Updated: "Council Conversations" In The Downtown Park

Downtown Park COUNCIL CONVERSATIONS, The Safety Table / photo Yoder

I sat in at three tables conversing with councilmembers and residents at the busy Safety table, Environmental Sustainablity table and Miscellaneous table.  Council V.P. Jessica Forsythe presided over the Safety Table. Feedback from a resident/family living in a downtown apartment was especially interesting.  He wanted stop signs placed on Cleveland Street intersections and other downtown intersections -- said he saw pedestrians getting mildly brushed.  He said Uber drivers were the worst; always looking at their cell phones. Another guy complained about gangs that prey on residents for their belongings. He thought only 4 - 6 police officers patrolled the whole city and asked for 16 more officers.  I think Jessica said the department had over 140 officers (traffic, patrol, detective, drone, criminal, crime etc.) with plans for 4 more.  CM (councilmember) Fields asked why the need for 16 more officers?  I questioned the need for council taxing their city utilities and raising the business tax to fund a $6 million dollar public safety gap. IMO, the .25% city excise tax on construction was funding enough. 

I briefly sat in at CM Stuart's Environmental Sustainablity Table. Trees were a topic of great interest.  One resident said low income housing developments "lit up the heat map" owing to significant tree loss. Ms. Stuart said our canopy goal was 40%.  We're at about 38% canopy now.  Ms. Stuart alluded to the Master Builders lawsuit against Kirkland. The city has kept our existing 2018 Tree Regulations as is for 16 years (!) and now the new, approved Update has been delayed for two years longer because of the lawsuit, with no end is sight.  So, 40% goal seems out of reach. I suggested focusing on park and street trees like we have in the Downtown Park. Ms. Stuart lives in Overlake; she knows about the green roof installations on many of the buildings there.  My feedback was the city needs code for encouragement of "green roofs" in all downtown construction projects. At least three developments (villages) are planned for Redmond by 2050 and we need green roofs and wall gardens in those buildings,  

CM Stuart took this opportunity to update us on Sound Transit's light rail progress to our downtown. It was very interesting. I believe she said it will reach our downtown by mid-2025 and cross the bridge by late 2026.  I'm not light rail has something to do with our environment, but maybe in part.  I met Council President Vanessa Kritzer after the event; she spoke of a green vegetative - tree ring around the City one day.

Conversations didn't stop after the event was formally over.  I chatted with two on-duty police officers about "speed cameras."  It re-enforced my belief `they would consistently slow my "speed" around schools, but the ramifications to traffic congestion are unknown. I had a 25-minute talk with Andrew Villeneuve about our "news desert."   He wants to start an online newspaper and I plan to help him.  

Councilmember Fields has been pushing for neighborhood Conversations for years.  This one was a total winner and weather permitting, I hope we have many more!  Thank you Steve.  

-- Bob Yoder, 10/1/2024

[All  the councilmembers participated except for Angie.  Retired councilmembers Pat Vache' and Hank Myers were present. Sue Stewart, Kiwanis Secretary and Siri Bliesner retired LWSD Director, and active member of Civic Genius were present.  

[Siri is starting a Civic Genius roundtable on affordable housing.  "Deliberative Democracy" is at their core. If you would like to join Siri please email her at: siri@ourcivicgenious.org]  

The River, Landmark Oak Trees, And Summer Fun

 

 Heritage Red Oak Tree in apparent distress during Senior Center construction.
(click to enlarge)

After a Vision Redmond 2050 meeting last night I joined Pam for some awesome "Hey Jude dancing" to the "Beatnicks." It was Rockn' on the River time!   

The Senior & Community building construction was nearby so we checked it out.  We first noticed the Heritage Red Oak Tree.  Not to alarm, but I'm concerned for its health.  Notice the mound of earth piled within the dripline root zone.  The roots are clearly disturbed.  Near the trunk a subsurface cement box is dug-out. Does the right side of the tree look somewhat shriveled/limp to you?  Why is the invasive work done in the heat of the summer?   

Worries out of the way, we then rushed to see if Council kept Red Oak 161. Yes, they did!  All three landmark Red Oaks are standing tall.  Three other good sized trees remain nearby.  

At a Council meeting (7/26) the Parks Director reported concerns that removing the tree will increase  impervious surfaces in the shoreline buffer.  In my opinion, pervious asphalt should be installed on the Center walkways within the shoreline buffer. Yes, it's expensive but if the city can install pervious asphalt on the entire Phase II Central Trail Connector they can certainly afford it on the State shoreline buffer.  

