"Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!"

View from my front door, 8 inches -- Ed Hill

2/4/2019

Opinion: Another six-story apartment building coming to "Bedmond"

"Bedmond is the new Redmond" 😁

PRE-APPLICATION

LAND-2018-00869, LMC Marymoor 
Neighborhood:  Southeast Redmond near future Marymoor Transit Station 
Description:  Proposal to construct (1) six story and (2) five story multi-family residential buildings with commercial space 
Location:  17611 NE 70th Street
Applicant:  Rocky Flores with Encore Architects
Prior Review Date:  09/12/18, 12/06/18 & 12/20/18
Staff Contact:  David Lee, 425-556-2462 or dlee@redmond.gov
Review Materials:  Memo   Materials

Click "Materials" and "Memo" for pictures and details of the proposed buildings.

According to a City planner:  "The Arts Commission was previously briefed on the integration of art into the buildings and general approach of how art was to be used throughout the site in November. The concepts and proposed placement of art on the site was met with very favorable comments and excitement. A Call for Art was released shortly after the Arts Commission meeting. The shortlist of artists, and examples of their work, were presented to the Arts Commission at the January 10, 2018 meeting. Much like the approach and placement of the art, the shortlist of artists was met with a very positive reception. The next stage of the art process is to award the project to the artists and receive conceptual drawings."

In regards to staff's review and comments, staff believes the changes meet the intent of the goal of exhibiting “eclecticism”.  (What do you "believe?) "The mix of materials, the unique building shape/massing, and art interventions serve to make a statement gateway to the young Marymoor Design District." says a planner.

Comment:  This 4+ acre project/master plan is still under review by your Council, two residents on the Design Review Board and the Arts Commission.  After you review this pre-application (click Materials and Memo) you can decide for yourself if the project is "eclectic and cool."   If not, contact the Arts Commission or Council@redmond.gov.  The City should hold a Community meeting to discuss the art, design and staff's ideas of eclecticism.   



Source:  Design Review Board page

-- Bob Yoder, opinion

OPINION: Planned development on corner of Willows & 124th brings challenges and opportunities

Could something like this happen here? haha
Internet 

Updated 1/29, 1:01 PM

Quadrant is working with the City to develop "Business District" property at the intersection of NE 124th Street and Willows Road on the Southwest corner. The Planning Commission was very involved.

Here goes. 

The Applicant (Fred Proctor) is proposing a mixed-use development consisting of approximately 370 residential units with a variety of housing types that would include for-sale townhomes, triplex and traditional for-rent apartment style dwellings. The development would also include a minimum of 20,000 sq. ft. of ground-level or stand-alone retail or commercial space, to include neighborhood-scale commercial uses, office, and/or day care center uses.

Willows Road is already congested and traffic is poor here; and will be more challenged when Facebook moves in.  Council member Myers calls this development "a ten minute community" where many of the residents can work nearby, keeping cars off the road (with some shopping at Totem Lake.)  A necessary signal on 124th is sure to slow traffic. The development is virtually it's own neighborhood.

To mitigate traffic the City will try to work with Metro for all day service.  Right now it's AM / PM.  Whenever possible, I won't be driving through this corner.  A new sidewalk is planned on 124th is to connect a northern and western trail, I assume for pedestrian and bicycle mobility.

The range of housing types creates needed flexibility to integrate with the site and creates more variation in housing affordability:

  >10% of the townhomes will be at 80% of average monthly income.
  >10% of the apartments will be at 70% of average monthly income.

The development will include open space tracts, landscaped active and passive recreation, a trail network, and potentially, a gateway/bike rest stop feature on the northeast corner of the site.  Open space is 20% of the site.

Green development incentives specific to the site are 1) electric vehicle charging, 2) green roofs, 3) solar panels on townhomes, 4) solar panels on community buildings.  Quadrant is required to use two of the four options.  Council member Myers said solar is a poor choice for our region since "there is a -500% rate of return."

What's your opinion?

