OPINION LETTER: Neighborhoods Object To Opening Fire Gate, Storm City Hall Council Meeting

 

Dear residents of Redmond

I write this blog post with deep concern and a solid commitment to our community's well-being and using LinkedIn for broader reach. Recently, a decision was made to open the gate on the 172nd Avenue corridor, and it has ignited significant unease among residents, myself included. As a resident of Parkridge at the Woodlands in the Education Hill area, I felt compelled to raise awareness about the concerns surrounding this decision and advocate for a safer, more sustainable, and inclusive approach. The city is proceeding with removing this barrier in order to improve traffic flow. Once removed, the corridor will be bi-directional. Up-to-date information is now located on the City’s webpage.

Safety Concerns for Our Neighborhood: The potential increase of 5,000 vehicles passing through our neighborhood per day has raised serious safety concerns, especially with the recent establishment of Clara Barton Elementary School nearby. Our area already experiences high traffic volumes, and the proposed opening of 172nd Avenue would create yet another shortcut for traffic, adding to the existing congestion on 116th Street. Just days ago, a car speeding through the crosswalk hit the crossing guard's flag with children present. This is simply unacceptable. We have witnessed tragic incidents where black bear cubs were hit by speeding cars, emphasizing the urgent need to address road safety and protect our wildlife.

Environmental Impact and Ecological Preservation: Preserving our natural environment is a shared priority for our community. The decision to open the gate on 172nd Avenue also raises concerns about the potential environmental consequences, particularly in relation to our wildlife and community parks such as the Smith Wood. Conducting a comprehensive ecological study will enable us to understand the potential effects on our local animal population and make informed decisions that align with our commitment to environmental preservation. Moreover, it is vital to assess the capacity of our existing road infrastructure to handle the ecological impacts of the significant increase in traffic, ensuring the protection of our valuable wildlife and water sources.

Help Inform New City Guidelines for Leaf Blowers

Gasoline-powered leaf blowers produce emissions and ambient noise pollution. The City of Redmond would like to hear from you as we evaluate actions regarding their use. Complete the following questionnaire by May 31 to help inform the next steps.  It's very short!

 https://www.letsconnectredmond.com/green/survey_tools/electric-leaf-blower-questionnaire

Posted by Bob Yoder, 4/24/2023

REDMOND BLOG EDITORIAL: Carol Helland, Redmond's Urban Planner Extraordinaire

 

Carol Helland, Director of Planning & Community Development 

The complexity and demands of  Director Helland's job don't compare to Directors of the past. Should the Mayor hire a Deputy of Planning Services?

From observations, I believe Carol Helland, the city's Director of Planning & Community Development is the most influential government executive in Redmond. She oversees land use permitting, is Administrator of the Technical Committee, of Public Notice, Code Administrator, oversees the Design Review Board, and director of Human Services among other high level responsibilities. 

Mayor Birney and Council rely heavily on Helland for her understanding of Washington's Growth Management recommendations and requirements. Her flexible use of building codes shape the form, function and character of downtown Redmond, Overlake Urban Center and our gentrifying neighborhoods. Carol negotiates Development agreements with the Mayor and co-approves project permits with Public Works. (A 22-acre Development agreement for NELSON Legacy's downtown Village was inked; RTC is on deck with others to come.)  

Director Helland recently hired Seraphie Allen as Deputy Director of Planning & Community Development.  Already, Deputy Allen's job responsibilities are to communicate with OneRedmond, work with Director Helland's Redmond 2050 Long Range Planning Team, and guide the Mayor's Planning Commission volunteers.  These roles have the ring of a new title, perhaps "deputy director of community development."

The complexity and demands of Ms. Helland's job don't compare to Directors of the past.  Though outside the HR box, the Mayor might possibly assign a second Deputy Director, one for "Planning services" the other for "Community development?"  Ms. Helland is Redmond's Urban Planner extraordinaire and needs all the help she can get. Once Mayor Birney actively teams up with Helland, fewer mistakes will be made and we'll have a more livable Redmond. 

For answers on how you can make Redmond a better community, email Heather at: info@redmond.gov. She's the city's Customer Experience Coordinator and an excellent resource.  Her phone is 425-556-2900.   

Let's make Redmond better together.

-- Bob Yoder

   Editor, Reporter and Scribbler, Redmond Neighborhood Blog    

   1/21/2023

For the Director Helland's job description....

EDITED" Redmond Blog "About Us" is updated for 2019

Redmond neighborhoods

I've updated Redmond Neighborhood Blog "About Us" for 2019.  

