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..>>

LETTER: Commercial development in our neighborhoods? Enough is Enough.

LETTER:  "The Planning commission writes, "We certainly understand the need to keep residential development and rendering plants separate, but do not see the immediate incompatibility of a corner coffee shop, produce store or bakery with the needs of residents who might walk to such an establishment." This kind of "planning" seems very out of touch with reality. The reality is that development in each zone is largely complete. We already have plenty of coffee shops, produce stores, and bakery shops in Redmond. We folks moved out to the suburbs (Redmond) and fell into the State Growth Management Act (1990). A tension was established that pits constant development with a desire for open space, and quality of life. Enough is enough. Let us live in peace, without commercial development in our neighborhoods."

By Richard Morris

Education Hill

This opinion is an excerpted, signed comment written under the post about 'Two planning commissioners Minority report on micro-level neighborhood commercial.'   Your Letters and Opinions are welcome.  Please send them by comment or to my email.   Include your name if you are comfortable doing so.  B.Y.

Planning Commissioner Tom Flynn co-authors Minority Report to council urging "micro-level" neighborhood commercial

Six Neighborhood Commercial zones have been approved  for large

 grocery store-type developments, like "PCC" at Avondale &amp

 116th Ave and "Bridle Trails" at 132nd Ave. NE and Old Redmond Road.

One development is allowed per zone.  CLICK 2X TO ENLARGE

"We certainly understand the need to keep residential development and rendering plans separate, but do not see the immediate incompatibility of a corner coffee shop, produce store or bakery with the needs of residents who might walk to such an establishment."

-- Redmond Planning commissioners Phil Miller and Tom Flynn's Minority Report to City Council on "Neighborhood Commercial," as follows: 

"We need to remind ourselves that one of the principal justifications we have been given for the establishment of the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) classification is to improve “walkability” in our neighborhoods. [  ] We have not seen to our satisfaction that forcing neighborhood residents to walk an extra ½ mile accomplishes anything but encourage the use of automobiles for even very short trips. ½ mile excludes a large number of people in Redmond from convenient commercial. [  ] It isn’t the intent to force car trips downtown, but this certainly is the effect.  Read More >>

Juel Park, pea patches, and backyard chickens

Carrie relaxing in her pea patch
Juel Community Park

This is a story about Juel Park, pea patches and backyard chickens. 

A rare afternoon of sunshine spotted  Redmond yesterday.  It was a good day to visit one of our many splendored parks.   After running some errands, and a feeble attempt to find work, I was off to PCC shopping center (Avondale and 116th Street) for coffee and a walk to Juel Park, less then a quarter mile away. 

Juel Park is quiet and rustic, with historic farm buildings on the banks of Bear Creek.  Frisbee golfers were scattered on the meadowed course, their heads barely visible over the long grasses.  I was looking for the park "pea patches".  To my surprise, I found my neighbor Carrie working her patch!  She was sitting in her daughters Suzie's garden chair watering while rocking her foster child in a stroller.

"It's hard to grow tomatoes in my shady yard," Carrie said, "that's why I rent this patch from Parks and Rec.  It costs $50 a season for a large plot."  Veggies and flowers were everywhere:  beans, chard, carrots, dill, tomatoes, pumpkins, potatoes peppers, sunflowers, even hops and artichokes.  One "urban farmer" was raising tomatoes for Hope-Link.  The raspberries and herbs are free for growers. 

I asked Carrie if she was going to tonight's backyard chicken meeting at City Hall.  (August 3, 6-8:30 PM at Redmond City Hall.).  To my complete surprise she recounted: 

"I know all about them.  My backyard abuts a neighbor who's had four hens in her backyard for two years.  They built a nice coop painted the same color of the house."  (I asked if they were noisy or smelled.)  "They don't have a rooster. We hear the dog next door.  Only soft "momm"  "momm" sounds from the birds.  They eat the insects.  The manure pellets are fertilizer for her raised garden.  But  the raccoons will eat chickens so at night they're put back in the coop.  My children have learned from the birds and enjoy them.  They're scouts at the Lutheran troop. 

I must say, this was a real lessen for me.  I walk by this house almost every day and had no idea chickens were pecking around.  The friendly owner likes to garden and we say hi when passing.  My perspective on backyard chickens is changing.  I'm beginning to view these critters with a more open eye.  I keep learning more and more about them.  When asked, Carrie told me roosters aren't needed for chickens to lay eggs.  Did you know that?!  The public is invited to the chicken meeting tonight at City Hall.  I've got a lot more to learn about these critters.  Are you going?