For development diagrams, plans and mapping click this link.

https://redmond.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=6991868&GUID=8B0CADAE-4CB4-498E-B110-FFD3C43BA5D7

  -- Bob Yoder, opinion

Source:  1/27/2019 Council study session & memo

UPDATED: Redmond Council to hold Annual Retreat

Marymoor Village Community Center
retreat location

Council President Angela Birney announced in this week's Study Session the annual Council retreat will be Saturday, February 9th, 9-3 pm. The retreat location is Marymoor Village community center. Though it's open to the public only to watch, I for one will be joining others planting trees and shrubs in Idylwood Park.  Council member Hank Myers suggested the last 2-3 hours should be private so Council can discuss various City issues of concern without staff around. 

Council goals:  Hank Myers wants to instill agility and creativity.   Steve Fields wants to enhance community involvement at every level.  He asked to "spend less time being taught and more time discussing."  Jeralee Anderson wants to understand roles and responsibilities (mayor/council/staff.)  Hank Margeson wants to provide a free form discussion.

Police Chief Kristi Wilson said each City director will be next to a poster board facilitating discussion with two council members per board -- and the council members rotating amongst each other.  Steve Fields joked the Chief will be directing traffic. :)

Bob Yoder

Source:  Council Study Session, 1/22/19

Hank Myers BIO

Hank Myers
Credit/Redmond Reporter

Hank has served on Redmond’s City Council since January 2008 and is now serving his third term. He has served on advisory boards for Metro Transit and the Bellevue School District. Councilmember Myers is a Transportation Economist working in all modes of transportation including experience in commercial aviation, public transit, and passenger ferry service. Hank began his professional career with Hughes Airwest as a regulatory affairs specialist before moving to the northwest to become Director of Government Affairs and Pricing for Alaska Airlines. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English from California State University. Hank currently represents the City on the Local Hazardous Waste Management Coordinating Committee (LHWMCC) and on the Water Resource Inventory Area 8 (WRIA 8) Salmon Recovery Council. A 42-year resident and living in the Viewpoint area of Redmond, Hank is married to Christine and has two grown children. He likes to spend time volunteering with Green Redmond and at the Center for Wooden Boats.

UPDATED: Favorable City revenue / expense trend

Melissa Files, Director of City Finance reported this Tuesday that similar to the prior month, "revenue spiked 6% over target while expenditures were 3% under target.  Ms. Files indicated the reasons for this favorable report were similar to earlier monthly reports, as follows:

She stated: "Sales tax on construction took a big jump to $5 million in December. Usually it's in the $2.3 million range.  Everything that has to do with development review - taxes, licensing, and permits - contributed to the favorable outcome." 

Council member Steve Fields said "It looked like there were 4 months similar to what you described.  Does this begin to present a trend?"  Files answered, "Yes," that she was anticipating this in her forecast for 2019 but didn't expect it this soon.  Mr. Fields said "I appreciate this vigilance because I think it's important to our decision-making to know where we're at on our revenue projections." 

Files said her December report was subject to change.  Presiding Officer Hank Hank Margeson he looks forward to Ms. Files formal report in February.   

Council member Steve Fields 

Source:  "Finance, Public Administration, and Communication" Council meeting of 1/22/2019.

###

Steve Fields has lived in Redmond for over 30 years. He worked across all functions of government in his positions at King County and the City of Seattle in the Executive offices. Fields guided elected officials on policy, budget, and operational improvements. He advised department heads and their staff to help the government perform better. He currently represents the City of Redmond as a member of the Eastside Transportation Partnership (ETP). Fields is also a Redmond small business owner with his wife.

Community tree planting event cancelled owing to snow storm

Help plant over 60 trees and 400 shrubs and groundcovers at Idylwood Park. The plantings contribute to the restoration of areas where previous cottonwood tree removals occurred. Tools and supplies will be provided, and no experience needed! All ages are welcome! Volunteers who are under 18 and are attending without a parent or guardian, please bring a signed youth waiver with you.

