Redmond Senior & Community Center Earns LEED Recognition

REDMOND, WA - The new Redmond Senior & Community Center recently earned the first-ever recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council for sourcing wood from climate-resilient forestry. The Council, which manages the LEED certification process, awarded the building an innovation point during the process and lauded Opsis Architecture and Sustainable NW for verifying that wood came from forests managed sustainably.

“We are honored to receive this historic recognition,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “The senior and community center was designed with environmental sustainability in mind, and it is exciting to know all who walk through these doors will be coming into a place that not only cares about them but cares about the building’s impact on our planet.”  

Evans Creek Preserve - A City of Sammamish gem

THE EVANS CREEK PRESERVE

"This is a great place to take your family, yourself, or a friend for a short hike in beautiful open space only 3 miles east of downtown Redmond."  B. Yoder

By Susan Wilkins

Redmond, WA. 

The Evans Creek Preserve, a new park and nature preserve east of Redmond was opened to the public in late 2011 after nearly a decade of planning and a year of intensive trail construction. The preserve is mostly gentle rolling hills with open meadows and forested uplands. It is located in the bottomland of the Evans Creek Basin, a few miles east of Redmond, in the deep southeast trending valley that connects Redmond and Fall City. Evans Creek runs through the north edge of the preserve in an undersized, meandering channel that routinely floods creating swamps and wetland ponds that cover much of the site during the winter. 

We visited in early July and the wetlands were mostly grassy and dry. Evans Creek was running so slowly that we weren’t sure where it was and had to check the map. In the fall, Evans Creek will have native runs of chinook as well as runs of coho and sockeye salmon that will pass through the preserve and spawn upstream.

Owned and developed by the City of Sammamish, the Evans Creek Preserve is located about 3 miles east of downtown Redmond on Redmond-Fall City Road. The 180-acre property was once the farmstead of Newton and Kathryn Galley who passed away in the mid-1990s and willed their property to the University of Washington, Whitman College, Children’s Hospital, the Children’s Home Society, the Masonic Home and Redmond United Methodist Church. These 6 organizations collectively agreed to sell the property to the City of Sammamish in November 2000. The park/preserve was in the planning stage until 2011 when major development of the park and its trail system was undertaken. Old farm buildings were torn down and a new iron-works footbridge over Evans Creek was constructed. Washington Trails Association (wta.org) designated Evans Creek Preserve as one of its major lowland projects for 2011. Volunteer trail-building days were organized by WTA and 250 volunteers spent more than 7000 hours clearing brush, removing stumps, laying gravel trails and building boardwalks and bridges to create nearly 2 miles of trail loops.

To get there: The Evans Creek Preserve is located on the south side of Redmond-Fall City Road (SR202) about a mile east of the SR202/Sahalee Way intersection. Heading east on SR202, look for the sign on the right side of the road that says NE 34th Street – Private Road, turn right and go a short distance down the road. There is a 10-car parking lot with signs and maps.

Sustainable Redmond asks Council to review the City of Redmond's tree protection policy

Sustainable Redmond, led by Board Member Tom Hinman gave a 20 minute "Items From The Audience" presentation to the City Council last night about the rapid loss of tree canopy in Redmond and its ramifications to our environment.  He specifically asked council to remand a staff report back to the Planning Commission for reconsideration of Sustainable Redmond's tree protection amendment to the Comprehensive Plan.  Council will hold a study session on the topic next week. 

Three environmental policy interns and citizen Susan Wilkins contributed to Mr. Hinman's presentation.  They spent hours of research time reviewing 15 development projects in North Redmond, Education Hill, Grasslawn, Group Health and other neighborhoods looking for data that documents harm to the environment from excessive tree removal practices.  Tree preservation findings from 2010-2013 showed 3,510 significant trees and 382 landmark trees were removed from these projects. Only Bear Creek neighborhood kept 100% of their landmark trees.  One intern calculated 6 million gallons/year of stormwater is untreated, 550 tons of carbon/year is unsequestered, and $179,000 value is lost per year by removal of these trees.  Loss of tree canopy is now considered a significant indicator of environmental health.  Read More >>

The Wild and Natural Preservation Areas near Redmond, WA. By Susan Wilkins

Redmond Preservation Map

The Long-term plan for the Bear Creek and Evans Creek Basins east of Redmond

By Susan Wilkins
Redmond, WA.

