes? Is this acceptable to you? Are cafe's, food trucks and grocery stores wanted in our neighborhoods? Participate in one of these workshops to get informed and tell the city what you'd like to see.
- Monday, July 24 | Virtual Workshop on Complete Neighborhoods - What changes we would like to see in our residential neighborhoods to bring services closer to homes
- Tuesday, August 1 | Complete Neighborhoods Workshop @ Redmond Library (co hosted by Eastside For All and other local community organizations)
-- Posted by Bob Yoder, 7/14/2023
Sunday, March 26, 2023
UPDATED, 3/27: Green Rooftop Camouflages House, Contributes To Sustainability
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| This neighborhood home is tucked away from all the commotion. Note how this living, green rooftop camouflages the house and contributes to sustainability. (click picture to enlarge) |
Walking around the Education Hill neighborhood this Spring day we noticed this house had a green and grey roof. It seems to be holding up quite well. Council Member Jessica Forsythe and others constantly ask the Mayor for green rooftops on new buildings. A tiny green rooftop is planned for the Senior & Community Center. The city compensates developers for Landmark Trees by "Exceptions." The same should be done for green rooftops, perhaps as a small amenity.
-- B. Yoder, opinion, 3/25/2023 by
References:
CITY OF REDMOND / SEATTLE COMMERCIAL
(Note, A City of Redmond is in Oregon)
Friday, October 21, 2022
Unapproved LIME e-Bikes Are Left in Our Parks
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| Years ago the City approved LIME BIKES. Not now. This one is on Education Hill / credit Yoder |
My wife was walking our puppy near Hartman Park and saw a LIME e-Bike on the park grass. A City worker told her he hated them because they get in the way of his mower and they look bad. He complained when he reports them it takes 2-3 weeks before they're removed.
Mayor Birney mentioned about a month ago the City didn't have a contract with LIME for their bikes. New news. When the City had a contract the bikes looked like the one above, with a wire basket. The new ones have a lime-colored plastic basket usually with graffiti on the stem.
Council Member David Carson dislikes them and especially can't stand abandoned shopping carts. He promotes a City Facebook App for reporting pot holes, etc. to customer service. I'll try to find it for you. In the meantime email Info@redmond.gov for customer service.
-- Bob Yoder, 10/21/2022
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Updated: City To Apply "Slurry Seal" To Select Education Hill Roads
FINAL REPORT: COMPLETE DISCLOSURE, 9/12/2022
ORIGIONAL SOURCE: CITY PROJECTS, July, 2022
180th Ct NE and NE 105th Way. Education Hill Call 425-556-2776 to confirm
Beginning August 19, 2022, a City of Redmond contractor will place a slurry seal on 180th Ct NE and NE 105th Way. This is a pilot project to test the effectiveness of slurry seals as a pavement maintenance technique.
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
ADA Curb Ramp Construction On Education Hill
😃And I thought the work was being done here because its in the Mayor's neighborhood! 😁
Hello Mr. Yoder,
I’m writing in response to your question about ADA curb ramps as I serve as the City's ADA curb ramp program manager.
Curb ramp replacements on 166th Ave NE are part of the City’s comprehensive ADA curb ramp program. Projects in the city, including ADA curb ramp program projects, are prioritized systematically through the Capital Investment Strategy (CIS) and Capital Improvement Plans (CIP).
As part of the ADA curb ramp program, the City completed a curb ramp assessment in 2013 for compliance with ADA regulations. The City also gathered community input in 2019 on existing locations where curb ramps should be replaced and created a prioritized list of locations for ramp replacements. Projects under the ADA curb ramp program were prioritized based on proximity to facilities such as schools, state/local government facilities, public bus and vanpool stops, places of public accommodation, and proximity to major employment centers.
Sunday, June 19, 2022
UPDATED: Big-time Construction Is Creeping Into Education Hill
Well, it looks like they're advancing into our neighborhoods; ever so slowly, just creeping & crawling along. This one made it as far as Herfy's hamburgers (164th & NE 85 Street.) before catching it's breath. 😃
6-story "Sunrise Apartments" will replace a grungy, old mall.
Yoder / 6/19/2022
Friday, April 15, 2022
Coyotes Abound In Our Neighborhood
"Ring" photo of our coyote visitor
(click pic to enlarge)
Last night a friendly critter visited our front walkway. First, we thought it was a cat, but look at those legs. And the legs look a bit skinny for a dog. "It could be a deer," Pam sighed. 😕 No, it's a coyote! You can almost see it's bushy tail and pointed ears.
