Council Conversations, Q&A with Councilmembers

Meet with your City Councilmembers to share your thoughts and questions about Redmond, rain or shine.  

Date and time

Monday, September 30 · 5 - 7pm PDT

Location

Downtown Park

16119 Redmond Way Redmond, WA 98052

Walking with History: Elise Farrel-McWhirter

Breaking news!  The folksy Redmond Mayor of 30-years Bill Brown is introduced and chats with the audience!  He may be attending the Society's 25th Anniversary party at the Senior Center on Saturday, 28th 3-5:30.  Have a beverage with him afterwards at a local tavern! haha!

Saturday Speaker Series Walking with History: 

Elise Farrel-McWhirter (16:20 m) 

"Born an heiress in the Age of Industry, Elise Farrel-McWhirter led the life of one of the most intriguing socialites in New England in the early 20th century. Follow the incredible life journey of a woman who was independent and bold before it was in vogue. Before the Women’s Suffrage Movement, before Women’s right to vote, 

Elise Farrel-McWhirter lived a remarkable life on her own terms and traded the glamour of society for a small farming community in rural Washington—a community named Redmond that she chose to live in over all the other places she had traveled in North America, Asia, and Europe. 

We can walk with history today, because she donated her beloved home upon her death that became Farrel- McWhirter Park. Learn about one of Redmond’s early leading ladies, who loved children, horses, nature, and left us all a legacy that helped foster Redmond’s modern-day Parks Department."

Speaker bio: Ali Maynard is the Farm Program Coordinator at Farrel-McWhirter Park and has been employed with the City of Redmond since 2007.

Suzanne Greathouse Selected EvergreenHealth Commissioner

Suzanne Greathouse, a community professional who brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience, has been selected to fill the vacant Position #2 on EvergreenHealth's Board of Commissioners.

Suzanne Greathouse

KIRKLAND, Wash. - The EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners has selected Suzanne Greathouse to serve in Position #2, representing the Kenmore/Kirkland community and all residents of King County Public Hospital District #2. Greathouse was sworn into the position on Sept. 17 and will serve through Dec. 31, 2025.

Greathouse is a dedicated community professional who brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience to support EvergreenHealth's ongoing mission to advance the health of the community.

"We are excited to have Suzanne join the Board, and we look forward to her contributions in supporting the health and well-being of our community," said Board Chair Virgil Snyder. "Like every other commissioner, Suzanne is dedicated to ensuring our community has access to high-quality, safe, compassionate and cost-effective health care."

As the CEO and Co-Founder of REPSVR, a virtual reality skills training platform, Greathouse's diverse experience spans being a business owner, educator/trainer, executive, and consultant. Throughout her career, she has developed and led multicultural and virtual teams and managed complex business environments. She is an expert at applying industry best practices and emerging research to address specific challenges, fostering success, and enhancing performance, motivation, and job satisfaction.

Greathouse's career also includes nearly 20 years at AT&T, where she led efforts in various areas, including construction and engineering, research and development, emergency preparedness/disaster recovery, network security, network operations and IT product development and support. In 2017, after experiencing a family tragedy, Greathouse shifted her focus to serving the community. She has since held roles on the Kenmore City Council, the Northshore Fire District's Board of Commissioners, the City of Kenmore Planning Commission and the Northshore Senior Center Board of Directors.

Currently, Suzanne serves as a Northshore Utility District Commissioner and actively participates in various community organizations, including the Kenmore Heritage Society, Bothell/Kenmore Chamber of Commerce, Kenmore Business Alliance, and the EvergreenHealth Foundation. She is also the founder and president of the Alex Greathouse Foundation, which provides oral cancer support and funding for treatment, research, and other essential needs.

"I am thrilled at the opportunity to join the EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners and look forward to working with fellow members on ensuring access to the hospital system's vital services in Kirkland, Kenmore and throughout the Eastside," said Greathouse.

