Ecology and other agencies respond to oil spill on SR 520

Thin coating - a sheen - of oil on water

Oil spill on SR 520 flows into storm drains that empty into Creek.

Oil is toxic to the environment and the damage starts as soon as the oil hits water. A single quart of oil has the potential to foul more than 100,000 gallons of water.

Washington Department of Ecology news
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Feb. 22, 2012
12-062
   
 Ecology and other agencies responding to oil spill on SR 520
     
      BELLEVUE - The state Department of Ecology is on the scene of a traffic accident on westbound SR 520 west of I-405 in Bellevue to respond to fuel spills from one or more of the vehicles involved.  Ecology is cooperating with other agencies responding at the scene.  Read More >>

Tune into Redmond Community Radio AM 1650 for severe weather and traffic alerts

Tune into Redmond Community Radio AM 1650 for severe weather and traffic advisories.

Reception is best from vehicle radios.  24/7.
Look for AM 1650 road closure signs.

SR 520 Tolling starts December 29th - Q & A

Tolling on the SR 520 Bridge - Q & A


FOR ANSWERS TO All THESE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS, CLICK HERE!

When will tolling start on the SR 520 Bridge?  DECEMBER 29. 

Why is WSDOT tolling the SR 520 Bridge?

Why is WSDOT tolling the existing SR 520 Bridge?

Where will the tolls be collected?

Will tolls be collected in both directions?

What is the last SR 520 exit I can take before being subject to tolls?

Will tolling end when the project is paid off?

Are tolls on SR 520 unfair to those with lower incomes?

What are my options for taking transit across Lake Washington?

Will there be signs alerting drivers SR 520 is a tolled bridge?

WSDOT- It’s official: Tolling on SR 520 bridge starts Dec. 29

Tolls on Evergreen Point Bridge (520) start December 29

WSDOT - 2011 - It’s official: Tolling on SR 520 bridge starts Dec. 29:

It’s official: Tolling on SR 520 bridge starts Dec. 29

Set up a Good To Go! account to get the best toll rate.  Buy any of the five pass options online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/goodtogo

Starting Dec. 29, drivers will pay an electronic toll to cross the bridge and the Washington State Department of Transportation is urging travelers to get ready by setting up a Good To Go! account.

Read the entire WSDOT announcement, learn how to apply for a Good To Go account, and how much it costs.

UPDATED: King County Councilmember Jane Hague describes Labor Policy success story to Redmond officials

King County Councilmember Jane Hague

REPUBLISHED:  In a March, 2011 Business Meeting, Redmond City Council heard a startling report from Jane Hague forecasting large bus service reductions in King County Metro for 2012 - 2015. 

Why?  Sixty-two percent of Metro's budget is funded by sales tax revenue and revenues are significantly down in this economy.  Hague, one of two King County Councilmembers representing Redmond citizens gave the city council reassurances.   

The good news?   Read More >>

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

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

Hi friends,

Councilmember Kim Allen

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

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

Many thanks!
Kim Allen
Redmond City Council

What's the most important transportation issue facing Redmond?, By Candidate Sue Stewart, Pos. 7

Sue Stewart
Council Candidate Pos. 7

This is third post in a series covering the four questions from the recent City of Redmond Chamber of Commerce candidate forum.

Question: What is the most important transportation issue facing Redmond and how would you address it?

Having an effective and efficient transportation system is vital to our entire community. We need to have the ability to move goods and services to our businesses and then residents to these businesses. We will need to connect our urban centers and then outward to the region. How do we accomplish this? We will need a network of complete streets, parking management, and improved transit services.

To improve transit, we will need to continue to assert ourselves with Metro and Sound Transit to insure we get our fair share of transit. As someone with 30 years of transit experience, I bring a depth of knowledge to the table that Redmond can use to fight to make sure we have the right service at the right time. I also know what a network of complete streets should look like to enable efficient movement about town both for our residents and for future transit. Parking management means having ample spots for people to park once and then be able to walk about the community from place to place.