It was nice to see the white detention tanks for treating runoff.  They looked new, state of the art, and clean.  Only the best for the Sammamish River!

After Rockn' on the River was over we ran into Marty Boggs, Senior Center Administrator; he noted something extraordinary.  There wasn't a shred of litter on the lawns!  Said Marty, "It's like this every year, Redmond is a special place"   

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 8/12/2022

"Save The Oak Tree"

 

  

 A member of the  "Chat Cafe" Facebook site said: "Interestingly, I saw this on a sign along the river trail today."  (8/2/2022)

 oak tree story

UPDATED: Work Begins On The First Building Of "Nelson Village"

"Project One" is the first development in the 23-acre Nelson Village neighborhood.   Design of this development will set a tone and stage for future developments.  DRB

Short clip of "Project One" demolition site showing trees to be removed.

I'm videotaping looking east from the Shell station, 7/29/2022

Grand Peking Restaurant and *Aqua Quip buildings will be demolished.

The Nelson Legacy Group is the owner and developer of the "Project One" project.  The Nelson Legacy Group owns 22 additional acres in Redmond which are approved for development.  

Project One is eight stories, 244 mixed use multi-family units, 4316 s.f. commercial, 221 parking spaces (21 spaces are free for commercial/retail use within the building. Minimum 25 affordable units (meets code.)

The "Project One"  building is highly visible.  It will be even more visible  with city approval of an extra story.   

A one story bonus (making eight stories) was granted by the city for provisions of 20 percent on-site usable open space in the form of plazas, arcades with water features that are accessible to the public during extended business hours. 

(The applicant is going above and beyond the city requirement of 12,180 sf for open space in providing 22,700 sf of open space.)  

Boundaries:  Adjacent to the Downtown Park,  Chevron gas station and Jimmy Johns to the west, Redmond Way to the South. On the east Aqua-Quip, Grand Peking Restaurant, and Dark Horse Brew will be demolished.  1.4 acres. 80052 -161 Av. NE. 

Sources:  Design Development Review memo, 11/6/2020  Clark Barnes, NLG Design Review Board

double click to enlarge
This permanent urban food truck rests on the Project One site. The owner plans to move to a different downtown Redmond location.  Police and construction workers frequent the eatery. It's the only "permanent" food truck in Redmond.
* Aqua Quip is moving to a larger facility in Woodinville.

-- Opinion:  Bob Yoder, Photos Yoder, 9/5/2021

UPDATED: RED OAK COMMUNITY CENTER, "City Of Redmond's Finest"

Attractive "Red Oak Community Center" signage may complement the building's wood design.

UPDATE:  On 8/16/2022, Council named the building "Senior & Community Center" 4-1 (Anderson)

Video Tour

City Council recently studied community feedback for naming the new Senior/Community building.  Over 30 comments, including those from seniors were reviewed.  All explicitly stated why they felt the word senior should not be included. The primary reason is that seniors are a vital part of the community, and the name is meant to represent a welcoming and inclusive space of all Redmond residents.

My quick story:  I'm a Baby Boomer.  By eliminating "senior" the community center would be more vibrant and diverse for me.   More community members would  bond to "Red Oak Community Center" than a more generic Senior Center.  According to the city's definition, I've been a senior for 16 years. That's a turn-off.  I'm 71 now ("a gray hair") but I don't consider myself "senior."  I can play pickleball as good as the rest of them.  Other seniors can teach youth computer skills, throw clay, and swap stories.  Kids can teach older members computer and gaming skills. 20-60 year olds could do planned activities with the "seniors."

Are we including the other two community centers?  Are there opportunities for cross-pollination? The President of the Redmond Historical Society (RHS) John Oftebro reminded me of their "schoolhouse community center."  (We play pickleball there too.  Others play ping pong.) RHS members trend older like me.  Could we welcome them and visa versa?  Historical Society membership would grow and become more diverse.  Any ideas for the Marymoor Community Center?  Administrative activities like for solar panel donations?  Something totally different?

Branding:  I think CM Forsythe and Mr. Fields prefer "Redmond" in the name.  How about "Red Oak Community Center" as the header, with a Redmond tagline?  Include Redmond LOGOs at the front desk and on select outdoor signage?  Once inside the Red Oak LOGO may fit into the architectural design (CM Stewart.)  

Throughout community engagement, community members expressed during the design process that the name “Redmond Senior & Community Center” implied that this space was only for seniors and did not feel that their feedback was important to the process. Additionally, senior centers throughout the region have moved toward more inclusive naming such as the Edmonds Waterfront Center to be representative of the community in which it exists.

