The Education Hill Earthquake Event

In 2001, a *6.8-magnitude earthquake rattled Education Hill.

It seems like only yesterday this earthquake shook the homes and schools on Education Hill.  My wife, Pam was in the clothes closet when it happened. I was out of town on business.  Pam was on the "Earthquake Emergency Committee" at Horace Mann where my daughter attended.  By the time she got to Mann the Principal had already moved the children out of the building; the Principal panicked so the gym teacher took over.  The school's "emergency metal container" was opened but unused. Tents, triage materials, food etc. Pam and two other mom's phoned as many parents as they could.  Pam guesses "the ground shook maybe 30 seconds."  She said only a couple of students were panicky.  

Our tri-level is next to the Bike Park.  Apparently, the chandelier swung mildly.  A weight-bearing beam in our 2-story rental on Ed. Hill cracked, shifted and had to be replaced.  

Stephan A. Siebert, P.E. with Associated Earth Sciences, Inc. in Kirkland is an Associate Geotechnical Engineer.  Mr. Siebert wrote in "Rosehill Cottages" Redmond project report:

Earthquakes occur in Puget Lowland with great regularity.  Large, deep earthquakes occur as evidenced by the 1949, 7.2-magnitude event; the 1966, 6.5-magnitude event; and the 2001, *6.8-magnitude event.  The deep 1949 earthquake appears to have been the largest in this area (Redmond) during recorded history.  Evaluation of return rates indicates that an earthquake of a magnitude between 6.0 and 7.0 is likely every 25 to 40 years in the Puget Sound area.

Is it time the school district updates their earthquake preparedness safety manual?

Is it time the City of Redmond updates their earthquake preparedness safety manual?

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

Downtown Redmond sits on a three-six foot deep aquifer in places!  video  

San Francisco earthquake liquefication event video.  Redmond's downtown aquifer has similar characteristics. 

Seattle fault zone / 3 earthquake types in the Pacific Northwest.  video

File:   LWSD, COR

Editorial - the Magic of Mayor Marchione

The pace of change and events in Redmond has increased exponentially since John Marchione was elected Mayor, joined the Sound Transit Board and began his work. Enhanced transparency of government operations and a well oiled council machine move city actions and events faster than can be reported. To be frank, it's impossible to keep up as a 1-man nonprofit neighborhood reporter.

Mayor John Marchione is off to a fast start. Just off the top of my head, I can think of many positive actions and events of the first seven months of the John Marchione Administration. Of course, there are bumps along the road and a mayor's work is never done, but Mr. Marchione is generally doing a fantastic job. Here are my thoughts about Mr. Mayor's progress:

1. Improvement and transparency of Open Meeting policies, Public Records Requests, Council Committee activities, participation of commissions in Council Meetings, and increased public participation by staff members previously unseen. Council meetings are efficient, productive and documented online for the public.

2 Reaching out to citizens to engage our neighborhoods by: promoting Neighborhood Block Watch potluck gatherings and looking into "Neighborhood Associations", keeping a watchful eye on the Redmond Neighborhood Blog, enhancing Derby Days with extra support from Microsoft, Geni Industries, and small businesses, providing a Neighborhood Land Use map on the city website, and yes, team building with fire and police during the First-ever Dodgeball tournament at Redmond High School!

2. Making the Budget process more palatable and participatory for the neighborhoods by prioritizing citizen needs. Providing document links to the online Consent Agenda to expose budget decisions.

3. Improving traffic and pedestrian safety by problem solving controversial road projects like the Bear Creek Parkway Extension, Redmond-Woodinville widening idea, 166th Ave rechannelization and RJH stop light project and on. At a recent Conference of Mayors Mayor Marchione demonstrated leadership for bicycle commuting. John is an influential member of the well connected Sound Transit Board.