Posted by Bob Yoder, 9/20/2024

Comments:  1) Public Notice for the interviews of the Commission nominees was poor.  Navigation on their website to find this public meeting was close to impossible.  Thus, my wife and I (and others) didn't attend.  BY 

                      2) Evergreen Board has the worst notice system out of any public board and they don't do well with publishing information. They don't even record their meetings and publish minutes a month after the meetings happen.  Anonymous comment  9/21/2024

NBC Interviews Police Chief Lowe On First Responder Drones

"Redmond is one of the first in police departments in the U.S. to implement drones as first responders to get to the scene faster. But the drones pose privacy concerns." - NBC News’ David Noreiga has the latest on the tech transforming policing.

Posted by Yoder

9/16/2024

UPDATED: Parks and Recreation Rewards Households With Fee Assistance

Have you heard about the Redmond Parks and Recreation Fee Assistance Program Application?  Application forms are available at the Senior Center Customer Service desk. 

Applicants who meet eligibility requirements can be awarded up to $1,000 per person, per year to help pay for day passes', monthly passes, punch passes, etc.  So far, this program rewarded over $43,000 to ~ 345 recipients 2024.  

Eligibility:  

•   Household income of $70,000 or less qualifies for a 50% reduction in activity fees.   
•   Household income of $47,000 or less qualifies for a 70% reduction in activity fees. 
•   Household income of $28,800 or less qualifies for a 90% reduction in activity fees.  

Proof of Eligibility:  Examples of accepted documents include, but not limited to:  1) Utility billing, 2)  Social Security Benefits statement, 3) most recent tax return, 4) DSHS statement or award.  

 -- Posted by Yoder, 9/14/2024

GreenRedmond Tree Planting Events , Two Locations

Below are planting event dates and site locations. Find a site map here  Email:  greenredmond@redmond.gov for the times.  The event usually starts at 9 AM.  

September 2024
Microsoft work party  (closed) 09/25/2024 Arthur Johnson Park
Last Saturday of the Month Volunteer Event  (Click) 09/28/2024 Viewpoint Open Space
October 2024
First event of planting season  (Click) 10/19/2024 Arthur Johnson Park
Green Redmond Day Planting Event  (Click) 10/26/2024 Viewpoint Open Space

Posted by Yoder, 9/13/2024

Elise Farrel-McWhirter - Redmond Historical Society Speakers Series

Saturday Speaker Series Walking with History: 

Elise Farrel-McWhirter 

Saturday, September 14th at 10:30 AM 

 In the Old Redmond Schoolhouse at 

16600 NE 80TH ST, Redmond, WA 98052  

Born an heiress in the Age of Industry, Elise Farrel-McWhirter led the life of one of the most intriguing socialites in New England in the early 20th century. Follow the incredible life journey of a woman who was independent and bold before it was in vogue. Before the Women’s Suffrage Movement, before Women’s right to vote, 

Elise Farrel-McWhirter lived a remarkable life on her own terms and traded the glamour of society for a small farming community in rural Washington—a community named Redmond that she chose to live in over all the other places she had traveled in North America, Asia, and Europe. 

We can walk with history today, because she donated her beloved home upon her death that became Farrel- McWhirter Park. Learn about one of Redmond’s early leading ladies, who loved children, horses, nature, and left us all a legacy that helped foster Redmond’s modern-day Parks Department.

Registration is not required. Please note this is an in-person program. A recording will be available following the event. 

Posted by John Oftebro

President, Redmond Historical Society

9/12/2024

Disenfranchised Citizen Gripes About The Little Things

This is my edited Letter of gripes written to the Council Ombudsperson.

Council lining up to receive the Salary Commissioners
I will report their salaries, stipends and benefits when they are available.

Council, 

I know you work hard and I hope the salary commission gives you what you're due, including the stipends and benefit improvements you and HR are giving yourselves.   

The city is wealthy from construction income yet you are nickel and diming us with fees:  Utility fees, Park fees, Recreation fees, Senior & Community Center fees.  Are fees at Perrigo, Meadows, Hartman courts next?  Fees are so many and scattered all over the Community/Senior Center that I can't sum them up. 

Your action of charging residents and commercial a $15 fee on automatic utility payment looks ridiculous considering our city wealth. After 40 minutes of trouble shooting with utility staff I learned "a Director" acted too soon and now the fee must be reversed "until Council makes a decision on what to do."  Should COO Files get involved?  

