UPDATED: LWSD To Place Three Levies On February 8 Ballot

Two replacement levies and Building Excellence Capital Levy

The Capital Levy while needed, is a new tax.

These measures will be on the February 8, 2022 ballot

Redmond, Wash. - Lake Washington School District is planning three ballot measures for the February 8, 2022 election. The measures are a replacement of the existing Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy, a replacement of the existing School Technology and Capital Levy, and a Building Excellence Capital levy. A recommendation was presented to the Board of Directors on October 4, and they formally approved the levies at their October 18 board meeting. 

This Building Excellence Capital Levy will be "new taxes"

• Building Excellence Capital Levy – To continue meeting the needs of our growing district, this levy will help us add classroom space to our schools. The Facility Advisory Committee provided recommendations for future facility projects to accommodate our rapid enrollment growth and continue to provide learning environments that promote excellence for students. The board considered these recommendations, received information and feedback from the Levy Advisory Committee and considered multiple options for addressing short and long-term capacity needs in seven study sessions between January and September 2021. This levy would fund the first step of three funding measures to provide required student space by 2034. This Levy funds critical capacity needs required by 2024: 
• Elementary: Redmond area 
• Middle: Juanita, Kirkland and Redmond areas 
• High: Kirkland, Redmond and Eastlake areas

• How much are the installments of the Capital Levy and for how long do they last? 

  The 6-Year Building Excellence Capital Levy annual amounts are:

  2023 $35 Million

  2024 $45 Million

  2025 $45 Million

  2026 $58 Million

  2027 $56 Million

  2028 $56 Million 

"Eastside Business Alliance" Endorses Janet Richards

The Eastside Business Alliance endorses Janet Richards’ for Redmond City Council position two. Richards’ extensive volunteer work and community leadership prove the kind of councilmember she will be – a dynamic, active, and effective voice for all members of the community.

An almost 30-year Microsoft veteran, community service has been a lifelong passion for Richards. As a Human Services Commissioner for Redmond, she has been an advocate for some of Redmond’s most at-need residents. Richards also served as an early member of the Redmond Police Department’s Community Equity Action Team, where Richards helped daylight the concerns of historically underrepresented community members. Richards also volunteers on the Seattle Children’s Hospital Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion council and co-chairs the hospital’s Family Advisory Council. She was the only non-hospital employee included in the task force charged with reforming the hospital’s security policies to be more inclusive.

As the city and region face unprecedented growth it is essential that we elect experienced community leaders with proven ability to balance competing interests and complex issues. Janet Richards will be such a councilmember.

Candidate Janet Richards Will Bridge The Divide In Redmond City Council

 

Commissioner Janet Richards

Janet Richards is the vice chair of the Redmond Human Services Commission, which advises the mayor and city council on funding and policy on a range of issues from child care assistance to senior services. She's running for Redmond City Council, Position 2 to expand the city's sustainability efforts while equitably managing growth and advocating for a safe city that thoughtfully considers everyone's needs. 

Richards notes that the introduction of light rail is an opportunity to manage growth, and wants to see the city plan ahead for this with climate change and quality of life in mind. As an early member of the Redmond PD Community Equity Action Team (CEAT), she states that she is an advocate for gun violence prevention as well as engaging residents of color on the issues of policing and community safety. Richards also emphasizes the need for green education programs and investments in electric vehicles for the city.

 As a member of the Human Services Commission, Richards feels that the budget for COVID recovery does not adequately cover the community’s needs for additional mental health, food, and housing security, and wants to see a change in governance that reflects more voices in the community, both racially and socioeconomically. Richards also earned the endorsement of our partners at Washington Conservation Voters for her plans to turn her environmental positions into concrete action.

Supporters of both candidates point to division on the current council as an obstacle to passing important progressive legislation. If elected, we hope that Richards can help bridge this divide and be a force for progressive change on the Redmond City Council.

Progressive Voters Guide

sewar

 

King County recognizes that trees help slow climate change and provide many important benefits for human health and well-being, water quality, and habitat. When we design this project, we try to limit the number of trees we need to remove. Where we can’t protect trees, we make replanting a priority with a goal of creating a future tree canopy that is equal to or better than what exists today. I’ve attached a factsheet here with more information on our approach to trees for this project.

 

Our initial engineering plans did call for the removal of the stand of four cedar trees just north of the Central Connector where it crosses over the Sammamish River Trail. In response to community concerns, we were able to adjust our design to save two of the four trees.

