UPDATED, 2/21/2024 On The Proposed New Redmond Town Center

REDMOND TOWN CENTER REDEVELOPMENT 

Hines will host two neighborhood meetings over the next 12 months. The first meeting will be SOON, in March 6th of 2024 at RTC campus office.  Contact mayor@redmond.gov for times. 

The center's Master Plan review by Council is now underway.  Notably, in addition to the 12-story buildings, three 7-story mixed used residential building are planed.  

 Protecting Redmond’s Aquifer: we’ve positioned all parking above ground to avoid any impact to the aquifer and reduce the carbon impact during construction.

Affordable Housing: At full development, Redmond Town Center will feature up to 200 units of transit-oriented, affordable housing – 2x the minimum contained in the inclusionary zoning ordinance, at 60% of  "Average Median Income."

74th Street: Streetscape improvements on 74th include a transition to a pedestrian-first, engaging open space to enliven the center of the retail core.

Ground Floor Retail: The design includes a net increase of 15,000 – 35,000 square feet of ground floor, pedestrian generating and retail uses, with a portion of that reserved for local, smaller shop retail uses.

Pedestrian and Intersection Improvements: Street and intersection improvements at 166th, 164th, and 76th streets will provide a much more engaging, pedestrian oriented ground plane experience.

Green Roofs: Vegetated green roofs will be included in non-mechanical areas of new building construction to help reduce the urban heat island and help manage stormwater run-off.

Schedule Updates & Opportunities for Feedback:

Neighborhood Meetings:

Hines will host two neighborhood meetings over the next 12 months. The first meeting will be SOON, in March 6th of 2024 at RTC campus office.  Contact info@redmond.gov for times. with another coming in late summer - ~August of 2024. Further details to come here.

Thank you again for participating and sharing your input and questions. We’ll follow up with more updates soon. In the meantime, please visit our Feedback section to respond to our new questions!

-- Hines, 1/12/2024

To find additional blog posts on Redmond Town Center click the "RTC" label. These stories were found at the blog search button. Here are some posts on downtown and the downtown buildings.

UPDATED: Second 8-Story Building Planned for 80th & Leary

Excellent project!    Design Review Board 1 Presentation  Listen to the presentation!

Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer has been a strong advocate for more day-care space in Redmond. The Design Review Board reported day-care space is planned for this project!  Massing of the prominent Redmond Grand apartments on 166th and Redmond way is terrible.  This particular project (west & adjacent to the 8-story "Arco" project) has very creative architecture helping to reduce the massing affect.  Harvey Fairbourne, the new owner of RTC could learn from this exciting new project.

16310 NE 80th ST (& Leary) is a new proposed 85’ tall, 1.18 acre residential apartment building located on 80th Street in downtown Redmond, WA. It is comprised of 8 floors above grade, one level below grade totaling 347,713 sf with 260 parking spaces and 270 residential units. It includes a 5-story wood-framed residential tower above a 3-story concrete podium. Ground level uses include residential lobby/lounge, units and indoor open space that serves the neighborhood, as well as residents. 

Mayor Birney's Water Quality Report, July 2023

Good description and graphics of the aquifer here.

UPDATED: Evans Creek Relocation Put On Hold

The city environment planner, Cathy Beam, reached out to the community yesterday with a poster session on the pending Critical Area Update soon to be reviewed by the Planning Commission.  

Attendees learned the Evans Creek Relocation project was held up by King County permitting and the trenching to relocate the creek to the north hasn't started.  Trenching was supposed to begin last year.  

A large swath of invasive reed canary grass is being removed by mowing and applying Roundup.  It's a big project.  It's anticipated the relocation project will re-start sometime next year.  

Critical seismic areas didn't appear to be of deep concern with staff since entire Puget Sound area is subject. They referred to building codes as protecting the city structures in the event of an earthquake.  

The council-approved tree regulations are still not in effect owing to prolonged negotiations with the Master Builders.  Thus, current projects are vested under the old, more lenient regulations.  

Questions and concerns about the city's shallow aquifer was noted.  