Find it here

-- Bob Yoder

LWSD to Place Capital Projects Levy on April Ballot

At its December 3 meeting, Lake Washington School District’s (LWSD) Board of Directors passed Resolution No. 2259 to place a Capital Projects Levy on the April 23, 2019 ballot. This measure, if passed, authorizes a six-year levy totaling $120 million or an average of $20 million per year for six years.

Levy funds would pay for critical projects to address rapid enrollment growth and student safety and security. Proposed projects include: classroom additions at Lake Washington High School, including auxiliary gyms and commons; classroom additions at Carson Elementary, Franklin Elementary, Rose Hill Elementary, and Twain Elementary, including expansion of core facilities where feasible; and support student safety by adding exterior security cameras at elementary schools and create entry modifications for security at Eastlake, Redmond and Lake Washington High Schools. (Juanita High School’s entry modifications will be added during the current construction project.) 

According to Shannon Parthemer, LWSD Communications Director "The April Capital Projects Levy includes permanent (brick and mortar) classroom additions at four elementary schools (Carson Elementary, Franklin Elementary, Rose Hill Elementary and Twain Elementary) and Lake Washington High School. These are not portables."

Source:  LWSD.org

Bobcat in Education Hill backyard : North Redmond Neighborhood Report

"We have a Bobcat in our yard!  He looks like a mini-Tiger!  He was cleaning himself and is now taking a nap."   iPhone: By Michelle Vallene,  Friday, July 20, 2012.   Facebook

The Brian and Michelle Vallene family live in the North Redmond neighborhood on Education Hill off of 116th near Einstein Elementary.  Michelle said their Bobcat is about the size of a mid-sized dog.  "After napping the Bobcat wandered off towards the green belt and pond." Said Michelle,  "We have tons of different kinds of birds and probably fewer bunnies."   So far, there are no further reports, but stay tuned.  Michelle's photo was taken from inside their house behind a window.

Derby Days 2012! "Read all about it!"

Join in the 72nd Annual Redmond Derby Days THIS weekend!

And don't forget to say hi to the informational booth exhibitors from 10-6pm!   "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" is exhibiting the Heron Rookery story and hosting a nature photo raffle at 3:00PM and 4:15PM!   Some booths will have water dishes for your pets. 

Redmond, WA –Redmond will celebrate the 72nd Annual Derby Days Summer Festival this year, in conjunction with it's 100th Year Anniversary Centennial:  

Friday, July 13 from 6-10pm,

Saturday, July 14 from 10am-10pm  fireworks!

Sunday, July 15th from 9-Noon and 4-8pm.

Events are at the Redmond City Hall Campus, 15670 NE 85th Street, with the exception of the 4-8pm Concert in the Park, on Sunday, at Redmond’s Downtown Park, 16101 Redmond Way.

Friday Night Live kicks off the festival with headliner, HIT Explosion! The opening act, Clinton Fearon & the Boogie Brown Band, will get people ready for a night of dancing. Food vendors are on hand for dinner or a snack, and the beer and wine garden will provide a great spot for both people and band watching. After the concert enjoy the movie, Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows from 10 to midnight on the great lawn at City Hall, presented by RYPAC.

Saturday’s events begin with an old fashioned Fire Department sponsored public Pancake Breakfast, Saturday, July 14, 2012, 8:00a.m. to Noon at Fire Station 11 located at 8450 161st Ave NE, Redmond located by the downtown Post Office. All proceeds will go to the RFD Benevolent Fund which supports local residents when they are facing personal tragedy. Additionally kids can tour the Fire Trucks, try spraying water on a mock fire, and try on real firefighter gear.

Beginning at 10am, the Derby Days Kids Parade, one of the nation’s largest kid’s parade will take place. Parade registration begins at 9am behind Redmond Medical Center. Arriving early is strongly recommended in order to register before the parade starts.   Read More >>

Shaughnessy Heights subdivision trees are removed -- neighbors adjusting

Territorial views of downtown Redmond and wood piles remain.  A 15' tree buffer between
the orange fence and the black fence-line will eventually buffer the neighborhoods.

UPDATED  7/5 7:04 pm:  Two hundred twenty-nine significant trees and most of the dust, is now cleared from the 15.1 acre Shaughnessy Heights subdivision project on Ed Hill.   It didn't take long.  About 4 days of tree clearing and a few more to grade the steep slopes and prep a minor stream drainage.  Neighbors say the multiple, large wood debris piles will be chewed up on site and scattered by the end of the week.

Despite the tree waste, over 51% of the significant trees will be saved according to land use tree preservation  map.  The preserved land remains home to a significant stream and trees large enough to house large cavity-dwelling animals like Pileated Woodpeckers, raccoons, and 'possum'.  The developer could install Pileated Woodpecker educational signage as an amenity if he wants to. 

