Council To Allocate $2.8 Million To Central Trail Connector Project

Internet

$2.8M of the 2021-2022 General Fund will be allocated to the Redmond Central Connector Phase III project. 

Phase 3 of the project will add the remaining 1.6 miles of hard-surface trail. Once Phase III, Phase IV and Phase V are completed, the trail will connect with over 60 miles of regional trails and will be the key regional link from Redmond to Sammamish and Kirkland.

Phase III 

• 1.6-mile segment is in the planning phase. 

• Will connect the Phase II trail near Overlake Christian Church to NE 124th Street at the Kirkland border. 

• This phase is partially funded with an appropriation from the state and city capital funds. The City is currently seeking additional funds for the project. 

• In the future, Sound Transit and regional utilities may construct facilities adjacent to the trail.

• Downtown and the Willows business district expect a combined increase of 10,000 residents and 20,000 jobs by 2020, and the Connector provides an alternative route to move between these areas.

--Council Regular Meeting notes, 8/16/2021

Downtown Redmond Walking Tour

2020

 

Virtual Redmond Historical Society Speaker Series Begins September

 

Virtual Saturday Speaker Series
Begins in September

The Redmond Historical Society is pleased to announce the schedule for our 2021-2022 Saturday Speaker Series, held on the second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m.

 

Given current restrictions, the Society will continue to host these programs virtually in the Zoom webinar format. These programs are free to members and the public.

 

Beginning in September, more information and registration details will be available in this newsletter and on our website under www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org/events. Please stay tuned!

Saturday, September 11, 2021
The River That Made Seattle
(Duwamish)
BJ Cummings
Author, Speaking Courtesy of
Humanities Washington

Saturday, October 9, 2021
New Findings of the Bear Creek
Site
Steven Mullen-Moses
Director of Archaeology & Historic
Preservation, Snoqualmie Tribe

 

Saturday, November 13, 2021
Whiskey and Wiretaps: The
Northwest’s Rumrunning King
(Roy Olmstead)
Steve Edmiston
Author, Lawyer, Speaking
Courtesy of Humanities Washington

Saturday, February 12, 2022
Catching a Map Thief: The
Man Who Stole Rare Maps
from 100 Libraries — Including
Washington State
Robert Lopresti
Author, Government Information
Librarian

Saturday, March 12, 2022
Women’s Lives in the Issaquah
Valley, 1890–1930
Erica Maniez
Executive Director, Issaquah
History Museums

Saturday, April 9, 2022
History of the Panama Hotel in
Seattle
Jan Johnson
Owner, Historian

Oxymoron - Council Committee Of The Whole

It was hilarious when Chair Carson called his "Council Committee Of The Whole" meeting to order.  No one was there. 😏 Mr. Carson sat prominently alone on the Dais. Needless to say, the committee wasn't whole.  

Vanasa Kritzer, Varisha Kahn and Mr. Fields were excused.

-- Bob Yoder, 8/10/2021

(All but David Carson were wearing masks at the Regular meeting. The Mayor wore a mask, as well....  probably in response to the Delta virus.) 

Council Candidate Melissa Stuart Up By 59% In Primary

 

Hi friends,

As primary votes continue to be counted, I want to share my immense gratitude for your support during this campaign. Votes are still being counted, but so far we are earning 59% of the primary votes here in Redmond!

I am truly grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support for our campaign. During the primary, supporters and volunteers helped knock 1,500 doors, spoke to hundreds of voters, and filled Redmond with our colorful yard signs. Way to go team!

Stay tuned for an invitation to our general election kick-off event. In the meantime, here are two easy ways you can help launch our campaign into the general:

1) Make a donation at electmelissastuart.com so we can purchase new canvassing literature and get back out to the doors!

2) Invite your friends to like our Facebook page. Can we get to 100 likes by the end of the weekend?

Thanks so much for your support today.

See you on the campaign trail!