-- Bob Yoder, 6/23/2023

City Planning Is Posting QR Codes for Proposed Land Use projects

It's great the city is finally posting QR codes for Proposed Land Use Action projects.  Better late than never.  The AMLI project decision has already been made, but with conditions.  According to the QR, the State Environmental Policy Act was revised and the project may now be appealed by 5/15/2023.  The project sits about 100 yards downhill from city well water and it's possible the aquifer may be disturbed.  It's also possible the aquifer will liquify during an earthquake.  A final act of the decision are inspections from city engineers.   

Warehouse Project in SE Redmond Sits Over a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area

 

Internet

Description: New office and storage building on vacant parcel adjacent to the existing Keller Supply building located at 18315 NE 76th Street and 18317 NE 76th Street.

Keller Eastside Industrial Office.  Southeast Redmond Neighborhood. The project is a warehouse and upscale showroom. Keller is one of the largest suppliers of Koehler in the Western states.  A wide paved plaza wraps around to an outdoor meeting room. 

This site is situated over a Type I Critical Aquifer Recharge Area and design provisions have been included to retain the aquifer’s quality and volume. A hydrological assessment has been undertaken to assure all regulations and requirements have been met.  (staff.)

Listen to the Design video HERE.

-- Posted by Bob Yoder, 10/25/2022

UPDATED: The Sky's the Limit for Redmond Town Center Building Heights

This sign announces and invites the public to attend and comment at the WEDNESDAY. November, 2nd 7:00 p.m. Hearing about Redmond Town Center building heights. It is installed by the Applicant (Owner) Courtesy of City of Redmond  (click picture to enlarge)

 ATTENTION PUBLIC:  

The City of Redmond Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing at Redmond City Hall Council Chambers, 15670 NE 85th Street, Redmond, Washington on WEDNESDAY November 2, 2022 at 7 p.m. 

**SUBJECT: Zoning Code Amendment  to provide incentives for additional height in exchange for public benefits, along with minor clarifications to Zone design standards.  

Your comments are encouraged!

•  Public comment can be made in-person at City Hall, Monday, November 2nd, 7 p.m.
•  Public Comment can be made by phone during the meeting by providing a name and phone number to PlanningCommission@redmond.gov now or no later than November 2nd, 5 p.m. 
• Written public comments should be submitted prior to the hearing by email to PlanningCommission@redmond.gov no later than 5 p.m. on the hearing date. 
• Comments are encouraged and should be sent by email or mail to the planningcommission@redmond.gov.
• or to: Planning Commission, MS:  P.O. Box 97010, Redmond, Washington, 98073. 

###

A  RESIDENT'S COMMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION: 

What are "the benefits" residents will receive by agreeing to additional building height?  And, how high can the Applicant (Owner) build?  I've heard the Planning Commission and high-level staff are seriously considering 30-story buildings in Overlake Urban Center. They don't have an aquifer to worry about up there.  I've learned the Owner is very concerned about the aquifer interfering with his ability to build subterranean parking. So what are the benefits residents could receive if we give the owner one, two or three stories for above grade parking?  We should  be prepared for a maximum of 12-stories if not an additional 1-2 stories. Growth wins.  

Generous affordable housing is a must. Three and four room apartments for families, please. Other benefits:  8-10 foot pedestrian lit sidewalks with landscaping on either side, leading to plazas and alleys, children's play areas, a park for small dogs, food truck facilitation, outdoor art, interactive water fountains, covered retail and open space for community performances. Adequate street lighting. The scope and massing of two 12-foot and up buildings must be balanced and fit well.  Set-backs similar to Kirkland buildings.  Limit shading.  Wide mobility corridors connecting to Marymoor Village. A stop light at the SR520 Bear Creek Gateway.  Significant and creative landscape, trellised with green walls and green rooftop patio amenities.  Common areas within the buildings have cultural artwork. Walking tours to Lower Bear Creek look-outs. 10-foot plus street trees are necessary. A satellite "Safety Station" with police and mental health specialists overseeing the light rail station and e-scooters.  It's important the Redmond Town Center redevelopment be in character and compatible with the Legacy Nelson Village and the historic district. This could require 1-2 open houses.  If it's decided Nelson or RTC will be eclectic or have some other theme, then the Director of Planning should hold fast to growth unlike at Marymoor Village.  I have no problem with 12 stories if the Applicant provides most of these benefits, whistles and bells.  I don't think they should benefit from any more than two above surface parking levels.  Archer Hotel didn't benefit.  