The project is  a 42-lot, 64 housing unit "planned residential development" land use that was earlier appealed by residents and decided and approved by Redmond city councilmembers in a "quasi-judicial role."  (All area cities except Bothell and Redmond make land use appeal decisions through the county Superior Court.)  Construction is planned for Spring, 2013 by Element Residential of Bothell.  The homes and duplexes will be set close together and more affordable similar to North Redmond and older Education Hill neighborhood standards.

Immediate neighbors had some obvious concerns.  On the 20th, "Bambi" was seen straying uphill through back yards towards the Nike - Perrigo greenbelt.  A hawk's nest toppled down.  Some neighbors think they will hear more SR520 highway noise with the trees down.  They want the promised 15' tree buffer installed ASAP, but the developer has to wait for irrigation water before planting.  In the meantime, traffic is stalled on 171st Ave NE while the city runs a 14 inch water pipe to the project.  On the 25th, residents found door-knob notices their water would be shut off from 9-3 pm -- only to come home after work to a dirty "five-flush toilet."

But the dust has settled...

On-lookers visiting the 169th Ave cul-de-sac were amazed by territorial views towards the city.  Some of the neighbors can even expect incredible views of Mt. Rainier from their 2nd-story decks.  An 8-foot fence will delineate the project, but neighborhood connector trails are planned through and around the development.  The developer saved two cedar trees and a deciduous by the emergency  service entry on 169th. 

Steve Fischer, city planner, assured a few nearby residents that "developer violations (like any unlawful staging of construction equipment or delayed tree buffer plantings)  are typically handled with a "red tag" stop work order. Since time is money...this is a very good way to get someone's attention," wrote Mr Fischer. 

Report and Photo by Yoder

Protect your pets over the Fourth of July holiday

King County:  Protect your pets over the Fourth of July holiday: Regional Animal Services offers tips to keep your furry friend safe.
The Fourth of July is coming up soon, and already the booms, bangs, and pops of fireworks can be heard across King County. Every year around Independence Day, Regional Animal Services of King County takes in many pets that ran away after being frightened by fireworks, or just slipped out with the many holiday guests and gatherings occurring. Fortunately, steps can be taken by every owner to reduce the risk of their pet running away and increase the odds of being reunited if their pet is lost.

• Keep your pet secured indoors in the quietest room of your house while fireworks are audible. You can also try music or television as a distraction. Some pets will stay calmer when placed in a secure crate in a darkened, quiet room.
• If your pet is normally kept outside, bring them inside or put them in the garage or basement while fireworks are going off.

READ MORE >>
"Behavior Problems in Pets:  Fear of Fireworks," By Tom Farington, MVR, MRVS, VetMFVHom

Fireworks Prohibited in Redmond - Where do you go for fun?

The Derby Day Fireworks last year were amazing and the best I'd seen that year - including Lake Chelan's fabulous July 7 display.  "Expect the very best in Redmond on Saturday July 14 this Redmond Centinnial Celebration year!"

Fireworks Prohibited in Redmond

Redmond, WA — The Redmond Fire Department reminds residents that the sale, personal possession and use of all fireworks within the city limits of Redmond are prohibited by City ordinance. Persons found in violation of this ordinance can be punished by a fine up to $5,000, or by jail time up to one year, or both.

Residents who wish to enjoy fireworks for the Fourth of July should seek out any of the professional displays offered in the greater Seattle area. These include:

Bellevue Family Fourth – www.bellevuedowntown.org/events

Fourth of July Fireworks, Kenmore – http://www.cityofkenmore.com/

Celebrate Kirkland, Kirkland – http://www.celebratekirkland.org/

Old Fashioned 4th of July, Newcastle – http://www.ci.newcastle.wa.us/

Fabulous Fourth of July, Renton – http://www.ci.renton.wa.us/

Fourth on the Plateau, Sammamish – http://www.ci.sammamish.wa.us/  For those who wish to see fireworks in Redmond, Derby Days offers its annual display on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 10pm at Redmond City Hall campus, 15670 NE 85th Street

Emergency Response Team looking for volunteer "victims"

C.E.R.T. victim being prepared to be lifted

from the desk of Elizabeth Hansford, with encouragement from Councilmember Hank Myers..

The CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class in Redmond is looking for volunteers to act as victims in either of our TWO final drills we have coming up on March 3rd (2-8pm) and 4th. (2-8 pm) Details on both opportunities are below. Volunteer hours are available making this a great opportunity for high school students, scouts, etc. You don’t have to be in school to volunteer though - we need victims of ALL ages.  Read More >>

UPDATED: Councilmember Pat Vache' responds to neighborhood tree hazard

Sidewalk roped off from a tree hanging on wires

UPDATED:  In late January, mothers walked their children down this hill to school, many unaware of the blue spruce leaning over their heads, balanced on utility lines.

