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

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

 ATTENTION PUBLIC:  

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

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

Your comments are encouraged!

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

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A  RESIDENT'S COMMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION: 

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

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

 

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

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

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

Updated by Bob Yoder, 10/18/2022

Lake Sammamish Kokanee Salmon Release Celebration

It was special for all of us to join with the Snoqualmie Tribe in celebration of  the Release of the endangered "Little Red Fish." 

l-r, Redmond Council Member and Vice President Vanessa Kritzer, Congresswoman Kim Schreier, Issaquah dignitary and King County Executive Dow Constantine. (click to enlarge)

Steve Laing, President of Trout Unlimited, Three Rivers Chapter, Issaquah.
(click to enlarge)

 Redmond Council Vice President Vanessa Kritzer describes the potential and restoration of Idylwood Creek  (YouTube)

Snoqualmie Tribe and Guests Celebrate the Release of Kokanee (YouTube)

King 5 video of the Kokanee comeback

Kokanee Salmon Work Group

"Spawning Grounds" www.bit.ly/SpawningGroundsFilm

 A film on Saving the Little Red Fish

Lake Sammamish Kokanee

Posting,  pictures and video by Bob Yoder, 10/15/2022

Historic October Heat, Smoke, and Fire Danger in Puget Sound

 We cancelled our outdoor pickleball game at Perrigo Park on Friday.  Tuesday we'll be safely tucked away at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse.  The ash continues to fall on our windshield. 10/15/2022

A high ridge of pressure and offshore flow will bring a highly unusual round of mid-October heat and more wildfire smoke to Western Washington over the weekend. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

PATCH, Lucas Combos, Reporter

The latest forecasts show a good chance that this weekend will be another one for the record books. If temperatures in Seattle reach their projected high Sunday, the Emerald City will break through 80 degrees later in the year than ever before and hit the threshold twice in October for the first time. Saturday will get close, too, and more daily records look likely to fall.

Seattle already broke its October record for most 75-degree days, logging its sixth Thursday, more than any other year since records began in the 1890s. According to the National Weather Service, the last 100 days have seen 77 with above-normal temperatures, including 25 straight through Wednesday. With just 0.4 inches of rain since July 5, it has also been the second-driest 100-day stretch ever recorded in Seattle.

TWITTER FEED 

-- PATCH article by Lucas Combos 10/14/2022, excerpted by Bob Yoder 10/15/2022

"Start Times" Under Review at Schools, LWSD Asks for Input

Research and recent history has proven Middle and High Schoolers learn better when start times are no earlier than 8 a.m. Mental health improves, as well. Universal time would really help?

The LWSD ThoughtExchange is an opportunity to share your ideas and feedback with the "Start Times" Committee.  Click here to join the exchange: https://tejoin.com/scroll/312692262  The Exchange closes October 26th at Noon.

The Start Times Committee will make a proposal to the superintendent for all high schools to start no earlier than 8:00 a.m. The committee will also recommend an earlier start and end time for preschool. No changes would happen before the start of the 2022-23 school year. The committee meets seven times between September and January. The committee includes parents and staff from across different high school feeder areas.

In November and December, the committee will ask for input from parents, staff and students on specific options.

What potential impacts of a change in school start times do you want to share with the committee to consider in this process?  The webpage is very well presented.

-- LWSD article and opinion by Bob Yoder, 10/14/2022

Repairs on Sammamish River Trail October 17-27

 

Pavement Repairs on Sammamish River Trail October 17-27 Detour next to trail between Rusty Bridge and NE 85th St Pavement repairs are taking place on the Sammamish River Trail between the Rusty Bridge and NE 85th St in Redmond from 10/17-10/27. Construction hours are 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. A detour will be available next to the trail. Please follow all construction signs. Trail users on bicycles, please walk your bikes in the construction area for safety. The trail will reopen nightly at 5 p.m. for regular use and on the weekend. The trail will permanently reopen for regular use at 5 p.m. on Thursday, 10/27.

UPDATED OPINION: The Good and the Bad of Redmond Square Apartments

This is the first of two 6-Story buildings under construction

 

REDMOND SQUARE APARTMENTS

Looking Southwest from the corner of 166th & Redmond Way

Two 6-Story buildings with 1,2,3,4 room apartments

Very wide, attractive plaza between the buildings

 Pedestrian friendly "Woonerf" or Living Street between the buildings.

Thousands of commercial square feet.

Use of brick material / balconies 

 Not an eight - nine story project.