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the proposed Redmond Town Center Code Amendment, Visit  redmond.gov/1860/Redmond-Town-Center. Write to the Planning Commissioners  if you have any serious comments and  questions, or would like to be a Party-of-Record on this proposal, please contact Glenn Coil, Senior Planner, 425-556-2742, gcoil@redmond.gov. A copy of the proposal is available at redmond.gov/Planning-Commission. If you are hearing or visually impaired, please notify Planning Department staff at 425-556-2441 one week in advance of the hearing to arrange for assistance.   

The City is not transparent about the "starting story" and maximum building height.  You have to dig into RZC 21.10.050  "Town Center Regulations and Incentive Standards"  to find the minimum and maximums. 

ACTION: Planning Commission gives their recommendation to Council on the proposed amendment to the Redmond Zoning Code.  Email:  PlanningCommission@redmond.gov.

Updated by Bob Yoder, 10/18/2022

UPDATED OPINION: Big Possibilities For Redmond's Overlake Urban Center

 

Redmond is trying to do something like this. Woodinville, above is designing some attractive buildings and open places for pedestrians and bicycles. These buildings are next to City Hall.  Notice the wide sidewalks with lighting and landscaping on either side. The corridor is an alley.  

###

I'm one of the few in Redmond that actually listen in to the Planning Commission meetings. [I think the city is working them too hard.] The commissioners studied the "Urban Pathway" concept last night.  Elements are 12-foot wide sidewalks with 8-feet of landscaping on either side.  The sidewalks have lighting and are intended for pedestrians (not scooters.)  They will connect to plazas.  Setbacks weren't discussed.  A favorite commissioner, Tara Van Niman was very positive about alleys.  She said they draw people in and are perfect for cafes and pubs.  

Urban Pathways are intended only for the Overlake Urban Center area. The planners missed their calling for the downtown. Very sad.  However, the concept could be applied for the Nelson Legacy Village and Redmond Town Center. 

###

SHOCKING!  Currently, Overlake is zoned 12 stories.   Now the city is seriously looking at 30-story  heights for Overlake, in the vicinity of Sears, as noted in the 9/7/2022 PC meeting.  

Laugh at me if you will, but could the 30-story rezone be attributed to downtown seismic conditions as described on one of my posts by a blog reader?  

Well put Bob! We discussed this at length during one of the planning meetings for the Redmond 2050 planning process. Most of us felt that due to the aquifer and the risk of earthquakes we need to push more of the development into the Overlake and surrounding areas. However some of the surrounding areas are at risk for landslides. There’s no perfectly safe space, but losing her aquifer because the building collapses into it would be catastrophic for Redmond. Thank you for responding, I am also being more aware of the various buildings going up near downtown. I feel like we don’t get enough of a notice. I think the city should be required to send notices to a wider area for each project. There are projects that are Amir two blocks from me that I have not received information for. Be alert citizenry and reach out

Jeff Churchill, the intelligent Long Range Planning Manager went back and forth with the commissioners on how the three major master planned developers in Overlake would respond well to a 30-story rezone.  (Sears, Limited Edition, and Seratige)  It appears the city is encouraging the three to wait for the 30-story rezone; especially Sears. Is the push to densify Overlake attributed to the seismic conditions of our shallow downtown aquifer?  Council Member Dr. Jeralee Anderson would be a good one to ask.  She has a PhD in Civil Engineering.  

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 9/28/2022

The Education Hill Earthquake Event

In 2001, a *6.8-magnitude earthquake rattled Education Hill.

It seems like only yesterday this earthquake shook the homes and schools on Education Hill.  My wife, Pam was in the clothes closet when it happened. I was out of town on business.  Pam was on the "Earthquake Emergency Committee" at Horace Mann where my daughter attended.  By the time she got to Mann the Principal had already moved the children out of the building; the Principal panicked so the gym teacher took over.  The school's "emergency metal container" was opened but unused. Tents, triage materials, food etc. Pam and two other mom's phoned as many parents as they could.  Pam guesses "the ground shook maybe 30 seconds."  She said only a couple of students were panicky.  

