Marymoor Village Visual Preference Survey

Survey Statistics • Survey Period – two weeks between April and May
 • Total Respondents – 279  [Redmond's population is over 60,000]
 • Outreach Methods (19,828) – invitation and several reminders during the survey period
          o Facebook = 5,074
          o Twitter = 6,350
          o Enews = 7,065
          o Press Release = 1,172
          o Emails = 167
          o Webpages

Outcomes and Patterns
• Favored separation of the residential building frontage from the public realm such as through raised porches and private lawn areas
• Preferred wide-variety of multi-family designs and architectural treatments
• Emphasis on activated pedestrian realm including a mixture of hardscape and landscaping

To take a peek at the colored visual renderings of preferred buildings, designs, and pedestrian walkways Click this link:

https://redmond.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=7220739&GUID=527DB4E5-E765-4486-8559-8D7DF84FB633

-- Bob Yoder

Laurene Burton, EvergreenHealth Executive Director, Governance & Community Affairs retires after 27 years

Laurene Burton has shared her plans to retire from her position as Executive Director, Governance & Community Affairs. After 27 years working on behalf of our patients and community, she looks forward to traveling, kayaking, spending more time with her family and reading a good book or two. For a while, she says she’ll enjoy “every day being Saturday.” Laurene’s last day with EvergreenHealth is July 5.

Since Laurene joined EvergreenHealth in 1992, she has been widely recognized for her commitment to building relationships in our community. Initially hired to write curriculum for Community Health Education, she quickly acquired additional skills and was selected to become Director of Community Health Education in 1998. In 2005, she joined our administrative team, where she developed an affinity for governance activities and enjoyed working closely with our Board of Commissioners, whose work she deeply admires. Laurene continued her practice of active community-building through oversight of EvergreenHealth’s art program, volunteer program, community service programs and levy-funded programs – and carried out our organization’s commitment to transparency in her role as EvergreenHealth's Public Disclosure Officer.

It was EvergreenHealth’s culture that first appealed to Laurene. “It’s what drew me and what kept me here,” she says. With our origins and history of sustaining strong community ties, Laurene could freely follow her own natural instincts: “When I saw areas where we needed to have a connection, I tried to make one; I looked for needs in the community that EvergreenHealth could fill and pursued partnerships. In my experience, good relationships are crucial to any achievement. I’ve had the privilege of working with so many wonderful people in my role here, and I value every single one of them.

Laurene’s proudest achievements, not surprisingly, involve partnerships and a sense of satisfaction in helping these relationships grow and thrive:

Redmond Technology Station

Rendering of the "Redmond Technology Station."  Note the bus thoroughfare on the left.  I believe the pedestrian/bicycle bridge is right of the train.

Redmond Technology Station rendering

Source:  Facebook, East Link Light Rail.

Council considers renaming a Hartman Park sports field

Credit:  Redmond Reporter

Les Dow, a long time Redmond baseball coach and supporter passed away August 22, 2018. Les spent 46 years as a coach, sponsor, and administrator in the Redmond baseball community. He was instrumental in many improvement projects at Hartman Park and made substantial impacts through his volunteer work.

A community group led by Redmond resident, John DeVore, has made a formal request to name a sports field at Hartman Park after Les Dow. The renaming request was presented to the Parks and Trails Commission on December 6, 2018. A motion was passed by the Parks and Trails Commission recommending renaming the sports at Hartman Park to Les Dow Field pending proper due diligence, and to waive the two-year waiting period. Due diligence has been completed.

Les Dow’s contributions in Redmond span 46 years of service as a coach, sponsor and administrator. Mr. Dow was Redmond Little League (RLL) Adult Little Leaguer of the Year in 1980, Regional Director of National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF) and NABF Man of the Year in 1988, City of Redmond Park and Recreation Person of the Year in 2010, and the NW Baseball Umpires Association (NBUA) Customer of the Year in 2006. Next year the NBUA will recognize Les with a Lifetime Customer Appreciation Award. The request letter details additional contributions made by Mr. Dow.

Source:  Council Parks and Human Services Committee
              5/9/2019
              Redmond Reporter, by Andy Nystrom, 9/5/18

Mayor Marchione's Biography

Mayor John Marchione

Mayor's Biography

Term: 2016 - 2019

First elected in 2007, John Marchione is now in his third term as mayor of Redmond, a thriving city 16 miles east of Seattle. The community of over 65,000 is home to a variety of industries such as aerospace, high tech, video gaming production, and biotech, as well as several thousand small businesses where over 85,000 people are employed.

