Blanchet advances to quarterfinals in boys state lacrosse tourney; Tops Redmond, 11-5

Blanchet's Austin Pruitt (#77 white) fires a shot past Remdmond goaltender Nico Shewey (#28 green) in boys Division II opening round playoff action, Friday at Blanchet High School - credit Micheal Jardine

Boys Division II standings
Blanchet advances to quarterfinals in boys state lacrosse tourney

SEATTLE – Tyler Schmutz and and Zane Zilke each scored 2 goals to lead Blanchet into a quarterfinal berth of the boys state high school lacrosse tournament with an 11 – 5 opening round win over Redmond, Friday at Blanchet High School in Seattle.

With the win, the Braves advance to the quarterfinal round to face Saturday’s winner of the North Kitsap, Skagit Valley opening round matchup.

In their first meeting with Redmond this season, the Braves, ranked #2 in the Metro Conference, opened the game building a 5 – 0 first quarter into a 7 – 2 lead at the half. In the third the two matched each other’s 2 goals before Blanchet pulled away with 2 fourth quarter goals for the win.  Click blue link to "Read More" >>

Redmond students whip up healthful dishes

Redmond students whip up healthful dishes

MARK HARRISON / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Brothers Cole, center, and Blake Roberts make a family favorite, the Monte Cristo sandwich, for a competition at Redmond Junior High to prepare nutritious meals.

Redmond junior-high students competed Wednesday to see who could make the healthiest and tastiest food in a cooking competition called  "So You Think You Can Cook."

Inside the commercial kitchen at Redmond Junior High on Wednesday, kids wearing aprons and tall paper chef's hats wrangled mangoes, toasted tortas and, under the sharp eyes of food- service employees, rushed past each other with hot pans....more.

By Nicole Tsong
Seattle Times Eastside reporter

Posted by Yoder
Seattle Times News Partner

COMMUNITY DIGEST, December 7 (Part One)

Excerpts from  MUSTANG NEWS

CAREER PANEL:  "RUNNING A BUSINESS!"  January 12, 7:00 - 8:30pm at Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center (16600 NE 80th ST, Redmond, WA). Come listen to what our local panel of entrepreneurs have to say about starting your own business and what it takes in today's economic climate.

Confirmed business owners include Dennis Ballen of Blazing Bagels, and Mike Tenhulzen of Tenhulzen Remodeling. We will have snacks and refreshments from Whole Foods. Please click here to RSVP for the event.   Mike Tenhulzen is a Trustee on the Redmond Chamber of  Commerce.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE REDMOND DIGITAL ARTS FESTIVAL. The Second Annual Digital Arts Festival will be held on January 15 and 16, 2010. It will feature classes and workshops at DigiPen, as well as activities at Redmond City Hall and around the city. And don't miss the Sonic Forest at Redmond Town Center through December 12th!

PARENTS - BECOME A DECA JUDGE! During early 2010, over 3,200 marketing students from around the state will compete in the Washington DECA State Career Development Conference. Experts from the business world are needed as judges. On Friday, January 29th, 60 judges are needed to evaluate student-written business plans, market research, and projects. On Friday, March 5th, 600 volunteers are needed to evaluate student presentations. Can you help?  Learn more at the DECA web site.

Mary Bourguignon
Editor, Redmond Mustang News

Mustang News is published by the Redmond High School PTSA. To subscribe, please contact rhs.ptsa.news@gmail.com . For more information about the PTSA, please visit our web site at http://www.redmondhsptsa.org/ .

BREAKING NEWS: School Resource Officer Program coverage expands in Redmond.

UPADATED: Breaking news from Councilmemeber David Carson's Public Safety Committee Meeting. - Attended by Bob Yoder

Dave Carson, Chair of the Council's Public Safety Committee held his monthly meeting Thursday morning, 8/30, at Fire Station #12 on 148th Ave. Mr. Carson okayed Councilmember Kim Allen's request to put School Resource Officers (SRO) on the agenda. I attended the meeting.

Mr. Carson and the Mayor announced Lake Washington School District (LWSD) has authorized a third SRO for better coverage of Rose Hill JH, Redmond JH, and Redmond High School. SRO coverage will no longer be split between Rose Hill and Redmond Junior Highs. Each junior high school will now have their own officer. Redmond High School will continue to have their own SRO.