Many positives (above), yet some negatives too:  1) brick materials but no wood 2) No explanation of Redmond history related to the project. Is this structure built on a bog, as was the downtown park?  4) No 12 - foot sidewalks with landscaping on either side. 5)  Parking provided? 6)  "Canyon effect" when the second building is up. 7)  3.74 acres - intense massing; 2-city blocks. 8) Art?  9) Plans to build further south someday. 10) "crowding" effect on Cleveland.  11) More than 80/20 affordable housing?

-- Updated Opinion by Bob Yoder, 10/15/2022

    Photo, Yoder

Old Redmond Schoolhouse Pickleball. Yay!

 

Pickleball FAQs

Show All Answers

1.How do I give input on amenities or changes that I want to see at different parks?

2.Will the basketball courts at Perrigo Park be converted to Pickleball?

3.Will the tennis lines be removed from Court #3 at Perrigo Park?

4.Will Reservoir Park get converted to Pickleball?

5.Will Meadow Park courts get redone, and when will a bathroom be added?

6.Will a bathroom be added at Westside Park?

7.Will there be dedicated/reserved time for Senior pickleball play at Perrigo Park?

8.What will happen this winter with the pickleball nets at Perrigo Park?

9.Who should we contact to talk about the future of Pickleball in Redmond?

10.Can I modify courts such as laying down my own tape or add temporary markings to line a court, or build a practice wall for pickleball in public parks?

Eastside Native American Education Pow Wow

Click picture to enlarge

 Fancy indigenous dancer and others

 Grand entry

 Ceremonial drumming

A tribute to veterans 

 "Eastside Native American Education" program is composed of LWSD, Northshore and Bellevue students.  They meet every Monday, 7 p.m. at Lake Washington High.  Mary L. Wilber, Osoyoos Indian Band, has been teaching for 22 years.  Mary is 4th from the last in the Grand entry video. mwilber@lwsd.org

According to Ms. Wilber, 91 tribes are represented on the Eastside 

-- Bob Yoder, Juanita High School, 10/1/2022 (photos and video)

Cascadia College Providing "American Indian and Indigenous Studies"

 

Courtesy of Cascadia College

Cascadia College recently hired Dr. Victor Begay as its first American Indian and Indigenous Studies (AIIS) professor and Tribal Liaison. Begay is an educator and scholar from the Navajo Nation.

Cascadia is partnering with the University of Washington to provide the AIIS program. Classes at Cascadia transfer directly to the UW AIIS degree program.

“Students will engage with concepts such as the cultural and socio-political foundations of Tribal Sovereignty, Indigenous identity, critical significance of native foodways, and highlight the nuanced experiences of Indigenous peoples in the PNW,” said Cascadia Dean for Student Learning Kristina Young. 

A press release by the school states the program is a part of the school’s push “to provide equity and social justice-oriented education to everyone by centering the experience of all of the historically marginalized members of its community.”

“I am thrilled with the continued growth within the Office of Equity and Inclusion,” said Chari Davenport, Executive Director of Equity and Inclusion at Cascadia. “Our focus on supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion for everyone within the Cascadia community has truly been expanded in all of the work that we do.”

WOODINVILLE WEEKLY, 9/22/2022

excerpted by B. Yoder

Domestic Violence

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Last Wednesday at the "Community Court Resource Center" I met Danielle Caldwell, Program Director of the "Eastside Legal Assistance Program" (ELAP.)  ELAP "believes everyone deserves access to legal help." Her phone number is 425-747-7274.  

We had a nice talk about Domestic Violence. The statistics in Washington State are astounding. Danielle said the incidence of domestic violence is still at the same level as the pandemic. At a public meeting, Redmond Police Chief Lowe reported during the pandemic physical violence was uncommon, but generally speaking the noise level increased.  

ELAP "empowers domestic violence survivors and their families to use the legal system to stay safe. They partner with other nonprofits to combine their legal expertise with their housing, medical and other services to meet critical needs of survivors and their children."  

"Their team of six staff attorneys, together with support from more that 160 pro bono attorneys, provides hundreds of hour of free civil legal help to people throughout KING COUNTY every year."  In addition to Domestic Violence, program areas include Project Safety, Medical-Legal Partnership, Housing Stability, and Free Community Legal Clinics and Info Sessions.

In addition to Domestic Violence empowerment, there's a great need for Housing Stability in Redmond.  In this area ELAP empowers people to stay in their homes. In partnership with local cities and community partners, ELAP works with low income residents facing legal issues that threaten their housing stability.  

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is here:   https://www.thehotline.org/

Stay well, Stay healthy

by

CONTACT:  Danielle Caldwell, Program Director, ELAP,  Danielle@elap.org. 425-747-7274; 1239-120 Ave NE, Bellevue, WA.

