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Imagining a new town center |
OPINION: It's all so confusing and I'm still unclear. The new owner of Redmond Town Center, Fairbourne Properties, is proposing "zone text amendments" that would allow two 12-story buildings on his property in exchange for "public benefits" such as, affordable housing, environmental stewardship, and business diversity (eg. retail retail, retail; restaurants, entrepreneurs, recreation, small business, commercial, The benefits are vague and Council is working to clarify them.A partial summary of the proposed amendments appear as follows:
1) Increase maximum height to 12-stories through an incentive program of 3 extra levels for above grade parking per building, electric bike space and decent pedestrian lighting.
2) One amendment involves the owner offering "exceptional amenities" for additional height. I crave colorful, covered plazas and courtyards, eclectic and cultural artworks, sustainable-public-rooftop-patios-with-pristine-views, public spaces for daycare and pets, and above all else, well lit performing arts spaces welcoming and entertaining all, including commercial and retail employees. Pickleball is a craze and rooftop courts to activate the Center are being looked at.
3) It's my understanding, the final amendment, if passed, could expand "Town Center Mixed Use" into certain parcels along Bear Creek Parkway; serviced by an office gateway. The expansion plan is unclear; and it may never happen.
-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 1/30/2023, Updated 2/22/23, Resident of Redmond, WA.
SOURCES:
Council "Planning and Public Works" Committee of the Whole memo, 1/3/2023, excerpted and edited. Unfortunately, the city red-lined this memo.
City Council memo, 1/17/2023 - discusses privately initiated text amendments.
FAIRBOURNE Properties (owner)
Hines, RTC owner's consultant and outreach arm. (Patrick Woodruff is the Hines lead; he's local and enthusiastically seeking ALL opinions and feedback.)
Engage with the community and the owner HERE)
Carol Helland, Director of Planning and Community Development. (Ask for Ms. Helland's contact information at info@redmond.gov or Mayor@redmond.gov)
Arnold Tomac, Past President Redmond City Council, a Town Center founder, and co-founder of the Ped/Bike Advisory Committee. Arnie's BIO.
-- Bob Yoder, 2/23/23