Mayor Marchione said "internal redeployment" within the Police Department will not require hiring an additional employee. Citizens approved funding for these three SRO's in the last Public Safety levy but LWSD only recently gave the green light to staff both Junior Highs. According to Councilmember Allen, it will take a month or so to re-order Redmond officers to make it happen.

As last year's Chairman of the Pubic Safety Committee, Ms. Allen has been pushing for additional SRO coverage at Redmond's schools. Allen stated yesterday, "I want us to get out ahead on these things because the community will want to know as school starts up."

Ken Wong, staff director of the Teen Center, works closely with he SRO's. A third SRO will add continuity and better connection of students with their SRO's.

Ms. Kim Allen is running for re-election of her Council Seat #4 in November. (Ms. Chen filed for the position on the last day of registration.)

CONTACT:
Kim Allen
Redmond City Councilmember, #4
kim@kimonthecouncil.com
http://www.kimonthecouncil.com/
Website: Cops for the Cure, Register: to join and or donate to Kim's Team.
425-894-8237

Promoting Cross-Cultural Connections in Redmond

"This summer will mark the 4th consecutive year that summer high school exchange students have come to Redmond to experience American culture and family life. Last year we had over 70 students come from France, Spain, and China and study here for 4 weeks while living with local Redmond host families. We have 80 students coming this summer and we still need 20 volunteer Redmond host families!!!" Thank you for anything you can do. Many thanks, --Jessica Falkner-Horine 425.830.9978

Open your home to an Educational Homestay international student for 3 or 4 weeks this summer! Twenty Redmond host family spots are still available! It's an educational and cultural opportunity of a lifetime for your family.

The first Educational Homestay Program (EHP), a non-profit based in Cambridge, MA, is bringing students from France and Spain to the Redmond area this summer to study English and experience the American way of life. We are currently looking for homes on the Eastside for these students, and we’d love for you to get involved!

Here's how it works:

• Junior High students will be visiting from July 9th- August 5th & July 22nd- Aug 10th .


• The students will be under the supervision of Program staff from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (M-F), attending language classes in the morning and participating in a variety of organized educational activities and field trips.


• Host Families are asked to provide a bed, meals and transportation to and from the drop-off point from which students will be transported to their classes at Redmond Jr. High.


• Contact: Jessica at 425-830-9978 for additional information and to register.

Thank you for sending this story to the Redmond Blog, Jennifer! BY

It's not all about Sports at LWSD schools

Redmond Junior High School orchestra missed out by three points to Rose Hill Junior High in getting the “Best Overall” award in the Western Washington University (WWU) orchestra competition, a statewide competition for middle school and junior high school students. Fourteen groups attended this event, including schools from Seattle, Ferndale and Bellevue. Redmond Junior High’s orchestra received a 2nd place silver trophy out of 14 participants.

In addition to the competition, the students participated in break-out clinics and master classes, and were judged by national-level adjudicator, Kathleen Brungard from North Carolina. Receiving the highest marks for technique, style and presentation, members were congratulated on their enthusiasm and their performance of two very different and challenging pieces. At the end of the day, the participants were treated to a performance by the WWU Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Arthur Shaw.

The Lake Washington High School Orchestra had an outstanding performance at the Northwest Orchestra Championships, held in Gresham, Ore., March 14-15. They brought home the third place award in the large school string division.

Redmond High School Knowledge Bowl Team from Redmond High School (RHS), comprised of Tejas Renade, Emily Rice, Rishi Goutam, Jonathan Shi, and Evan Nelson, took fifth place in the Puget Sound Regional Knowledge Bowl competition, thus earning them a place at the state championships on March 28 in Camas, Wash

For more information contact: Kathryn Reith, Director of Communications, (425) 702-3342. Shannon Parthemer, Community Relations & Communications Coordinator, (425) 702-3300

Tent City is coming to Redmond - Public Meeting set for Monday, 3/23

Two years ago, St. Jude Parish hosted Redmond's first Tent City(4) for the homeless. Tent City is planning to open again at St. Jude from April 25 for about three months. You can see from the above photo of last month's Informational Meeting on Tent City-4 community turnout was low, very low. The few who did speak up were positive and supportive of Father Dave Rogerson's invitation to host TC-4 at St. Jude Parish. The TC-4 nonprofit "SHAREWHEEL" is a co-applicant with Father Rogerson for the Temporary Use Permit required of the City.