Redmond's Heritage Northern Red Oak
credit, Yoder

The Parks and Trails Commission discussion on July 7, 2022 focused on whether “Senior” should be part of name but determined that “Community” is inclusive of all the people who would use the center. After discussion, the Planning Commission passed a motion 4:3 in favor of the “Red Oak Community Center.”  It will be going to the City Council for action August 2022.

-- Report & opinion by Bob Yoder, 7/30/2022

    SOURCE:  Parks Committee of the Whole memo.

The Challenges Of Crafting Redmond Tree Regulations

AustinChronicle.com

It's been a long 24 years since a Redmond updated our Tree Regulations.  Trees are a big part of our culture.  They populate our parks, open spaces, trails, neighborhoods, and even downtown with greenery. They contribute to the riparian habitat of Bear Creek's salmon. We cherish them for their ecological benefits.  A few of our treed parks and trails are regional destinations. 

City Council, the Planning Commission, expert city staff, and community volunteers worked long and hard - 1.5 years in fact - to update the tree regulations.  Council was willing to approve the proposed regulations but unfortunately a Master Builder lawsuit against Kirkland's new tree regulations caused them to delay.  Read Mayor Birney's response at the end of this article.  

Redmond's proposed Tree Regulation Update took ~ 12 meetings!

The Update is a lot about tree replacements and penalties:   

• For every one Landmark tree (30 inches or more) removed, six "replacement trees" (saplings) must be planted either on-site, off-site, or fee in-lieu. ($2,000.) in that order.
• For every one "Significant" tree  (6 inches in diameter at breast height) removed three saplings must be planted either on-site, off-site, or fee in-lieu ($500) in that order.
• The idea is to build canopy.  Redmond's goal is 40% canopy.  Canopy provides  cooling, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, raises property values, improves mental health, lowers blood pressure and more. Most Washington cities have a 40% canopy goal.
• For each tree removed illegally by topping the contractor's penalty will be tripled. 
• Single Family Homes don't qualify for off-site or fee-in lieu options. Saplings must be shoe-horned into the parcel.  If an evergreen is removed, it must be replaced by a six-foot evergreen tree.  The requirements can never be enforced; no penalties. 
• Find the proposed updates here:  www.LetsConnectRedmond.com/Trees

The "Master Builders of King and Snohomish County" argument against Redmond's Update is, in part: 

1. "Redmond is at odds with another critically important goal for the community (and requirement under the Growth Management Act.); insuring adequate supply of housing."
2. "Concerned enhanced retention and replacement requirements will significantly increase review times and construction costs; hampering new home construction and driving up costs."  
3. "This will make it increasingly difficult for the City to meet it's own housing targets and provide a range of affordable housing options."
4. "The trees are getting the same protection as critical areas."
5.  "Reconsider a 40% canopy requirement since "American Forest" in 2017 no longer recognizes this as standard."  
6. "The Growth Management Act requires Redmond to responsibly provide dense housing totaling 8897 units by 2040."  

The Master Builder lawsuit against Kirkland's Tree Regulation Update as described by Mayor Birney (edited excerpt.)

Mayor Birney:  "The Master Builders claim Kirkland's tree protection ordinance violates the Growth Management Act (GMA) because it failed to consider private property rights, created vague implementation standards, treated trees like critical areas without consideration of Best Available Science and will decrease housing production. 

Mayor Birney:  "Although we do not believe these arguments have merit, staff want to take the "Growth Management Hearings Board" conclusions into account before finalizing the ordinance for Council approval. The final Board decision on the matter is expected in November.  In the meantime, staff are proposing to update the Redmond fee schedule for tree replacement and the enforcement codes to ensure that unpermitted removal is appropriately deterred until the substantive regulations can be finalized for Council adoption early in 2023."

Owing to the strength of the Planning Director's advice to Council, it was decided not to take action on the Proposal until November at which time the Kirkland law suit will be resolved. Council will wait until early January before implementing the new ordinance. In the process of this timeline, developers will be vested under the more lenient ordinance for over 2.3 years. Hmm, how much canopy will be removed before the new more restrictive ordinance takes place?

The Planning Director will not hire a "Code Compliance Officer."

-- Bob Yoder, 6/29/2022

For details on penalties for illegal tree removal, and to comment  "Read More"

UPDATED 6/19: The High Value Of Downtown City Trees

Three landmark oak trees. The Design Review Board says one must go.