4. Proving to be as "green" -if not more so - as previous administrations by: Bringing out the best of our already top-notch Natural Resources staff to upgrade our stormwater management systems with state of the art regional plans for Overlake, Downtown, and SE Redmond urban centers. Funding reforestation programs with the Cascade Conservancy to remove riparian invasives, recruit youth for stream restoration, hire a geologist and "aquifer team" to sustain the quality and affordability of our drinking water. Work with inter-local governments, like county councilmember Kathy Lambert to improve our Evans and Bear Creek shorelines and safeguard our aquifer; and converse with Rep. Ross Hunter to assist Cole and Allen secure SR 520 widening species protections and flood mitigation.

5. Swift and open acknowledgment of serious needs for affordable housing. John invited Art Sullivan, Manager of ARCH eastside affordable housing, to present solutions to council. Funding was quickly approved to help service-workers, teachers & young adults of Redmond families afford a place to live in Redmond and reduce fuel consumption.

6. Parks are expanding. A string of 5 rural parks along historic Bear Creek East of Avondale will be developed and connected by a trails. Environmental education and heritage centers will occupy the park's historic buildings.

7. I have never seen staff happier or more empowered. John wasn't afraid to identify and cull the few "bad apples" early in his administration. City Hall staff was downtrodden by stalled salary and benefit negotiations under the prior administration for over a year. John and council swiftly dealt with the problem and re-energized the staff.

8. Mr. Mayor has put the exterior art "crystals" back on the city hall building RCTV. This, small act is a loud symbol of city pride and transparency. John has revitalized the Arts Commission with new goals to attract tourists and commuters with nationally renknowned art, like the coming Digital Arts Festival!

9. John's accomplished all this and he's only into 1/8 of his first term! I've reported on Mr. Mayor for over a year, including councilwork, 5 months of his mayoral candidacy and 7 months in office. And, he's been more active than I can report!

10. The reason for John's success? He doesn't let his ego get in the way of a good idea. He is willing and open to bend or change course when he sees a good thing. He listens, respects and values citizen and staff opinions and ideas, and responds! John is not afraid to put his ego aside and to achieve the best, consensual decision for the city. John will make you chuckle. John understands the numbers. And, he is bright.

As with all my opinion stories, your comments are welcome and encouraged by posting them below or emailing. For this Opinion, I will publish Letters submitted by citizens.

As I said, I just can't keep up with the pace of the Administration and our council! My neighborhood reporting is falling behind. Volunteer Kay Taraposli ("kid's topics") and Richard Morris ("parks & trails") and others gave me more work than I could review. Thus, I'm looking for funding to keep this non profit weblog, or a non-political version, running. If you can help with funding please email me at redmondblog@gmail.com. Thank you! Bob Yoder

UPDATE: Protective measures in place to protect city aquifer, drinking water wells and stormwater conveyance system

Oil truck parked next to Station House Loft construction site

UPDATED:  A Council Study Session meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 25, 7:30pm at City Hall during which staff will give a status update on the development of the City’s groundwater model, stakeholder engagement associated with the on-going review and assessment of the wellhead zone boundaries, and future policy discussion items. 

The meeting is open to the public or you can watch it on Comcast Channel  21, Frontier Channel 34, and streamed. Details HERE.

The following protective measures are in place to protect our aquifer, drinking water wells and stormwater conveyance system from potential impacts associated with temporary construction dewatering. 

UPDATED: City of Redmond Appoints Interim Planning Director

Redmond, WA – Redmond Mayor John Marchione has announced the appointment of Erika Vandenbrande as the interim Planning Director, due to Karen Anderson’s resignation in late March.

Erica Vandendbrand

Vandenbrande started with the City of Redmond in 2001 and currently serves as the Deputy City Administrator. She will continue operating in both positions until a new Planning Director is hired. Vandenbrande has held various management positions in her seventeen years with the city including Transportation Demand Management Manager and Economic Development Manager. Before joining the City of Redmond, Vandenbrande held planning roles at the US Environmental Protection Agency and South Coast Air Quality Management District. She was also a manager at Southern California Association of Governments where she was responsible for developing the local government portion of the regional Air Quality Management Plan.