Is he chasing down a cat, a squirrel, a bunny? Lots of coyotes roam Education Hill neighborhoods, the woods and Powerline trail. Check this photo of feasting coyote on South Education Hill.
Important to know: Coyotes will chase down and eat cats and dogs (up to 50 pounds.) They can hit 40 mph. Hundreds of unseen wild (feral) cats live in our neighborhoods so they're probably a primary food source.
According to the Internet, coyotes run in packs of 3-7 adults and 2-7 pups. Hmm, not so sure about that. They mate between January and March and are commonly seen then.
Be vigil when your cat or pup is out at dusk.
-- Bob Yoder, 4/15/2022
Education Hill
Saturday, March 5, 2022
UPDATED: The Odyssey Of A Lost Wallet
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| My thin red wallet was found and amazingly returned to our doorstep! |
A huge shout-out to the unbelievably kind person who found my wallet and returned it entact to my to my front door. I totally couldn't believe my luck! It was an awesome example of "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I'll never forget it.
I wish I could have thanked them but a note or number wasn't left. My relief, in order of emotional intensity: OMG, there's my wallet on the front doorstep!! Now I don't have to call for a new credit card, update all my auto-payments, or replace my driver's license. Even the cash was untouched.
I hope you've never, ever have the painful experience of losing your wallet. My recovery attempts were were obviously futile. With frustration and worry, I frantically checked my pockets. My worry turned into mild panic while retracing my steps: Ooba Tuba, Pharmaca, Staples, and QFC. Nothing. I looked inside my car and pockets one more time. My last big hope was searching the parking lot. No luck.
Here's my guess: My smart phone and wallet were together in the same pocket; when pulling out my phone for a call the wallet came unbenounced with it, slipping onto to the parking lot. My wife threatened to buy me a nerdy phone holster Yep, I'm motivated that much more to be careful! 😨☝
-- Bob Yoder, 3/5/2022
While on the subject of protection the police advise locking your car and closing the windows when it's not in use. There's been a rash of thievery of late.
Monday, May 24, 2021
Emerald Heights Expansion Approved After Four-Year Battle With Neighborhood HOA
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| Emerald Heights.com |
APPELWICK, J. — The City approved permits necessary for construction of a large assisted living residence on Emerald Heights’s retirement campus. The property is zoned R-6. The building would occupy what is presently a greenbelt abutting 176th Avenue NE in Redmond. The City determined that the construction would not have significant environmental impacts, and issued a determination of DNS under SEPA. The HOA of Abbey Road, a community of single-family residences on the other side of 176th Avenue NE, filed a LUPA appeal of the hearing examiner’s determinations to the superior court. The superior court overturned the City’s issuance of a DNS, but reserved ruling on the permit issues. Emerald Heights appeals. The State Appeals Court Division 1 reversed the Superior Court decision on May/24/2021 (and the Emerald Heights project is for all matters approved.)
Friday, January 22, 2021
Emerald Heights Expansion Is Close To Approval
The approval of this 2/3 story redevelopment has been in the works for years. Construction of a new 42-unit Independent Living Building and a new 54-unit Assisted Living Building within the existing Emerald Heights retirement community is involved.
A HOA led by retired CM John Stilin took their case to the Washington Superior Court. Their objections were NIMBY in nature. i.e. too many trees removed, incompatible with existing neighborhoods, traffic, etc. -- Bob Yoder
Design Review Board memo:
Site & Background: The Emerald Heights campus currently includes: 333 independent living units, 56 assisted living/memory care units and 32 skilled nursing units, which total 421 units.
The proposed project is located within the Education Hill neighborhood, in the Emerald Heights Retirement Community, which is located at 10901 176th Circle NE. The Emerald Heights community is located on 38.0 acres and was approved in November 1988 as a Planned Unit Development.
The existing campus consists of 33 buildings, which includes 12 independent living duplex cottages to the west of the campus, an independent living apartment building to the south, a series of connected apartment buildings in the center of the campus, and various amenity and service buildings.
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Happy Halloween!