Our tri-level is next to the Bike Park.  Apparently, the chandelier swung mildly.  A weight-bearing beam in our 2-story rental on Ed. Hill cracked, shifted and had to be replaced.  

Stephan A. Siebert, P.E. with Associated Earth Sciences, Inc. in Kirkland is an Associate Geotechnical Engineer.  Mr. Siebert wrote in "Rosehill Cottages" Redmond project report:

Earthquakes occur in Puget Lowland with great regularity.  Large, deep earthquakes occur as evidenced by the 1949, 7.2-magnitude event; the 1966, 6.5-magnitude event; and the 2001, *6.8-magnitude event.  The deep 1949 earthquake appears to have been the largest in this area (Redmond) during recorded history.  Evaluation of return rates indicates that an earthquake of a magnitude between 6.0 and 7.0 is likely every 25 to 40 years in the Puget Sound area.

Is it time the school district updates their earthquake preparedness safety manual?

Is it time the City of Redmond updates their earthquake preparedness safety manual?

-- Bob Yoder, 9/9/2022, opinion

Downtown Redmond sits on a three-six foot deep aquifer in places!  video  

San Francisco earthquake liquefication event video.  Redmond's downtown aquifer has similar characteristics. 

Seattle fault zone / 3 earthquake types in the Pacific Northwest.  video

File:   LWSD, COR

UPDATED OPINION: Projects Over Aquifer Susceptible To Earthquakes

AMLI paper notice box empty.  No defined "comment period."  City will post QR codes
 on all yellow boards in the future. (click to enlarge)

Below, is my formal comment to the city planner managing the AMLI Project which is still under review / no decision.

"I'm concerned about a 6.0 or 7.0 earthquake disrupting or destroying all or some of the projects resting over the city's shallow aquifer.  AMLI is one such project. I recommend the following:  

1)  Delay the AMLI Decision until the City develops a solid plan to mitigate earthquake destruction.  In fact, for all projects under review resting over the shallow aquifer please delay the decision until the city updates their mitigation plan.

2) Impose above standard earthquake mitigation at AMLI and other projects under review resting on the shallow aquifer.  By "above standard" I mean mitigate to standards similar to San Francisco and other highly seismically prone cities.  

3) Require earthquake insurance or bonding.

4) Update the safety evacuation plan.

5) Mitigate damage to infrastructure so undamaged buildings and wellheads nearby can still operate.  A city wellhead in Anderson Park is across the street from AMLI.

Again, these comments apply to AMLI and all other projects "under review" resting over the shallow aquifer.

Unfortunately, my comment for AMLI is exceptionally late owing to the comment period not being  posted on the yellow notice board.  But, you can still make comment by emailing dlee@redmond.gov.

AMLI is one of my favorite projects proposed for the downtown. I hope the project isn't delayed by the City.  

-- Bob Yoder, 9/6/2022

UPDATED: Council Studies Impact Of Construction On Drinking Water

Station House Lofts, downtown aquifer dig, 3/2017 / credit Bob Yoder

The  proposed goal of  the temporary de-watering regulations is "to ease tensions between "compact growth" and drinking water." (Jessica Alakson)

Downtown Redmond and Marymoor Village lies over a shallow, sandy aquifer from which the City  gets 40% of our drinking water.  Jessica Alakson, the City geological scientist gave Council a brief report on actions the City is taking to protect the aquifer from development of 1-2 stories of underground parking garages.   

The aquifer is mapped by "Critical Area Recharge Areas" (C.A.R.A.).  One day, Redmond Town Center will be redeveloped with 12-story buildings and one or two levels of underground parking. Town Center is in the high priority C.A.R.A. Type 1 zone.  The proposed "Nelson Village" is in the C.A.R.A. Type 1 zone, as well.

Ms. Alakson said excavating the sandy aquifer artificially lowers the ground water-table. Water will be purchased from Cascade Water Alliance if water table significantly drops.  [When water levels drop significantly, it's my understanding the developer may have to pay for the difference.] 

Jessica stated "Temporary Construction Dewatering" will be amended to include the following limitations within the Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA):

 · Limit rate to 5,500 gallons per minute; and · Limit cumulative duration to a maximum of 1 year; and · Limit depth to a maximum of 9 feet below season high groundwater elevation. 