Erica's extensive knowledge and understanding of city planning projects in addition to her passion for the Redmond community make her an ideal fit for the interim Planning Director, stated Mayor John Marchione.  We re in the process of conducting a national search.

Vandenbrande is a graduate of the University of Rochester with a Master of Public Policy Analysis and a Bachelor degree in Geology.

It is interesting to note the Mayor appointed Parks and Human Services Director Maxine Whattam as interim Planning and Public Works Director due to Linda DeBolt's apparent resignation in February. Ms. Whattan now has a duel role.  Mr. White is running the Public Works operations. (Over the years he's presented to council on Redmond water.) The Redmond Natural Resource Manager oversees 30 employees many of them involved with the management of the city aquifer, including Redmond's geologist.  In my opinion, the Planning and Development Director (Karen Anderson) and Planning and Public Works shake up might be attributed to development problems associated with the aquifer. 

B. Yoder                                                 

City Planning Is Posting QR Codes for Proposed Land Use projects

It's great the city is finally posting QR codes for Proposed Land Use Action projects.  Better late than never.  The AMLI project decision has already been made, but with conditions.  According to the QR, the State Environmental Policy Act was revised and the project may now be appealed by 5/15/2023.  The project sits about 100 yards downhill from city well water and it's possible the aquifer may be disturbed.  It's also possible the aquifer will liquify during an earthquake.  A final act of the decision are inspections from city engineers.   

What's going wrong with Redmond's Commissions? What's right?

2/6, UPDATED OPINION: Commissioners are mostly Redmond residents who volunteer their time to participate with staff, elected officials and citizens in decision-making and city planning. They are appointed by the Mayor with the blessing of the Council and sworn in. Their terms vary and vacancies are hard to anticipate so it's best to put early word into the Mayor's office. Commissioners are some of my most favorite citizen volunteers. I love them dearly. Read this story about long-time commission Chairs Martin Snodgrass and his spouse, Lori.

But, this 'sermon' is about city problems with the management of Commissions by our one-year old Administration. According to the Parks & Trails commission website Chair Sue Stewart of Parks and Trails has been a commissioner for almost 6 years. Ms. Stewart likes to make oral presentations at council meetings and I could swear remembering her quoting a much longer Parks commission term than 6 years. Peter MacDonald, Vice Chair of Parks and Trails and friend and political ally of the Mayor and according to their website has been a commissioner for about five years. Peter would be an excellent citizen to get to know if you want to be a Parks & Trails Commissioner or Youth Advocate. A Youth Advocate position is open. Council blessing of the non-resident commissioner appointee is soon.

Unfortunately, it's too late to apply for the Parks & Trails vacancy. The Commission went outside their normal selection standards (see comments - non-residents are allowed) and got permission from the Mayor to appoint a citizen not residing in Redmond. The Parks Director justified it by claiming the nominee lived near a trail the city was interested in acquiring. I don't think non-resident commissioners are good policy. Redmond has plenty of tax-paying citizens who would probably love the opportunity to give input on our many splendored parks. I don't believe parks commissioners should enter the commission with a special interest, especially, when they live outside the city.

A serious problem for the Parks & Trail Commission in 2008 has been the loss of the "public record" for the last six months of their regular meetings. The commission is required to tape their regular meetings for the public record. Weeks ago, I asked the Parks Secretary for two meeting tapes. I found NOTHING taped on their digital recorder or analog recorder for the last six meetings. The council Ombudsman-of-the-month's answer was "we all learned from the experience." No public Ombudsman report was given. No commitment to fix the problem was promised. To this day, I haven't received an apology or even acknowledgment from the Parks Director or Parks Commission Chair or the Mayor. Loss of 6 months public record is serious.

