Updated 10/27: Neighborhood Stormwater Threatens Sammamish River Salmon.

 In response to this post the City posted this advisory on their website front page.

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 

Redmond Middle School Courts Resurfaced, Lined For Pickleball

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

UPDATED, 3/27: Green Rooftop Camouflages House, Contributes To Sustainability

 

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)

• 
  

  Low-Impact Development (LID) | Redmond, WA

  https://www.redmond.gov › Low-Impact-Development

  Compost amended soil. - Green roof. - Tree preservation. 172nd Ave NE, Summer 2010, -The City's first rain garden in the 172nd Avenue right-of-way.

21.67.040 Techniques and Incentives for Development

municipal.codes

https://redmond.municipal.codes › RZC

Technique	Points Awarded – Residential Development	Points Awarde...
2. Drought‑tolerant landscaping	1	1
• 20 percent	1	1
• 30 percent	2	2

View 19 more rows

• 
  

  Definitions | Redmond Zoning Code

  https://redmond.municipal.codes › RZC

  A landscaped roof is distinguished from a green roof by not incorporating a bioretention facility as part of its structure. Effective on: 4/16/2011. Landslide .

City of Redmond – Grass Lawn Park Phase III Project

WA.gov

https://apps.ecology.wa.gov › documents

“Green roof” for new maintenance building. The roof is partially or completely covered with vegetation and soil planted over a waterproof membrane. • Play areas ...

Unapproved LIME e-Bikes Are Left in Our Parks

 

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

photo  B. Yoder / Education Hill, 9/3/2022

 

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. 

Project Overview

In Summer 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. 

What is a Slurry Seal?

A slurry seal is the application of a mixture of water, asphalt emulsion (mixture of asphalt and a form of soap), aggregate (very small crushed rock), and additives to an existing asphalt pavement to help the roadway last longer.

After Application

• Slurry seal is brown and sticky, and residents will not be able to drive, bike, walk or allow their pets on the street during the day of construction till the slurry seal has fully cured (will look black and dry).    
• The road’s new surface has more friction and sheds some of the larger aggregate, creating small gravel deposits on top of the new slurry seal.  Crews will sweep the streets one week after application, then again in three weeks.  Over time, the road surface will smooth out. 

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.

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

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

UPDATED: The Odyssey Of A Lost Wallet

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.

Emerald Heights Expansion Approved After Four-Year Battle With Neighborhood HOA

 

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.)

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.

Happy Halloween!

Rest assured, you are not alone - the zombies are with you....The true intent of the sign is to give comfort to those suffering from the mental illness and suicide attributed COVID and other stressors. These signs are all over town, especially Ed. Hill. 

-- Bob Yoder, Ed Hill

Education Hill Coyote Feasting On Squirrels

Credit /Ms. Smith

This Redmond Wintering Coyote is feasting on squirrels in South Education Hill

EDITED: Lime bike shares are here, parking on neighborhood sidewalks

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

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.

Education Hill homeless encampment to leave mid-May

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 

Education Hill Neighborhood Association Forums

SPRING COMMUNITY FORUMS

Education Hill Neighborhood Association will be presenting a series of topic-based forums of interest to Eastside residents. These forums will be held at First Baptist Church of Redmond (16700 NE 95th Street, Redmond, WA  98052).  Parking available for all forums in the north lot. King County and the Growth Management Act  Thursday, May 2, 2019     7:00 PM King County council member Kathy Lambert will present information about the Growth Management Act. Forum will begin at 7:00 pm in the Auditorium. Facebook Event Page City of Redmond Candidates:  Mayor’s Office Thursday, June 13th, 2019           7:00 PM The first of our Candidate forums for the 2019 Election Season!  Candidates for the office of Mayor for the City of Redmond, WA will answer questions and talk about their campaign topics.  This will be a Q&A forum (not a debate); moderated questions and time for questions from the audience.  All Candidates will be invited. Note:  not all candidates have filed with the PDC as of this posting.

Iceberg on Ed. Hill.

An "Iceberg" on Education Hill?   What could be a better statement of the magnitude of our February snow storm.? 😱

Then, one month later Puget Sound experienced the warmest March high temps in 125 years!  I took this picture on Tuesday, March 19th, 3pm when it was 78 degrees, the pinnacle of our heat spike.   As of today, it's still floating.

Wild!

-- Bob Yoder
    3/23/2019