Updated Opinion: Woodinville's Attractive Downtown Is Well Designed, Redmond Is Working On It

Image Credit:  "Next City"

A Redmond Blog reader says...

We live in "unincorporated Woodinville" and had the occasion to drive through downtown Redmond for the first time in a while. Holy cookie cutter, I haven't seen so many gray apartments lined up one after the other along a major thoroughfare, with almost no setback from the street for trees. Either the council or the Community Development department failed residents of the city. I'm not sure why every building has to look exactly the same with almost no character or distinguishing features? Housing was needed, yes - but downtown Redmond now feels soul-less. Gone are the days where you could grab cheap eats at Herfy's or Frankie's. Now you're stuck with expensive restaurants sitting in the first floor retail spaces of these apartment buildings, if they're lucky enough to be able to pay the rent these spaces charge. I get it - old strip malls are eyesores, but they often house popular businesses that would otherwise be unable to afford higher rent. On the other hand, I have been super impressed with what Woodinville has done with the schoolhouse district and Woodin Creek areas. It actually feels like it has character and it has adequate parking for the retail that's there. The Molbak's redevelopment seems encouraging and hopefully it can continue the trend in that area. That actually feels like a place I would want to live if I was single and wanted an apartment or if I wanted to downsize. Redmond does not.

-- Anonymous comment:  "City Salaries Under Review, Bonuses Unknown" post.

Videos of downtown Woodinville streetscape design to follow. by

UPDATED OPINION, 2/23/23: Redmond Town Center's New Owner Proposes Amendments Allowing 12-Story Buildings

Imagining a new town center

OPINION:  It's all so confusing and I'm still unclear.  The new owner of Redmond Town Center, Fairbourne Properties, is proposing "zone text amendments" that would allow two 12-story buildings on his property in exchange for "public benefits" such as, affordable housing, environmental stewardship, and business diversity (eg. retail retail, retail; restaurants, entrepreneurs, recreation, small business, commercial,   The benefits are vague and Council is working to clarify them.

A partial summary of the proposed amendments appear as follows:

1) Increase maximum height to 12-stories through an incentive program of 3 extra levels for above grade parking per building, electric bike space and decent pedestrian lighting.   

2) One amendment involves the owner offering "exceptional amenities" for additional height.  I crave colorful, covered plazas and courtyards, eclectic and cultural artworks, sustainable-public-rooftop-patios-with-pristine-views, public spaces for daycare and pets, and above all else, well lit performing arts spaces welcoming and entertaining all, including commercial and retail employees.  Pickleball is a craze and rooftop courts to activate the Center are being looked at.

3) It's my understanding, the final amendment, if passed, could expand "Town Center Mixed Use" into certain parcels along Bear Creek Parkway; serviced by an office gateway.  The expansion plan is unclear; and it may never happen.

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 1/30/2023, Updated 2/22/23, Resident of Redmond, WA.

SOURCES:  

Council "Planning and Public Works" Committee of the Whole memo, 1/3/2023, excerpted and edited.  Unfortunately, the city red-lined this memo. 

City Council memo, 1/17/2023 - discusses privately initiated text amendments.

FAIRBOURNE Properties (owner)

Hines, RTC owner's consultant and outreach arm.  (Patrick Woodruff is the Hines lead; he's local and enthusiastically seeking ALL opinions and feedback.) 

Engage with the community and the owner HERE)

Carol Helland, Director of Planning and Community Development.  (Ask for Ms. Helland's contact information at info@redmond.gov or Mayor@redmond.gov)

Arnold Tomac, Past President Redmond City Council, a Town Center founder, and co-founder of the Ped/Bike Advisory Committee.  Arnie's BIO.  

-- Bob Yoder, 2/23/23

UPDATED: Council Member David Carson Urges Access & Enhancement to "String of Pearls" Park Properties

CM David Carson

Council Member David Carson says....

"When I joined the Redmond City Council in 2008, I fully expected that park properties along Redmond’s eastern edge (collectively known as the “String of Pearls”) would be, at the very least, made available to Redmond’s citizenry to enjoy since they’ve been in our inventory for now more than 50 years. That unfortunately has not happened, and budgets don’t seem to be getting any easier to afford city-developed projects. Leveraging of our civic pride is a way to do this and involve our residents. It would be a real achievement to make these beautiful properties available to our hiking and recreating public.  