We in Redmond are fortunate to live near some of the wildest natural areas in King County. On the east edge of Redmond, running north-south along Avondale and Mink Road is the Bear Creek Valley. And the deep valley traversed by Redmond-Fall City Road (SR202) contains the Evans Creek Basin. Both of these valleys are heavily forested and surprisingly undeveloped. They both contain significant native salmon runs with wetlands surrounding the network of meandering streams, especially compared to the incorporated, urban areas of nearby Redmond and Sammamish.

The decision to preserve the Bear and Evans Creek drainage basin areas was made more than 20 years ago. According to Paul Reitenbach, Senior Policy Analyst for the King County Department of Development and Environmental Service, in the early 1990s as part of long-term urban growth planning mandated by the Growth Management Act, the county decided to designate the Bear-Evans Creek Corridor and the Soos Creek Basin (in Kent) as permanently preserved natural areas. The King County Comprehensive Plan was written to include tight restrictions on residential and commercial developments in these basins and the county began programs that promoted habitat restoration and reforestation. Land along Bear Creek has been purchased by King County for permanent preservation using Conservation Futures Tax money provided by open space levies. Many landowners along and near Bear Creek have entered into long-term habitat preservation agreements with the county in exchange for reduced annual property tax bills.  

In the Evans Creek Basin, the City of Sammamish owns the Evans Creek Preserve, a 180-acre city park with nature trails, wetlands and meadows. King County has 30 acres under permanent protection in the Evans Creek Natural Area and also own most of the land with steep slopes along Sahalee Way.  Read More >>

Lower Bear Creek Natural Area by Avondale Rd. adds 1.6 acres

Lower Bear Creek "ox-bow" / BY
 (Look for the small  Hartman Pool sign by the sidewalk on Avondale Road)

The Lower Bear Creek Natural Area
Grows by 1.6 Acres

Driving north on Avondale, it's possible you noticed the blue sign “Lower Bear Creek Natural Area” on the east side of the road.  This natural area is about 13 acres and includes what is known as the Grandfather Grove of large second growth trees on the east side of Bear Creek.  It is about four miles upstream from Redmond Town Center and the Sammamish River.    Read More >>

City moves forward on plan to re-locate Evans Creek

Evans Creek headwaters are in East King County along the Old Red Brick Road.  The creek continues north and west through SE Redmond industries, past Keller Farm, before it's confluence with Bear Creek.   Bear Creek flows into the Sammamish River which flows into Lake Washington and Puget Sound.

On May 1, the Redmond city council approved land acquisitions to relocate Evans Creek north and east and away from SE Redmond industries. (See map).  If negotiations to purchase the property are unsuccessful the Council approved  use of eminent domain.

The benefits of re-locating Evans Creek are many.  Relocation: 1) improves habitat for wild salmon and wildlife, 2)  increases the land values and opportunity for redevelopment of industrial properties, 3) encourages clean-up of hazardous waste and further safeguards the city aquifer 4) improves flood water conveyence, 5) enhances Bear-Evans Creek Trail recreation with restored riparian habitat.

Evans Creek is an important and valuable stream in SE Redmond that's been heavily impacted by industrial development and permiting violations, as has "AWR."  Read More >>

Earth Day Seedling Sale benefits "Sustainable Redmond"

John Reinke,  proud owner of  Western Hemlock seedling

Earth Day Seedling Sale benefits Sustainable Redmond

In the spirit of Earth Day, Sustainable Redmond is making available select Western Hemlock seedlings in return for contributions to our 2012 Overlake Tree Preservation Campaign. As you may know, the current plan is that the 28 acre Group Health property in Overlake will be clear cut for development, and Sustainable Redmond is working to have this plan overturned.

The Western Hemlock is the Washington State tree, and, while these seedlings can’t replace Overlake’s mature urban forest, planting these locally will help clean our air and water.

Seedlings will be for sale at the Earth Day celebration at 21 Acres in Woodinville from 3 - 5pm on Saturday, April 21. Seedlings will also be available at 9am at the Green Kirkland Partnership Restoration Event at Juanita Bay Park, 2201 Market Street in Kirkland.