A Public Meeting will be held Monday, March 23, 2009, 7PM at the Redmond Junior High School to announce the application and plans for TC-4 and to seek comment from the public.

Interest may be lower this year for some of the following reasons: 1) St. Jude Parish hosted TC-4 two years ago and the community is familiar with the program. 2) The Planning Commission and Council clarified the code to be able to swiftly deal with any permit appeals, 3) the Recession has opened residents minds and hearts that people DO lose their homes and sometimes need a temporary shelter - whether it be in an apartment, a relative's home, or even in an outdoor shelter.

Interest in TC-4 will be heightened for organizations and individuals who want to help with food, clothing, or blanket donations. Call St. Jude Parish 425-883-7685 to donate or volunteer or contact Father Dave Rogerson. Last time the public was welcome to visit TC-4 without apointment after you checked in first at the gate. I spent a lot of time there two years ago visiting the residents. It was both interesting and enlightening.

The TC-4 Code of Conduct - if these rules are not respected and enforced TC-4 may be permanently closed.

FAQ about TC-4 60 -100 residents are expected. Two years ago TC-4 averaged about 40 residents. The average stay is about 3 weeks.

The Site Plan of TC-4 with diagrams of the parking lots that will be use to pitch which tents. "The Hilton" is where newcomers spend their first few nights. It looks like they moved The Hilton and Community Tents closer to NE 104th. St.

The Vicinity Map of TC-4 shows an aerial view of the church and labels the location of the tents and facilities.

The Land-Use Notice

That funny blinking yellow arrow-light on 166th & 104th

The signal light on 104th Street & 166th Avenue by the Redmond Junior High is working! Councilman Margeson made the formal announcement in Council Chambers tonight.

Earlier today, Mayor Marchione, Councilman Margeson, Principal Barone, Public Works staff and some passing students celebrated the "lighting ceremony". Did anyone else participate? It would be a good story for the Redmond Reporter.

The signal is already famous for it's blinking yellow left-turn light. It's the only light of it's kind in town. The Mayor said the blinking yellow arrow light means "you can turn left if the coast is clear".

This funny yellow light has been quite the buzz on the Hill. The school "Parent Organizer" printed a blurb about it and soon parents were talking. Mayor Marchione said there was information of the signal on the city website. I hunted all over and couldn't find anything on the yellow arrow light. This is the best I could do...and the "google" image you see.

Do any of you have thoughts on the signal.....or the intersection in general? Aren't those sidewalk shrub plantings elegant? How about those richly painted light posts? Do you think the sidewalk ramps will work for bicyclists?

Redmond Junior High Staff Saves Student's Life - Heroic effort by staff!

Principal Prato Barone began chest compressions on Levi and Teacher Chris Broderick followed about 10-20 seconds later and began respirations.

Junior High Staff Saves Student’s Life

On Thursday, November 6, seventh grade student Levi Pocza began Chris Broderick’s gym class as usual. After running one length of the gym in warm-up, he went to get a drink of water. On his way to the water fountain, he collapsed. While gym teacher Mike Thomas, teaching a class in the other half of the gym, tended to Levi, teacher Chris Broderick sprinted to the school office asking for a call to 911 because “a student was out cold.” Principal Prato Barone immediately headed to the gym while Broderick relayed the information to Office Manager Carol Underwood, who called 911. When he got to the gym, Barone began CPR chest compressions since Thomas had been unable to find a pulse. Broderick followed about 10 to 20 seconds later and began the respirations. Scott Hagerman, instructional assistant, brought in and set up the school’s AED (automated external defibrillator). Treatment using CPR and the AED continued until Redmond fire and rescue units arrived along with Redmond police. Vice Principal Sean Cassidy met the units at the front of the school and took them to Levi’s location. Underwood kept the 911 operator in touch with the crew in the gym via school walkie talkies throughout the situation.

Levi was taken by paramedics to Evergreen Hospital, which airlifted him to Children’s Hospital. His recovery has been remarkable: by Saturday, Levi was responsive. On Sunday, he was alert, eating and talking. Levi remains in Children’s where they are trying to determine the cause of his cardiac arrest.