Opinion By Bob Yoder 

iPhone

UPDATED: Councilmembers David Carson and Hank Myers conditionally prefer 2-acre "cluster" developments in neighborhoods; Margeson opposes "strips".

UPDATED, 6/20/11:   City Council held a Study Session on 6/14/11 reviewing and clarifying the three methods for zoning "neighborhood commercial".  The complete discussion can be found on hour 1:58 of  the meeting tape: http://rctv.redmond.gov/ondemand/CC06142011.wmv.  The preferred rezone method (C-1) was defined as:  a.) only 1 commercial rezone allowed in each of six different neighborhood areas, b.) the rezone is required to be concentrated in proximity to one of three criteria:  business, residential, or recreation; prominently residential.  C-1 is the method of choice by staff and council.  Myers and Carson preferred the C-3 method, defined as:  market-based, no requirements for proximity other than 1-acre rezones must be separated by 1/2 mile.  Neighborhood commercial rezone must be along collector roads or larger.  Carson suggested the option of grocery stores or establishments in converted residential housing.  Council decided 24-hour convenience stores with a "limited line of goods" (like 7/11) and signage aesthetics unapproved by the Design Review Board would not be acceptable. Public Hearing is set for July19 at City Hall. 

For quite some time, Redmond City Council and city staff  have been studying and planning policy options for creating "neighborhood commercial" zones in our neighborhoods. Fewer car trips to downtown centers, conveniences, and neighborhood gathering places are a few goals.

A significant piece of Neighborhood Commercial policy is "implementation" of size, proximity and types of businesses in the neighborhoods. Councilmembers Allen, Vache, Margeson and Stilin firmly agreed to:  locating commercial within walking distance (~1/4 mile) of residential concentrations (12-30 housing units/parcel) and parks. (Option C-1)  (SEE UPDATE)
.
Preserving neighborhood character is paramount to council.  Councilmember John Stilin commented, "I'd rather have a neighborhood begging us to open up to development, than be pushed..."

New Online City Crime Mapping and Safety Alert Updates, By Jim Bove

Jim Bove
Community Outreach
Redmond Police

Online Crime Mapping  new!

A new crime mapping feature is available on the city website!  It allows you to follow the police activity in your neighborhood.   You can find specific types of crimes, date range, and the general vicinity of crimes  In order to protect the rights and safety of victims, crimes such as sexual assault and domestic violence are not mapped.

Just because you see a patrol car in your neighborhood doesn't mean a crime occurred or that it will show up on the map. For example: 1) interviews with witnesses at their home, 2) citizen contacts to relay emergency messages, 3) and follow-up with a victim of an incident.  We hope you will find this crime tool helpful so you have a better idea what's going on in the neighborhood.  www.redmond.gov/CrimeMap .

[Redmond Neighborhood Blog is posting this Crime Map under the header "Neighborhoods"]

"Read More" on these topics:  1) KOMO Series on Disaster Preparedness, 2) "Get Jesse" on ATM Skimmers  Click the blue link to Read More >>

Eastside Timebank holds Potluck and New Member Orientation at Redmond City Hall

"building community one hour at a time"

Bob - I wanted to let your readers know that the Eastside Timebank will be having a potluck and new member orientation, both open to all, on May 12th, at Redmond City Hall.

Potluck is from 6:30-7:30 pm (bring a dish to share)
New member orientation is from 7:30-8:30 p m.
Location:  Bytes Cafe at Redmond City Hall
Details: http://www.eastsidetimebank.org/  

Testimony By Greg Stempson

“I joined the Eastside Timebank so I could meet more members of the community and become involved in helping others. I also enjoy getting something useful in return. My wife and I had a member come by and give us some great pointers on how to better train our dog. I was able to help another member out in return with some windows that needed washing. It was a win-win for all of us.”

“I hope that more people join the Eastside Timebank and take advantage of all of the expertise and services that members of the Kirkland [and Redmond] area offer.”
     

By Cindy Jayne
Project Administrator
cindy@eastsidetimebank.org
(206)818-4606
Kirkland, WA

Marchione Administration holds "networking meetings" for Education Hill and North Redmond residents.