I knew I did something good for the city during this discovery, as follows: 1) I actively participated in the governing process by attempting to listen to meeting tapes and catch up on P&T meetings for the Eastern Park Corridor Program and Downtown Park, 2) I spent 3 hours of my personal time trying to help the city trouble-shoot and quantify the lose of public record. 3) I reported the problem through proper channels -- didn't jump to my blog. What resulted? Not one genuine thank you from the city nor promise the recorder would be fixed.

In my five years of active participation and reporting on the city, I've found a dysfunctional governing pattern -- The city's approach to a citizen reporting errors and omissions is to brush them under the carpet rather than give them even hushed appreciation. Such apathy and disregard for constructive citizen participation results in mediocrity and public dis-engagement within our government.

Redmond sponsors 9 Commissions. None are paid. Of the commissions I'm most familiar with, the entire Planning Commission is dedicated and professional, giving much of their time in meetings every week. Presently, they are looking to expeditiously fill one position. They are my favorite commission because I learn the most from them. They conduct Public Hearings, make Land Use decisions, and set land use policy.

The only problem I have with the Planning Commission is staff - NOT the commissioners! Last week staff interfered and discouraged my public testimony, at times. The Principal Planners gave me help when I didn't want it and didn't give me help when I needed it. During the Stream Map Hearing, to prepare, I asked as week in advance for known Stream Maps from three planners and an engineer. We used these maps during a tour with Kathy Lambert. Twenty minutes before the Hearing a Principal Planner told me flatly that they "didn't get them all". I'm guessing the Mayor was taking a stand on "the Rock of public records."

The map they gave me was so large it couldn't be projected on an overhead. Despite this, a second Principal Planner barged onto the podium, unannounced, interrupting my testimony while he was trying to position the large map! He interrupted me just when I was starting to talk about some observations of the lay of the land near our aquifer. For me, his abrupt, unasked for "help" confirmed the city may still have quality issues with our aquifer. My testimony was unscientific and anecdotal and I had rights to be fully heard. The principal planner's subtle interference was uncalled for. Some of these planners are paid over $95,000 for services rendered to taxpayers.

My last beef with staff at the Planning Commission Hearing was their lack of professional courtesy. I wanted to familiarize myself with the overhead projector before the meeting but a second Principal Planner brushed me aside saying they were too busy now and to come back. Three staff proceeded to huddle around the projector, blocking me off, until the Hearing started. Once I got to the podium various staff were all over me in front of the camera - interrupting, correcting me and fixing the projector, adjusting the microphone, putting unwanted maps on the projector, and mostly trying to give me the help I needed before my testimony. This behavior is a sorry example of poor service to a rare citizen with guts and time enough to approach the podium...... It would have been one thing if said staff were interns, associates, or even senior planners. But two highly paid Principal Planners were "helping me". I've seen other citizens fumbling at the start of their talk, also. It would not take much to fix this and so encourage citizen participation.

Not to forget, the Arts Commission is one of my favorites, too. They are looking for two new commissioners and one Youth Advocate. They hold three public meetings on RCTV. The Planning Commission is on RCTV most every Wednesday night at 7PM. The Parks & Trails Commission NEVER conducts their meetings on RCTV. Their website is incomplete and innacurate. What does this tell you? All said and done, I absolutely adore, admire and appreciate the commissions and every hour of volunteer work our commissioners give to our city. I love going to their meetings or listening to them. I think staff should do a better job servicing, acknowledging, recognizing, and empowering our invaluable human resources of caring citizens - espectially sworn volunteers.

Apply and sign-up for a commissioner or youth advocate position here.

Apply and sign-up for the nonprofit Water Tenders Youth Advocate position at the web site.
Water Tenders is a small group of passionate citizens compelled to sustain and protect local Bear Creek Basin habitats in Redmond. My daughter is a youth advocate.

CC: Mayor John Marchione ; Redmond City Council; City Clerk, OMBUDSMAN
RAC@redmond.gov, planningcommission@redmond.gov, parksandtrailscommission@redmond.gov

_________________________________________________________________________
Comments are encouraged below or by emailing me at REDMONDBLOG@GMAIL.COM for posting on this page.