 

The two trees that must be removed are located within the trench that we will have to dig to install the new sewer pipe. Unfortunately, there is no alternative sewer route or feasible way to narrow our construction footprint that would allow us to save those two trees.

 

We are looking at options for how we can incorporate the two removed trees back into the landscape. We will also consider how we can pay tribute and tell the stories of these trees. If you have ideas for how we could best do this, please do let me know.

 

Thank you again John for sharing your concern for these trees with us. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you have further questions.

 

Best,

Kelly

Thank you John Reinke for your photo and finding the status of these trees. 

Vote Katie Grainger For "EvergreenHealth" Public Health Hospital Commissioner District No. 4

Katie Grainger lost to Chuck Pilcher

Commissioners are elected to 6-year terms!  The incumbent has been at EvergreenHealth for 47 years.  Is that long enough?  We need a leader with a fresh perspective, who's a good listener and a community neighbor who will reach out to us!  Vote for Katie.

Katie Grainger is endorsed by the LD 48 Democrats and the National Women's Political Caucus of Washington state.

Katie Grainger

Nice to meet you. I'm Katie Grainger. I'm the first in my family to do many things and that now includes running for office. 

I never thought I'd have the courage to do something like this, but then I was diagnosed at 28 with an autoimmune disease. I lost my best friend at 30 to a rare cancer. I developed a rare renal condition at 31. Since then, I've served as a volunteer ambassador for the Sjogren's Foundation, and I've lobbied on behalf of the Sarcoma Foundation of America. 

All of these experiences motivated me to work in healthcare. Having worked in clinical care operations for the third-largest non-profit health system in the United States, I see both the challenges facing healthcare and possibilities for reform. 

I know firsthand the struggles of navigating a system that is not always affordable or accessible. I continue to be an advocate for health by promoting awareness for autoimmune diseases and fundraising for cancer research. I don't need to be the medical expert in the room to provide governance that positively impacts my community. 

I intend to help make healthcare better for all Americans and that starts with impacting decisions made at the local level as Public Hospital (EvergreenHealth) Commissioner for District 2. 

Incumbent Chuck Pilcher, District #4 retired in 2010 after 36 years of service in the Emergency Department at EvergreenHealth.  We've discussed mental health at Public Meetings several times. He's numb to psychiatric care services. Sadly, there are no full time community psychiatrists or Advanced Nurse Practitioners at Evergreen, this at a time when we need them the most.

"Safe Eastside" - Activists Fighting Off The Homeless.

 "Safe Eastside's"  relentless attacks on Mayor Birney are unconscionable. Kudos to CM David Carson for his efforts to defend the Mayor and the City.  Anderson, Fields, Forsythe, Kahn and Kritzer should defend the Mayor and City, as well.  They have the same voice as the Mayor in representation of the public. Councilmembers, please actively stand up and defend the Mayor and City tomorrow.  B. Yoder, 10/18/2021

KAN QIU'S MESSAGE TO "SAFE EASTSIDE" VOLUNTEERS:

Please come to public comment Tuesday 10/19 to demand amendment of Ordinance No. 3059 at City Hall, 15670 N.E. 85th Street, Redmond, Washington, 6:30 PM, the last public comment opportunity before the council's study session 10/26 on this matter. We have all witnessed, in the public hearing nearly two weeks ago, Mayor shamefully staged her out of area supporters to call in before many of us who showed up physically since as early as 6:30. But we are more determined than what she could ever have imagined. We need to pack the room again, speakers make sure you sign up in advance on the sheet outside the chamber room. To help us track attendee numbers, please register at  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/keep-up-the-pressure-tuesday-october-19th-speak-up-at-redmond-city-hall-tickets-193136014017 .

What's even more outrageous after the shameful display of public hearing is that Mayor Birney's puppet in the council David Carson had to go the extra mile and filed a frivolous PDC complaint on October 14 against us in an apparent attempt to suppress public voices. Sadly as an elected official, puppet CM David Carson obviously forgot that this is America and people's rights express themselves are fully protected by the constitution, particularly on matters that are lack of government transparency. Since when citizens setting up and running a website to inform the public becomes an issue ? It's appalling that such despicable scare tactics have being used against average citizens who simply fill in the vacuum due to the very lack of information from the government!