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Councilmember David Carson led Council discussion on the Senior & Community Center monthly report.  It was the April 26th "Committee of the Whole" meeting. Councilmembers Varisha Kahn and Steve Fields were absent.

Eric Dawson, Project Manager gave each councilmember a tree heath assessment map  (or something similar.) Thirty-two trees will be removed,  mostly from around the building. 199 replacement sapling trees will be planted.  The high count is attributable to the 128 replacement tree requirements in the "Shoreline jurisdiction."  

President Jessica Forsythe asked "how many trees can potentially be saved, especially looking at the first one nearest the River Trail?  It's a pretty substantial tree and lots of people enjoy the shade. There's about five I'm hoping we can do something." 

Mr. Dawson said mildly, he was looking into small shrubs to give away to homeowners.  huh?  At one time he said the City could afford a "green roof" on the Center.  A sliver of one is planned.

President Forsythe asked about reworking the trail rather than removing the tree.  Mr. Dawson said the Design Review Board studied every angle to find the "best connection point" between the river and the Center. They decided the entrance to the Center near a landmark tree was the most inviting and the tree would need to go; yet he committed to one more look.  

Parks Chair Councilmember David Carson was positive about saving the tree saying "it took 50-60 years to get that tree to where it's at."  He said it was an ideal shade tree for the picnic tables. City planner Cameron Zapata said Red Oaks are sometimes called "Champion Trees." 

Odds & ends:  Vice President Vanessa Kritzer asked about the pickleball courts. Eric said they will stay open until the cranes are up.  "Art Hill" will close for staging.  Late 2022, early 2023 construction cranes will be up.  Councilmember Malissa Stuart got assurances from Mr. Dawson that full programing with some finishing touches will be in place late 2023 when the Center opens.  

I did quite a bit of research on the "inviting entrance" near the landmarks seen in this photo. The OPSIS Health Assessment marked the three trees as "significant" Oaks measuring 24", 20", and 24".  I measured them: all three were a minimum 30 inches ABH while standing on their roots. These Oaks are landmarks.  I fear the the middle landmark will be removed unless Council intervenes. I'm not positive they are Red Oaks. The foliage of  three Oaks looks different from the Heritage tree.

It's interesting four Oregon White Oaks are designated tree replacements.  For more information about the tree replacements.  READ MORE: 

UPDATED, 6/26/22: Redmond's Heritage Oak Tree

• 
  

The Oak Heritage Tree
Chris Weber, Arts Administrator next to trunk 
(click to enlarge)

Opinion:  Mayor Angela Birney's "Senior & Community Center" groundbreaking ceremony yesterday was fabulous.  After the ceremony, we walked to City Hall for a poster session and to meet *city staff, our elected and city leaders.  

We were asked to "vote with stones" for a building name we liked best. I recommended "Red Oak Senior Center" on one side and "Redmond Community Center" on the other side. I really hope it's the peoples' choice.  So, what's so special about "Northern Red Oaks" Quercus Rubra?

• They grow 300+ years and have been in existence 400 years.
• Excellent shade trees, beautiful fall colors.
• Tolerant to urban conditions, powerful winds, drought.
• They originated in England. Not native to the NW.  "Easy and comfortable to transplant." 
• Fast growing, 2 feet/year, the first 10 years
• Top off at 70 feet - 88 feet, round shape
• Diameter:  47 inches.

This Red Oak may have gotten it's start from a sapling, a transplant (or an acorn 😁 )  Construction at the site will yield 191 tree replacements; I hope some of the  replacements will be Red Oaks. Perhaps a grove could be planted with tables and chairs under the canopy?  Three other landmark Red Oaks are on the property.

The Heritage Tree is decorated with lights every year for the holidays.  A mayoral ceremony under the tree usually starts the Luminary Walk.  The tree is actually not on the Senior Center site. 

* SEEN:  Hank Myers, Hank Margeson, Vanessa Kritzer, Angela Birney, Pat Vache', Arnie Tomac, Laura Lee Bennett, John Oftebro, Cherl Strong Magnuson, Rosemarie Ives, John Couch, Jessica Forsythe, Eric Dawson (project manager,) Zach Houvener, Loreen Hamilton (parks director.) Jim Kalelage (architect,) John Marchione, Sue Stewart, Chris Weber, Marty Boggs, David and Chip. 

Source:  https://localtreeestimates.com/northern-red-oak/

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, photo, 6/3/2022

The Challenge And Sorrow Of Cutting Down My Tree

 The city is updating their tree regulations soon. City council is reviewing the tree permit and considering community donations to a "Tree Fund" for tree planting events. 