I didn't appreciate CM Stuart calling me out in public after the Hearing on Initiative 2117.  Amongst your new procedural rules that limit public participation, you should look at yourselves. Vice President Jessika Foresythe gave a good report on the specifics of the Climate Commitment Act as it relates to city monies.  

Finally, Council President Vanessa Kritzer's participation during King County Councilmember Perry's "Town Hall" was excessive, shortening Ms. Perry's Q&A significantly. Other's felt so too. She IS a good speaker and does a lot of it.   Perry's Community Engagement manager (and city councilmember) Osman Salahuddin generated a good turnout with great speakers.  

 

Thank you for your interest and representation.  

Sincerely,

 

Opinion Bob Yoder, 9/9/2024

Redmond resident

"Take Me Home" Police Program

Organized Crime Group Targeting Asian Community

 

CONTACT

Jill Green, Redmond Police Department Public Information Officer
jgreen@redmond.gov
425-556-2627

Police Warn Public about Organized Crime Group Targeting Asian Community

 REDMOND, WA - The Redmond Police Department is asking community members to stay vigilant following a string of robberies in Redmond and nearby cities. The suspects are believed to be part of a Romanian organized crime group targeting elderly members of the East Indian community.

Suspects in these crimes, typically driving SUV rental vehicles, approach victims who are walking on sidewalks or in parking lots. Usually, a male driver and one or more female passengers contact victims by asking for directions or offering to trade jewelry. While engaging the victims in conversation, the suspects attempt to place costume jewelry on the victim and either swap it out for authentic jewelry or take it by force.

Five recent cases have involved female suspects wearing long dresses who use distraction techniques to steal valuable jewelry. Fortunately, the victims have not sustained serious injuries.

“These are not Hate crimes, but rather crimes of opportunity where the thieves travel around affluent neighborhoods and search for potentially vulnerable victims,” said Chief Darrell Lowe. “We encourage community members to be aware of their surroundings when walking alone outside and avoid wearing valuables.”

Redmond police ask everyone to use caution when approached by strangers in vehicles and not accept gifts from them. It is safest to travel in groups, especially when walking. If possible, leave jewelry and valuables locked in a safe when walking alone.

Anyone approached by strangers offering to trade or sell jewelry should contact law enforcement. For crimes within the City of Redmond, please call the Redmond Police Department at 425-556-2500.

Opinion: Redmond's King County's Homeless Project Is Failing

                                                 

"Haven Heights" homeless building lobby
Credit Bob Yoder

                           Bob Yoder's Testimony to City Council and Mayor Birney, City Hall, September 3, 2004:

"Council and Mayor Birney, the success of the Silver Cloud Homeless project in Overlake is a litmus test for the future downtown Plymouth Housing project.  Though with good intentions, it's failing miserably  I've visited the facility twice.  

1. The Silver Cloud hotel was purchased two years ago by King County for ~$28 million for their "Health Through Housing" (HTH) homeless program and so far only 10 homeless reside there.  The operator says 15 total homeless will be housed there no sooner than October.
2. 
   
3. The facility is defined as "emergency housing" until all 100 studios are phased in for completion sometime in 2027, 28, or who knows.  The incompetent KCRHA County homeless agency that triages the homeless for Coordinated Entry blames the supply-chain, permitting and scarcity of contractors on their extreme delay.  There was no evidence of construction.
4. 
   
5. Mayor Birney and other electeds on the KCRHA Governance Board are given new authority to manage and expedite the coordinated Entry process.  Transparency should improve, as well.  I asked Mayor Birney to please act expeditiously to fill "Haven Height's" with permanent supported housing as it was intended.  
   
6. 
   
7. When I dropped in last Tuesday three staff were idling in the lobby and we had a good chat.  They have college degrees (business, computers.) and said they were case managers, too.  Nice people but with not much to do.  Staff said each resident has a phone.  There's no curfew but if they're out more than three days they must call in. Right now there at 8 staff managing their 10 homeless residents.  King County taxpayers are paying 14 cents/$1000 to support operations.  
8. 
   