Saturday, February 9th, 9:00 - Noon.  Location:  Idylwood Park.   

For details and to RSVP go HERE.

Microsoft is pledging $500 million for affordable housing in the Seattle area

The following "New York Times" article by Karen Weise on Microsoft's pledge was published on January 16th,2019:

https://nyti.ms/2RWTaya?smid=nytcore-ios-share

The author summarizes and ends her article with:

“This is where Microsoft is going to be, and the region needs to work,” Ms. Balducci said. “I don’t think this is wholly altruism.”

Claudia Balducci, a member of the King County Council who helps lead the Regional Affordable Housing Task Force.

  -- Bob Yoder

PTSA Council Endorses Levy

LWPTSA Council Endorses and Supports LWSD Levy

At the January 2019 general membership meeting, the LWPTSA Council voted to endorse and support the LWSD Capital Projects Levy on the April 23rd ballot. The LWSD levy addresses immediate capacity needs and district-wide safety measures. If passed, the levy authorizes a six-year levy totaling $120 million or an average of $20 million per year for six years. The levy maintains the current tax rate with no rate increase.  Levy projects include:  Classroom additions at Lake Washington High School, including auxiliary gyms and commons Classroom additions at Carson Elementary, Franklin Elementary, Rose Hill Elementary, and Twain Elementary, including expansion of core facilities where feasible Critical safety projects, including adding exterior security cameras at elementary schools and entry modifications for security at Eastlake, Redmond and Lake Washington High Schools. (Juanita High School's entry modifications will be added during the current construction project.) For more information on the LWSD 2019 levy website. Are you registered to vote? If not sign up here! The Administration  has informed me the classrooms will be brick and mortar, not portables.  BY

OPINION: Council shouldn't approve emergency moratorium on retirement homes - specifically Emerald Heights

Eugene Zakhareyev

If you follow Redmond city politics, I have a newsflash for you - at the next meeting, the City Council will consider moratorium!

There has been a lot of development in the last decade, and many residents asked the council and the mayor whether Redmond should take a break and evaluate the impacts of new buildings in Downtown and Overlake. So surely the Council plans to address these impacts? They are finally listening, and new developments will have to pay for the development! No more school district levies & bonds, or tax increases, no more new multi-story buildings replacing one story plazas and driving small businesses out of town!

But if you followed Redmond local politics for some time, you already know the answer. The moratorium is not targeting developers. The Council instead is concerned about “the triple density bonus for Retirement Residences with assisted living facilities in residential zones”.

Yep, those pesky seniors invading our residential areas with their retirement homes! The Council is gravely concerned, enough to warrant the emergency moratorium on such developments!

However, if you were to review pending land use applications, the reasons for the moratorium will become much more clear. There is pending application to expand Emerald Heights campus in Education Hill neighborhood of Redmond, the application that is vigorously opposed by the residents of nearby Abbey Road neighborhood. No other residential home applications are in pipeline.

I am very sympathetic to the community concerns; heck, just last year our neighborhood shelled out close to thirty grand on opposing the city decision (if you have to ask - the Council did not propose any moratoriums in our case, and actively resisted any attempts from the residents to engage). There were multiple cases recently where the community questioned the development initiatives - homeless shelter on 24th Street (nope, no moratorium), Idylwood Park tree removal (no moratorium needed), Seritage development at Sears site (what moratorium? The area can accommodate 16,000 new cars a day). The list can go on, but none of those issues was important enough to the Council.

So why the Council is suddenly so attentive to the community needs? What is different about Emerald Heights development? The residents concerns seem to be pretty typical to today's Redmond (the building is too high, the trees removed etc.) Why would the city stall the application for years, and now when the application is close to approval, why would the Council consider such drastic measures as moratorium?