As Mayor, he is the executive leader of a full-service city, overseeing eight departments consisting of over 660 employees. The Mayor partners with the City Council to set a strategy, vision, and policy direction for the City of Redmond. To date, the City has adopted Budgeting by Priorities, completed the downtown street grid, and purchased the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line and converted it to the Redmond Central Connector.

Accomplishments

Mayor Marchione’s accomplishments include the implementation of an “Organization of Excellence” program, improved overall financial performance and operational efficiency at the City by 18%, and fostered relationships with city, state, federal, and tribal governments to create environmental investments to improve fish habitat, stormwater storage, and water quality.

EvergreenHealth Foundation raises $1.2 million

Kirkland, Wash. – Guests of EvergreenHealth Foundation’s annual gala came together on Saturday, April 27, to raise $1.2 million to support the health system’s Neurological Surgery Program. EvergreenHealth Neurological Care is part of the EvergreenHealth Neuroscience, Spine & Orthopedic Institute, a multidisciplinary practice that provides leading-edge diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for neurological and orthopedic conditions, conveniently from one location on the Kirkland hospital campus.

The annual Spirit of Giving award is given to an individual or family who represents the very best in community philanthropy. This year, the Phil and Katie Carter Family were bestowed this much deserved honor. Phil and Katie Carter have been an active and vital part of the community for over five decades, beginning with the original formation of King County Public Hospital District No. 2. Phil passed away in 2016 but his legacy and commitment to the community lives on through Katie and the entire Carter family. Members of the Carter family accepted the award at the Evergreen Gala.

UPDATED: Scott family's Spark Pizza is a hit

The Scott family with Mayor Marchione

A few weeks ago the Scott's celebrated their new establishment Spark Pizza with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony. Mayor John Marchione did the honors with the large red scissors, held by Will. The family, (left to right) is Tony Scott, Will (11), Carolyn Scott, Kate (13) and Donna, Carolyn's mother.  Tony and Carolyn own Spark Pizza and are great parents. Will and Kate pitched right in keeping the festive table loaded with good eats!

The establishment is in an historic home, circa 1907.  That's 5 years before the City was founded!  It's been completely renovated  but don't miss the ceiling for a taste of days past.  Speaking of taste I love the "Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice" pie.  And there's 11 others to choose from!  Here's the menu.

Spark Pizza hours Mon-Thurs 5-9 pm | Fri - Sun 4-9 pm  Located at 8114 - 164th Ave, NE.  425-898-4021.

-- Bob Yoder

Redmond Pool closes end of June for construction.

Redmond Pool (Internet)

Phase 1 construction is scheduled to begin end of June, 2109 and ending September, 2019

Phase 2 construction will occur during the summer of 2022 

Questions:  e-mail info@redmond.gov

The pool was built in 1972 by King County using Forward Thrust bond funding and was transferred to the City in 2010. After 47 years, the Redmond Pool systems have outlived their useful life, and essential capital improvements are required to preserve Redmond’s only public pool. Over the last eight years there have been regular mechanical system failures; replacement parts are difficult to find due to the age of the pool. After extensive outreach to the community in 2016-2017, aquatics was identified as the top priority for community center services. In response, the City conducted an energy audit of the Redmond Pool, and the consultant recommended improving the existing pool as the most cost-effective approach.

This past December, the City Council adopted the 2019-2020 budget, approving $8M to improve essential and high priority systems and make structural improvements to the existing footprint that will allow the pool to operate an additional 25-30 years. Pool system repairs and improvements will occur in two phases over two years.  Phase 1 is under contract to complete approximately $5.4M in system repair and replacement that will improve the overall pool facility efficiency and operation. This work will result in lower utility use and costs along with improved building system performance and occupant experience.

The following improvements will be made to the facility:
 Boiler system
 Pool circulation pump
 Pool heat exchanger
 Lighting
 Electrical panels
 Domestic hot water tank
 Roofing & Skylights
 Pool filter


The budget for Phase 2 is $2.6M.  Planned facility improvements for Phase 2 include the following:
 Fire protection upgrades
 ADA Improvements
 Plumbing upgrades
 Pool deck resurfacing
 Lobby and locker room upgrades
 Parking lot resurfacing
 Outdoor storage

-Source:  Council Parks & Human Services Committee meeting, 5/7/19

Planning Commission, informative meeting on "Microsoft Refresh"

Minute 4-27:  "Microsoft Refresh" presentation: 72 acres, added 3M sf, 4 villages, pedestrian bridge

Minute 32: affordable housing. 