9. Orca cards are issued. A van takes them shopping.  So far Trader Joes and the Dollar Store are popular.  
10.  
11. The operator's Safety & Security Plan, Community Relations Plan, and Code of Conduct wasn't available. The building located behind Goodwill and is named "Haven Heights."  The six story building is fenced looks formidable but it's plush inside.  16725-152 Avenue NE" 

-- Bob Yoder's testimony to Council and Mayor during Items From The Audience, 9/3/2024

UPDATED 10/1/24 City denies Redmond Pot Shop's Request To Install Bollards A Month befor...

KOMO NEWS, 9/5/2024

The owner lined the perimeter of his store with heavy 6-foot cement blocks firmly bolted ~ 2 inches from the sidewalk and utility box cover. Electric bikes and pedestrians are safely walking and running on the sidewalks.  The city didn't pay for these safety enhancements. It's not know if they will amend their code.   

UPDATED 10/1/24 Surveillance video shows suspects smash stolen KIA into Redmond pot shop

Update:  The owner lined the perimeter of his store with heavy 6-foot cement blocks firmly bolted ~ 4 inches from the sidewalk and utility box cover. Electric bikes and pedestrians are safely walking and running on the sidewalks while protecting the business. The city didn't pay for these safety/property protection enhancements. It's not known if they will amend their code. - Bob Yoder, 10/1/24 

About 8 suspects were involved.  If you have any information about them please notify Jill Green, Redmond Police Public Information Officer:    425-556-2627.

9/5/2024

Updated 9/2: Kiwanis Club Trail Clean-Up

 

(l-r)  Bob Yoder (walk-on,) Pat Vache' (Founder,) Sue Stuart (Secretary) Dave Juarez (Lead / Organizer)

I think, twice a year the Kiwanis Club does a "trail clean-up."  (They have a great tool that allows you to pick up trash without having to bend over and get your hands dirty.)  We cleared out several "camps" including a tossed grocery cart.  

Residents are always invited to participate in Kiwanis events even if you're not a member.  For me, this event was really fun, great exercise and a good way to meet some members.  Bear Creek is one of my favorite places in Redmond.  It was a joy to make it better.  

Flash:  Sign up for their September 28 Mariner fundraiser HERE, at their website.  Great seat locations and for a good cause!  $27 of each ticket purchased will be donated to Kiwanis feeding programs!  

- Posted by Yoder

  updated: 9/2/2024

Updated: Together Center Extravaganza

CONNECTIONS will be tabling at this event.  

If you wish to see the Together Center in action and learn from our incredible onsite provider partners and resources and services available at Together Center, please join us on Saturday, September 21 from 10am-1pm for our Community Resource Extravaganza featuring over 20 nonprofit partners, free food, live music, a petting zoo, art making, and raffle prizes. We hope to see you!

-- Kim Sarneki, Together Center CEO

EvergreenHealth - An Update

 EvergreenHealth - King County Public Hospital District No.2

 Our Community-Owned Hospital

This "Silver Tower" and a 2nd Emergency Department were funded by district
taxpayers of Redmond, Sammamish, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell, Mill Creek,
Kenmore, Shoreline, Duval, Carnation, and Snohomish County.

EvergreenHealth serves our community well!  They were the Nation's "first responders" during the pandemic onslaught and are deserving of every award earned.  Recently, they were awarded "Top 50 Best Hospitals' in America."  

Some good news ...  EvergreenHealth appears in the planning and budgeting stages of hiring psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and advanced social workers for  mental health treatment and therapy in their Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centers. Time and community support will tell.  

WEBSITE - "About Us"

Executive & Medical Leadership Team

Mission, Vision, Values

The Monitor newsletter 

EvergreenHealth Public Community Hospital - Kirkland

EvergreenHealth Public Community Hospital - Monroe

Community Levy programs are funded by a ~2% King County property tax. 

###

Below is a library of posts, several outdated: 

EvergreenHealth history - then & now.  

UPDATED:  The Status Of Mental Health Care At EvergreenHealth (2022)

 

The History of EvergreenHealth CEOs

EvergreenHealth CEO Jeff Tomlin - The pandemic CEO.