Melissa Stuart, Candidate

Redmond City Council Position 4

Senior Center / Community Center Challenged By "Critical Areas"

LAND-2021-00631, Redmond Senior and Community Center Description: The site is located within the Sammamish River stream buffer and Shoreline Environment. The Sammamish River requires a 150-foot stream buffer from the ordinary high-water mark, and the Shoreline Environment extends 200 feet from the ordinary high-water mark. These critical areas offer challenges in terms of site design, where the structure may not be located within 150-foot stream buffer. Structures located within the Shoreline Environment have a maximum height limit of 35 feet. The site design of RSCC navigates through these site constraints, where the western portion of the building is one story, and the eastern section of the building will stand at two stories.

The southerly Community Center includes a gym, weight room facilities, flexible workout room, locker rooms, and staff office space. 

Two pathways from the RSCC are proposed to provide access to the Sammamish River trail. A majority of the lawn will be retained and enhanced for events such as Rocking on the River to encourage residents to interact with more of their community. Additional open space is provided at the outdoor seating areas which act as outdoor extensions of the building. 

Design Review Board Report (not very exciting.)

excerpts and edits

Bob Yoder, 8/6/2021

Herfy's Hamburgers Scheduled For Tear Out - 6-Story Sunrise Apartments Construction Soon

The Redmond Corner Market was a poorly lit convenience store.  My daughter's coach bought his trophies from "Redmond Trophy."

.

Herfy's is the cornerstone of the mall.

Herfy's has the broadest selection of hamburgers at the lowest price.  Great shakes too.
Click to enlarge. Find the "mask required sign."  Delta Covid variant is running wild.

 

A warehouse will be built on this site, south of Sunrise.  The popular Brown Bag restaurant was here. Click (double) to see a mall sign and Animal Emergency sign.

 

Description of the Six-Story Sunrise Apartments

Story and photos by Bob Yoder

8/4/2021

"Evans Creek Relocation Project" Benefits Fish, Offers Land Use Opportunities (Part One)

 

The dotted blue line is the proposed, new channel.  The relocation increases buffer width benefiting
the fish and offers land-use development opportunities. King county lands are involved.

Project Overview

Evans Creek is a Class I stream that has been impacted by adjacent industrial development. Narrow vegetated buffers expose the stream channel to sunlight, and untreated runoff may be entering the channel. 

This project is listed in the WRIA 8 Chinook Conservation Plan.The large upstream watershed supports good wild Coho runs, provides important Chinook habitat and contains quality riparian habitat and corridor connectivity for other wildlife. The open space proposed for the new channel also contains the well-used Bear-Evans trail, and the stream project will benefit passive recreation opportunities. 

The proposed stream relocation solution involves the following:

• Reconstruct the channel to the north and east of industrial properties in open space where adequate buffers can be established.
• Reconnect the channel with floodplain wetlands and restore riparian buffer function by controlling invasive weeds and planting native riparian vegetation along the new channel.
• Install in-stream habitat structures, streambed sediment and bioengineering in the new channel to enhance hydraulics and fish habitat.
• Coordinate as needed with underlying private property owners, adjacent industrial development, and WSDOT. 
• Retain and improve the Bear Evans Trail, accommodating future expansions of the trail network to the west fostering passive recreation opportunities in the area.

-- redmond.gov

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Assesses Fish Impact From "Evans Creek Relocation Project" (Part Two)

Upper Evans Creek
Photo/ Yoder

MAP 

The Evans Creek Relocation Project is intended to improve overall riverine processes in the lower portion of Evans Creek, increase habitat complexity within the channel, increase riparian habitat functions, and separate the lower portion of Evans Creek from existing, incompatible land uses. The City addressed potential impacts to Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) due to the project in the November 2020 Biological Assessment that was submitted with the JARPA package:

EFH for Pacific salmon, including Chinook and Coho, is present in the project action area.During construction activities in phase 2 when the new channel is connected to the existing channel, the Project would result in a temporary and localized turbidity plume. Active construction within Coho and Chinook freshwater EFH, dewatering the existing channel, and loss of less than 1 acre of rearing habitat during phase 2 construction activities resulted in an EFH effect determination of “may adversely affect EFH for Coho and Chinook salmon” in the Biological Assessment. This adverse effect is temporary and will only occur during the construction phase, when the newly constructed channel would be connected to the existing creek.