Council member Jeralee Anderson asked Jessica how long it takes to recharge the aquifer?  Jessica said if it's raining heavily, less than a month. The average recharge time is 2-4 months.  Ms. Anderson asked how many projects would be vested from the more restrictive regulations.  Jessica said hardly any.  

No decisions were made.

-- Bob Yoder, 7/6/2022

Source:  Council Committee of the Whole, Public Works, Presiding Officer CM Malissa Stewart

"The Challenge And Need for De-watering"  (a summary of all my posts on Redmond's water.)  BY

UPDATED 2/11/2022: Observations And History Of Troubled Evans Creek

 

Stormwater run-off pond seeps contaminated water into Evans Creek, 2006, B. Yoder

This blogpost focuses on the pollution of Evans Creek from Redmond's SE industrial district. Evans creek will be relocated and land rezoned as a result. My "Evans Creek Relocation" input was unreported at the Planning Commission Hearing of February 9th, 2022 so I'm trying to catch up here. Hopefully, elected officials will develop a greater understanding and empathy for the industrial district and  health of the creek.  Evans Creek borders north and east of the district. The presence of an aquifer is significant.

In a 2006 hike along northern Evans Creek I stumbled into the rough-and-tumble industrial district. Trucks blew horns; a few pushed me into narrow dirt shoulders. Clearly, they wanted no part of me. Curious, I sneaked back often, specifically looking for the creek and sniffing around the oil trucks.  Below, is some of the damage I found: 

• All Wood Recycling (now DTG) recycles or did recycle piles of toxic chemically treated wood and polluting concrete. Alarmingly, a shallow, high value aquifer lies  six feet below the surface.  Large chunks of concrete spill into the north eastern riparian, possibly the  creek. 
• An unmaintained, filthy, clogged stormwater pond with a sheen of oil and log-jammed debris has a natural connection to the creek about 30 - 40 yards away. The pond is a tell-tale sign of how little the industries and our jurisdiction cared about the salmon and and aquifer back then. Just a modicum of care would have made a  big difference but the City buried its head. 
• Some of the oil trucks never moved off the buffer, slowly dripping toxic fluids.

I reported the environmental abuses to Redmond's Code Enforcement Officer, Carl McCarty. He called in 5 agencies, violations were identified, fines were paid. Mr. McCarty recorded the outcome somewhere in his files.

No question, today staff is fully aware of the aquifer, the underground streams and general hydrology.  They will be prepared for a healthy transition to commercial zoning.

Some history: At least 20 years ago Mayor Rosemarie Ives hired Jon Spangler as Natural Resource Manager. Jon mapped the  Evans Creek Relocation plan; primarily he managed stormwater run-off. Redmond is now proudly one of the regional leaders in stormwater management. Mayor Ives may have also hired Cathy Beam.  She's the environmental principle planner for development. Ms. Beam is called upon to evaluate the influence of development on the environment. As I remember, she wasn't exposed in a big way to the early industrial issues of Evans Creek. However, I ran into her on-site once. 

Attention elected officials:  For values of preserving the aquifer and protecting our fish, I urge the City to expedite the transition from industrial  to commercial. I'm confident Mayor Birney will make certain the stormwater facilities are upgraded and toxins monitored, as needed.  (It doesn't hurt the Mayor is a Biologist.) We are extremely fortunate Council values so highly our environment - including protection and restoration of our streams, clean water, fish, riparian trees and varied habitats.

Note: I'm not sure of the operating status of the industries so at times erroneously switch the present with the past.  Dates are approximate and inaccurate.

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 2/10/2022

UPDATED: Sunrise Hue Apartments Most Innovative In Redmond

The parcel rests on a seismic hazard zone over the shallow aquifer. -- Geotechnology Engineer's report.

The proposed building is a six-story, mixed-use apartment building, only a five minute walk to light rail. It is located at the intersection of 164th and NE 85th Street.  A single family home, vacant lot (Brown Bag restaurant)  dentist office and strip mall (Herfy's Burger) across from 164th are on the site. The building is designed with a hint of orange in concert with the name "Sunrise Apartments."  This is a big breakthrough for Redmond from mustard colors; the Design Review Board still challenged them on the color! 