Evergreen's seven Hospital Commissioners listen to their constituents and make decisions on Levy and Bond measures.  They take comments from the public and community during:  Business meetings, 3rd Tuesday, 6:30 pm, "Surgery & Physicians Pavilion," Tan Room 250 and during some Educational sessions, 1st Friday of the month, 7:00 am Tan Room 250.  Agendas & Minutes.  425-899-1000

 by Bob Yoder, Updated 4/26/2024

                        "Friends of Redmond Neighborhood Blog" Private Facebook Group 

Let's Move Redmond: An Open Streets Festival

This video interviews attendees of the first Let's Move Redmond event. MOVE REDMOND opened up 161st Street in Downtown Redmond, WA so people could bike, scoot, walk, and play in the streets.

IF YOU DON'T LIVE IN A DOWNTOWN APARTMENT, A GOOD PLACE TO PARK IS IN THE REDMOND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOT OR RIDE A BIKE, TAKE A SCOOTER, OR WALK FROM YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.  I WOULD NOT ADVISE DRIVING.

Redmond Police Certified For "Autism Center" Designation

The program is a registry of vulnerable individuals to assist first responders in reuniting people with disabilities with their caregivers. 

Redmond Police Department Renews its Certified Autism Center™ Designation, Enhancing Inclusivity in the Community

 REDMOND, WA - The Redmond Police Department recently renewed its Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation certification, continuing efforts to provide officers with knowledge and training to assist and communicate with autistic and sensory-sensitive community members. In 2022, the department became the first in Washington to earn the certification, which was awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). 

The department's training enhances officers’ knowledge and ability to assist and communicate with autistic or sensory-sensitive community members.

“I’m proud of my staff’s continued dedication and commitment to completing this critical training to ensure we compassionately serve all members of the Redmond community,” said Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe. 

The Redmond Police Department launched a Take Me Home program in June for families with loved ones who have cognitive or developmental disabilities in case they go missing or experience an emergency. 

The program is a registry of vulnerable individuals to assist first responders in reuniting people with disabilities with their caregivers. 

City Joins 350 Mayors On Commitment to Electrify Fleets

Commitment to bring electric vehicles to Redmond will help reduce pollution, improve public health, and boost the clean energy economy for Redmond residents

REDMOND, WA - Today, Redmond Mayor Angela Birney joined nearly 350 U.S. mayors on a new collaborative commitment to electrify at least 50% of municipal fleets by 2030 and increase electric vehicle charging infrastructure by 500% by 2035, with at least 40% of charging investments to benefit disadvantaged communities. As a member of Climate Mayors – the bipartisan network of mayors from across the United States committed to climate action – Mayor Birney is helping to deliver cleaner air, lower tax bills, and a more sustainable future for all Redmond residents.

PART 1: Council Approves License Plate Readers

 

PART ONE:  In an ongoing effort to address the increased rate of auto thefts and other crimes, the police department remains committed to using pursuit alternative technology.  

To that end, Council approved the police department's request to accept a $94,968,30 grant to fund installation of 22 automated license plate readers in strategic locations for the cameras and a subscription cost for two years. 

Flock Safety is the chosen vendor. 

Flock cameras have nothing to do with citizen habits of every day driving.  They will be used exclusively to reduce auto thefts and other crimes. 

Reported by Bob Yoder / Source:  Council 8/5/24 Business Meeting memo. 

Police License Plate Recognition Technology Program

Flock Safety website

In the 8/5/24 meeting Council approved funds to implement the "Flock" license plate reader program.

THE PROGRAM:   Strategically located intersections are identified within the City to place the "Flock" cameras to capture the most license plates entering and leaving the City limits.    Councilmember Fields made a point to say the program will not infringe on people's privacy. 

The concept of this approach is for officers and dispatchers to be alerted whenever a “Wanted” or “Hot List” vehicle or vehicle used in the commission of a crime is captured on a Flock camera. Officers will respond to the area and look for the vehicle based on the last known location. Vehicles typically placed on “Hot Lists” include stolen vehicles, wanted persons connected to vehicles, and missing persons. 

Whether responding to a crime in-progress or investigating a past crime, Flock camera technology can locate vehicles based on a description of the vehicle without needing the license plate number. For example, a vehicle involved in a crime described as a red sports car with a spoiler can be entered into the search parameters. Using just that information, the Flock cameras will locate all vehicles matching that description and provide information concerning location, direction of travel, and license plate number.

Flock cameras have nothing to do with citizen habits of every day driving.  They will be used exclusively to reduce auto thefts and other crimes. 