Check out http://www.sustainableredmond.org/  for more info on the issue, as well as for on-line giving using PayPal and other ways to contribute to our mission.
 
--John, Tom, Cindy
Sustainable Redmond
Photo by Yoder

Family Business is Back!

FAMILY BUSINESS IS BACK!
  By Linda and Leon Hussey

This is truly a ‘Family Business’! Leon and Linda Hussey, former owners of Classic Nursery and Landscape Co., are back in business at 12526 Avondale Rd. NE. in Redmond. Since 2002 after selling Classic, the Husseys started another business called “Keep It Simple, Inc. (K. I. S.).”

Keep It Simple sells compost tea makers (invented originally by Leon Hussey) and the organic ingredients to put into the machines to make compost tea. Compost tea is used to replace the biology in the soil and is like ‘vitamins’ to plants. It can often make a plant stronger to ward off diseases.

The Husseys have owned the over 7 acres site located on Avondale since 2002. They sold their business and continued to lease the land to Classic Nursery & Landscape Co. This year they regained the property and are not only moving their current business but starting an ‘urban farm store’ and will also be selling organic hydroponic products. “The Farm” will have chickens, chicken coops, bee hives, rabbits, ducks, dog, cats, healthy feed for animals, as well as bird seed and feeders. As they grow, they will have fresh eggs, produce and many other organic products. The almost 8 acres will be dedicated to sustainability, permaculture and education.  Read More >>

City of Redmond asks community to celebrate Arbor Day....Can we?

Redmond inadvertently mutilates these five Trees near the 91st Bridge

City asks community to celebrate Arbor Day on April 11...can we?

'Celebrate Arbor Day and the importance of Redmond’s trees and forest ecosystems' on Wednesday, April 11 at Farrel-McWhirter Park with a restoration work-party 3:30 pm to 6pm.

“Taking care of our community forests demonstrates the City’s ongoing commitment to the preservation, protection and enrichment of our environment,” notes Teresa Kluver, Park Operations Supervisor. “Preserving our trees and forests is vital to maintaining our quality of life and working to build a better future. I hope residents will want to take part in this effort.”

How is the Redmond community supposed to celebrate Arbor Day when the City breaks their own tree preservation law and allows a 100% clear-cut of trees on their 28 acre Group Health Overlake project? 

To compensate for 100% clear-cutting of 1000 trees, Group Health commits to planting 3,345 trees and 31,220 shrubs, but where?  Read More >>

Soul Food Book's "Sustainable Redmond" forum for tree preservation in Overlake a success.

City Council approves plan to strip out ALL 1,000  trees on this 28 acre Group Health site
Sustainable Redmond files lawsuit at Superior Court.

"Sustainable Wednesday" at Soul Food Books to feature Sustainable Redmond - Group to Speak for Tree Preservation in Overlake Village Redmond, WA

OPINION:  On Wednesday, March 28, Sustainable Redmond will be featured at the Soul Food Books’ monthly Sustainability Wednesday series.The program begins at 7pm and all are encouraged to attend. The discussion will focus on plans for the 28-acre Group Health hospital site in Overlake.  Read More >>

UPDATED: Marymoor Community Gardenn plots up for grabs

King County Parks Photo/ Marymoor Park Garden 'Pea Patch'

12 – 20 plots available. First come, first served. Details? Yeah we’ve got em right over here.....

READER COMMENT:  Love your website.  Quick correction on the above link, our business is known as the Marymoor Community Garden Association.  Or simply the Marymoor Community Garden.  We aren't techincally a "pea-patch" but a non-profit business operating out of Marymoor Park by concession just like Subway etc.  Not that it matters! We appreciate your support! Thanks for referring people to our garden.