Below, are David's thoughts:

Redmond - Bicycle Capital of the Northwest - Mini-Documentary

Redmond's "Space Needle" Entrance Sign

By Jerry Torell

Jerry Torell in front of the current sign 0f 3/15/2017. Yoder

The Redmond Bike Derby Road Races including the "Bike Derby Parade" from the first year, have always been a major part of the city's civic events with riders coming from around the country and Canada to compete in the annual race.  In the mid 1970’s while I served on the Redmond Chamber of Commerce Board as Vice President, I was also Publicity Chairman for the chamber. Over the years several of my dry cleaning customers commented that the city needed an entrance sign on the west end of Redmond.

I started thinking about it and with the history of the bicycle in Redmond I knew the bike had to be a key part of the sign, so I proposed the idea to my Chamber committee along with a plan to build it. Getting the chamber's approval of the plan, I contacted our City Mayor “Bud” Young to get his thoughts…He LOVED the bicycle sign idea!!   He offered the city staff to lay out some sketches. 

From an earlier Jaycee project I had met Chuck Johns who was the metal’s instructor at Redmond High School.  I called Chuck and explained our city entrance sign plan, asking him if his class could help build an old fashioned bicycle with the “big front wheel and the small back wheel” not knowing then, it was known as the “Penny Farthing.” 

(l-r)  Bud Young, Fred Habenicht, Kim Murrey, Jerry Torell
Credit/ Sammamish Valley News

A key committee member, Fred Habenicht, owner of Frederick’s Appliances, volunteered to contact John Gunderson of Gundy’s Signs to carve and provide a wooden face for the sign.  I then re-contacted the Mayor to confirm the city's help installing and keeping it in good order plus maintaining the grounds around the sign.  The Mayor agreed! and “Gundy” worked out the slogan, “Redmond Bicycle Capital of the Northwest.” The sign was completed and dedicated in July of 1976. 

AS THEY SAY…THE REST IS NOW HISTORY !!

The Bicycle Entrance Sign has become the “Space Needle of Redmond," has Redmond’s symbol, and is copied by most everyone as a logo on literature and replicas mounted on sides of buildings around town. I was originally concerned that the sign would be damaged by vandals but to my knowledge this has never happened and the sign has become a key symbol of Redmond pride. 

The sign is now reconstructed of cement end posts and a redesigned wooden face and lit up with white lights at night and encircled with shrubs and flowers the year around bidding..."WELCOME TO ALL!"

.....so I designed and created the sign.

In 2013, I learned from 90-year old Ray Adams, that kids used to race around Redmond and local citizens would bet on who was the fastest. Ray in 1939 was then 16 and he and his buddy Charlie Lentz were in that first race of about 14 to 16 racers.  

Actually only about 6 of the racers made it all the way around the lake to cross the finish line including Ray and Charlie.   The lake road then was only partly paved on the west side and the rest was mainly dirt and gravel. Ray and Charlie suggested the race be around the lake. Anyway, the idea was accepted and Redmond Bike Derby Race was off and rolling…to become today, the nation’s oldest bicycle race, due to a small town’s public spirit, no matter the hardships.

  --Jerry Torell

Minor edits and photograph by Yoder

UPDATED: Mayor Angela Birney's 2022 Year-In-Review

Mayor Birney / credit Hopelink

Hello Residents, 

Different cultures celebrate the start of a new year in very distinct ways. For most, it's a time to rejoice, pause, and reflect on the past and future. A sense of normalcy returned in 2022 and provided an opportunity to build upon the lessons learned over the past few years. We have so much to be thankful for in Redmond, and I'd like to share some of the City’s accomplishments this past year: 

Environmental Sustainability: In the area of environmental sustainability, we worked with the community to preserve and enhance our natural environment. And now it’s easier than ever to see that progress through our new Environmental Sustainability Data Dashboard. We completed a Climate Vulnerability Assessment to advise our long-range environmental planning efforts. And we partnered on programs and challenges to bring resources to you, such as the Redmond Climate Action Challenge and Energy Smart Eastside. Together, we planted trees, shrubs, and ground cover to expand and enrich Redmond's natural environment. 

Connected Community: Creating connections and opportunities in our community continues to be an ongoing priority. Thousands enjoyed the return of Derby Days and the new elements to Redmond Lights. The City awarded lodging tax funds to over 22 Redmond events, and the Parks and Recreation Department returned to full in-person programming last year. We broke ground and are making tremendous progress on the new Redmond Senior & Community Center, which will soon offer arts, events, and recreational options for residents of all ages.

Infrastructure: City staff continued to work with and support Sound Transit’s light rail project in Redmond, bringing dependable access and connection to the region. And we continued to invest in our infrastructure by completing current projects and being awarded nearly $4.5 million in grant funds to leverage other transportation projects. 

Man's Best Friend

I met a wonderful couple yesterday walking their dog. My Zoey played freely as we talked forever. They sent me this. What a great way to start the New Year!