Outdoor Art Mutes Apartment Construction

(double click to enlarge)

Outdoor butterfly art is resting on the Downtown Park.  Porch + Park apartment construction is in the background.  I saw this art while participating in Janet Richards' council campaign.

-- Bob Yoder, 8/1/2021

    Photo, Yoder

OPINION: Lamenting "Redmond Square"

Sign still up during demolition, photo Yoder 8/15/2021

Below, is an old comment from a reader in response to a (2/2019) video of "Redmond Square mall" prior to demolition. 

"I've heard some say "they're trying to turn Redmond into Bellevue." That wouldn't be much of a problem if we had all the space of Bellevue. (I think Bellevue is a lovely city--it's classy, clean, safe and I haven't noticed the aggressiveness of beggars there like in Redmond.) But trying to squeeze so many high rises into our little town on a bog is an eye sore.  We're basically leveling our town and cramming everything in. When brand new, some high rises may look tidy and clean, but most of them look drab. Honestly, they remind me of Cabrini-Green projects in Chicago. :( As they age and get dirty/moldy they'll become an eyesore to many (to me they already are). And they obstruct Redmond's natural beauty and cast big shadows on an otherwise coveted sunny day. Perhaps this could alter downtown Redmond's microclimate as well. It all makes me sad."

--- Anonymous, 2/23/2019

Above, is a video I took of "Redmond Square mall" currently (7/29/2021) being demolished.  The finished product will be in a prime location next to the Downtown light rail station.  Unfortunately, owing to it's location on Cleveland, 166th & Redmond Way traffic could be a nightmare for at least two years.  Nearby businesses and apartments will have to put up with the noise.

When finished, the Redmond Square Apartments will offer 1,2,3 and 4 room apartments, rooftop activities and many other amenities.  Legacy Partners partnered with a Chinese corporation to develop the project.  

-- Bob Yoder, 8/1/2021.

    Photo, Videos, Yoder 

Redmond's Design Review Board video (above) shows a wide pedestrian plaza, the narrow street, landscaping and significant use of brick. Below are additional details. Some parking will be available but I'm afraid not much.  Light rail, bikes, walking, scooters, and remote are the ticket.

 New 6 story buildings with approximately 623 dwelling units split by a narrow street (woonerf.) The project will redevelop the block bounded by Cleveland Street on the south, Redmond Way to the north, 166th Avenue NE on the east. The overall site is Redmond Square - LAND-2021-00220 2 | The site is approximately 3.47 acres.   Approximately 30,120 square feet of commercial space is  proposed at the street level along Redmond Way, Cleveland Street and 166th Avenue NE. The southern portion of the property will be separated by a Boundary Line Adjustment for future development.  (Design Review Board, 5/28/2021)

Redmond Pool Outdoor Art

 

Do you see: 5 bicycles?  A flying fish?  A salmon?  Moose?  Whale?  Squid?  A Dog?  Dog bone? Bass? My daughter?

The Pool is Open

The Redmond Pools was previously closed for a two-phase improvement project. Construction was completed at the end of April 2021, and the pool is open. The City's Operational partner, Wave Aquatics, has information on programs and activities. To plan your visit, please go to www.waveaquatics.org.  Again, the pool is open.  I saw few swimmers there today, Saturday.  Go for it!  It's an awesome renovation. The City did a great job!

-- Bob Yoder & redmond.gov, 7/31/2021

   Photo, Yoder

Click this link for the artist's website. His background is amazing.  

Redmond Light Rail Station Art

The two images on the left @ Overlake Village Station
 Three images on the right @ Redmond Technology Station 

When light rail begins servicing Redmond’s Overlake neighborhood in 2023, riders will experience more than fast, convenient connections throughout the region. Sound Transit commissioned four artists for the Overlake Village Station and Redmond Technology Station.

-- redmond.gov

The commissioned art is paid by the City of Redmond.  You are looking at five different images.