It consists of 1,991 sf of commercial retail space at the ground level with varying amenity spaces throughout. On levels two through six, there are 93 residential units. 83 internal parking stalls are provided at the ground level within the building with a three level car stacker system, as well as an additional subterranean level with additional parking spaces. 

One of the common open space features is located on the roof top. (see video.)  The deck itself features group seating, four Magnolia trees, Italian Cyprus, raised planters, a turf lawn gathering area, an outdoor kitchen, a green wall system, and a 42” height seating bar with canary lights draped over the central seating area.  The supposed "eclectic" SE Redmond Marymoor neighborhood could learn from this innovative developer.  

On the street level, the creative plaza design provides a sense of reprieve for pedestrians by incorporating seating areas within the vegetation and trees.  The building is set-back significantly providing wide sidewalks (see video.)

Of note, the interesting design of a double height indoor resident open space referred to as the “Sky Lounge” is located at the 6th level. It provides visual interest for the public while also providing a unique indoor recreational space for the residents, filled with natural light and broad views of the skyline.

Pictures and details at this link.

--- Design Review Board memo, 2/21/2021

     Opinion, Yoder

Read More for GeoTechnical Report.  (This project is located in Seismic Hazard Area.) 

Construction Of "Together Center" Well Underway

 

Site preparation for below grade parking (228 stalls)

PROJECT OVERVIEW:  Demolish existing building and construct two six-story mixed-use buildings with very affordable 280 dwelling units,  A single, approximately 2.47-acre parcel (Parcel number 29060600301300) located at 16225 NE 87th Street in Redmond, Washington

The City of Redmond Technical Committee and Design Review Board have reviewed and approved the above-referenced proposal for two mixed-use residential buildings with a total of 280 exceptionaly affordable residential units, approximately 49,000 square feet of gross floor areas of ground floor office space, and 228 stalls of below grade parking. 

The Site is currently developed with three (3) single-story commercial buildings totaling approximately 35,706 net square feet. The Site is being used by several businesses including: the Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy, the Together Center, a nursing agency, the Transition Academy for the Lake Washington School District, and a dental office. The site mapped as occurring within seismic hazard and critical aquifer recharge areas (which were not addressed within the Talasaea memo.)

-- Wetland LLC, 15803 Bear Creek Parkway, 3/4/2020

A sketch of things to come.

Bob Yoder, 6/25/2021

Redmond's Downtown Aquifer

An excellent link describing the many facets of Redmond's environment. This video was filmed in 2016 and we still face the same challenges, if not more.https://www.redmond.gov/1068/Environment

Council Considers Significant Stormwater Improvements Off Education Hill

The Council Committee is considering permitting "Pond C" to improve stormwater run-off from Education Hill.  The cost is estimated at $330,000.  Below, is the description of the project as found in the Council Committee memo of 8/13/2019:

"A NE 90th Street Stormwater basin is about 230 acres of predominantly residential and commercial land use. Much of the basin development was prior to modern stormwater standards. The basin originates in the uplands of Education Hill and extends southwest to discharge into the Sammamish River at NE 90th Street.

There is an existing stormwater wetpond located just upstream from the outfall. The existing pond is believed to infiltrate untreated stormwater into the aquifer, the project will stop untreated stormwater from infiltrating at this location. This project will also improve water quality in the Sammamish River through the retrofit design of a stormwater wetpond at NE 90th St in the City of Redmond. The design will focus on the removal of total suspended solids (TSS) to the Sammamish River by increasing stormwater runoff treatment."

This pond provides significant habitat for birds and fish. 

Reported by Bob Yoder

Education Hill Neighborhood Association Forum

INTRODUCTIONS:  2:50 m

OPENING STATEMENTS:  4:40 m Koeppen;  **8:05 m Birney;  10:37 m Fields

QUESTIONS: (**denotes the response I liked the most)
     # 1:  Climate Change 16:16 m: Birney 17:00;  Koeppen 22:12;  **Fields 22:16
     # 2:  Climate Change, King County Collaboration:  Koeppen 27:49; Fields 29.34; **Birney 31:05
     # 3:  Water/Aquifer: Fields 33:14; Koeppen 35:41;  **Birney 37:47
     # 4:  Senior Housing/Vision:  **Koeppen 40:33; Birney 44:17; Fields 46:48
     # 5:  Parks & Recreation, 51:25 m:  Birney 52:13; Koeppen 54:36; **Fields 56:00
     # 6:  Leadership/Vision, Birney 59:12; Koeppen 1:02:44; **Fields 1:05:44
     # 7:  Ban on Facial Recognition, 1:18:50 m  **Birney, Fields, *Koeppen
     # 8:  Saturday Market Relocation, 1.24.00 m  Koeppen, Fields, Birney