Minute 106: Council candidate Vanessa Kritzer talks 

"Neighborhood Conversations"

East Link Light Rail construction update

This clip shows you the magnitude of the East Link Light Rail ST-3 project and why it's so expensive. The video ends before the Eastbound 520 exit to Redmond's Overlake Station.

According to the City, "an Eastbound SR 520 Ramp Split, a months-long project will add a new Eastbound 520 exit directly to NE 51 Street in place of the currently combined exit to NE 40 and 51 Streets  It's expected to be complete this week. The City of Redmond’s contractor will work nights beginning Monday, May 6 and the dedicated off-ramp to NE 51 Street is anticipated to open on Thursday, May 9. Construction began in September 2018 and went into a short winter shutdown until dry weather allowed for the final re-channelization.

The Eastbound SR 520 Ramp Split is based on the ramp split concept implemented in 2015 along Westbound SR 520 at NE 51 and 40 Streets. That project has successfully reduced congestion compared to the old combined ramp exit."

For questions and more information contact Jackie Lalor, Communications & Marketing Supervisor, at jlalor@redmond.gov or 425-556-2209. 

Lake Washington School District, "follow the money"

"In November 2005, the Board passed Resolution No. 1969 authorizing a special election on February 7, 2006 in order to propose the issuance of general obligation bonds in the amount of $436 million. The bonds were to be used for Phase II of the district’s modernization program which modernized 11 schools and built one new school (Carson Elementary). The bond election passed, and the district proceeded to sell $425 million of the bonds over the next six years to complete the projects. The projects were completed on time and under budget.

In October 2014, the Board passed Resolution No. 2196 authorizing the remaining bond proceeds and State Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) funds to be redirected to additional projects to serve the district’s growing enrollment. These short-term capacity projects included portables, upgrades to classrooms, an addition, future bond planning, internal building modifications, and property acquisition. After completion of these projects, there is approximately $24 million of SCAP funds remaining.

In October 2018, the Board passed Resolution No. 2257 authorizing the sale of the remaining $11 million of the bonds approved by voters in February 2006. Of this combined $31 million, $7 million will be used for portables. The remaining $24 million, plus the $120 million voter approved April 2019 Capital Projects levy, will be used for the district’s critical capacity projects

These projects include an addition to Lake Washington High School; auxiliary gym and commons expansions; classroom additions to Carson, Franklin, Rose Hill, and Twain elementary schools; and district-wide upgrades to building safety and security measures.

In order to redirect the unspent bond funds and unallocated state matching funds on additional projects, it is necessary for the board to hold a public hearing and adopt a resolution modifying the original bond resolution. A public hearing has been scheduled for May 6. Action on the adopting the resolution will be placed on the May 20 agenda.

RECOMMENDATION The Board of Directors holds a public hearing regarding redirecting of bond proceeds and matching funds as outlined in Resolution No. 2270."

-- LWSD website
    School Board meeting packet, 5/6/2019
   Bob Yoder, 5/6/2019

School district considers new start times

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that middle and high schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later to give students the opportunity to get the amount of sleep they need, but most American adolescents start school too early.

This video was made last year when school start times changed. when a seven-period day was implemented for high school students. This change took effect starting on the first day of school, Tuesday, September 4, 2018. 

A School Start Time Advisory is meeting this year to study the impacts of potentially changing high school start times to later in future years. The Advisory includes staff and parents from elementary, middle and high school levels. They will make a recommendation for any potential further changes to school start and end times. Further changes in the 2019-2020 school year may or not occur, depending on their recommendation. There is still ample opportunity for families to provide input throughout the process. Any changes to the high school start and end times result in adjustments to middle and elementary start and end times due to transportation.

-- LWSD website
   edited excerpt

State Performance Audit On Student Homelessness

The homeless are not always who you think they are.
Internet

Opportunities to Better Identify and Serve K-12 Students Experiencing Homelessness:

Washington has the eighth-highest rate of identified student homelessness in the country. The number of identified homeless students in Washington’s kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) education system has grown to more than 40,000. This marks more than a 30 percent increase in student homelessness between the 2012-13 and 2016-17 school years.