Ballot and Pamphlet Delivery Delays

It's October 18th and my ballot and pamphlet still haven't been delivered.  I got no mail today. not even junk mail.  According to the State pamphlet, ballots were mailed out October 15th (normally we get the local pamphlet well in advance of that.)  I called King County Elections; they said they were having problems with USPS.  They kindly said they would hand-deliver if I didn't get my ballot and pamphlet by 10/19 or mail me a second  ballot. If you have similar problems call 800-448-4881.

-- Bob Yoder, 10/18/2021

End result:  My ballot came today, 10/20.  The second ballot is outstanding.  Yay!  I can vote!

2021 REDMOND VOTERS GUIDE

 2021 REDMOND VOTERS GUIDE

(CLICK LINK FOR THE GUIDE) 

Vote by November 2

Ballot Drop Box Locations:  (They close at 8pm on November 2.) 

Redmond City Hall*
15670 NE 85th Street
Redmond, WA 98052
Directions to Redmond City Hall* 

Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village*
6505 176th Avenue NE
Redmond, WA 98052
Directions to Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village*

Usually Staid King County Race Is Packed With Drama

 

Sarah Perry

Kathy Lambert

Incumbent Kathy Lambert, Metropolitan King County Council District 3 -- very short clip.

Challenger Sarah Perry, Metropolitan King County Council District 3 -- very short clip.

Note: the "Seattle Times" reneged on their endorsement of Councilmember Lambert owing to a racist campaign flyer (as defined by the entire King County Council.)

Vote For Melissa Stuart, Position 4

 

A very short clip of Melissa Stuart introducing herself at the 2021 OneRedmond Candidate Forum.  It's excellent.

Vote For Jeralee Anderson, Position 6

A very short clip of Council Vice President Jeralee Anderson introducing herself at the OneRedmond 2021 Candidate Forum.  

Vote For Janet Richards, Position 2

  

This is a very short clip of Janet Richards introducing herself at the 2021 OneRedmond Candidate Forum.  It's excellent.

 EMAIL info@redmondhistoricalsociety.org HOURS Please contact the office to schedule an appointment 2021 Society Partners with Sotheby’s International Realty Marketplace Sotheby’s International Realty brokers Cynthia Olsen and Mary Sullivan have formed a unique partnership with the Redmond Historical Society in an effort to help raise money for the Society. Sotheby’s International Realty will give 10% of commissions to support the Redmond Historical Society when you or someone you refer is looking to buy or sell property. Marketplace Sotheby’s International Realty established this program as a way to give back to organizations that are committed to the welfare of our communities. For more information, contact Cynthia Olsen at cynthia.olsen@ sothebysrealty.com, 425.877.9904, Mary Sullivan at mary.sullivan@ sothebysrealty.com, 425.449.2841, or call the Society Office at 425.885.2919. Society Seeks Volunteers The Redmond Historical Society actively collects, preserves, and displays artifacts from Redmond’s past. Are you interested in volunteering with us? Currently, we need volunteers for the Redmond Saturday Market booth on October 23, and there are two volunteer Board Member opportunities: • Vice President, Collections • Marketing and Branding Chair Please see page 9 for more details. Every town has a history. Discover ours. • October 2021 President’s Notebook Heavy Lifting For Light Rail! By John Oftebro This huge crane is busy doing some “heavy lifting” for the light rail that will be opening two stations in Redmond, 2024. It will be preceded by the 2023 station openings in Overlake and Redmond Technology (Microsoft campus)! While one new station will serve Marymoor Village near Marymoor Park, the final stop is in the downtown core area, just a block away from the Justice White House. Redmond’s first railroad, the Seattle Lake Shore and Eastern depot, was just across the street from there when it opened in 1888. In 1894, the Ernest Adams family moved to Redmond as he was the District Supervisor for Northern Pacific. The family with their four children lived in the depot for a time, which was likely very exciting for the children. Northern Pacific took over the rail line in 1901 and eventually it was purchased by Burlington Northern. This new rail service in 1888 cut down the two-to-three day steamer travel time up the Squak (Sammamish) River. It provided freight service to Redmond and an efficient method of getting logging industry products to market. Over the years the logging industry faded, but steady rail use supplying grains for the T-D Feeds remained a constant use of the lines. The Redmond Depot closed in 1970 after 80 years of service to the community. You can see what it looked like by visiting our website and typing Railroad in the Keyword Search in the Digital Archives section under Research Resources. There are several interesting stories there to give you a feel for life in Redmond back in the day. Here we are today, waiting now for the new Link Extensions, ~133 years after Redmond’s first railroad. Soon we can travel easily to Bellevue, Downtown Seattle, Northgate, or Sea-Tac Airport in style!