STATEMENT:
Koeppen 1:30:45 m Excessive use of electricity at City Hall
**Birney 1:31:28 m Affordable Housing
Fields 1:32:34 m Infrastructure

CLOSING STATEMENTS
1:34:28  Birney, **Fields, Koeppen

Forum Produced And Directed By Paige Norman
Video by Paige Norman , 6/13/19
Opinion by Yoder, 6/17/19

This page is under construction

UPDATED: City of Redmond Appoints Interim Planning Director

Redmond, WA – Redmond Mayor John Marchione has announced the appointment of Erika Vandenbrande as the interim Planning Director, due to Karen Anderson’s resignation in late March.

Erica Vandendbrand

Vandenbrande started with the City of Redmond in 2001 and currently serves as the Deputy City Administrator. She will continue operating in both positions until a new Planning Director is hired. Vandenbrande has held various management positions in her seventeen years with the city including Transportation Demand Management Manager and Economic Development Manager. Before joining the City of Redmond, Vandenbrande held planning roles at the US Environmental Protection Agency and South Coast Air Quality Management District. She was also a manager at Southern California Association of Governments where she was responsible for developing the local government portion of the regional Air Quality Management Plan.

Erica's extensive knowledge and understanding of city planning projects in addition to her passion for the Redmond community make her an ideal fit for the interim Planning Director, stated Mayor John Marchione.  We re in the process of conducting a national search.

Vandenbrande is a graduate of the University of Rochester with a Master of Public Policy Analysis and a Bachelor degree in Geology.

It is interesting to note the Mayor appointed Parks and Human Services Director Maxine Whattam as interim Planning and Public Works Director due to Linda DeBolt's apparent resignation in February. Ms. Whattan now has a duel role.  Mr. White is running the Public Works operations. (Over the years he's presented to council on Redmond water.) The Redmond Natural Resource Manager oversees 30 employees many of them involved with the management of the city aquifer, including Redmond's geologist.  In my opinion, the Planning and Development Director (Karen Anderson) and Planning and Public Works shake up might be attributed to development problems associated with the aquifer. 

B. Yoder                                                 

LETTER: The importance and value of trees

Tree Art in Anderson Park / Credit B.Yoder

Urban tree canopy cover is the percent of a city covered by the leaves, branches, and stems of trees as seen in an aerial view. Trees have a positive impact on the physical health and well-being of those living in urban communities. We should try to maintain and increase the many benefits trees provide to current and future generations. There are many important benefits of trees.

Trees have public health and social benefits:

.

Trees clean the air. They produce oxygen, intercept airborne particulates, and reduce smog, enhancing a community’s respiratory health. The urban tree canopy directly contributes to meeting a city’s regulatory clean air requirements.

Access to trees, green spaces, and parks promotes greater physical activity, and reduces stress, while improving our quality of life. Urban landscaping, including trees, helps lower crime rates. Studies show that urban vegetation slows heartbeats, lowers blood pressure, and relaxes brain wave patterns. People with a view of nature and trees score higher on tests of self-discipline.

UPDATE: Protective measures in place to protect city aquifer, drinking water wells and stormwater conveyance system

Oil truck parked next to Station House Loft construction site

UPDATED:  A Council Study Session meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 25, 7:30pm at City Hall during which staff will give a status update on the development of the City’s groundwater model, stakeholder engagement associated with the on-going review and assessment of the wellhead zone boundaries, and future policy discussion items. 

The meeting is open to the public or you can watch it on Comcast Channel  21, Frontier Channel 34, and streamed. Details HERE.

The following protective measures are in place to protect our aquifer, drinking water wells and stormwater conveyance system from potential impacts associated with temporary construction dewatering.