Yes, the third wave of our January snow, ice and rain storm was hard on neighborhoods.  It took four days to close this sidewalk on Education Hill and seven days to remove the tree hazard.  Fortunately, neighbors pressed; and no one was hurt.

City and utility companies were slow to respond, despite the imminent danger.   Various distraught neighbors called 911, the mayor's office and utility companies.  Public Works identified the wires as "harmless phone lines" owned by Comcast saying, "it is their responsibility to remove the tree."   Two Pubic Works employees and a police officer looked it over and "walked on," according to an Education Hill resident, John.
 

 Frustrated and upset, John emailed city councilman and Ombudsman Pat Vache' on January 31,   John wrote Pat, "I cannot believe how hard it's been to get Redmond's attention on this."  (John had called 911 twice, PSE and several neighbors on January 27.)  Another neighbor called Comcast and walked them to the site.  The tree was finally removed February 2 after city Ombudsman-of-the-month Pat Vache' stepped in and had the sidewalk barriers installed.  Mr. Vache' went out of his way to help us.  Read More >>

Redmond and Kirkland councilmembers volunteer to count unsheltered homeless

(l-r) John Stilin (red), David Carson, Penny Sweet, Hank Margeson, Pat Vache' (red), Hank Myers, Toby Nixon (back)

"Last night was the "One Night Count" where the community goes out and counts how many homeless people we have in our cities so that we can raise awareness of the problem of homelessness. Hank and others went out in the middle of the night to do this, so proud of all of them."
   -- Patti Margeson

These Redmond/Kirkland volunteers are all city councilmembers.  Penny Sweet and Toby Nixon are from Kirkland.  John Stilin, David Carson, Hank Margeson (V.P.)  Pat Vache' (Pres.), Hank Myers are from Redmond.  Thank you for your service to our community councilmembers!!

2012 Results for the Eastside:  138 unsheltered homeless.  Of those, 52 were found inside cars and trucks.

'Sustainable Redmond' Files Petition with Superior Court on Group Health Clear-cut Decision

Group Health 28-acre site to be clear-cut

January 25, 2012

Sustainable Redmond Files Land Use Petition

Redmond, WA – On January 24, Citizens and Neighbors for a Sustainable Redmond filed a land use petition in King County Superior Court, seeking review of the City of Redmond’s decision to approve Group Health’s request to clear cut a 28-acre urban forest within the Overlake neighborhood so as to facilitate the development of a master planned mixed use development. This includes 65 landmark trees, estimated to be 150 to 250 years old, and 985 significant trees, up to 150 years old. Sustainable Redmond was joined in the appeal by Friends at Overlake Village, Villa Marina Condominium Association, and Rosemarie Ives, former mayor of Redmond, 1992-2007. In support of the appeal are the Eastside Audubon Society, Sherwood Forest Community Club (a nearby Bellevue neighborhood), and Techies for Trees (workers in the Overlake neighborhood).

Members from Sustainable Redmond, along with many local citizens and several groups, had urged the Council to reconsider the Group Health Overlake Village development agreement at public hearings in November and December. On December 13, the City Council approved, 6 to 1, the Group Health Overlake Village Master Plan and Development Agreement, with councilmember Allen dissenting.

While Sustainable Redmond supports transit-oriented development, Read More >>

Find out what's going on your neighborhood - mail pick-up, crime & safety, deals, recycling and more!

City of Redmond Neighborhoods

Best wishes this New Year!

Have you checked out this blog's (RNB) "Neighborhoods" page lately?  It's always on the Header.  Lots of  good information here.  Updated, today!

For "vacation holds" on US Postal mail, this link provides time-saving information on how restore your deliveries and where the new "Annex" is located to pick up your mail. 

You will also find links to the following tips and services, and more:

• The city crime map
• What's the best kept secret in Redmond?  (AM 1650 Redmond Emergency Radio)
• Names and locations of Sex offenders living in Redmond
• Recycle your TV's, monitors and electronics for free in Redmond
• Sign up for Groupons
• Senior and affordable housing resources

Link to Neighborhood Page:  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/p/neighborhoods.html

Happy New Year! from RNB!

Bob Yoder
Neighborhood Resident-Reporter

City Council to take action on "Backyard Chickens" Dec. 6, Public invited to attend or speak.