Melissa Stuart Runs for Council to Bring Advocacy for the Environment and Education

Melissa Stuart is running for Redmond City Council, Position 4 to bring her advocacy for the environment and education to the council. She is the Director of Individual Giving at Boys and Girls Club of King County, has served on the board of Zero Waste Washington and South Transit, and as an Eastside Climate Justice Steward with the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy. She has also worked at Youth Eastside Services to help provide behavioral healthcare for families.

She is running against finance analyst Dennis Ellis, who is running a conservative campaign for the seat. He states that public safety - specifically through policing - is the number one essential for a city. Ellis disagrees with the methods that other cities have taken in shifting funding to proactive community services that reduce crime, like health care and youth programming. He states that he will move the conversation away from topics like climate change or walkable infrastructure to making the city a more business-friendly environment, though he does not state exactly how.

Stuart has been endorsed by several leading Democratic representatives and elected officials. While her campaign platform is not fully fleshed out on her website, her long record of community and professional service speaks to a candidate who is ready to contribute meaningfully to the council.

Stuart is the best choice for Redmond City Council, Position 4.

-- Progressive Voters Guide

Incumbent Dr. Jeralee Anderson Focuses On Climate Action, Improving Infrastructure, And Economic Justice

 

• 

  Dr. Jeralee Anderson

  
  Incumbent Dr. Jeralee Anderson was first elected to the Redmond City Council in 2017. She is the president and co-founder of Greenroads International, which rates and advocates for sustainable transportation infrastructure. She has also been recognized for her achievements at the state and national level, working on the Gov. Inslee-appointed Washington State Public Works Board, as an alternate on the King County Regional Transit Committee, and on the Cascade Water Alliance board of directors.
  
  Anderson's re-election campaign is focused on climate action, improving infrastructure, and economic justice. She is committed to implementing the city's climate goals by 2030 and wants to expand the tree canopy. Anderson will prioritize reduce housing costs and rents so that seniors aren't displaced and first responders can live in the community they serve. In addition, she supports expanding mental health response services and focusing development around transit hubs.
  
  Anderson faces a challenge from AT&T program manager Tara Van Niman. Her platform emphasizes the need to take local action on climate change, improve community engagement, and promote smart growth that accommodates the influx of people moving to Redmond. Van Niman has earned the endorsement of some local leaders like Sen. Manka Dhingra and Reps. Roger Goodman and Larry Springer.
  
  Anderson's thoughtful platform and strong support from our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations make her the best choice in this race.

Janet Richards Will Prioritize Environmental Causes

Janet Richards

Janet Richards is the vice chair of the Redmond Human Services Commission, which advises the mayor and city council on funding and policy on a range of issues from child care assistance to senior services. She's running for Redmond City Council, Position 2 to expand the city's sustainability efforts while equitably managing growth, and advocating for a safe city that thoughtfully considers everyone's needs. While this is officially a non-partisan race, Richards declined to identify as a Democrat during the endorsement process of local party organizations.

Richards notes that the introduction of light rail means opportunities for growth, and wants to see the city plan ahead for this with climate change and quality of life in mind. As an early member of the Redmond PD Community Equity Action Team (CEAT), she states that she is an advocate for gun violence prevention as well as engaging residents of color on the issues of policing and community safety. Richards also emphasizes the need for investments in electric vehicles for the city and green education programs. Richards earned the endorsement of our partners at Washington Conservation Voters for her plans to turn her environmental positions into concrete action.

Richards is a good choice if you're looking for a moderate [progressive] voice on the council who will prioritize environmental causes.

-- Progressive Voters Guide

 

UPDATED,11/4: Human Services Commissioner Janet Richards Takes On Incumbent Steve Fields

Councilmember Steve Fields

Incumbent Steve Fields is running for re-election on a progressive platform that puts people, climate action, and careful city planning to the forefront. Outside of the council, Fields owns a local coffee shop and is an umpire in youth sports.

In his first term, Fields points to the city council's declaration of a climate emergency as a sign of progress. He hopes to move forward with policies on sustainability that protect water quality and parks and promote energy-efficient buildings. He also wants to see the city update the downtown urban design code, stating that the process is out of date. As Marymoor Village and Overlake are developed, Fields says he aims to see more community involvement to improve the appeal and function of new development.