Redmond Neighborhoods (9)

OPINION:  One of Mayor Marchione's goals this year is to improve government transparency in the Neighborhoods of Redmond, including Overlake.  John's Administration is implementing  "The Neighborhood Network" program to build on city government visibility, networking opportunities and awareness of our neighborhoods.

Education Hill and North Redmond Network Neighborhood meetings were held earlier this month.  Per 2010 US Census, the Education Hill neighborhood population is ~12,000 residents; the North Redmond neighborhood population is ~ 4,000 residents.  This census information and the following letter from Kim Dietz was generously provided by the Marchione Administration upon request.    B.Y.

from the desk of Kim Dietz...  

The April 7th Neighborhood Network meeting went quite well.  Approximately 30 neighbors from the Education Hill and North Redmond neighborhoods attended.  Councilmember Cole was also in attendance.   Read more of Kim's Letter >>

LETTERS & COMMENTS: Post your opinions about Redmond light cameras here.

OPINIONS:  1900 red light camera violations have been reported between February 1 and March 1.  Redmond Police start writing $124 fines for red-light camera violations on March 3. 

You're invited to post your Letters and Opinions about Redmond's red light cameras here. All you have to do is write to redmondblog@gmail.com , or leave your name with a comment under any entry to post on this page.  Anonymous are posted as a Comment. 

LETTER:  I pass through the Union Hill/Avondale intersection three times a day/five days a week, and have nearly always seen the [red light camera] flash while I'm passing through. As with the previous two commenters, I have rarely seen any activity there that would have caught the attention of a police officer. It appears that 1,900 number is largely bloated by activity for which no police officer would have handed out a citation.

I'm deeply concerned by how this is going to play out starting Thursday.

Douglas Burchard
Rose Hill neighborhood
March 1, *Ref: 

Read More Letters and Comments >>

Backyard feral cats and kittens on Education Hill

Become a member of the "Friends who like Redmond Neighborhood Blog" and get all the top stories!


Last November my small dog was barking crazy. When I went to get her, a mom cat was hissing with all teeth showing protecting her small litter of kittens.  The mom nested her babies near a crawl vent under an eve.  We kept the dog away and fed the family, yet the Tom cat wasn't to be seen.  Soon after their birth, the heavy winds and rains came.  The nursing mom moved her babies (by the scruff) to our above-water, wooden club house about 130 feet away!  We kept feeding her.  Later, I learned most wild kittens die from starvation.  The mom cat hissed and wouldn't get near to us. Oh no, it's a wild, "feral" cat!  One of more than a million in Puget Sound!


It was cold!  The mom moved her kits, again, under the chimney framing to stay warm.  This mom is smart!   We kept feeding her.  The Tom cat finally made his appearance.  He was huge and strong.  He could have easily taken our 10 pound dog down; but Tom was wild and skittish, too.  OMG!  We were feeding a family of four now!  I told Pam and Lexie we had to start thinking about getting them fixed.  But they were so cute!  Look at those little guys looking at you  with their Mom protecting the rear.  What would you name them?

When they were almost up to this size, the Mom moved them from the chimney to our barn-shed down below.  Lots of shelter under the shed and some great places to practice climbing!  The mom was teaching her kits to run and climb when they saw me.  They were 8 weeks old and almost weaned.  Since we couldn't get close to hold them, they became "feral" kittens.  We kept feeding them   Tom always ate first to test the food.  Mom ate next, after submitting, and then her kittens.


I started to get anxious about these guys growing up and going off on their own to make more cats!  Plus, I inherited four cats and never wanted any!  So, I rummaged through the Internet to see what to do.  I was amazed at all the organizations and non-profits with help and advice.  I called a Redmond "Feral Cat Coalition" (no longer in operation) and guess who answered?   Richard Grubb, a beloved Redmond city councilman of 10 years.  [I always remember Richard speaking up to protect Perrigo Heights Woodlands and help us cope with the ordeal.  He is a friend of the environment, a great writer of Letters and true public servant.  I don't know anyone at City Hall who doesn't admire and respect Richard.  ]

Richard gave me four cat traps and told me how to be gentile while using them.  Traps are hard to come by.  I was lucky and caught the Mom first using food for bait.  Tom cats roam alot but he came to see what was wrong and got caught next!  The white kitten was next.  But "blackie" was coy; I caught him in the afternoon.  I drove all four caged cats to a clinic in Lynwood that fixes them for free.  The Tom was heavy!  12 pounds!   These Tom and Mom pictures were taken the day after they got fixed and just before I released them into my backyard.  You can see the mom cat wasn't too happy.  So what came of the family?  The kittens were fostered by a clinic volunteer expert in training wild kittens!  Phew!
The Tom ran off. Will he come see us?  I hope so!  The mom decided to stay and  is "ours"!  Do you want to see a picture of her in our yard?  She's living in the club house and we feed her every day.  She's a good ratter and is nice enough to let us (and Roxy) see her outside of meal-time.