CC:  City of Redmond elected, King County Community Court, Hopelink, King County Council Member Sarah Perry,  EvergreenHealth Community Hospital

Indian Kokanee Salmon Event October 12th

culture.snoqualmietribeweb.com

"Spawning Grounds" film

www.bit.ly/SpawningGroundsFilm

 "Trout Unlimited" President recommends this film.

Produced by eight salmon-related agencies

Hello -

I wanted to send a quick reminder about the Release the Kokanee event coming up next week, October 12^th at 5:00 pm at the Lake Sammamish Boat Launch. We are excited to celebrate the work of this group, connect, and ceremonially release some of the kokanee we are working so hard to save. We hope you will join us at this KWG sponsored event.

Sharing: Please share the event with your staff, partners, supporters and friends!  Feel free to use the attached flyer or share a post from the Lake Sammamish UWRP social media (Facebook, Instagram) or the Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement (Facebook, Instagram). Event info web address: www.bit.ly/KokaneeRelease.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like additional information.

 

Best,

Alix

 

 

Alix Lee-Tigner (she/her)

Lake Sammamish Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership Coordinator

(406) 868-1902

alix.lee-tigner@tu.org

Trout Unlimited is "a rapidly growing community struggling to save its native Little Red Fish."

--  Posted with edits by Redmond resident and Trout Unlimited member Gary Smith.

Redmond Mayor Angela Birney Introduces Preliminary Budget

 

Mayor Birney / Redmond Reporter.com

Redmond Mayor Angela Birney Introduces Preliminary 2023 – 2024 Budget

REDMOND, WA – On Tuesday, Oct. 4, Redmond Mayor Angela Birney introduced the preliminary 2023-2024 biennial budget at the regular business meeting of the City Council. Over the next several weeks, Council will review and discuss the draft budget ahead of the final budget adoption, which is expected on Dec. 6. 

Redmond uses the Budgeting by Priorities process to form the City’s biennial budget. This process identifies the community’s highest priority services. The 2023-2024 preliminary budget upholds the values of the City’s four priorities confirmed by the community in 2020, including:

• We value a healthy and sustainable environment that supports an active community.
• We value a strategic and responsive community that is welcoming, service-oriented, and fiscally responsible.
• We value a safe and resilient community where all people feel safe.
• We value a well-planned and supported community that is vibrant and connected and that provides a sense of place.

King County Executive Proposes Broad Investments to Behavioral Health Infrastructure

King County Executive Dow Constantine

Redmond Reporter, Cameron Sheppard, 9/27/2022

A 9-year property tax levy (14.5 cents/$1K ) submitted to voters in 2023 would generate $1.25 billion to stabilize and strengthen the County's behavioral health crisis care system.

On Sept. 26, King County Executive Dow Constantine and a regional coalition of leaders announced a plan to address behavioral health in the county by creating a countywide network of five crisis care centers, investing in the recruitment and retention of the community behavioral health workforce, and restoring the number of residential treatment beds in the region.

Redmond Council May Approve $203,360 For Maintenance Of Stream Restoration Sites

The Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) maintains stream and habitat restoration sites throughout the City of Redmond. The WCC crew of six is subsidized by AmeriCorps for 2022- 23. The City of Redmond would pay the Washington Department of Ecology $203,360, a very good deal according to the Public Works Director.   

Courtesy of W.C.C.

Maintenance is a crucial activity to the success of restoration and mitigation associated with capital improvement projects. Approximately, 100-acres of restoration and maintenance sites are distributed around the City.  Below, are a few:  

• Conrad Olsen Park
• Confluence of Evans and Bear creeks
• Farrel McWhiterPark planting
• Mackey creek rehab.
• Lower Bear Creek
• Bear Creek at Keller Farm
• Sammamish River Riparian & Bear Creek.
• Sammamish River upland
• Riverwalk
• Willows Business Center stream daylighting
• Various Peters Creek work

A detailed mapping of all the maintenance and restoration sites is HERE.  

Maintenance of restoration sites involves control of invasive weeds, litter patrol, replacement planting, and other activities important to overall project success. This regular site maintenance enhances already completed projects, building on the initial investment, as well as improving the aesthetics of sites. 

WCC members are typically college-age students learning restoration techniques and gaining job skills. A crew consists of six staff that work a 40-hour work week, for 41 weeks, primarily managing noxious weeds and installing replacement plantings at City capital improvement projects. 

In addition, the crew helps with volunteer events, native tree planting, habitat assessment, small stream maintenance projects, site monitoring, and de-fishing stream projects. 

-- Posted by Bob Yoder, 10/2/2022

Source:  Public Works Council Committee of the Whole, 10/2/4/2022

The Salmon Seeson is Upon Us!