King County Blog

Picture Story of Group Health Overlake Center Trees, by Max Feingold

Picture Story of Group Health Overlake Center

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Max Feingold publisher of Cat's Paw Images, Blog  "Exploring the Seattle Area Camera in Hand"

In 1871, Warren Wentworth Perrigo and Captain Luke McRedmond became the first white men to stake a claim and settle the land that would become the city of Redmond.  Read and See More >>

Photo and Story by Max Feingold

These pictures tell the story eloquently. Hopefully, they will help decision-makers realize what they’ve got in this urban jewel before it’s gone. Enough of paving paradise! We can have the transit-oriented village AND a good percentage of these beautiful trees; they are not mutually exclusive unless the only consideration is profit.  Thanks for all the work you put into this post.
-- Comment by Katheryn, Reader of  "Cat's Paw Images - Blog"

City road constuction contractors overlook stormwater treatment

This is the first report in a series on road construction, road conditions in the city...

The City of Redmond requires developers and their contractors to install fabric filters in and around project storm drains, to keep silt and pollutants from entering into stormwater lines. Stormwater treatment is important because it all eventually drains into our creeks and rivers and ultimately into Puget Sound.  City  inspectors or the contractor may repair this in the near future.  It's ironic the construction project involves building a stormwater trunk-line under the road.

Unprotected 166th AVE NE storm drain in Redmond covered
 with asphalt spilling from a temporary curb. 2/18/12 

Correct Method:  Storm drain is protected with filter cloth
 and the stormwater is treated.
  (Milwaukee, WI)

Asphalt is a thick brownish or black substance derived from the same crude oil which produces kerosene, gasoline and vinyl. It is literally scraped from the bottom of the barrel after all other petroleum-based products have been refined or processed.  Petroleum products are pollutants.

The city announces in their RCTV-21, website, twitter and AM 1650 storm reports to do your part to keep our storm drains clear of leaves and debris.  For city action on road or drain problems please write council@redmond.gov for help.    

Reported and photographed by Bob Yoder
Photo of fabric grate from Internet (Wisconsin)

Community activists take City of Redmond to court to enforce long-standing tree ordinance

UPDATED:  A legal fight over Redmond's Group Health Overlake Village is brewing from the City waiving a long-standing tree retention ordinance.   "Citizens and Neighbors for a Sustainable Redmond" ("Sustainable Redmond") of which Mayor Emeritus Ives is a member, and two neighborhoods, are suing the City and  the Group Health landowner for a 100% clear-cut of the 28-acre site.  Removal of all trees on the site, including 65 extra-large trees over 30.25 inches in diameter are slated to be cleared.  The diameter on one "Landmark Tree" is estimated to be over 50 inches, and 250 years old.  Group Health's arborists claimed the trees were dangerous and will fall over in wind storms.   City associate planner Lisk said the eleven significant trees in the "park" area will be removed and the remaining "parkland" will be hydroseeded.

City council voted 6-1 (Kim Allen) to waive the long-standing 35% tree retention ordinance.  At least four councilmembers justified the tree ordinance Exception by referencing requirements of the Growth Management Act.   Ive's showed council a city map of all the buildings in Overlake that could absorb the City's density requirements.

Several stakeholders were quoted in a February 12, 2012 online Seattle Times article by Keith Irvine, as follows:    Mayor John Marchione justified 100% tree removal saying:  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 >>

Part Two: History of Growth Management in Redmond

The Lake Washington School District's proposed STEM School is currently being held up by two Appeals.  One of the Appeals is related to the Growth Management Act  and the location of the STEM School outside of the Urban Growth Boundary.  Click to enlarge Susan's map. B.Y.

History of Growth Management in Redmond, WA. 

By Susan Wilkins
Redmond Resident, Parent, and PTSA volunteer

In response to widespread growth and sprawl in the state, especially in Western Washington, the legislature passed the Growth Management Act in 1990 that created areas where significant urban growth would be concentrated, leaving large areas of rural and forestland undeveloped.