--LWSD Press Release, 11/12

Contact: Kathryn Reith, 425-702-3342

click on the links for knowledge on setting up CPR and AED.

King 5 news and video clip

American Heart Association for kids

Opinion: The 166 Av. & 104th St. intersection is counter-intuitive but computer modeled to be efficient & safer

(left) Looking north on 166th to the intersection (car). Three narrow lanes will be squeezed into a 33 ft. road that's pinched by wider sidewalks.....(right) Looking south on 166th at the wide sidewalk. Inexperienced bicyclists are expected to exit off the uphill bike lane and ride onto the sidewalk. (click to enlarge)

Hey! Good news! According to an informed citizen and Metro employee, everything is looking good for a mid-November completion of the intersection and signal!

However, have you driven through the 166th Ave. & 104th St. intersection lately? My wife and I were shocked to see the wide sidewalks pinching and narrowing the intersection. It almost looks like the intersection has been reduced from 4 lanes to two lanes. Even worse, it looks like the northbound pass-through lane on 166th Ave. will block cars trying to turn right onto 104th Street. One lane services both pass-through and right turns.

I've always supported the re-alignment for the safety and boost it gives to walking and bicycling. But, what we saw confused and bothered us. I emailed the city for answers and reached Don Cairns, the Traffic & Transportation Manager for Redmond (and Education Hill resident). He was very helpful and reassuring. Don gave the following explanations, often times referring to computer modeling analysis: (my comments are italicized)

• There will be three lanes at each road entering the intersection, not two! One lane is exclusively for left turns. The adjacent lane (on the right) is dual purpose - for right hand turns and straight ahead pass-through. (I'm not sure how they'll safely cram three lanes into the intersection roads).
  
• The left hand turn lane will be 12 feet wide to accommodate bus turns. (Sounds like a very tight and slow turn close to the sidewalk) The right turn / pass through lane will be 10-11 feet wide. (Seems like an abbreviated merge and pinch on bicyclers).
  
• Traffic is slower at intersections with 4-way stops than with stop lights. The wide sidewalks were installed at the intersection to slow traffic and raise driver awareness of pedestrian and bicycle vulnerability to the heavy traffic. The wide sidewalks are also intended to be used by inexperienced bicyclers and children bicycling to school. (Seems like with even moderate bicycle traffic on the north sidewalk corner towards Mann will be hazardous for pedestrians and bicylcers).
  
• Computer modeling reveals that a two phase signal will accommodate the northbound peak direction with shorter ques than the four-way stop. (Computers don't have emotions but drivers do.)

Nobody likes change or to have their lifestyle re-shaped by government. Citizens were given plenty of opportunity to be heard by the city on this project. (Survey results from the 2/7/08 Public Meeting). But, the changes to the intersection are more than I envisioned and may be clouded by unexpected consequences. We are left to trust the will of our city representatives, computer modeling techniques, and the professional training of city planners and consultants. You'd think this would be a perfect place for a ROUNDABOUT but it's too small, according to Traffic Calming Planner, Jim Palmer. Mr. Cairns advised the improvement will be better understood once the project is completed. Check back here soon .... As Councilman Pat Vache once emphasized in a council meeting - this construction project is all about safety. That's the bottom line.

What do you say?

Dr. Kimball's Lake Washington School District VISION 2020 is framed with an exciting & scary video in his presentation to Council

Superintendent Dr. Chip Kimball l and School Board V.P. Mr. Ravi Shahani of Lake Washington School District LWSD presented VISION 2020 to city council last night asking for collaboration. I've known Ravi from working together on the Education Hill Citizen Advisory Committee.

Dr. Kimball (photo) started his presentation with the alarming **two-minute video clip titled "Do You Know?" . Please click this video link for exciting and sometimes scary reasons why LWSD must prepare our kids for the future.
The LWSD's Vision Statement is "Every Student Future Ready". You'll know why after watching the clip.

1. Not every student should go to college, but absolutely every student should be prepared for college. Dr. Kimball said, without some post secondary education, poverty or inability to live in our community is probable.
2. Preparation for the global workplace by learning skills in communication, technology, problem solving is envisioned.
3. Preparation for personal success is envisioned with passion, perseverance, work habits, community contribution, and environmental awareness.

Mr. Ravi Shahani represents students and parents at all schools on Education Hill, at Wilder, Rose Hill and a few others others.