Redmond resident John Reinke has seen salmon migrating upstream from three Redmond bridge locations:  1) Redmond Way bridge, 2) Connector Trestle bridge, and  3) the Union Hill St. bridge. 9/25/2022 report.  When the October rains come expect migrations in force up the Sammamish River and Bear Creek bridges to Juel Park, the 95th Street bridge, into Woodinville and Cottage Lake to spawn.    

ISSAQUAH SALMON DAY FESTIVAL, October 1-2.  Awesome event!  Don't miss it! 🐟🐟🐟

"Save the Salmon" is an advocacy group to protect Lake Sammamish salmon. Great website.

10/1/2022

EvergreenHealth - "Then and Now"

 

 EvergreenHealth is a community-owned, publicly funded hospital. 

Two Restaurants Coming To "Porch + Park"

Courtesy of Main Street Property Group

"Two restaurants are coming to a new mixed-use building in downtown Redmond later this year: Seattle restauranter Ethan Stowell Restaurant Group’s Italian restaurant Tavolàta and local bagel shop Rubinstein Bagels. 

Both will be in the Porch + Park building, 16001 Redmond Way, across from Redmond Downtown Park.

Tavolàta will occupy a 4,500-square-foot ground-floor space and Rubinstein Bagels will take an adjacent 2,680 square feet."

Been keeping an eye out for when the bagel store opens up!

-- Chris Lanterman, 9/29/2022 comment on Redmond Neighbors facebook group.

City of Redmond Rechanneling Bear Creek

 

Redmond's Bear Creek

Bear Creek has been slowly migrating into the Avondale Road embankment north of Novelty Hill Road causing the embankment to settle and undercut the sidewalk.

This project will restore and enhance a section of Bear Creek by re-channeling it, installing large woody debris, creating a side channel or backwater habitat, and restoring the buffer with native plantings. As part of the restoration, existing riprap boulders and a PSE guidewire will be removed.

The project will also stabilize the embankment and repair existing stormwater outfalls that are damaged.

SEPA information for this project can be found on the Avondale Road Bank Erosion page.

Posted by Bob Yoder, 9/29/2022

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Redmond "Heron Rookery"

 

The Heron rookery, minus birds and trees

My wife and puppy are in the middle-third of this large unforested portion of the Heron Rookery.  There's a lot of dirt behind me that you can't see.  Unfortunately, the trees that once stood there are gone.  No one seems to know why the trees died off. A quandary, since there are no stumps. 

 

A must see short video on the history of the herons and rookery forest is HERE. 

The 4.6 acre open space site is located on the southwest corner of Bear Creek Parkway and Leary Way in Redmond, Washington. It stands at the entrance to Downtown Redmond and features what's left of an urban forest and a trail that runs through the middle.  The city lists it as a park with use for hiking.  

The infamous Workshop Tavern, long torn down abutted the rookery.  It was an historic establishment serving Redmond's first hamburgers and beer.

Redmond's "Zeeks Canyon"

 

The "Park and Porch" battleship apartment is steaming (and listing) right along. 
"Zeek canyon" will soon be fully formed. but with setbacks?

The Downtown Park will soon be surrounded by apartments. 

Porch & Park apartment is the last piece of the Downtown park puzzle. It's almost complete.  Some residents notice the tall buildings are shading each other and the park.  

Posted/pictures by B.Y.  

 

Updated: The Redmond Blog

 

Map of 11 Redmond Neighborhoods

 

Visit "Friends who like Redmond Neighborhood Blog" for a curated feed of popular stories, opinion and original photos.

Bob Yoder has authored the "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" AKA the Redmond Blog for 16 years.  He's a 42-year resident of Redmond, WA and lives in the wilds of the Education Hill neighborhood.

The Redmond Blog advocates, investigates and reports news and opinion on Greater Redmond, WA. neighborhoods, schools, local governments and organizations so our community can be more informed, responsive and connected with each other.  The goal with our local governments is to encourage them, foster transparency and occasionally catalyze change.

Redmond has 11 neighborhoods and is under the jurisdictions of the City of Redmond, Lake Washington School District, and EvergreenHealth Public Hospital.

Redmond was a 1-stoplight town when I first moved here in 1978. Today it's a suburban city to Seattle and growing astoundingly fast, especially in the last eight years. We are talking dozens of cranes.  The City has far too many jobs for too little housing. Housing affordability is a very big problem. Microsoft, Nintendo, and now Facebook and Amazon are economic engines that never quit.  In two-three years four light rail stations will service Redmond.  

Thank you for reading the blog, commenting, and sharing with your friends and family. 

Stay safe, stay healthy.  

Bob Yoder