UPDATED: Sunrise Hue Apartments Most Innovative In Redmond

The parcel rests on a seismic hazard zone over the shallow aquifer. -- Geotechnology Engineer's report.

The proposed building is a six-story, mixed-use apartment building, only a five minute walk to light rail. It is located at the intersection of 164th and NE 85th Street.  A single family home, vacant lot (Brown Bag restaurant)  dentist office and strip mall (Herfy's Burger) across from 164th are on the site. The building is designed with a hint of orange in concert with the name "Sunrise Apartments."  This is a big breakthrough for Redmond from mustard colors; the Design Review Board still challenged them on the color! 

It consists of 1,991 sf of commercial retail space at the ground level with varying amenity spaces throughout. On levels two through six, there are 93 residential units. 83 internal parking stalls are provided at the ground level within the building with a three level car stacker system, as well as an additional subterranean level with additional parking spaces. 

One of the common open space features is located on the roof top. (see video.)  The deck itself features group seating, four Magnolia trees, Italian Cyprus, raised planters, a turf lawn gathering area, an outdoor kitchen, a green wall system, and a 42” height seating bar with canary lights draped over the central seating area.  The supposed "eclectic" SE Redmond Marymoor neighborhood could learn from this innovative developer.  

On the street level, the creative plaza design provides a sense of reprieve for pedestrians by incorporating seating areas within the vegetation and trees.  The building is set-back significantly providing wide sidewalks (see video.)

Of note, the interesting design of a double height indoor resident open space referred to as the “Sky Lounge” is located at the 6th level. It provides visual interest for the public while also providing a unique indoor recreational space for the residents, filled with natural light and broad views of the skyline.

Pictures and details at this link.

--- Design Review Board memo, 2/21/2021

     Opinion, Yoder

Read More for GeoTechnical Report.  (This project is located in Seismic Hazard Area.) 

City moves forward on plan to re-locate Evans Creek

Evans Creek headwaters are in East King County along the Old Red Brick Road.  The creek continues north and west through SE Redmond industries, past Keller Farm, before it's confluence with Bear Creek.   Bear Creek flows into the Sammamish River which flows into Lake Washington and Puget Sound.

On May 1, the Redmond city council approved land acquisitions to relocate Evans Creek north and east and away from SE Redmond industries. (See map).  If negotiations to purchase the property are unsuccessful the Council approved  use of eminent domain.

The benefits of re-locating Evans Creek are many.  Relocation: 1) improves habitat for wild salmon and wildlife, 2)  increases the land values and opportunity for redevelopment of industrial properties, 3) encourages clean-up of hazardous waste and further safeguards the city aquifer 4) improves flood water conveyence, 5) enhances Bear-Evans Creek Trail recreation with restored riparian habitat.

Evans Creek is an important and valuable stream in SE Redmond that's been heavily impacted by industrial development and permiting violations, as has "AWR."  Read More >>

LETTER: The importance and value of trees

Tree Art in Anderson Park / Credit B.Yoder

Urban tree canopy cover is the percent of a city covered by the leaves, branches, and stems of trees as seen in an aerial view. Trees have a positive impact on the physical health and well-being of those living in urban communities. We should try to maintain and increase the many benefits trees provide to current and future generations. There are many important benefits of trees.

Trees have public health and social benefits:

.

Trees clean the air. They produce oxygen, intercept airborne particulates, and reduce smog, enhancing a community’s respiratory health. The urban tree canopy directly contributes to meeting a city’s regulatory clean air requirements.

Access to trees, green spaces, and parks promotes greater physical activity, and reduces stress, while improving our quality of life. Urban landscaping, including trees, helps lower crime rates. Studies show that urban vegetation slows heartbeats, lowers blood pressure, and relaxes brain wave patterns. People with a view of nature and trees score higher on tests of self-discipline.