Pam on Landmark tree stump in our front yard.

UPDATED: 04/2022  As much as I love trees, it was time to remove this Doug fir from our front yard. With the high winds and rain we get the tree was hazardous being only 20 feet from our house.  So, after much thought and some pain I filed for a city tree removal permit and hired Rudy Schulze of "Top Notch Tree Service" to do the work. Removing the tree was a heartbreak.

When we moved into our "East Firs" Burnstead home 25 years ago, the tree was maybe half the size?  But in the last 7-10 summers the tree sucked up every drop of water around it, killing a small tree, some shrubs and our lawn.  Acidic cones, needles and branches dropped like rain on the roof.  Our street appeal was suffocating.  

           My double-trunked fir on the left was removed
after getting a permit from the city.

Pam and I wanted to salvage one of the forked  trunks, but Rudy and one of his arborists said no, that felling only one trunk would be like pruning more than 50% of the tree. Rudy called it out as a hazardous Landmark and removed the entire tree and checked it off on the permit.  **Not an Exception since hazardous. 

Some tips:  Be careful of Evergreen arborist companies(s). IMO only one is professional, the others not so much.  A few aren't  arborists and over-cut to raise their profits. One quoted over $2,500 for the tree.  I paid Rudy from Top Notch, $950 and a tip.  He dropped the trunks and limbs next to my vine maple and house with precision.  The very next day, Rudy's partners hauled away all the wood for free and offered affordable stump grinding services. I also highly recommend Paul Harvold, 425-748-4649. Visit the International Society of Arboriculture website to find an ISA certified arborist.

Redmond requires a permit for removing "significant trees" and Landmark Trees. There's no fee. I  heard about the permit by word-of-mouth.  You're allowed  to remove up to two healthy or hazardous "significant" trees (six - to less than 30 inches in diameter) or **one healthy, non-hazardous Landmark every 365 days with a permit.  

I found the permit here. Read it carefully. For every tree removed you're required to replace it in your yard with small native trees even if there's no space for it. Arborists don't tell you.  If this is a hardship in any way, and you love trees, please know, the City Council is updating their tree regulations and considering a neighborhood "Tree Fund" for community Park planting events. 

** Principal planner Kathy Beam says all Landmark removals require an Exception form. 

Photos & Story By Bob Yoder, 03/2011

Updated:  4/29/2022, 7:30am

Councilmembers value your input.   If  you want to donate to a community "Tree Fund" for tree planting events send council your wishes by emailing council@redmond.gov or email customer service at Info@redmond.gov.  Your feedback will make a huge difference. 

The Development of Esterra Park Leveled A Forest To Provide Needed Microsoft Housing

SHORT VIDEO OF ESTERRA PARK, THE ESTERRA APARTMENTS. AND OFFICE SPACE -- Worth every minute

Many posts on the controversial deforestation of the land are here!

2600 apartment units / 6 communities 

285 rooms/ 2 hotels

Project Overview

Lincoln Properties (PARKSIDE) is designing three multifamily buildings on blocks 5, 6A and 9 of Esterra Park. Building “6A” on block 6A is proposed at six stories with 215 homes. Building “A” is proposed as an eight-story building with 212 homes that straddles blocks 5 and 9. Building “B” is also on blocks 5 and 9. It is proposed as two buildings connected by enclosed walkways, with heights of five and six stories and 231 homes. The north portion of Building “B” faces the Park at Esterra Park.

Project Overview

The project (white structure on right) incorporates a 7-story office building with 3-levels of underground parking featuring a new access road with fire truck and utility access. (The white structure on the left is lodging.)

Project Number:  LAND-2018-00817

Project Overview

Avalon Bay Communities is designing a six-story, 330-home building on block 8 of Esterra Park. Block 8 is across NE Turing Street from the Park at Esterra Park site. The design for the building includes a ground-level courtyard that opens to the side facing the park.

Project Overview

As part of the Esterra Park Master Plan, Capstone Partners is designing a 2.67-acre publicly-accessible park. After completing design of the park, Capstone will construct, own and maintain the park. Early in 2014, Capstone solicited input on park design and presented a design to the Parks and Trails Commission in June and August 2014. Capstone presented a park design to the City Council in August 2014. Elements in the current design include: 

• Hill climb
• Meadow
• An open green
• Overlook
• Plazas
• Terraced garden
• Tree groves

-- Esterra websites, 12/20/2021

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 >>