Bob & Pam Yoder

Read More >>

UPDATED: How do backyard chickens behave? how are they valued?

You'll find this video entertaining and educational. This family lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It appears Ann Arbor City Council approved 4 hens/urban home.

In the last Redmond City Council Meeting (2/15)a large group of citizens (~35) made their presence known as being in favor of backyard chickens. After several citizens spoke up for backyard chickens, Councillor Kim Allen stated her Council Committee had agreed to put chickens on the agenda for the Comprehensive Plan Update, this summer. Mayor Marchione said in an earlier study session that to approve an ordinance there should be a decided linkage of chickens to the city's sustainability plan.

If you have any comments about backyard chickens please make them below this post. Please sign your name.  In addition, consider taking the poll on the right sidebar.

Opinion by Bob Yoder

Development of the St. George Coptic Orthodox Church

January, 3, 2017 update:   Construction of the Church was completed in 2016.  It's located in Kirkland.  

Background information, 2011:

The recent crisis in Egypt and Seattle rally reminded me of the growing Egyptian resident population in Redmond.  Samiha Korshed is an influential Egyptian resident of Redmond.  She was cited in the Seattle Times:

"An estimated 1,500 - 2,000 Egyptian natives and family members live in the Seattle area, said Samiha Korshed of Redmond, who runs a social-network group for local Egyptians.  Kroshed likened the movement in her homeland  to the American Revolution.  She said the American government should not come to Mubarak's aid.  "I want to ask every American how they would feel if another country told them who their leaders should be."
  -- Josef Federman, AP, Seattle Times, 1-20-11.

###

Below is my November 22, 2009 report of the Christian Egyptians in Redmond.  They were trying to build a church on Rose Hill:  

Over 250 Russian and Egyptian citizens turned-out at the recent City Hall meeting of Nov. 2009

The last City Council meeting (11/17/09) could be labeled "organized chaos," or "history in the making." For Mayor John Marchione it was a home run. Probably, close to 300 citizens showed up. One of Marchione's Budget priorities is to "build a sense of community and connections with others." The Russians had issues with the city about a large office park next to Sears.

Christian Egyptian Church Site awaiting
sewer hook-up to Redmond

More than half of the attendees were from St. George Coptic Orthodox Church - a growing, peaceful community of Christian Egyptians seeking freedom in America from religious prosecution.

The church members came to Council seeking a sewer line extension-exception to service their proposed NE Redmond church. The project site is on county land planned for annexation. The annexation currently has 59% election approval: it needs 60% approval for annexation into Redmond.

Councilmember Richard Cole laid the hammer down referring to Redmond's long-standing urban growth boundary policy denying city sewer extensions into the County.  Mayor Marchione summed up the Council's decision stating:

"We welcome the St. George Coptic Church into the community, but this in not the vehicle in which to do it. The vehicle is through annexation."

Paul bought the lot next door to escape
the intersection traffic and gain better
access to NE 132nd Ave.  He lives
across the street from the church.  

UPDATE:  1/30/2011 -   I talked to Paul Paxhia today. His family lives right across from the church site on NE 100 St.  Church ingress and egress is on NE 100th Street adjacent his home.  Paul said the city annexed the county land  ("by a hair's margin")  about 6-8 months ago and it could take years for a sewer line extension.  In the meantime, without access to sewer, the Coptic church land remains idle.   Paul and three neighbors didn't sign the annexation petition owing to issue with severe traffic congestion on the intersection of 132nd Avenue NE and NE 100 Street. 

Report and photos by Bob Yoder

LETTER: Increased enrollment is not an anomaly - the levy is needed to create space

LETTER:  My husband and I live in the Juanita community and we strongly urge Lake Washington School District residents to vote YES for the district’s February 8th capital levy.

Maintaining our excellent schools is important to the quality of life in our community and to our children’s futures. If our children choose to live here when they are adults, we hope they’ll find this is a stable community and still a great place to raise a family.