By Sue Stewart, Pos. 7

OPINION: Seattle Times article a "must read" on tolling Initiative 1125 controversy

520 bridge

OPINION:   At the Oct. 4 council meeting Redmond Mayor Marchione  OPPOSED Initiative 1125, as he addressed council before their vote on a Resolution on the initiative:   

"520 is an economic lifeline to the city of Redmond. It's in the direct interests of the City of Redmond and our economic development and our community; and the Resolution be opposed and take the leadership required."

The Redmond City Council majority followed the Mayor and voted AGAINST an endorsement Initiative 1125 (5-2).  Incumbents David Carson and Hank Myers made a political vote FOR the Resolution to endorse Initiative 1125. 

David Carson is challenged by Sue Stewart for Redmond City Council Pos. 7.

According to the TIMES, the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce is AGAINST Initiative 1125 (which is significant in that "one of Bellevue's most prominent businessmen, Kemper Freeman, is the biggest backer of I-1125, contributing more than $1 million to the campaign.).  

SEATTLE TIMES REPORT:  Local News Eyman challenges state's route on tolls Seattle Times Newspaper

By Andrew Garber, 10/1/2011
Seattle Times Olympia bureau

OLYMPIA — Tim Eyman and state officials agree on one thing: His tolling initiative on the November ballot would upend state plans for reducing traffic congestion and financing costly highway construction, including the Highway 520 floating-bridge project.

Eyman says Initiative 1125 would make lawmakers more accountable for raising and spending billions of dollars in tolls, and would make tolling fairer by banning variable-rate tolls that he says hit the state's poorest residents the hardest.

But it also would undermine long-term efforts, state transportation officials say, to find an alternative to gas taxes to help finance highway construction.  READ MORE >> 

Opinion By Bob Yoder
Internet photo - Cascadia

OPINION: "Group Health Overlake Master Plan" could morph Overlake Neighborhood into a "glitzy urban center."

This is "the heart and soul" of Overlake urban center -- President Richard Cole

UPDATED OPINION:  Hold onto your hats.  Redmond residents are in for a ride of their life once "Group Health Overlake Master Plan" gets underway.  The ride could last for years - the roads dusty?   Patience with the flag men.  Will  "Avoid Overlake" tweet?   But, the potential for this district!  Oh, My!  All you have to do is live long enough. 

The mayor has many names for Overlake -- "a neighborhood," "a village," an "urban center" and the "glitzy part of Redmond."  Whichever name you choose Overlake is sure to be Redmond's urban mecca 20 years from now, leaving our current downtown, the "Old Redmond."

Last week, Redmond city planners presented council with an overview of the 28-acre "Group Health Overlake Master Plan."   Notice of Hearing.  A Hearing is scheduled for October 18th at 7:30 PM in City Hall.   Send your comments for the record to Associate Planner Denis Lisk by October 18. Email:  dwlisk@redmond.gov.   Or call 556-2400. City council  must approve this plan.

The development plan started years ago when Group Health closed their Redmond hospital, located at 15670 NE 85th Street - between 152th Ave and 156 Ave, two blocks north of NE 24th Street.

Group Health and the City of Redmond agreed on a long range development plan for the parcel.   Five types of projects will have to be permitted.  Phase One will develop 1.38 million square feet of office, hotel, and retail.  Most of the construction phase is on the north and east of the parcel, along 156th AVE and includes:

• 12-story, 180 room hotel and conference center (NE corner with underground parking).
• 4 - 10 story commercial office parks (north and SE corner) with landscaped courts and plazas.
• 25,000 s.f. ground floor retail  (on the west along 152nd Ave. -  might be included in this phase)
• 2.6 acre grassy park with pathway up the middle of the site.