EDITED: Lime bike shares are here, parking on neighborhood sidewalks

Credit/ Bob Yoder, 7:30 pm

I was surprised and bothered to see my first lime ebike (electric) in my Education Hill neighborhood 5:30pm a few days ago. The cyclist was riding on the sidewalk, not always safe since electric bikes are powerful.  Then, tonight I saw this ebike share parked on a sidewalk in a nearby cul-de-sac' It was left by a college student.  "It only costs a dollar" said the little boy.

According to new city code AND Jill Smith, Director of Communications  bike and scooter share vehicles will be allowed to park on sidewalks in neighborhoods so long as 5 feet of the sidewalk is free from obstruction. “Well, as good citizens we can always move them off the sidewalk.   Though bike shares are useful downtown, as more come up the hill we may find them less than desirable. Please, please stay downtown, where they have the most benefit. If you have questions write: council@redmond.gov 

-- Bob Yoder

May is "Mental Health Awareness Month"

Prevalence Of Mental Illness

• Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. (46.6 million) experiences mental illness in a given year.1 
• Approximately 1 in 25 adults in the U.S. (11.2 million) experiences a serious mental illness in a given year that substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities.2
• Approximately 1 in 5 youth aged 13–18 (21.4%) experiences a severe mental disorder at some point during their life. For children aged 8–15, the estimate is 13%.3
• 1.1% of adults in the U.S. live with schizophrenia.4
• 2.6% of adults in the U.S. live with bipolar disorder.5
• 6.9% of adults in the U.S.—16 million—had at least one major depressive episode in the past year.6
• 18.1% of adults in the U.S. experienced an anxiety disorder such as posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and specific phobias.7
• Among the 20.2 million adults in the U.S. who experienced a substance use disorder, 50.5%—10.2 million adults—had a co-occurring mental illness.8

Social Stats

• An estimated 26% of homeless adults staying in shelters live with serious mental illness and an estimated 46% live with severe mental illness and/or substance use disorders.9
• Approximately 20% of state prisoners and 21% of local jail prisoners have “a recent history” of a mental health condition.10
• 70% of youth in juvenile justice systems have at least one mental health condition and at least 20% live with a serious mental illness.11
• Only 41% of adults in the U.S. with a mental health condition received mental health services in the past year. Among adults with a serious mental illness, 62.9% received mental health services in the past year.8
• Just over half (50.6%) of children with a mental health condition aged 8-15 received mental health services in the previous year.12
• African Americans and Hispanic Americans each use mental health services at about one-half the rate of Caucasian Americans and Asian Americans at about one-third the rate.13
• Half of all chronic mental illness begins by age 14; three-quarters by age 24. Despite effective treatment, there are long delays—sometimes decades—between the first appearance of symptoms and when people get help.14

Consequences Of Lack Of Treatment

• Serious mental illness costs America $193.2 billion in lost earnings per year.15
• Mood disorders, including major depression, dysthymic disorder and bipolar disorder, are the third most common cause of hospitalization in the U.S. for both youth and adults aged 18–44.16
• Individuals living with serious mental illness face an increased risk of having chronic medical conditions.17 Adults in the U.S. living with serious mental illness die on average 25 years earlier than others, largely due to treatable medical conditions.18
• Over one-third (37%) of students with a mental health condition age 14­–21 and older who are served by special education drop out—the highest dropout rate of any disability group.19
• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., and the 2nd leading cause of death for people aged 10–34.20
• More than 90% of people who die by suicide show symptoms of a mental health condition.21
• Each day an estimated 18-22 veterans die by suicide.22

Citations

"425 magazine" awards EvergreenHealth for sixth time

Kirkland, Wash. – 425 magazine recently recognized EvergreenHealth as the Eastside’s “Best Hospital & Health System” in the publication’s 2019 Best of 425 poll. The award honors EvergreenHealth for the sixth time in seven years for delivering high-quality, comprehensive care and services to patients and their families throughout King and Snohomish Counties.

Each year 425, the Eastside’s premier lifestyle publication, asks readers to vote for their most preferred local organizations, from hotels and museums, to attorneys and health care providers.

UPDATED: Hearing Examiner Approves Emerald Heights Project

According to a City planner, the decision will be appealed in the Superior Court

        In a 104 page document, the Redmond Hearing Examiner (a land-use attorney) described his decision to approve Emerald Heights construction of a 54-unit Assisted Living building and a 42-unit Independent Living building. According to the Examiner, these new buildings are intended to allow conversion of the existing 40-unit assisted living building into private, single occupancy skilled nursing suites.