The levy is needed to pay for new classroom space and a new school to accommodate the district’s sudden increase this past year in enrollment after a decade of almost no growth. The increase is no anomaly; the enrollment is expected to continue to climb.

LETTER: Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish, and Woodinville allow backyard chickens on average residential lots. Why not Redmond?

LETTER:  What do the cities of Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish, and Woodinville have that Redmond doesn't’t? Backyard chickens on average residential lots, that’s what! That’s right…unless you have at least ½ acre or larger lot, a Redmond city ordinance prevents you from raising a few hens for eggs.

Why does it matter if you can raise chickens in Redmond? Three hens can provide an abundance of protein-rich eggs right in your backyard. In addition to being fresh and delicious, some studies have shown “pastured” eggs provide more nutrients than commercial eggs. Food safety is also a growing focus, highlighted by the recent recall of over half a billion commercially-grown eggs.

Redmond is a wonderful city and we applaud their efforts to be livable and green. They’ve taken big steps like building City Hall to be an award-winning “green” building, but the Council continues to resist this small step that would allow individual citizens to contribute to their own health and to Redmond’s sustainable future.

What is more important? Winning an award for installing water-free toilets? Or allowing your citizens to contribute to a more sustainable community one hen (and 1 egg) at a time? If sustainability is really a goal, then Redmond should join all of our surrounding communities and change its ordinance to allow a small number of backyard hens on average residential lots.

As with any issue, it takes more than a few voices to promote change. Please join us by emailing your Redmond City Council at Council@redmond.gov  and contact us at chickensinredmond@gmail.com.  We are also on Facebook – look for Chickens in Redmond.

The author's email:  chickensinredmond@gmail.com
Photo from Google Images

LETTER: Redfin's "Insider Report" for Seattle and Eastside real estate market

"The number of homes sold surged in some unexpected places. Kirkland and Renton saw an increase of over 46% from November to December. Seattle stayed relatively flat losing a mere 2.2%. Only Redmond saw a true decrease of 22%."  Redfin, 1/20

Good Afternoon,

I wanted to give you a heads up that we published the latest "Insider Report" for the Seattle /[eastside] real estate market.

We take all sorts of qualitative and quantitative data and roll it up for monthly look back at the market, then we predict where we see the market going in the near future.

For this report the main takeaways are:

• Sales volume was shockingly up most of December. Buyers are out there.
• We are seeing some prices increasing, but it's too early to tell if it's a lasting trend.
• Inventory is pretty stale, so if you have a house to list, do it sooner rather than later.

You can view the entire report below or check it out on our blog.  Feel free to share as much of this as you like with your readers.

Please [comment or] let me know if you have any questions or need additional information.

Thanks,
Michelle Broderick
Redfin Marketing Director
206.227.2062
1/20/2010

OPINION: State Rep. Ross Hunter: "Answering Emails"



State Representative, 48th District
Elected chairman of the Ways & Means Committee

 I’m sitting at my desk in Olympia answering email, mostly about the budget. Lots of people are writing in about different subjects, but all have the same theme – protect MY program. This is pretty interesting and useful data, but it’s hard to make decisions based on it.

For example, I get a lot of mail about preserving “gifted education”. The state sends out tens of millions in this category every year, with an equal amount going to every district based on student population. State funding makes up about 15% of what is spent in this area every year, so 85% of the money is coming from local sources, mostly your local levies. The state budget line item is about $30 million per year, or about 0.3% of annual state school budgets. There are many other programs that distribute money the same way – evenly based on student count.

Ever think about why we don’t just combine all of these small items into one single pot?  Read More >>

Northwest Asian Weekly | Asian, Jewish communities unite to stop use of ethnic slur |

RNB note:....Redmond's Asian population was 25.4% in 2010.  International populations are an integral part of Redmond, WA. culture and diversity.   B.Y.

Northwest Asian Weekly Asian, Jewish communities unite to stop use of ethnic slur : Categorized Community News, Cultures, Features, Vol 29 No 36 9/4-9/10

Asian, Jewish communities unite to stop use of ethnic slur
Posted on 02 September 2010

Asian Weekly Editor’s note: This story was chosen as one of our ("Northwest Asian Weekly") top 12 in 2010. This story showed that something good can come out of something bad. The Asian and Jewish communities sat down to work out a controversy surrounding the use of JAP, which, to the Jewish community, is an abbreviation for Jewish American Princess. However, to the Japanese community, it’s an ethnic slur. In the end, both communities resolved to work together more in the future.