Redmond Police Chief Lowe Elected President KCPCSA

courtesy C.O.R.

Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe Elected President of King County Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association

REDMOND, WA - Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe will serve as the 2023 president of the King County Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association (KCPCSA). He served as vice president of the board for 2022.      

KCPCSA was founded in 1998 and consists of executive and top management personnel from all law enforcement agencies in King County.

“I’m humbled and honored for the opportunity to lead and be the face and voice of my fellow King County law enforcement executives,” said Chief Lowe. “I look forward to working with local and state politicians in the upcoming legislative session to continue refining our laws for the betterment of the communities we serve.”

Lowe, who has served as Redmond’s Chief of Police since 2019, is also vice president of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs Association (WASPC), which provides services and resources to all law enforcement agencies within the state.

River Of Ice

 

 A river of ice flows right past our house!

Coming home from the airport we had to park on 100th and crawl to our house on whatever friction we could find -- snowy planting beds, driveway slush, clinging on car handles, wipers, and each other. 

This picture was taken on the evening of 12/23/2022

-- Bob Yoder, Redmond, 12/24/2022

"Camp Gileadvent," Carnation, 12/18/22
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

Celebrating Our Schools with Dr. Jon Holmen - December: Season of Giving

so touching,...

UPDATED 1/11/2023: The Unsung Heroes of Redmond City Hall

Directors (l-r) Public Works, CEO, Parks & Rec. Fire Chief, Finance Director Corder (hands folded,) HR, Planning & Community Development, Police Chief.  / photo by Yoder taken at City Hall during a Council Business meeting. (click pic to enlarge)

These executives are the unsung heroes who run our government and implement Council policy.  Mayor Birney does a little bit of both. 

I'm sad to say Chip Corder left the City of Redmond.  In my 16 years of following Redmond government, I've never seen a better Director of Finance. He did a fabulous job managing the finances of the Senior & Community Center re-development and this year's bi-annual budget.  He was very kind to me.  No doubt municipalities and other jurisdictions desired him. Thanks and KUDOS Mr. Corder! 

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 12/14/2022 

EvergreenHealth "Hospitalist" Honored With a King County Award

Kirkland, Wash. – EvergreenHealth hospitalist Rajneet S. Lamba, MD, was recently honored with the 2022 King County Medical Society Emerging Leader Award, which recognizes a King County physician who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their community and tireless dedication to their patients.  

As a hospitalist physician at EvergreenHealth, Dr. Lamba provides:  a full spectrum of hospital-based internal medicine, emphasizing patient-focused care, communication and shared decision-making. He instructs medical students visiting the EvergreenHealth campus from the University of Washington and has served on several committees at the health system, including Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.   Dr. Lamba is the immediate past president of KCMS and has led several unique projects for the society in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.   

 

“It’s gratifying and humbling to receive this recognition from my peers and community,” said Dr. Lamba. “I’m so proud of the care we provide at EvergreenHealth, and I share this recognition with the countless physicians and providers who work tirelessly to provide high-quality care and service each and every day.” 

-- abridged and edited EvergreenHealth press release

 

UPDATED OPINION: City To Build a $110 Million "Maintenance & Operations Center"

ONE CITY BUDGET PRIORITY IS:  "VIBRANT & CONNECTED:"  

Under the "Vibrant and Connected" budget category, the city will spend over $110 million for the design and construction a "Maintenance & Operations Center."  This redevelopment will be over twice the price of the new "Senior & Community Center."  Vibrant and Connected?  Not quite. The Center will be located in the SE Redmond Industrial Zone unconnected with the neighborhoods and  downtown. Of course, the Center will be anything but vibrant: a forklift scooting by;  warehouse workers chatting over a sandwich; the bang of small shops.  I don't understand why our elected would classify Maintenance & Operations in the "Vibrant and Connected Priority."  It's misleading and disappointing.  

City Finance Planning Manager Narra wouldn't give:  1) the acreage of the parcel(s), its location in SE Redmond or 3) how it would be funded.

-- Opinion by Bob Yoder, 12/12/2022

Background on the proposed Maintenance & Operations Center. 

by Haritha Narra, Redmond Financial Planning Manager:

"The Maintenance & Operations Center campus encompasses fourteen major and minor building structures including administrative offices, crew support spaces, centralized warehousing and storage, fleet shop, small shops, covered fleet parking and storage, decant facility, fuel station used by all City departments, surface parking, and Parks maintenance office. The current estimated cost for phase 1 and 2 is $100 million over a 7-year period (2027-2033). The M&O Master Plan, which will be conducted in 2023-2024, will provide a finer scope and updated cost estimate for the project."