It is just so happens that proposed new Emerald Heights building would be visible from the windows of home of Mr. Stillin, Redmond City ex-Council members. Mr.Stillin was on the Council until 2017 (the year the city withdrawn SEPA approval for Emerald Heights application and the year the application was denied by the City - just to be reinstated after the appeal). Since he left the Council, Mr. Stillin heads the residents opposition to the project.

One can appreciate the Council willingness to help their long time colleague. But there is a thin line between helping a friend and the conflict of interest, and this moratorium proposal appears to cross this line.

I am for one very disappointed in Councilmember Carson who proposed this emergency measure. Targeting Emerald Heights community of over 500 residents is not something public expects from our elected representative. I feel for Abbey Road residents, but the same legal process should be followed regardless of who affected - there are no VIP provisions. The city code describes appeal procedures available to any parties of record; should this process be unfair it is the Council responsibility to change that.

But for now it seems that the best way to make sure your neighborhood is excluded from development in Redmond is to buy a home next to the council member residence :)

Should you want to attend the Council meeting, it is at Redmond City Hall on January 15th, 7:30 PM (or you can reach the Council and the Mayor at MayorCouncil@redmond.gov

https://www.emeraldheights.com/courtyard-expansion/

  -- Eugene Zakhareyev
     Source:  facebook  

Idylwood Park restoration of tree removal areas

Gary Smith teaching restoration at Idylwood Park /
Credit Forterra

In August 2017, two separate large cottonwood tree limb failures occurred at Idylwood Park. The City hired a contractor to remove fourteen hazardous cottonwood trees in October 2018.  Two remaining hazardous trees have been pruned or are currently being evaluated.

Restoration Plantings: Restoration of the Idylwood Park tree removal areas will occur February – March 2019. A community volunteer replanting event will tentatively take place on Saturday, February 9. Volunteers and City staff will plant trees, shrubs, groundcovers...

Source:  Council business meeting, 1/15 memo

Bob Yoder

Redmond's "ERRATIC" Outdoor Art installation Will Be Relocated

Below are two pictures of Redmond's Centennial "ERRATIC" art installation.  It was constructed with railroad plates to recognize Redmond's status as a railroad town.  It's called ERRATIC to recognize that glaciers shaped Redmond.  Erratics are huge boulders left behind by glaciers.  

At the January 8th Council meeting Staff announced owing to light rail impacts the ERRATIC wil be moved from it's present location on 166th near Redmond Town Center to "Gilman Landing" south of the Matador near Leary Way.  Sound Transit will pay $576,000 towards its re-location.  The City will move it....a laborious job. The original cost to the City for the art was $115,000.  

A public record request in December, 2019 revealed the total estimated cost for relocation is $616,300 - though, the exact relocation cost won't be known until it's completion in June of 2020. The  request also revealed part of the relocation $40,000 will be funded by Redmond Parks CIP.  Rumors have it the total relocation cost to the city will be close to $1M. 

Bob Yoder

2/24/2020

OPINION: Development of Marymoor Village should pause until Zoning Code is defined

During last night's Study Session on "streamlining zoning and regulations for Senior Housing" Council V.P David Carson recommended "a short pause of about six months" (moratorium) in the development of senior housing so Council can have the opportunity to evaluate certain aspects of the code without risk of further development, so we can trust the Administration in the spirit of our intent."  Mr. Carson proposed an Ordinance to this effect and recommended discussion at the next business meeting.

Marymoor Village Neighborhood:

Marymoor Subarea of SE Redmond

According to the Design Review Board's report on the LMC- Marymoor project the Redmond Zoning Code is silent on how the goal of Marymoor Village will be different from the Downtown neighborhood. The Design Board wrote "it should be funkier, cooler, eclectic, and different looking than Downtown. Thus, these ideas need a great deal of attention from the Design Review Board."

Council is placing trust in the Administration for the development of  Marymoor Village by holding a few community meetings and a Hearing with belief the Design Review Board (DRB) report will suffice. According to the DRB "The Redmond Zoning Code is silent."  A pause in the development of  LMC and the Marymoor neighborhood may be useful until the Redmond Zoning Code is scrutinized by staff and thoroughly studied by Council.