The campus currently has 333 independent living units, 40 assisted living units, 16 memory care units, and 61 skilled nursing units for a total of 450 residential units.  The campus features a main  multi-purpose auditorium, fitness building, pool, communal courtyard, woodland walking trails, and gardening opportunities. There's an existing public transit stop on 176th Avenue NE near the campus entrance.

BACKGROUND

Abby Road HOA residents living next to the Emerald Heights' 38-acre parcel appealed the SEPA, and challenged the Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Entitlement. The volume of public record was an astounding 8,000 pages creating significant expenses and review time.  Retired city councilmember John Stilin and his wife led the way.

Besides zoning, the following issues Stilin et al appealed were:

1) Severe aesthetic impacts from converting the "greenbelt buffer" forested area where the assisted building is proposed. They argued the assisted living building was inappropriate in height, bulk, scale, architecture, and siting;
2) Loss of privacy and view for those residences that are nearest, and all passerby/neighborhood views were permanently altered;
3) Serious lighting impacts from the height of the building; No guarantee the building would be fully screened by proposed plantings;
4) Significant loss of native vegetation and trees reducing stormwater drainage and impacting aesthetics.  Local wildlife would be impacted to the detriment of the residents and visitors who enjoy the wildlife.
5) Potential for improper disposal of hazardous materials; Emission of noxious and hazardous odors and vapor from the institutional kitchen.
And the list goes on....

Redmond Hearing Examiner Contact Information:  Phone: 425.556.2191.  Email: cdxanthos@redmond.gov.  City Clerk's Office.

Source:  Redmond Hearing Examiner
              Findings, Conclusions, Decisions
              Abby Road HOA,et all Appeal (LAND-2018-00920) of DNS (SEPA-2018-00640)
              LAND-2018-00586 --Conditional Use Permit/land-2018-00617 --Site Plan Entitlement.
Redmond City Council meetings.

Redmond Bank, circa 1912, on display at Marymoor Community Center

Jeff Hagen, Recreation Division Manager, showed me this picture of the Redmond Bank, circa 1912. (Redmond was founded the same year.)  It's from the Lake Washington Institute of Technology collection.  Several other historic pictures are on display at the Marymoor Community Center. Jeff might be able to show you around.

The two trees in the background mark where the Downtown Park is today.  The bank is at the corner of Cleveland & Leary. Homegrown and Molly Moon are to the left. The Toreador restaurant is to the right unseen. In the distance, Cleveland Street looks more like a trail way!

-- Bob Yoder, 4/27

Updated: A downtown "pocket park"

Photo credit /Bob Yoder

I'm sure you've seen this downtown "pocket park." One of our elected said it's private property. It's on the corner of NE 83 Street and 166th.  Currently, there's construction equipment on the site. (An asphalt roller and another big piece of equipment.)  I hope this tiny green space isn't torn away!  All we have left in the downtown that's treed is the Heron Rookery. Have you seen other patches?

-- Bob Yoder

Significant litter was noticeable at the intersection and has since been removed.  5/7/19
The construction equipment has been removed and replaced with two vehicles.  5/22

Updated: Notes On 4/23 Council Meeting

STAFF'S 2018 "YEAR IN REVIEW" 

Planner Carol Hellman presented private development stats. 

The following were built in 2018:

  >167 Single Family Homes

  >2025 Mixed-use family units

  >129,643 sf Commercial space 

Affordable housing units, at 80% AMI or less:  

   >130 units were built in 2018; Total of 693 affordable units now.

   >This year 60 units are in the pipeline; 150 units are in planning stages;  Thus, we may have a total of 903 affordable units by year end.  

   

Jon Spangler, Engineer and Manager of the Construction Division described major Public Works projects:  

  

>86% of the 2018 projects were under budget saving the city $2.5M.  This was accomplished without a Public Works Director.  (Our Fire Chief in now running Public works and his Deputy is running the Fire Department.) Councilmember Steve Fields was concerned about various staff vacancies and thanked Mr. Spangler for his fine work despite their lack of a Director.

    

>Mr.Spangler described key construction projects planned for 2019:  

    1)  Relocate the ERRATIC artwork from the future light rail track to a spot near the Matador. ST-3 will pay for it. (Indirectly, we pay for it.)  The relocation is estimated at $1M.