--Haritha Narra, C.O.R.

Resident Worries About Mobility and Parking at New Redmond Town Center

Andrew left his comment on the RTC consultant's "feedback website."   Your feedback is welcome too!

Here are my general thoughts on RTC and any potential enhancements to it: (1) I'd like to see some sort of pedestrian/ bicycle (but not automobile) connection to Marymoor Park, by either a pedestrian overpass or tunnel across WA-520 and the soon-to-open light rail tracks. (2) I support the expansion of light rail to Redmond, but I have always thought it ridiculous that the terminal station adjacent to RTC will not have parking. A suburban train station, especially one at the end of the line, needs parking in order to be reasonably successful; transit planners are living in a naive la la land if they think suburban commuters are interested in riding buses to connect to rail transit. I'd like to see any redevelopment of RTC include light rail parking. (3) I worry about traffic into and out of RTC; the area is blocked by 520 on the south and southeast, and routes in from other directions seem "tough", with lots of traffic lights and intersections and convoluted routing requiring lots of turns, on roads that already seem strained to capacity at peak times. (4) RTC needs some kind of a "hook" to be successful . . . some unique business or restaurants or experiences. Currently there is no reason for anybody outside of a 5-mile radius to come to RTC. I live 2 miles away and rarely come. Usually when I go it's to meet someone at Starbucks; I spend my $5 there, have my meeting, and leave.

-- Andrew K.

"Redmond Lights" Redux

Pam and Zo at popular art installation
(click pic to find Zo)

It was a blustery, cold and very rainy night but we went Redmond Lights anyway. A friend was working a booth and asked me to come. Pam and Zo tagged along too but they were not a happy puppies.

There wasn't much new:  Same five light installations.  Relatively scant residents, and fun music on the pavillion.  Unfortunately, food trucks don't have much room for parking at the downtown park.  We did see an espresso wagon and ice-cream van.  Sounds silly, but the colorful restroom lights fit in well with the show.  

-- Bob Yoder, 12/10/2022, opinion 

The Downtown Park - Throwback Thursday

The new Downtown Central Park site is behind & just east (left) of the Redmond Shopping Square.  This old mall will be leveled, 161st Street extended and converted to a promenade connecting Redmond Way to Cleveland St.

December 23, 2009

Photo by David Levinson Combs, looking south from his apartment.  5/11/2018

"Redmond Bicycle" and the one-story brown rectangular building was torn down.

--Bob Yoder, 12/9/2022

UPDATED, 3/19/2023: City Salaries Under Review, Bonuses Unknown

The 2023 Pay Plans are being approved by Council this week. Below, is a review of the proposed Pay Plans for the city executives.

EXECUTIVE PAY PLAN  (does not include Bonuses, Benefits and Perks)

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)   $178,000, $213,000, $250,000 / year -  low, middle, high range

Fire Chief, Police Chief, Public Works Director:   $223,000 (high-end)

Directors:  Human Resources, Finance, Information Officer, Parks, and Planning & Development.  $215,000 (high-end.) 

Deputy Directors:  Fire, Police, Public Works, Information Services.  $195,000.  

Deputy Directors: Finance, Parks, Executive, H.R, Planning & Development Public Works. $187,000.

Mayor Birney pushed hard for a Deputy Director in every department.

Director Carol Helland

I believe Carol Helland, the city's "Director of Planning & Community Development" is the most influential executive in the city.  As Administrator of the Technical Committee, Public Notice, DRB, planning staff, Human Services and other high level duties she has great powers. Mayor Birney and council rely heavily on Helland for her understanding and implementation of Redmond's Growth Management Act requirements. Her interpretation of building codes, amendments and other planning armamentaria shape the form, function and character of downtown Redmond, Overlake and our gentrifying neighborhoods. She negotiates Development agreements with the mayor.  (A 21-acre redevelopment contract with NELSON has been inked, with RTC on deck.) Carol recently hired Deputy Seraphie Allen to connect with OneRedmond, assist the Redmond 2050 Long Range Planning Team, oversee the department's ~ 60 planners, directs the Human Services Commission, if that's not enough, oversees the planning commission staff.  Director Helland is truly an urbane planner extraordinaire.   

To give feedback or request information on planning and any other departments email Heather Burtsch, the city's "Customer Experience Coordinator."  She's a great resource and very professional.  Heather can be reached by email at info@redmond.gov or call 425-556-2900.   