-- excerpt from Regular meeting memo, 8/5 

Flock Safety is an American manufacturer and operator of automated license plate recognition, video surveillance, and gunfire locator systems. Wikipedia

Redmond Police

Redmond Kiwanis Club Newsletter

 

REDMOND KIWANIS CLUB AUGUST NEWSLETTER

This WED ---  David Juarez and Sue Stewart will deliver the school supplies donated to KidVantage. Thank you to all who contributed and THANK YOU to the Board for their donation.

Please find the list of items that will be delivered this WED at 10am... AND if you have something you'd like to ADD, please join us at 10am at REDMOND CITY HALL.

AVONDALE DINNERS --- Our next Community dinner for this year will be SEPT 18th. David and Sue will meet with Staff at Avondale on AUG 6th (1pm) to discuss this and future dinners during our next fiscal year. Your ideas for meals and sides are well appreciated - PLEASE SHARE by replying to this email. If you'd like to take the LEAD for a meal during the next fiscal year, that would be awesome ! Once the dates for the next FY are settled on, those will be shared out and available on the new CLUB Calendar and website. 

MOVE REDMOND -- Our Community event will be AUG 17th. The event itself runs from 10am t0 3pm. The CLUB could still use some additional members to help with the Lemonade, the BUTTON making process, and finally, and most important, the TELLING OF OUR STORY. Who/What is Kiwanis and how people can support our efforts here in the community. Please review the attached sign up sheet and reply back to Sue Stewart (stewars51@gmail.com) with your availability.  WEATHER?? Expected to be in the high 70's per ACCUWEATHER. 

FUNDRAISING PLANNING MEETING - There will be an IN PERSON planning meeting on THUR - AUG 15th - starting at 5pm at the THINKSPACE facility. ALL members are invited and a special request for all who attended the SERVICE PLANNING, to attend and help to maintain continuity with this process. WATCH for a signup request from DAVID JUAREZ in your email. 

 

5th FRIDAY - As we've done throughout the year, we will gather on AUG 23rd in the late afternoon - "HAPPY HOUR" - to meet and socialize with our fellow members and their families (if they choose). If you have a suggestion for a "Family Friendly" destination, please share that by replying to this email. (Accuweather predicts mostly cloudy and high 70's). 

Here is hoping that your SUMMER Festivities are fun - memorable - and safe.

Sue Stewart, Club Secretary

NOTES (Part 2); Silver Cloud Homeless Housing Community Meeting

Two staff members man the remodeled front desk. 

Will the studios be as nice?

It's one thing to provide the "low barrier" HTH Silver Cloud building for housing chronic, disabled homeless, it's another to care for them.  I attended the Salvation Army's first community meeting and took notes addressing the "care and rehabilitation" provided by the Salvation Army, as follows: 

• HTH care facilities are modeled after "Don's Place" in Auburn.
• Ms. Cook, administrator of "King County Regional Homeless Authority" said twice the Silver Cloud building is "low barrier" meaning there will be no discrimination against homeless residents taking street drugs, excessive alcohol, and/or with serious mental illness.  
• Currently, the residents are housed in rooms, with rights of tenancy under emergency conditions.  Once the studios are fully occupied (with 100 residents) they will be permanently supported with:  24/7 wrap-around services including 11 support staff, 4-5 case managers, three meals a day and more. Until full occupancy the HTH building called "Haven" will operate under emergency conditions.   
• It appears nonprofit support services like "4 Tomorrow,"  and "Nourishing Networks," will volunteer.  Currently "life skills" are on the weekly calendar. Yoga was mentioned.  No A.A. 
• Behavioral health was a key topic since ~ 70% of homeless have a mental health condition and often treat their sickness with street drugs. "Harm reduction" service will be minimal until the building is fully staffed. 
• City of Redmond Fire mobile behavioral health is available for crisis response. A psychiatrist was mentioned.  Ms. Cook said funding is not a problem for services, however Matt said money "will have to be carved out" for mental health care owing to poor Medicaid reimbursement. 
• Primary care will be available, but no details. 
• Matt said there would be transparency on "Code of Conduct."  A man dressed in old "Security Officer" clothes was standing in the parking lot.  He could have been a resident-in-training.  