    2)  Unfortunately, Willows Road will have to be re-paved from 90th to 124th starting this summer. Sections of the re-paving will require extensive construction. Two culverts have to be installed next year. As Councilember Margeson indicated, this could be a traffic nightmare. Facebook will lease offices on Willows Road, adding to the traffic.  Councilmember Myers reiterated the value of a large 10-minute community project nearby (which will add to the construction traffic.)

    3) A 12-16 month project in the Fall to construct a tunnel under NE 40th to connect the SR520 ped/bike trail to Microsoft and the City.  

    4)  Rehabilitation the Cleveland Street sidewalk from 164th to 168th, owing to tree damage.  

    5)  A complicated pavement and private sewer line project on 187th. 

    6)  Installation of two sewer pump stations. 

Council President Angela Birney wasn't in attendance at this Study Session or the prior Council Committee meeting. V.P David Carson ran the Study Session.  

-- Bob Yoder, 4/25  
    Source:  4/23 Council Study Session & Council Committee of the Whole meeting.      

LWSD Capital Projects Levy Passing in Early Returns

Looking at the numbers,this levy is a done deal! B.Yoder 

Redmond, Wash. – In early returns on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, Lake Washington School District’s Capital Projects Levy was passing at a rate of 53.95 percent.

“We are grateful to our community for supporting this measure as we continue to experience rapid growth in our district,” said Dr. Jane Stavem, Superintendent.

Levy funds will pay for critical projects to address enrollment growth and student safety and security. Proposed 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; and support student safety by adding exterior security cameras at elementary schools and create 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.)

LWSD is growing rapidly. LWSD’s official October 1 student enrollment was 29,987 students. This represents 417 more students than last year’s October 1 count. For the last 10 years, from 2008 to 2018, the district’s enrollment grew by approximately 620 students each year. That is the size of a large elementary school. A total of 6,218 more students are in LWSD schools today than 10 years ago, representing 26 percent growth.

Election Results: LWSD levy is ahead, EveregreenHealth behind

ELECTION RESULTS

CLICK "ELECTION RESULTS" FOR DAILY UPDATES

LWSD Proposition 1, Capital Projects Levy 

(50% majority required.)  

 53.95% "Yes" 

 46.05% "No" 

Public Hospital District No. 2 (EvergreenHealth) Proposition 1, Bonds for Hospital and Other Health Care Facilities. 

(60% majority required + at least 56,283 people needed who vote in the election living in the hospital district)

57.38%  "YES"

42.62%  "NO"  

55,537 votes counted, 3,771 to count, 26.47% turnout. 

Next ballot count at 4:00 PM, 4/24.

http://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20190423/king/

Redmond's privately developed art initiative

This picture is temporary art placed in the Linear Park during a So. Bazaar event. It was later relocated to the Central Connector trail by Willows Road. I feel we need both temporary and permanent art installations in the Downtown Park. Temporary art installations are flexible and would provide the most variety. Of course, performing arts will enhance the Downtown experience.

This video is narrated by Carolyn J.Hope, City Parks Planning and Cultural Arts manager. As you'll see, the City is working hard to improve privately developed public art.  It was promulgated by development of the Marymoor Village urban center. The City went out of their way to engage the public. Their "look and feel" Visual Preference survey is the best I've ever seen in my 41 years. If you'd like to give feedback on privately developed public art (or art in general) contact Chris Weber. Chris is Administrator of the influential Arts & Culture Commission.

 -- Bob Yoder, opinion

Education Hill homeless encampment to leave mid-May

Camp Unity is located at St. Jude Parish close to Redmond Middle School and Horace Mann El.

The Camp Unity homeless encampment is smaller this year.  Last month, it was populated by 17 individuals and a couple.  The site maxes out at 40.  According to Pete, the camp manager, half of the residents have a job and half have disability income. Some meals are provided by the church; the church donates water and power, and a mobile shower and laundry services them. The homeless car lot nearby is not affiliated with Camp Unity.

As for safety, Camp Unity has warranty checks, a zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol, and does a sex offender check.  Camp Unity has been in operation for two years. It's a vast improvement over Tent City 4 which had a terrible community reputation.  

According to Pete, the City's Homeless Outreach Coordinator Kent Hay rarely visits, rather takes phone calls about twice a month. Pete says the camp will leave in mid-May for Woodinville and stay there until the end of the year. It operates in Redmond under a City 2017 temporary use permit which allows 3 visits/5 years.  

-- Bob Yoder