To many U.S. citizens of Japanese ancestry, the use of the term “Jap” is considered a racial slur with a hate-filled history going all the way back to World War II.

According to the Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, “JAP” is also an abbreviation for Jewish American Princess. It is a disparaging term used to describe a “stereotypical well-to-do or spoiled American Jewish girl or woman.”  Read More....

By James Tabafunda
Northwest Asian Weekly

The "Northwest Asian Weekly" newspaper can be found in the Old Redmond School House and on RNB under the header "Organizations".  It's the only weekly English-language newspaper serving Washington's Asian community. I will be publishing more articles from this paper and other international sources.  B.Y.

"Redmond Citizen Corps Council" bundles city emergency preparedness services

Visit the new Redmond Citizen Corps Council (RCCC) site!

With the November winds, downpours and flooding already upon us, thoughts are turning to "emergency preparedness" for our families, neighbors, and businesses.

During this week's Council meeting, a citizen asked Council for assurances that fire department resources would be secure for the "Community Emergency Response Team" (C.E.R.T.) program.  In addition, during yesterday's Redmond Chamber of Commerce Meeting, Evergreen CEO Bob Malte announced an Evegreen Hospital  "emergency preparedness" program.

The city works with the "Redmond Citizen Corps Council" (RCCC) to bundle emergency services under the RCCC website.   RCCC's mission is:

"to harness the power of every individual through education, training and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues and disasters of all kinds."

The Redmond Citizen Corps Council (RCCC) creates the following emergency response volunteer opportunities:

• C.E.R.T. training - contact Janeen Olson for the next class at jrolson@redmond.gov 
• Neighborhood Watch and Mapping - contact Police Community Laison Jim Bove, jbove@redmond.gov 
• V.P.S - Volunteers for Police Service - Substation Volunteers at the Redmond Town Center are needed.  Contact:  nrogers@redmond.gov  
• A.R.E.S - Amateur Radio Emergency Services.  Contact Jim Oates, 425-417-5864
• C.O.A.D. - Community Organizations Active in Disaster, 425-556-2251

Visit the R.C.C.C. website for details and updates.

By Bob Yoder
RCCC website source:  Brian Dennis
Special thanks to neighbor Brian Dennis for announcing the RCCC website at the Council meeting.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM "REDMOND NEIGHBORHOOD BLOG" (RNB) !!

"Cannibal Pumpkter" as found on Patti Margeson's facebook
Carved by Pomegranate Bistro of Redmond 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM "RNB" !!

How do we improve our neighborhoods? By Bob Yoder

OPINION:  As the Education Hill Neighborhood Meeting approaches on Monday, October 18, you may want to think about ideas to bring up with the city planners.   The city motto for the meeting is:  "We are listening...to you".  So, it looks like the city will be all ears.   The meeting hours are 6;30 - 8:30.  Location:  Redmond Junior High.

You'd think that emergency preparedness and safety would be at the top of the meeting list with all the burglaries recently reported and then El Nina expected to bring heavy rains and winds this year.

One of my pet projects is to encourage the City to adapt "Neighborhood Associations". Hundreds of cities across the country, including Kirkland, WA, organize Neighborhood Associations (N.A.) to engage their residents in city plans and bring vibrancy to their communities.

The City of Bend, OR residents explain what Neighborhood Associations mean to them: 

"Neighborhood associations greatly increase the two-way communications between the city and its residents by providing a clear and organized way for residents to speak to their city government.  Neighborhood associations draw people closer to their city government and closer still to their fellow neighbors.  Neighborhood participation gives residents a strong, united voice in civic life and joins them in shared neighborhood projects.  Neighborhood associations are inclusive, reflecting the diversity which enriches a community.  members include families singles, retired people, youths business owners, faith-based organizations, schools, homeowners, and renters.

N.A.'s operate much like a school PTSA, with officers, regular meetings, a web site, and committees, including fundraising.  The N.A. could select committees for:   emergency preparedness, crime prevention, streets & traffic and bike control patterns, fundraising, a school-linkage, GreenRedmond parks, R-Trip, Block Watch, ThinkRedmond business, Land Use planning for ADU's & Tent City, Leadership Institute, beautification gateways, and neighborhood picnic or holiday event.

READ MORE >> on the city's current position  on N.A.  .