Phase Two includes 1400 multi-family residential units in the NW and SW parcel areas.  Development progress depends on transportation infrastructure.  An SR 520 access ramp is crucial.  NE 26th Street construction and grid build-out is needed along with Sound Transit.


Group Health is in the background - trees are scattered between parking areas.

 TREES:  The site is located on hill rising from west to east and covered with 1050 trees scattered throughout the parking areas.  Enormous amounts of earth-moving, grading and clearing are necessary to make a "hardscape" suitable for building.   Underground parking garages will compound the work.  Large earth-moving equipment and trucks traveling local roads may be expected for several years at a time.  Read More >>

LETTER: City council and mayor above the laws

LETTER:  I am frustrated by the constant disregard for the will of the citizens of Redmond which has been repeatedly shown by the current council and Mayor’s office over several issues. 

The most recent contempt shown over the petition and signatures submitted for Redmond Initiative 1, Red Light Cameras is inexcusable and without cause. RCW 35.21.005, which states: "Within three working days after the filing of a petition, the officer with whom the petition is filed shall transmit the petition to the county auditor for petitions signed by registered voters, or to the county assessor for petitions signed by property owners for determination of sufficiency."

The council and Mayor have determined that they are above the laws of the City of Redmond by not transmitting the petition to the county auditor for proper determination of validity. I have no faith that the council will consider the desires of the citizenry of this city upon their review and vote in the coming months regarding the Red Light Camera initiative.

It is this loss of faith that will carry many voters to their decisions to oust any current council members on the ballot and replace any remaining members in future elections. If the Mayor and the council are concerned enough to have everyone follow the law, they should begin with following the federal and state laws that are mandated regarding petitions and signatures.

Sincerely,
Paige Norman
Redmond, WA  98052

COUNTER POINT:   "Mr Harlan and Mr. Eyman should take their complaint and go home," 09/2011

90- year old driver hops curb injuring two people

Three injured when car drives into foot spa Redmond, WA –

Three people were transported to the hospital with minor injuries this afternoon after a Cadillac CTS drove into Sunshine Foot Spa at the 16800 block of Redmond Way shortly after 1:30 p.m. 

The driver, a 90 year old male from Redmond, hopped a curb and continued into the building, through the receptionist area, and came to a complete stop 55 feet into the business, inches away from another employee. 

The driver, one employee, and one patron were all transported to the hospital with minor injuries.  Major damage was done inside the business.The driver was arrested for reckless driving and suspicion of driving under the influence of prescription drugs.

By Jim Bove
Community outreach and Public Information Officer
Website photo

Comment:  Reading this makes me think twice about walking on a sidewalk.  Would walking against the grain of traffic help?  Should the city do a better job buffering our sidewalks from our busy roads, like 166th Ave?   B.Y. 

Op-Ed: "Next Steps on Traffic and School Safety Cameras," By Cole and Marchione

Next Steps on Traffic & School Safety Cameras

Redmond Council President Richard Cole & Mayor John Marchione

September 2011 

Pres. Richard Cole

 Op-Ed:  As many residents are aware, Redmond established a pilot traffic and school zone safety program earlier this year. The goals of this program are simple: (1) modify dangerous driver behavior and (2) prevent car-pedestrian accidents in school zones. 

Traffic safety has long been one of our community’s top concerns, and this program promised to be an effective use of technology to affect behavior, reduce the cost of enforcement and improve traffic safety. Much like the shoplifting cameras we see in so many grocery and retail stores, the cameras collect evidence of possible violations. This evidence is then reviewed by an officer to determine if an actual violation occurred. Then and only then is a ticket issued.



Mayor John Marchione

The violation does not go on one’s driving record, and the City Council has mandated that any funds remaining after court costs be dedicated to capital projects that improve traffic and pedestrian safety. By using technology in this way, the City could otherwise put its limited number of police officers to work in schools, in neighborhoods, and around town to address other public safety issues that are important to Redmond’s citizens. From the beginning, the Council and the Mayor committed to review this pilot program after a year.