Fields generated some controversy during an October 5 council meeting about the county's plans to use a Redmond hotel to house up to 144 people experiencing homelessness. While attempting to convey the concerns of some constituents, he carelessly repeated some harmful comments about people struggling with addiction. Fields later apologized and reaffirmed his support for the Health through Housing initiative.

Fields' efforts to listen to all perspectives and bring people together on the issue of homelessness are laudable. Fields is a good choice to maintain a narrow progressive majority on the Redmond City Council.

-- Progressive Voters Guide

This recommendation is made through the lens of political progressivism.

Progressivism is a political philosophy in support of social reform ... "a social or political movement that aims to represent the interests of ordinary people through political change and the support of government actions". 

The Progressive Voters Guide later changed their recommendation to favor Janet Richards.

Read the comments

Katie Grainger is running for King County Public Hospital District 2, Commissioner Position 4. Grainger works as a communications consultant with Clinical Care at Providence. She was the first in her family to receive a college degree and went on to earn a master's at the University of Washington. Additionally, Grainger serves as an ambassador with the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation.

Grainger believes her experience living with an autoimmune disease paired with her work at a health care nonprofit makes her well-poised to bridge hospital administration and patient needs while bringing a community focus. If elected, she wants to work on health care reform at the local level in the service of the health and wellbeing of all district residents.

Grainger is facing retired emergency doctor Charles Pilcher. He was elected to Commissioner Position 4 in 2010 and is running to cut funding for services. While Pilcher is the only physician on the board, he does not appear to be a progressive choice.

Katie Grainger is the best candidate for King County Public Hospital District 2, Commissioner Position 4.

 

On the trail to Stehekin / Yoder

Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer Hefts A Monster Salmon

Redmond Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer says on Facebook: 

"This is probably one of the coolest things I've done all year: got to help with salmon spawning at FISH (Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery)! What a great way to see the returns on our chinook salmon by actually wading around in a pool and handling them. Grateful for the work of this mostly volunteer-powered group!" V.K.

Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer, hefting a Chinook   

Ms. Kritzer represents the City of Redmond on the WRIA-8 Cedar Council (for salmon recovery.)

 9/29/2021

 

Highlights From The City's New "Homeless Hotel" Website

 

One of my wishes is the Operator use the homeless
hotel's whirlpool for rehabilitation and therapy.  Internet

 

Did the City recruit the County to locate the Silver Cloud  facility in Redmond?

No, the City did not seek out the Silver Cloud facility in Redmond.

When did the Mayor’s Office make City Council aware of this program in Redmond?

City Council was made aware of the new legislation supporting this type of program through a variety of 2020 and 2021 legislative updates by the City’s lobbyist. **Mayor Birney called each of Redmond’s seven City Council members on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 to notify them of the County’s purchase and intended use of the Silver Cloud Inn in Redmond.

When did the City learn about the County’s desire to locate a homeless facility in Redmond?

In spring 2021, King County informed the City that they were actively exploring locations in Redmond and in late May 2021, Redmond was made aware of the County’s intent to purchase the Silver Cloud Inn. **As this was a private real estate transaction, it was kept confidential, as requested. Redmond first became aware of this potential type of program early in the 2020 legislative session. The City has continued to follow this since the State Legislature passed House Bill 1590 in 2020, which allowed jurisdictions to enact a 0.1% sales tax to finance construction of affordable housing and behavioral health facilities and operations or services supportive of affordable housing residents. In 2020, Executive Constantine proposed, and the County Council approved, this dedicated sales tax. In 2021, the State Legislature passed House Bill 1070, which clarified acquisition of property as an eligible use of these funds.

Will the City consider making it illegal to camp or sleep outside in public spaces?

The City passed ordinance 2911 in 2018 which prohibits camping and storage of personal property in parks, public spaces, and on publicly-owned property when overnight shelter space is available.

Will the City forbid use of drugs and alcohol at the Silver Cloud HTH facility?

The City will provide the same policing and uphold the same safety protocols regarding drugs and alcohol as is provided throughout the community. HTH residents will be considered tenants under Washington State landlord/tenant law and as such will have specific rights with regards to their leased space, which are consistent with the rights all tenants have throughout the city. King County will provide a code of conduct that residents must agree upon to remain housed at the facility.

Will the City be involved in choosing and monitoring an operator for the facility?

Yes. ***The City will participate in the evaluation and selection of the facility operators.