Urban Growth Boundary lines were drawn around cities and parts of the county that were already developed and populated. Urban services were to be concentrated inside the urban growth area in order to provide the most benefit to the majority of the population at the lowest possible cost. Housing developments that could be built anywhere in King County were suddenly only allowed inside the urban growth boundary. Read More >>

'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 >>

UPDATED OPINION: Citizen claims actions by AWR industry are not environmentally insignificant

AWR Storm water pond  connects to Evans Creek. (2006)

My following public comment was submitted to the City, to protest approval of an environmental land use action on Redmond's polluting AWR industry

Public comments for or against this action (SEPA determination) are due to the city by 2/6/2012.  Send your Comment to city planner Kelsey Johnson  kjohnson@redmond.gov

 Dear City of Redmond,

I disagree with your determination that "All Wood Recycling" (AWR) proposal (L110009) is non-significant to our environment as referenced to the State Environmental Policy Act.   And, I ask you not  approve this environmental action favoring AWR  

Evans Creek banks enclosed
by impervious concrete
 paving. (click to enlarge)

This industrial proposal is environmentally significant owing to the location of AWR over our city aquifer. City staff publicly warned Council late last year that contaminates are leaking into the Redmond aquifer and threatening our valuable drinking water resource. AWR "recycles" hazardous waste-concrete, chemically treated wood products and other toxic materials, including sewage which remains un-piped and unconnected to the City.  Heavy machinery and trucks drip hydrolic fluids into the soils.  In some places the water aquifer is less than 6 feet from the surface so it's a short journey for their waste and toxins to enter our water supply.

Most of the ground surfaces in AWR are impervious owing to compacting of soils by vehicular use, clogged or removed stormwater pond systems, and paved roadway and work areas. Thus, most AWR stormwater is untreated, toxic and washes into Evans Creek, stressed creek banks (photo), underground streams and adjacent commercial sites.  AWR proposes one vault and one stormwater pond to treat the entire industrial site. At least two vaults are needed - one on both sides of the creek.


Evans Creek runs through AWR property, shown here 

 Evans Creek is a "Class One" stream of highest value and runs through the site. It's regulated by the Department of Ecology and the City as a "Shoreline of the State."  In 2008, Mayor Marchione proclaimed riparian corridors as" habitat of local importance."

Stormwater run-off carries untreated pollutants (photo) from AWR into the creek, harming Federally protected Chinook salmon and destroying their habitat. Sub-surface, underground streams connecting to Evans and Bear Creek were recognized by the Planning Commission during their Critical Areas Ordinance Update several years ago. Underground streams connecting to contaminated Evans Creek storm flows could spread toxins further into our aquifer before they can be treated by downstream facilities.

Toxic run-off can't percolate
 through impervious surfaces
and runs off untreated.  Heavy
equipment drips hydrolic fluids.

The City will incur certain liabilities should significant trending to aquifer contamination be traced to this AWR site and it's vicinity. Approving this "Determination of Non Significance" (DNS) is setting a precedent for further neglect in the SE Redmond industrial complex, besides AWR. By approving this DNS, the C.O.R. is placing itself at risk to lawsuit and most significantly, potential loss of a highly valuable and important municipal natural resource - potable water. 
Read More>>

UPDATED: Part One: Bus Transportation and Overcrowding Problems at Rural Alcott Elementary



CLICK TO ENLARGE

Bus Transportation and Overcrowding Problems at Rural Alcott Elementary

By Susan Wilkins

LETTER:  Alcott Elementary and Rockwell Elementary are two identical schools built from the same architectural plans in the mid-1980s. Rockwell is centrally located in the middle of an urban neighborhood on Education Hill in Redmond. Alcott Elementary is a rural school along Redmond-Fall City Road that was built for rural students who live in the sparsely populated east side of the school district. When we compare the number of students who are transported to each school by bus and the distance that students must travel, we see that locating schools inside Urban Growth Boundaries where students live is more convenient for students and saves school districts money on transportation costs.

Alcott Elementary has an unusual student population.  Read More >>

LETTER: Group Health developer should buy own property to mitigate tree clear-cut

LETTER:  It's easy to assume the four listed parks would have received new trees regardless of the developer's actions. So, while this might reduce costs to the city, it won't result in offsetting trees removed from the Overlake property.

The developer should be required to purchase their own property, plant trees, and gauantee the survival of those trees for a reasonable period of time -- 99-years for example. Such a requirement has been place on developers in the past, in other areas of the U.S., and isn't unreasonable to expect here.

Letter by Douglas Burchard
Source:  Comment posted on:  "City identifies four locations for Group Health's clear-cut tree mitigation..."

ATTN:  Redmond Ombudsman-of-the-month, Councilmember Pat Vache'