We have appreciated the many residents we have heard from on both sides of the issue over two years of public process, from emails to conversations at National Night Out events in August to public testimony at Council meetings. Consistent with what we have told residents all along, next month we will review all the data and community input gathered to date to determine the future of the program.

The recent initiative petition will be another important consideration in this discussion, and represents the wishes of some who would like to vote on traffic/school safety cameras in February 2012.

It is worthwhile to note that the petition circulated in Redmond is virtually identical to one in the City of Bellingham that was recently invalidated by the Washington Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals noted in the Bellingham case that a petition to require a vote on traffic and school safety cameras “exceeds the lawful scope of the initiative power; it is not a valid ballot measure.”

Despite the court’s ruling on the petition’s validity, the Council and Mayor have heard the perspective of our residents who signed it, and will consider this along with all the data and other feedback we have received as part of our ongoing assessment.

Our evaluation will be completed by December, well before any referendum can be held. To discontinue this review at this time would be a disservice to our community, and an abdication of the City Council’s duty on an issue which the Court of Appeals has clearly affirmed is its responsibility. As we prepare for these discussions next month, we continue to welcome your thoughts at mayorcouncil@redmond.gov.

Op-Ed By Council President Richard Cole and Mayor John Marchione

September, 2011

LETTER: "Redmond Initiative #1 - Supporters, Donors, and Volunteers," By Scott Harlan

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOME.  PLEASE MAIL THEM TO: REDMONDBLOG@GMAIL.COM WITH YOUR NAME AND RESIDENCE.

LETTER TO EDITOR:

Scott Harlan, Redmond, WA 

"Redmond Initiative #1 - Supporters, Donors, and Volunteers.

As you may have seen on the news last night, yesterday we turned in over 6,000 signatures from Redmond area residents.

The minimum to qualify is 3,845, so we are feeling very confident that we have met the threshold to put the measure on the ballot in February.

Now that we have turned in the signatures and city clerk will now send them to the county for validation. While we are confident that we have enough to qualify for the ballot, keep those clipboards handy! If we come up short, we will have 10 days to make up the difference.

I will keep you posted. Six months ago, my contacts at the city asked us to send them a message about the public’s opinion on this program. The message has been sent; the public wants to vote on this very controversial program. Thanks again for all of your support."

By Scott Harlan
Redmond Resident and Activist
Attachment:  KING 5 Report, 9/14

Redmond Mayor John Marchione issues statement on the red light "Traffic Safety Program"

Mayor Marchione

Redmond Mayor John Marchione issued a statement Wednesday upon receiving news that Scott Harlan intends to visit the City Clerk’s office on September 14 to submit his initiative petition to the City. This petition is regarding the City’s Traffic Safety Camera pilot program.

“As I indicated on this issue last month, the Traffic Safety Program has always been a one-year pilot program and the City continues to gather data and community input to make the best decision by December 1st of this year,” began Mayor Marchione.
“Residents have been very forthcoming with their opinions and the Council and I continue to listen to the wide variety of views being expressed,” he added.

Mayor Marchione continued, “As part of our open, transparent pilot evaluation process, we welcome residents' opinions at mayorcouncil@redmond.gov . This fall we will review our residents’ feedback, along with Mr. Harlan’s efforts, in the context of recent court rulings in this area as we consider next steps for Redmond.”  Read More >>

Carpool Parking incentives given to Redmond High junior and seniors

STUDENT CARPOOL PARKING.

"Redmond High School now has student carpool parking. These are the best student parking spots on campus AND carpools are guaranteed a space. Seniors and juniors are eligible to park in carpool parking. See Mr. Handschin for rules concerning carpool parking and the blue carpool form."
  --Mustang Weekly.

COMMENT:  This is a big breakthrough!  "Carpool Parking" incentives at Redmond High School are a significant advancement towards mitigating traffic congestion on nearby roads.  In addition, carpooling is "green" and mitigates the school's carbon footprint.