"backyard chicken coop and run"

On this Tuesday evening, December 6, 7:30PM, at City Hall, the Redmond City Council will vote on the 2010-2011 update to the Comprehensive Plan and associated amendments to small animal husbandry (chicken) codes. 

TO TAKE ACTION:
YOU HAVE A 4-MINUTE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO THE CITY COUNCIL ABOUT ANY ISSUE YOU CHOOSE, including Animal Husbandry and chickens.  SIGN-IN AT THE FRONT DOOR.
 
Speak at the city council meeting or sit-in on December 6th, Tuesday evening, 7:30pm. City Hall  (next to the library)  Read More >>

Rally in Support of Midwifery Services at Evergreen

Since this November 8, 2011 Press Release, the Evergreen Administration has released letters to explain misunderstandings and clarify their position.   RNB will post these letters and  answering letters from "Support Midwifery at Evergreen."   B.Y.

Rally in Support of Midwifery Services at Evergreen Hospital

Organization: Support Midwifery at Evergreen Hospital, Kirkland, WA.   11/8/2011
Contact: Anna Starikov
Phone: 425.681.3813
Website: www.SupportEvergreenMidwifery.org

Cuts to the only midwifery program affiliated with Evergreen Hospital have outraged Eastside families who support an in-hospital midwifery program.

Families and birth professionals plan to rally in front of the Evergreen Family Maternity Center on Tuesday, November 15th at 4 pm to show their support for midwifery at Evergreen. They also plan to attend the Board of Commissioner’s meeting that evening at 6:30 pm to voice their concerns in the Physicians and Surgeons Building, Tan 200. 

The organizations Facebook is www.Facebook.com/SupportMidwiferyAtEvergreen and has over 614 members as of November 14.  Read More >>

LETTER: Councilmember Allen personally endorses Sue Stewart for Redmond City Council #7.

Redmond City Councilmember Kim Allen personally endorses Sue Stewart for Council, Position 7. 

Hi friends,

Councilmember Kim Allen

I am NOT up for reelection this election cycle, but a competent and committed woman is running for seat 7 on the Council. As you review your candidate ballots, I want to share with you my personal endorsement for Sue Stewart. I have known Sue for many years and know her commitment to our community of Redmond. She’s lived here for 30 years and has been active on boards and commissions for the last 15 years. Additionally, she has been involved in other community activities from PTSA to Redmond West Little League, and our high school Drama Boosters. As a Redmond volunteer, she has covered the whole gamut from parks and trails to budget to zoning code review--dedicating HUNDREDS of hours to improving our community and helping to make government responsive to the people who live here.

Sue understands how government works and will dig deep to understand the heart of the issues and find effective solutions. She has a depth of experience in transit, which is vital to our city, and is committed to assuring Redmond's sustainability and continued excellent quality of life. Please take a few moments to look at Sue's website below and please pass the word to your neighbors and friends. I remain committed to keeping Redmond a wonderful place to call home and I believe Sue is too.

Many thanks!
Kim Allen
Redmond City Council

Sue Stewart rated "Very Good" by Muni-League for Redmond Council, Pos. 7

Muni-League rates Sue Stewart, Pos. 7 "Very Good" after interviews

Challenger Sue Stewart, Pos 7

Describe your most important personal characteristics or traits as they relate to the office you seek. M.L.

I am a consensus builder. I am able to analyze and drill down to the core elements of what is needed and help broker a solution through a collaborative process.

Please describe, in sufficient detail, one to three accomplishments or contributions of which you are most proud. These examples should illustrate skills and capabilities you think apply to the office you are seeking. These accomplishments may have occurred at any time in your personal, professional, or public life. M.L.

"There are three contributions I am proud to have accomplished and which I believe demonstrate my readiness to serve on the Redmond City Council.

o As a Safety Officer, I am keenly aware of the importance of reducing risk and injury to our employees. The City of Redmond was considering a significant change to the building code to require sprinkler systems in all new home construction, a first in the state of Washington. Using my knowledge of loss control and the associated risks of being a fire responder, Read More >>

Redmond Council Candidate Sue Stewart works to make Redmond a livelier place.

Challenger Sue Stewart
Education Hill Neighbor

from the desk of Sue Stewart, Redmond  City Council Candidate, Pos. 7...

"I recently participated in a candidate forum hosted by the Redmond Chamber of Commerce. We were asked to respond to four questions, and I wanted to share the questions, and my answers with you over the next week here as well.

How would you help make Redmond a livelier place?

Redmond is a great place to live, work, and play – we know that, but we can do better. The City of Redmond can help to promote places and activities that the community wants, like more dining choices, recreation, and entertainment. This is something that I have heard from my neighbors and friends who have suggested places like..>>