Reported by Bob Yoder, 8/4/2024

Part 1 Notes on Community Meeting

Photo by Yoder

My last report will be a personal opinion focusing on delays and purpose.

UPDATED NOTES (Part 1): Silver Cloud Homeless Building - Community Meeting

Lobby of the Overlake Silver Cloud HTH homeless building

Housing for the Eastside's homeless is "desperately" needed owing to King County's decision to spread Seattle's homeless housing regionally.  In 2020, the county purchased the Redmond Silver Cloud Hotel for $28.25M.  The building is being renovated by "Health Through Housing"  into studios for "low barrier"  emergency and permanent supportive housing for 100 chronic, disabled homeless.  The forecast for completion is no sooner than late 2025.  

On July 30, I attended their first Community meeting.  My notes:  

• At least 11 signed-in, mostly nonprofit voluntary support services:  (2) KinderCare,  Bellevue School District, no businesses, Nourishing Networks, 4 Tomorrow, ACS Discovery Shop, Redmond Deputy Police Chief Coats, Community police officer Meora,  Redmond Human Services Manager-Brook Buckingham, Media-Redmond Neighborhood Blog, various community members, Plymouth Housing, and the KCRHA agency.  
• Salvation Army's operator, Matt Garrett presented, and introduced key staff.  Matt is friendly and open to questions.  HTH hotels are funded by a .1% property tax.  KCRHA triages referrals and coordinates their entry.  65% of the residents are targeted to come from Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland and United Methodist Church.  35% or more from the Seattle area.  
• Upon the "Community Advisor Group" recommendation monthly community meetings will be held (the last Tuesday of every month, 6pm.)  Matt emphasized the meetings are targeted for nearby neighborhoods and businesses but are open to all; staff will be present and possibly residents.  
• 10 chronic homeless are currently residing under emergency circumstances. 15 additional homeless will be housed no sooner than October, 2024. According to Ms. Cook, KCRHA manager, the 2-year occupancy delay is attributed to shortage of contractors and materials. 
• Renovation won't be complete until at least late 2025. In the meantime, it's used on an emergency basis and won't become Permanent Supportive Housing until all 100 rooms are completely renovated with studios.
• The address is 2122-152 Ave NE.  It's set-back and behind Goodwill.  Heading south on NE 24th Street take a left onto 152nd.  The Silver Cloud "Haven Heights" HTH building is immediately on the right.  A newer mixed-use apartment building fronts the building.   

PART 2  Services provided

Reported by Yoder, 9/2/2024 

Photo credit Yoder 

"Erratic" and "Sky Painting" Art - Have You Seen It?

The Erratic outdoor artwork is located on Leary Avenue just south of the Matador.  When looking east you'll see it during the day.   Is it safe at night to walk through the Erratic to activate the colored lights? Have you ever seen the colored lights?  The City of Redmond says:  

"Five thousand years ago Redmond, Washington, was buried under 3,000 feet of ice. Today we rarely if ever, see large boulders—glacial erratics—that were left in the wake of the retreating ice.  On the new Redmond Central Connector park, the city built their own erratic in the form of historical art.  

When the BNSF Railroad left Redmond, it left behind miles of rails, mounting plates, and spikes.  3,000 steel plates were salvaged from the BNSF Railroad that once crossed the site; these form the cladding for the Erratic‘s skin. Motion detectors inside the glass fronts activate colored LED lights, delighting passersby with an interactive experience."  

The Erratic was created by artist John Fleming,  It was commissioned in 2013 for the Redmond Central Connector in celebration of Redmond’s Centennial.  Mr. Flemming also painted SKY PAINTING on a large downtown parking lot (you got to see it to believe it.) He installed railroad "Signals" art in the downtown Linear Park.  

Seven years after the Erratic was installed (2013) it had to be moved because Sound Transit's new downtown Light rail station needed the site.  Sound Transit paid a fixed amount and the city picked up the remainder totaling ~ $1,000,000.    Watch this 2-minute construction video and you'll see why the relocation was so expensive. 

Posted by Bob Yoder, 8/31/2024

Find an archive of Erratic articles and opinions here, including a "Letter To The Editor."