If Carpool Parking incentives aren't available at your high school make a request to Jeff Miles in Transportation at the Lake Washington School District.   Phone:  425-936-1120.

Opinion By Bob Yoder
Internet photo

Redmond Police to do extra enforcement around schools, start of the year

Jim Bove to speak Sept 2

"Reading, Writing, and Safe Driving!"

Redmond, WA – Redmond Police will be doing extra enforcement in and around school zones to make sure children and citizens get off to a safe start this academic year.  Officers will use speed trailers and enforce regulations pertaining to speed, crosswalks, and parking.

Additionally, with the beginning of the academic year, traffic safety cameras on NE 116th Street in front of Einstein Elementary School will be activated. 


Cameras in front of Einstein are live only when the yellow beacons are flashing, generally from:
8:35 a.m. to 8:55 a.m.
3:25 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. 
(Wednesday afternoon - 1:55 pm - 2:15 pm)

“Those traveling should always maintain safe driving habits, but especially in school zones where children may not be paying attention,” stated Traffic Lt. Nick Almquist.  “We will work with school crossing guards and school administrators to ensure they are prepared for the coming academic year.”
Other safety tips:

•  When posted, the speed limit is 20 miles per hour in school zones when children are present (Fine: minimum $189, depends on speed)
•  Stop when following a school bus and its red lights are flashing  (Fine: $394)
•  Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and on sidewalks (Fine: $124)
•  Avoid using cell phones, IPods, and other activities that cause inattentive driving (Fine: $124)

Jim Bove
Redmond Police Department
Community Outreach Facilitator
(425) 556-2545
jbove@redmond.gov

Mr. Bove to speak at First Friday Chat, Sept. 2, 10AM, Senior Community Center.  Public is invited.

LETTERS: Pro & Con Comments on Redlight Cameras

LETTER (Pro): I went from being a person against the red light cameras to being fully supportive of them. I was afraid I'd be rear ended several times as I slammed on brakes to avoid getting tickets (yes, I admit to cutting it close on occasion). But after attending the public meeting on the red light cameras, and seeing how people were speeding up and ENTERING the intersection after the light was red, well, I would give them a ticket too. Slowing down just a bit so that you can approach the light at a safe enough speed to avoid being rear ended and getting a ticket is easy. It's not too much to ask.

-- Comment By Anonymous1 on OPINION: "Redmond Initiative 1" moves closer ... on 8/30/11

LETTER (Con):  I think cameras are a great idea. We should have them everywhere, not just red lights. Like on the highway, so we can ticket all you slow drivers in the passing lanes. And in our houses (and bedrooms), so we can make sure there’s no wrongdoing going on there. Let’s not forget every church, synagogue and mosque. Can you imagine the juicy sedition we could uncover? Last, I’d like to put a webcam in almost every room at Redmond city hall, so we can see what really drives the behavior, decisions, and results that have so many of us puzzled. It seems we have the right and obligation to constantly monitor each other to ensure we protect society from our collective bad behavior. We’ll, count me all in. If you’re not doing anything wrong, you won’t object, right?

  --Comment By Anonymous2 on OPINION: "Redmond Initiative 1" moves closer... on 8/30/11

The Council Public Safety Committee meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday of the month (4 PM at City Hall).  Councilmembers David Carson (candidate for Nov. election), Hank Myers (uncontested candidate) and John Stilin are committee members.  The meetings are open to the public; the Redlight camera program and videos are often reviewed.  

The April - June public safety committee report on Redlight cameras is here.  Redmond Way/148th Ave NE intersection has the most citations/month.   B.Y.