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 1/19/2023, updated, 3/2/2023

Awesome Art Planned For Redmond Lights, "Luminary Walk" Goes by the Wayside

Michael Dylan Welch was a Redmond Poet In Residence

"Thank you for your inquiry on Redmond Lights. This year’s Redmond Lights will consist of a month-long celebration of light and art in Redmond’s Downtown Park from December 1 – January 4. Enjoy art and light installations every night from 5 – 11 p.m. and Friday night celebrations Dec. 2, 9, 16 from 6 – 9 p.m. This does not include a luminary walk like past Redmond Light Celebrations. For more information on Redmond Lights art installations and Friday night celebrations, please visit Redmond Lights | Redmond, WA."

-- Redmond Customer Service, 12/2/2022

Comment/ Bob Yoder:

Judging by the site map it appears all the outdoor art is installed in the Downtown park.  Find descriptions of the art elsewhere on the site or probably by QR code.  

The Luminary Walk first started under Mayor Rosemarie Ive's Administration decades ago.  I'm assuming the Walk was cancelled owing to Senior and Community Center construction.  

-- posted by B. Yoder

Snippet From Hank Myers City Hall Complaints

Hank Myers, retired Redmond Councilmember

Hank Myers is a retired Redmond council member of over a decade.  Several weeks ago he addressed our elected officials on a variety of topics:  1)  "the 53 - 47% Safety Levy loss, 2) the high cost of Redmond government as compared to other cities, 3) He accused some past "tone-deaf councils for punishing businesses and residents for not approving even higher taxes."  4) His talk on COVID is summarized below:  

Redmond firefighters

Hank Myers says....

Hello Mayor Birney and Council members, 

"We just celebrated Veteran's Day and as a veteran I can say the leaders most appreciated are those who support their troops."

"Two years after the COVID pandemic science taught us vaccines don't dramatically lessen its effect.  That's why I'm triple vaxxed."  

"The City of Redmond did not handle the pandemic well:

1. From the mishandling of Fire Chief Tommy....
2. To the firing of many good firefighters who served the city honorably.

At long last the official COVID emergency is over. The city can do the right thing and reinstate their dedicated and highly trained firefighters who have been proven to be correct in their beliefs." 

###

And of course, my 2-cents  ☝

* 1)  Week after week in City Hall I watched firefighters, highly trained medics, and their families plead for their jobs and rights. It was heartbreaking and very sad to watch.  I had hoped the Mayor would accommodate as did many other cities. Freedom was at stake and it hurt to see a little of it taken away. In the meantime, the new Fire Chief rushed to hire and train replacements.

  2) Jumping forward, my 31-year old daughter got COVID last week.  She was primary vaxxed with two boosters.  Her infection was very mild.  However, her husband was only primary vaxxed and he was bedridden for over a week with a serious infection.  The *COVID emergency may be over (as defined by mask mandates and Myers) but the Omicron "long haul" looms for seniors like me. I have the primary vaxx and three boosters.  Cutting edge science amazingly protects me!  Medical requirements aside, I chose not to wear a mask. Free at last!

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 12/2/2022

"Crazy Canyon"

Cleveland Street & 161 Ave.

 How Did the City Let This Happen?

"Crazy Canyon"  

FB Comments:

"Giving professional urban planners free rein? My guess is that such ugly monotony would not occur in a free market, but only when an elite believes it knows better than everyone and imposes its will -- and people aren't paying attention and let it happen. Unfortunately those who believe in freedom don't have much power right now."  -- Kirkland City Council MemberToby Nixon

"You said it well. In addition density does not need to mean ugly buildings."

Former King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert

Opinion & Photo by Bob Yoder, 12/1/2022

Redmond Resident Reinke Reports Destructive Beaver Chewing

 

The wire mesh protecting this alder from chewing beavers was pulled away.

Location:  Sammamish River Trail across from the Opportunity Building.  Photo and report by John Reinke 

Tom Hardy says...

Thanks for the photos John Reinke.  Yes, sometimes the beavers figure out a way to get over/under or crush the caging we put up, especially older cages. Because of all the recent beaver activity along the trail, over the next few weeks, the City’s WCC crew will be installing some new cages and improving older ones between Redmond Way and 90^th Street. This has more to do with public safety along the trail versus trying to stop the beaver from felling trees altogether.

 

All of the Red alders along the trail and Sammamish River are volunteer trees (planted by mother nature not us), and for the most part we are ok with those being taken down. It makes the shoreline more complex and provides a little more space and light for the long-lived conifers. Because the beavers are chewing a lot of trees right along the trail though, we are going to try and encourage them to leave those alone and choose trees that won’t fall onto the trail.

 

Happy Holidays, 

 

Tom

 

Tom Hardy  Stream & Habitat Planner, City of Redmond