The 2-minute clip "Did you know?" was replaced by this 6 minute clip:  http://youtu.be/pMcfrLYDm2U

Morning Report: 166th Avenue NE remains "haunted" by construction

City Letter of Apology for the traffic congestion on Education Hill.

7:25 am, Junior High students crossing 166th to school on the temporary crosswalk.

7:15 am. I walked up the sidewalk from NE 100th Street this morning at 7:15. The traffic was cued uphill again towards the intersection, similar to last night. Most cars had a student and were turning right on 104th on their way to school.

In the picture above you see the right lane is shut down by orange barrels for construction. Unfortunately, even when the right lane opens up on 166th most traffic will be turning right to school. (Thus, emphasis for walking and biking to school.) Fortunately the slow, long line to the intersection dissipated around 7:35 am. So, drivers were haunted by delays on 166th northbound for only about 20 minutes. Once more students start walking and biking things will get better. I was amazed to see a little HORACE MANN EL. kid biking to school on the 166th AVE. sidewalk. Just think when students start hiking the Ashford Trail (Perrigo Woods Trail) to school!

I ran into Jeff Palmer, City Traffic Calming Manager. He was friendly and helpful. Apparently, the road project is dynamic and it's "tweaked" regularly to keep the traffic and construction moving. Mr. Palmer pointed me to the traffic flow improvements at Redmond Junior High. Signage (see photo) was posted to encourage parent chauffeurs to pull forward; and drop-off lanes were marked off.

I met Principal Prato Barone 'standing watch' in front of the school. He said the new signage and marked lanes help move traffic during the busiest 5 minutes of the morning. Look at the bikes! Mr. Barone plans to eventually install a covering over the bike parking area. And, he plans to initiate a week long "bike to school" clinic, recruiting teachers, who bicycle, to give the clinic.

When asked, Prato told me he still hopes the District will approve connecting the two parking lots to improve traffic flow. I wonder, could the large flag-pole possibly be an obstacle towards this mobility & safety improvement? Only one egress and ingress to the school would be safer.

I didn't notice any students walking between the lots in the open space. This huge promenade, boulevard or whatever you want to call it was noticeably desolate & unused. The impervious concrete platform area appears much better suited for an eco-friendly "open green space" than a "corridor space" for students and their bikes. I hope LWSD will revisit this wasteland and approve the parking lot connection.
{click to enlarge photos}

Redmond Girls Basketball soars high with "Puget Sound Flight"

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Kaitlan, Mandy, Amanda, Lexie, Jessica, Katie and Coach Troy of the Gold Team

(Karly, Gina, Whitney, Colleen and Coach Jenny missing)

The Puget Sound Flight Girls Basketball Program (FLIGHT) recently held their annual “Flight Invite” fundraiser at Redmond High and Junior High schools. About 30 teams from all over the Puget Sound area participated - some as far away as Tacoma and Mt. Vernon. Ten teams couldn't register this year because of Spring Break conflicts.

You can watch three short video clips of 7th, 8th, and 10 grade teams at the bottom! FLIGHT started out with two teams about 8 years ago: Coach Terry Graham’s Mirage players joined up with Coach Dennis Edward’s Magic players.

Dennis has since grown the program to 11 teams of grades 5 – 11. Terry Graham now coaches the top Blue team and is the FLIGHT College Coordinator. Dennis Edwards is Director and President of FLIGHT and he also coaches the Mustang Girls Varsity (18 - 8). This year Coach Kevin Leuning is Co-Director. No way Dennis, Terry, and Kevin could “just do it” without FLIGHT’S brigade of dedicated volunteer coaches, parents and players! Yeah!

The top Blue team travels to distant tournaments scouted by colleges. This takes a lot of money. It’s anticipated about $5000 will be raised at the "Flight Invite" Gate and $1600 from the concession stand, raffle, and bottled “Flight water”. Registration fees pay for officials and gym use. Tournament photos can be viewed for free here c/o "Cutaway Photos" where a percentage of purchases are donated to the FLIGHT program.

The program has been very successful and a tremendous growth experience for the girls. My 16 year-old daughter has played since 5th grade. Teams have traveled as far as Canada, San Diego, Tennessee, Nevada, Oregon, Spokane, and Arizona! At last count, thirty-three FLIGHT graduates were awarded college scholarships, to name a few schools – Gonzaga, Brown, Yale, Sacramento State., Univ. of AZ, Pepperdine, Univ. of Denver, UCONN, UC, USC, Alaska-Anchorage, Western Washington, and on!