UPDATED OPINION: "Redmond Initiative 1" moves closer to qualifying for February 7 ballot

UPDATE: 
9/21/2011 - NEWS FLASH:   THE MAYOR AND HIS CITY LAWYER, MR. HANEY, ANNOUNCE TODAY THAT THE 6000 PETITIONS ARE ILLEGAL ACCORDING TO STATE LAW AND WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE COUNTY FOR FILING.  B.Y.  Eyman's Editorial  9/22 

Mayor Marchione and Councilmember Cole's OpEd in response to Eyman's Editoral., 9/22

Scott Harlan, Redmond activist

from the Desk of Scott Harlan, Redmond resident and activist... 

OPINION:  "My goal is to get a public vote on the redlight camera program so the citizens can say “yes” or “no”.  If they say “yes”, I am fine with that (although I would personally vote no.)

We are quickly approaching the end of the redlight signature signature gathering phase of this campaign.  With a little bit more work, we are well on our way to qualify for the ballot (which will be on February 7th). 

Campaign Update:  There has been a little confusion about the [red light signature gathering campaign,] so let me clear that up.   The signature gathering phase of an initiative lasts a full six months.  For gathering signatures, that final date is roughly September 20th.  Once the signatures are gathered, they are turned in to the county for verification.  After the city council acts, the measure would then go on the ballot for the next election per certain regulatory time-frames. 

For Redmond Initiative #1, that means that the measure goes on the February ballot.  Making the November ballot in time would have required a miracle given the size of Redmond. [ ] The county just requires too much lead time to make a November ballot.  When we are on the February ballot, that will be success." 

The following Redlight Signature Gathering Event is scheduled for September 10th:

Redlight Signature Gathering Event:

When:  Saturday, September 10th

 from 9:30am to 3:30pm 

(2-3 hour shifts are just fine and appreciated)

Where:  Meet at the Together Center board room

 (16225 NE 87th, Redmond, WA  98052)

Opinion By Scott Harlan

WSDOT restripes exit lane to Redmond Way to unclog gridlock

The restriping work will be done within the next several weeks, 8/25

from the desk of Jamie Holter, WSDOT Communications

WSDOT restripes exit lane to Redmond Way

We get email from eastside drivers who tell us they love the new lanes on SR 520 between West Lake Sammamish Parkway and SR 202. The lanes have been open since December 2010. The lanes save time and make for a better commute.

 Usually, in the same breath, they tell us how much they dislike the single lane exit to SR 202 / Redmond Way. The idea was to limit cars crisscrossing as they headed toward the exit. The weaving leads to collisions. Redmond drivers still don’t like it.

We have been working with the city of Redmond for several months now to unclog that gridlock at the end of the ramp to Redmond Way. While there is no perfect solution, we have agreed to restripe the exit lane to Redmond Way and give drivers two lanes instead of one. It’s a start.

We expect to do the work in the next several weeks.  Thank you to the drivers who have written into us with their traffic-busting solutions in the last several months.  

Jamie Holter

WSDOT Communications I

206.440.4698 (W)   206.719.7535 (cell)

Ecology loosens vehicle emissions testing requirements

Ecology adopts changes to state’s vehicle emissions testing program

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has adopted a new updated motor vehicle emissions testing program rule. The changes take effect in July 2012.

The new rule includes changes required by the Legislature. All 2009 and newer model year vehicles will not require testing and additional businesses may be authorized to conduct tests. The rule also eliminates some testing that is becoming less relevant. 

New rule changes include:

• Eliminating the gas cap test and dynamometer testing.

• Using the same test standards for all 1995 model year and older gasoline vehicles.

• Exempting light-duty diesel vehicles from testing.

• Tightening the test standards for heavy-duty diesel vehicles.

This action fits exemption criteria in Gov. Chris Gregoire’s Nov. 17, 2010, executive order, which suspended non-critical rule work until the end of 2011. Approving the changes will allow small businesses to perform emission tests on vehicles.  King, Pierce, Snohomish, Clark, Spokane counties are affected.

You can find the new rule and supporting documents on Ecology’s Air Quality website. (http://www.ecy.wa.gov/laws-rules/activity/wac173422A.html   Read More >>