UPDATED: Bulldozer Treads On Redmond's Oldest Park

Anderson Park waterline replacement.  There must be a less invasive way.  A city worker says the pipe was circa 1960's.
--Bob Yoder, Photo 7/2021

 
 

OPINION: Observations of a Pandemic Council Meeting

City Hall chambers / (r-l) Stuart, city clerk, Mayor Birney, Padhye, Carson,
Anderson, Helland, Beverley - photo Yoder)

Thanks to new work habits brought on by the pandemic only three (of seven) council members attended this study session meeting.  Some are at home, a cafe, etc. working remotely.  Most report they "are attending;" though one member rarely participates.  The quality of the meetings has taken a turn for the worse. I hope Mayor Birney can call them in.  After all, council members are city employees, paid $18,648 annually. As is, when a member is speaking remotely you can never see him/her.

I must say this meeting was vibrant despite the lack of physical presence.  Two very interesting land use projects were studied, guided by Planning Director Carol Helland.  She is amazing; her work is brilliant. Council member David Carson led the discussion and appeared the decision-maker in the Pier 67 session.  Council member Jeralee Anderson (center) was thrilled the Marymoor development would be LEED certified....one of her requests.  President Tanika Padhye discouraged "pocket zoning." 

The lady in the audience (of 2) dressed in pink is Melissa Stuart. She was the only one wearing a mask. Ms. Stuart is running for Council Seat No. 4.  I learned she would be the only council member living in Overlake. This is key! 

-- Bob Yoder, 7/28/2021

 (Tip: Go to the city Facebook page for live viewing and commenting.) 👀  

Comments?

click to enlarge

The solicitation is taped to a pole on the SE corner of 166th Ave NE & Redmond Way. He/she posted his Paypal account askiing for $100.00 donations for socks and shoes. Hmm. Wool socks are available at most churches and some nonprofits.  Email info@redmond.gov for assistence.

Photo/ Bob Yoder

June Monthly Finance Report

Redmond Finance Director Chip Corder

June 27th, 2021 Monthly Finance Report:  

Total revenues are ahead of target by approximately 35%, or $16.5 million.

· Sales tax exceeds target by approximately 77%, or $9.1 million. One-time sales tax on construction continues to be the revenue driver at $7.6 million for the year, with $1.3 million received in June. 

· Utility taxes are below target by approximately 1.9%, or $113,000. This is an improvement over prior months due to a large payment received for unpaid electric utility taxes. 

· Intergovernmental revenue is ahead of target by approximately 73%, or $5.1 million, mostly due to the receipt of the 2021 American Rescue Act Plan allocation. 

· License & permit revenues exceed target by 34%, or $2.3 million. · Total expenditures are below target by approximately 8.50%, or $4.3 million.

-- redmond.gov

Flex Warehouse Project Abuts S.E. Redmond Park

A Redmond warehouse (Internet)
Click the FLEX hyperlink for a video of the project.

The FLEX warehouse/office site is located in a unique location in that a residential development is under construction to the east, SE Redmond Park is located to the south along with single-family residential.  It's 1.5 miles from the light rail. West of the site are light industrial uses, and to the north are industrial uses on the Cadman site.  188th Ave. NE & NE 68th St.  

The project proposes one two-story with 140,000 sf of office and industrial/warehouse space. A surface parking lot is proposed with 270 parking spaces with associated parking lot landscaping. With SE Redmond Park located to the south of the project site, a pedestrian connection is proposed, along with two pedestrian plazas and space for food trucks. The project is in a unique location and will be highly visible as it is surrounded by three streets to the north, east and west, and is also adjacent to SE Redmond Park. 

The project is very well landscaped (Yoder.)  It includes landscaped areas along the perimeter of the site to provide visual screening. The landscape screening includes multiple layers of plantings comprised of low plantings, 75% landscape screening, and solid landscape screening. The surface parking lot and its landscaping also provide a visual buffer from the residential homes soon to be located to the east. 

-- Design Review Board, 7/26/2021. This project is still under review by the Design Review Board.  You may make comment.