If you'd like to try-out for the team or want more information, contact Coach Dennis Edwards or Coach Terry Graham. Try-outs are in October. The season runs from March to July.

The FLIGHT website (here) posts coach contact information, player and team rosters, alumni, recognition of over 40 sponsors, a fundraiser for Coach Rose and on...

SCROLL DOWN FOR THREE SHORT VIDEO CLIPS

Can you find mascot Cloey in a clip?

Greg, Dennis, Cloey, Jim,Katie, Lexie, Bruce, Rob, Sally, Pam,Cindy, Mickey, Kaitlan, Archie pictured here are just some of the volunteers who worked hard to make "Flight Invite" a success!

Gold Flight 2010 vs. the Pink Gangstas - where is Cloey?!

Blue Flight U-15 (9th grade) vs. hmmmmm?

Blue Flight 2013 (7th graders) vs. Heat ?

REDUX: Redmond Junior High 166th Avenue safety improvements

At last night's council meeting, the Council and Mayor gave "the green light" to road safety improvements on 166th Ave adjacent Redmond Junior High. The present 4 lanes will be re-channeled to 3 lanes, wider sidewalks, with bike lanes.

The Mayor is working with LWSD authorities to reconfigure the RJH parking lots to improve circulation. Construction is not not planned for completion until the first quarter of 2009. This is right during the school year. The delay is attributed to ordering light poles for 104 & 166 intersection. The rechannelization will probably be done first to convenience students, parents, and vehicular traffic.

Council felt confident in approving construction owing to the positive survey results at the last RJH public informational meeting. "100 citizens showed up" and 74 completed surveys. With the exception of one* survey question participants were positive about the improvements. *41% of those surveyed felt it would be more difficult to merge onto 166th Ave. The survey found most wanted rechannelization extended to NE 100th Street.

The February 7 Community Meeting SURVEY RESULTS on 166th improvments are listed here. If you were unable to attend the meeting how would you respond to this survey? Interestingly, 20 of 74 surveys were mailed in after the meeting. Can we assume the surveys were completed soley by community meeting residents?

Several councilmembers and the Mayor appear to prefer to rechannel 166th all the way down the hill to 85th, but they want to wait until the residents become comfortable with the RJH road safety improvments first. Councilman Pat Vache stated Redmond already has several 4:3 conversions showing rechannelization works and has safety benefits.

Some concerns about the rechannelization of 166th Ave. were voiced by a few citizens after the public meeting: 1) fencing is too close to 166th and impedes line-of-site. 2) during the AM commute cars may back up to NE 100th St. and make it impossible to turn left. Also, some drivers actually get out of their car now on 100th St. to punch the crosswalk light button. Will a timed light be programed at 100th?

The "wheels on 166th were in motion" at last night's Public Meeting about 166th AVE corridor improvements.

The wheels were in motion at Redmond Junior High last night! City officials and staff conducted a well-planned, thorough and helpful presentation of their 4 to 3 lane rechannelization proposal. Over 75 concerned citizens had opportunity to enjoy some food, ask questions, give speeches, and make comment after hearing staff's presentation.

I live a 5-minute walk from the Junior High and found only 9 of my neighbors at the meeting! I know they were aware of the meeting. All but two councilmembers were present, possibly 8-10 staff, Martin Snodgrass (past chair of the Planning Commission) but, no current planning commissioners. BTW, there's an opening on the commission.

Councilmember Dave Carson came all the way from his View Point neighborhood to learn about the project and gain some empathy. Council President Nancy McCormick traveled from her Overlake neighborhood. Councilmember Pat Vache left his North Redmond neighborhood home to attend. John Marchione lives so close he may have walked. Richard Cole lived in N. Redmond for years but now lives downtown. Richard attended. Kimberley Allen lives on Ed. Hill. She was present, but I didn't get a chance to talk to her.

A few councilmembers, months ago, had some serious concerns about the proposal but they appeared to have mellowed after the excellent presentation by staffer Don Cairns (a Redmond resident) and a qualified traffic consultant, Victor, from Evans Associates. Ostensibly, travel delays along the corridor would be only about 30 seconds, even when buses, trucks, and cut-though traffic is included.