- Bob Yoder
 

Council reviews tourism funding

The City of Redmond collects a lodging tax of 1% on each overnight stay at Redmond hotels and allocates these revenues to the Lodging Tax Fund.

The purpose of the Lodging Tax Fund (“tourism fund”) is to increase tourism in Redmond by attracting visitors— especially overnight visitors who stay in Redmond hotels—by funding the marketing or operation of special events, festivals and tournaments.

The tourism matching grant program is intended to provide opportunities for potential partners to bring events and festivals to the Redmond community. The City received 17 grant applications from non-profit and for-profit organizations, in response to the annual matching grant applications request announcement.

Applications are reviewed against the program fund criteria including: tourism promotion, benefit to the community, innovation, community support, evidence of partnerships, scale of the project, other funding sources, and new or ongoing funding. The Lodging Tax Fund Advisory Committee is recommending funding all 17 applications evaluated as they each strongly met the grant criteria and were evaluated as a good fit for Redmond.

A total of $146,000 of matching grants is recommended by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for City Council’s approval.  A total request of $194,174 of Community Events and Arts programming is identified through the lodging tax, which is equivalent to the 39% previously identified by City Council for arts and events.

Programing includes:  Redmond Derby Days  Redmond Lights  So Bazaar  Redmond Arts Season  Redmond Moving Arts Center  Downtown Park Programming

Source:  Council Committee memo, 1/8/19

Council considers new street grid on Redmond Way

Looking north from Redmond Center parking lot -
future 158th Ave. NE extension here. Soulfood is on left

The City of Redmond and the owners (Nelsons) of Redmond Center wish to enter into a Development Agreement for improvements to the extension of 158th Avenue NE from NE 83rd Street to the intersection of Redmond Way, and to clarify the obligations and requirements for utility services for future developments of the multiple parcels at Redmond Center.

In August 2013, City Council adopted the 2013 Transportation Master Plan and directed the Administration to pursue the completion of the downtown street grid.  One of these streets is 158th Avenue NE, which currently terminates at the existing parking lot of the Redmond Center shopping center near Ben Franklin. 

As of 2018, the acquisition and improvement of the 158th Avenue NE extension is an unfunded project in the Redmond Transportation Master Plan. The property owners (Nelsons) of Redmond Center have agreed to dedicate the future extension of 158th Avenue NE at no cost to the City. This Development Agreement does not waive the Redmond Center Owner’s obligations to comply with City regulations or development standards that are applicable today or for future redevelopment of Redmond Center.

Source:  Council Committee memo, 1/8/19

The new southern extension of 158th Avenue would tunnel under the Redmond Central Connector to Redmond Way.  The new grid would allow residents living in the massive "Bear Creek" apartment complex, Heron complex and other nearby apartment complexes much better access to Redmond Center services e.g QFC, Staples, etc. Some speculate the entire shopping center will one day be redeveloped.  Opinion Bob Yoder  

Council President Angela Birney is running for Mayor

I'm experiencing technical difficulties in posting Angela's headshot.  Regrets.  To see her picture "Read More"  

Angela Birney's Experience

Local

Redmond City Council President
Redmond City Councilmember
Redmond Parks and Trails Committee Chair
LWSF Junior High Science Grants and Grant Review
Norman Rockwell PTA
Lake Washington School District Boundary Review

Regional
Hopelink Board Chair
King County Board of Health, Sound Cities (SCA) Caucus Chair
Regional Policy Committee, SCA Member
Cascade Water Alliance Board, Secretary/Treasurer
Eastside Rail Corridor Regional Advisory Committee
Eastside Transportation Partnership
SCA Public Issues Committee Alternate
Redmond Nourishing Networks
Governing for Regional Equity and Inclusion Working Group Member
Education
BAE Biology, MEd Professional Development
Leadership Eastside Class of 2017
Leadership Eastside Executive Insight 2018