Have you heard about the SE Redmond Park?  SE Redmond Park

New Washington State Legislation Prohibits Neck Restraints

 

Auburn Police demonstrating a neck restraint. 
This guy is talking into a microphone - he can breath
Different from a choke hold, a carotid (neck) restraint does not cut off oxygen but instead puts pressure on the carotid arteries to diminish blood-flow to the brain and where properly deployed will render a subject unconscious in 4-7 seconds. (Internet)

The Washington State Legislature recently passed several bills that impact law enforcement procedures, tactics, and operations across the state. As the Redmond Police Department incorporates these changes, I’d like to share a summary with the community.

Effective July 25, 2021

• House Bill 1054 (Tactics) prohibits using a chokehold OR neck restraint, prohibits military equipment, restricts vehicular pursuits, and prohibits firing a weapon at a moving vehicle. Redmond already prohibits chokeholds (but not neck restraints.) and firing at moving vehicles, and our existing pursuit policy is as restrictive as the new legislation. Redmond’s only military surplus equipment (which is not subject to this bill as it is not armored) is a repurposed Ford F850 box truck (previously a Naval Mobile Dental Services Unit), used by crisis negotiators as a place to coordinate, meet, and communicate with subjects during an on-scene response.

--Redmond Police Chief Darrell Howe

  Edited excerpt from City press release, 7/25/2021

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.) 

McDonald's is Concocting Something New

Double click to enlarge (see the pandemic-related sign?) Photo by Pam Yoder

Most of Redmond's original, long standing buildings are being torn down, thanks to the Growth Management Act.  This one passed the test and instead will be remodeled. (B. Yoder)

McDonald's is located within the "Anderson Park zone."  ACCORDING TO THE CITY PLANNERS, the Anderson Park zone "encourages development of a mix of multistory residential and office buildings and allows limited retail space in order to provide convenient access without diluting the more concentrated retail cores of the Old Town and Town Center zones. The Anderson Park zone also enhances the long-term pedestrian character of Redmond Way and Cleveland Street by including street-level building and landscape design.

The McDonald's remodel proposes to enhance the overall appearance of the building with an upgrade to the exterior building materials and change to the roofline. Overall, the intention of the building design is a more contemporary appearance closer in character to the new nearby contemporary construction. All existing trees on-site are to be retained and existing landscaping protected where possible. The proposed modification to the drive-thru lane (2 lanes) includes new landscaping, which provides more parking lot landscaping and more screening of the drive-thru from the parking lot."

For details go to this link.   

Design Review Board, 7/22/2021

The Downtown Park Will Soon be Surrounded by Apartments

"Porch + Park" - double click to enlarge/Photo Yoder

Construction of the six story "Porch + Park" mixed use project is well under way.  You are looking west from the western most part of the Downtown Park. (A concrete "plaza" borders the grass.) When the project is complete the Park will be fully surrounded by retail, restaurants, apartments and condominiums; except for the pavillion and Stone House on the eastside.  Apartment buildings dominate by far.  

FLASH:  I was driving by the Park at 7:30 tonight (Wednesday.)  It was vibrant and loaded with people!  I've never seen so many without an event. Mayor Birney must be very happy.  

Credit, Porch + Park website

-- Bob Yoder, 7/21/2021 

Popular Rockin' on the River Moves to Redmond City Hall Great Lawn

The Rockin' on the River free summer concerts return on Friday, August 6, and Saturday, August 7. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on the great lawn next to Redmond City Hall. We invite you to bring low beach chairs, blankets, and picnic dinners to enjoy during the show.  Kiwanis Club will provide ice cream, chips and drinks.  

Friday, August 6 - Petty Thief
Saturday, August 7 - Cherry, Cherry with Mainstreet - Bob Seger Tribute opening

Public Transportation

• King County Metro Transit routes RapidRide B Line and 930.
• Sound Transit routes 542 and 545.

Parking

Free parking is available at:
8711 160th Ave NE
Redmond, WA 98052

Food and Drinks

Redmond Kiwanis Club will be selling ice cream bars, chips, and soft drinks.