Source:  Redmond.gov/hth (City's homeless hotel website)

**  CM Forsythe and Fields griped in last night's Study session they were notified too late so couldn't participate in the decision-making.**  I'm not so sure about that.

*** CM David Carson said his energy will be put into finding a suitable operator. Thank you David.  One of my wishes is the operator use the whirlpool for rehabilitation and therapy.  

CM Varisha Kahn was not at either meeting to comment.

-- Bob Yoder 9/29/2021

Monthly Financial Report / Annual Impact Fee Report

 

Key highlights from the Monthly Financial Report through August 2021 include: General Fund

 · Total revenues are 28.5%, or $17.1 million, above target. 

· Sales tax is 80.2%, or $12.9 million, above target primarily due to the high level of development activity, which has generated $10.5 million in one-time construction sales tax through August 2021. · Utility taxes are 0.3%, or $23,000, below target. 

· License & permit fees are 28.3%, or $2.3 million, above target primarily due to the high level of development activity.

· Intergovernmental revenues are 25.0%, or $2.6 million, above target primarily due to the American Rescue Act. 

 · Total expenditures are 16.3%, or $16.9 million, below target primarily due to position vacancies, the timing of one-time expenditures, and the budget adjustments adopted by ordinance on August 17, 2021 that impact 2022 or beyond (e.g., $5.0 million in ARPA funding won’t be spent until 2022, and most of the Police body-worn camera program funding is reserved for 2023-2025). 

Other Funds

Mayor Birney's ZOOM Chat With The Commissioners

Mayor Angela Birney gave a terrific talk to the Planning Commission last Tuesday. Her presentation provided a great opportunity to observe the depth of her knowledge, leadership skills and pleasant personality. I left her presentation feeling very confident we are in good hands.  

To hear Mayor Birney's video chat with the planning commissioners click this link. (advance to 1:45 minutes)

To get familiar with the Planning Commission visit here.

-- Bob Yoder, 9/23/2021

Police Chief Lowe Asks Council For De-escalation Equipment

Bola Wrap, Internet

The police department wants to ensure the safety of the community and staff when responding to critical incidents requiring appropriate de-escalation techniques while providing the most current and functional training and equipment. The department anticipates allocating one-time federal funds as follows:

· BolaWrap: The Wrap can safely & humanely restrain resisting subjects from a distance without relying on pain compliance and while keeping all involved safe. When used to control subjects in a mental or drug-impaired crisis, this tool enables officers to keep the community safe and get people the help they need without causing injury. Link to BolaWrap website . ($7,000) 

· Virtual Reality (VR): Axon VR Training provides comprehensive real-world training paired with Taser and other weapons systems to ensure training, coaching, and development for critical incidents. Empathy insights, critical thinking, analytical, and de-escalation skills training are provided. Officer preparedness and tools to identify and address the psychological impacts of the public safety profession are addressed. Link to Axon VR Training website . ($83,000) Pricing starts at $700,  Our police chief wants VR Training beyond his allocation.

· Taser 7 upgrades: Upgrading to Axon Taser 7 provides for the must current platform, integrates with use/training records, and integrates with the Virtual Reality training system. Link to Taser 7 website . ($191,000)  Then ~$60.00/month. [As a lay citizen IMO this upgrade is a luxury; spend it or lose it.]

Committee Of The Whole, memo, 9/22/2021

Reader's Comments On Downtown Building Design

Wow! Thanks for bringing this to our attention Bob, this is a huge planned development. Personally I am incredibly disappointed with the initial design plan of the building, it looks similar to the large block buildings we already have downtown. I think the design review committee needs to start creating expectations for setbacks at higher elevations to allow sunlight in the roads, more public facing engagement opportunities along the street level, and less dark colors but not all white like triangle is. 

Some of the recent projects completely block the sunlight at street level. I think, especially in the northwest, sunlight is an important feature to maintain. Other than that, it seems to be an improvement over what’s there, but the larger plan could change DT Redmond in a HUGE way…If done right, with important architectural design protocols it could be a good thing. If allowed to maximize the property for every square inch, it could just be huge blocks of boring apartment communities that do little to attract people to our downtown. Given the way the city has been managing new development downtown, this one hugely concerns me. There are two open positions for community members on the Design Review Board…Let’s get involved and make some changes! Thanks again Bob!

-- Comment on post:  

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2021/09/22-acre-urban-village-is-planned.html

-- Bob Yoder, September, 2021