The gathering public was polite and receptive with ample opportunity to participate. SAFETY is the primary benefit of the project and wasn't argued by anyone.

• Pedestrians and students will have fewer lanes to cross.
• Left land turns are separated from traffic with a dedicated 3rd land - reducing collissions.
• Extending the 3 lane coversion to 100th Street was proven to be the least risky and best improvement option.
• The RHS Prinicpal Prato Barone was emphathic about the safety needs for rechannelization. Many students are walking and 40 student bicyclists are commuting on narrow, unbuffered sidewalks now. To encourage these positive behaviors bike lanes and buffered sidwalks are critical.

A final Public Meeting is planned for the Spring and construction is expected to begin in the summer.

A large white Notice Board announcing the meeting was installed on 104th & 166th for any passerby to see, redmond.gov website was posted, and bulk emails were sent to those who previously commented.

Clearly, Mayor John Marchione is holding up on his promise to "involve the public early in the process" and improve public notice. The complete project review, including a power point presentation and survey from the meeting is found HERE.

Staff engineer Tricia Thomson at tthomson@redmond.gov is project planner.

Redevelopment of Redmond Streets and Highways

The City Council meeting of 11/20 was centered on the redevelopment work, planned but not approved, for SR 520 widening near Marymoor Park and the light at 166th AV. & 104th ST. intersection by Redmond Junior High.

SR 520 widening by Bear Creek:
The proposed SR520 widening near Bear Creek drew attention from "Citizen Vicky" and Brian Dennis - both gave 4 minute "Items" talks to council. Vicky made a plea to citizens to write their legislatures to hold off on the widening until the Evergreen Point bridge was fixed. Brian agreed and asked staff and council to take a hard look at noise mitigation requirements.

Brian and Vicky are not the only citizens concerned about SR 520 widening. Three citizen groups have formed in opposition of 520 widening - many asking to re-route the creek away from the highway. My next blog will give detail and, again, a plea to write your state representatives. This project will bring SR 520 fifty feet from Break Creek where 150 foot buffers are required now by city law.

166th Av & NE 104th St traffic light by Redmond Junior High
John Marchione had preliminary concerns about approving a consultant for final design of the light because the traffic light installation included up to four blocks of rechannelization. A federal grant will pay for the installation but Marchione objected stating Council would be untrue to the Open Public Process they committed to for any rechannelization.

Channelization related to the light could extend as far as NE 100th ST and could be completed by the end of 2008. Staff stated the purpose of the modest channelization was to: 1) help make the intersection run efficiently, 2) improvements to pedestrian safety, 3) the grant paid for it.

Richard Cole was most unyielding of the council. He emphatically stated during election doorbelling he talked to "several hundreds" and "it was unanimous everyone" was against the rechannelization -- especially along the hill. One should know that Mr. Cole's constituents and neighborhood is in N. Redmond where faster traffic through 166th to downtown is valued. Cole didn't feel design work was needed to calculate safety requirements in front of the school.

Vice President, Councilman Pat Vache offered the most widely accepted comments that the redevelopement should be all about SAFETY -- not how many feet from the intersection rechannelization should go. Ives and Allen supported Vache's emphasis on safety. Vache agreed to preliminary design work. Marchione motioned to approve the grant but bring it back to council for preliminary review before bidding work would begin. Approved.

President Nancy McCormick noted that the speed study done by Evans Consultants did not include buses and trucks. Mr. Cairns, Traffic Planner, said they would be included in further reviews and that a public process was required for any extensive rechannelization - as required by Council.

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Of a personal note:

I can find four good reasons why rechannelization from 4 lanes to 3 lanes would be valuable to our neighborhood:

1) The Neighborhood Community Advisory Committee met for months on the issue and after thorough review voted for rechannelization,

2) The City paid good taxpayer dollars for an independent, qualified consultant whose recommendations were to build the 4:3 conversion; the city ALWAYS accepts qualified consultants for land use applications - why not here?

3) City Council passed "Streets" legislation committing to building new streets that are bicycle friendly. A 4:3 conversion would create wider sidewalks and bike lanes!

4) The council plans to hold public meetings on any rechannelization proposed outside of the traffic light project.