-- Bob Yoder, Ed Hill
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Education Hill Coyote Feasting On Squirrels
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| Credit /Ms. Smith This Redmond Wintering Coyote is feasting on squirrels in South Education Hill |
Friday, May 3, 2019
EDITED: Lime bike shares are here, parking on neighborhood sidewalks
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| Credit/ Bob Yoder, 7:30 pm |
I was surprised and bothered to see my first lime ebike (electric) in my Education Hill neighborhood 5:30pm a few days ago. The cyclist was riding on the sidewalk, not always safe since electric bikes are powerful. Then, tonight I saw this ebike share parked on a sidewalk in a nearby cul-de-sac' It was left by a college student. "It only costs a dollar" said the little boy.
According to new city code AND Jill Smith, Director of Communications bike and scooter share vehicles will be allowed to park on sidewalks in neighborhoods so long as 5 feet of the sidewalk is free from obstruction. “Well, as good citizens we can always move them off the sidewalk. Though bike shares are useful downtown, as more come up the hill we may find them less than desirable. Please, please stay downtown, where they have the most benefit. If you have questions write: council@redmond.gov
-- Bob Yoder
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
UPDATED: Hearing Examiner Approves Emerald Heights Project
According to a City planner, the decision will be appealed in the Superior Court
In a 104 page document, the Redmond Hearing Examiner (a land-use attorney) described his decision to approve Emerald Heights construction of a 54-unit Assisted Living building and a 42-unit Independent Living building. According to the Examiner, these new buildings are intended to allow conversion of the existing 40-unit assisted living building into private, single occupancy skilled nursing suites.The campus currently has 333 independent living units, 40 assisted living units, 16 memory care units, and 61 skilled nursing units for a total of 450 residential units. The campus features a main multi-purpose auditorium, fitness building, pool, communal courtyard, woodland walking trails, and gardening opportunities. There's an existing public transit stop on 176th Avenue NE near the campus entrance.
BACKGROUND
Abby Road HOA residents living next to the Emerald Heights' 38-acre parcel appealed the SEPA, and challenged the Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Entitlement. The volume of public record was an astounding 8,000 pages creating significant expenses and review time. Retired city councilmember John Stilin and his wife led the way.
Besides zoning, the following issues Stilin et al appealed were:
1) Severe aesthetic impacts from converting the "greenbelt buffer" forested area where the assisted building is proposed. They argued the assisted living building was inappropriate in height, bulk, scale, architecture, and siting;
2) Loss of privacy and view for those residences that are nearest, and all passerby/neighborhood views were permanently altered;
3) Serious lighting impacts from the height of the building; No guarantee the building would be fully screened by proposed plantings;
4) Significant loss of native vegetation and trees reducing stormwater drainage and impacting aesthetics. Local wildlife would be impacted to the detriment of the residents and visitors who enjoy the wildlife.
5) Potential for improper disposal of hazardous materials; Emission of noxious and hazardous odors and vapor from the institutional kitchen.
And the list goes on....
Redmond Hearing Examiner Contact Information: Phone: 425.556.2191. Email: cdxanthos@redmond.gov. City Clerk's Office.
Source: Redmond Hearing Examiner
Findings, Conclusions, Decisions
Abby Road HOA,et all Appeal (LAND-2018-00920) of DNS (SEPA-2018-00640)
LAND-2018-00586 --Conditional Use Permit/land-2018-00617 --Site Plan Entitlement.
Redmond City Council meetings.
Monday, April 22, 2019
Education Hill homeless encampment to leave mid-May
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| Camp Unity is located at St. Jude Parish close to Redmond Middle School and Horace Mann El. |
The Camp Unity homeless encampment is smaller this year. Last month, it was populated by 17 individuals and a couple. The site maxes out at 40. According to Pete, the camp manager, half of the residents have a job and half have disability income. Some meals are provided by the church; the church donates water and power, and a mobile shower and laundry services them. The homeless car lot nearby is not affiliated with Camp Unity.
As for safety, Camp Unity has warranty checks, a zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol, and does a sex offender check. Camp Unity has been in operation for two years. It's a vast improvement over Tent City 4 which had a terrible community reputation.
According to Pete, the City's Homeless Outreach Coordinator Kent Hay rarely visits, rather takes phone calls about twice a month. Pete says the camp will leave in mid-May for Woodinville and stay there until the end of the year. It operates in Redmond under a City 2017 temporary use permit which allows 3 visits/5 years.
-- Bob Yoder
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