Some facts and news on Redmond's water resources

UPDATED:  Redmond is known for it's green forest and stream buffers, trails and multi-faceted parks.  Of course it takes water and lots of it to keep our fair city green.   Jon Spangler, a resident of Redmond and 22 year city employee who manages the Department of Resources is expert on all things water in Redmond.   During his presentation to Council on "Water Resources Strategic Plan" some noteworthy facts and stories surfaced, as follows:  

Redmond's wells suck out 800 million gallons from the ground per year to supply 35-40% of Redmond's drinking water.  It rains 11 billion gallons of water/year in Redmond.  (The Mayor couldn't believe it but Jon proved his number on 42 inches/year of rain on 16 square miles.)  So even with rapid development a lot of rain should enter into the ground.  Jon said keeping the base flows in streams is important so they don't dry up in the summer.  The city's stormwater system is impressive with 220 miles of stormwater pipes, 100 major ponds and over 50 miles of small streams.  All of the treated stormwater eventually drains into ponds or Bear, Evans and Kelsey Creek and the Sammamish River. 

Our well water keeps the price of water low though the infrastructure costs are relatively high.  Cascade Water Alliance would supply Redmond with water piped in from the White River but demand for this water is falling and it's likely the Tolt River and our wells will provide for us adequately for quite some time. 

Jon said, some of our ground water is contaminated with hazardous waste from surface infiltration but Mr. Spangler said, "though it's at very low levels and it's not a risk to anybody's health but it's something we want to keep an eye on so it doesn't become a problem."  The city is working with select industries and commercial interests to mitigate the contamination.

Councilmember Hank Meyers asked about the ALL WOOD Recycling fire and the tons of water dumped on the fire which is an infiltration site for our groundwater.  The water ran into the creek and into the groundwater.  Spangler estimated 1900 fish were killed in Evans Creek from the fire foam that was used.  Spangler said, "I don't believe there's an imminent threat to the groundwater but we plan to do some indicator sampling over the next 6 months."  Aquifer monitoring wells are not in the immediate infiltration site of the fire. 

Reported By Bob Yoder

Redmond's Downtown Aquifer

An excellent link describing the many facets of Redmond's environment. This video was filmed in 2016 and we still face the same challenges, if not more.https://www.redmond.gov/1068/Environment

City of Redmond signs Purchase and Sale Agreement for Keller Farm

A member from Water Tenders sent me a copy of a Purchase and Sale Agreement that was signed on August 5, 2014 between the City and the Kellers of Redmond.  "Closing shall be on or before 1/22/2015."  In the agreement the City agreed to buy 83.25 acres of the Keller Farm located between Avondale Rd NE and NE Union Hill Rd.  The Kellers will retain a 78,503 square foot parcel and house located at 18816 NE 84th Street.  The City agreed to pay the Kellers $2,520,000 for the Farm  ($30,000 per acre). 

The Keller Farm is a crucial piece of wetland-agricultural land important to the ecology of our Redmond area.  The farm will be used as a "wetland bank" for off-site mitigation of wetlands lost to development within Redmond.  As wetlands are destroyed by development in the City the developers must purchase rights to replace these wetlands on the Keller Farm so that there will be "no net loss" of wetlands owing to development.  Wetlands are an important natural resource for Redmond since they help to recharge and purify the City aquifer which is tapped for potable well-water. 

Reported by Bob Yoder

 

The Downtown Park public forum was time well spent

OPINION:   The City of Redmond held an Open Forum last night for the public and staff to hear presentations from five Downtown Park consultant candidates.  I and my wife listened to the first three consultants and Q&A which lasted two hours.  About a third of the audience appeared to be filled with staff and consultants.  Extra seats had to be brought into City Hall. 

All presentations were professional and helpful but the last consultant called "Land Morphology" appeared to be the most engaging and enthusiastic about Redmond and dug the deepest for "who we are."  They seemed to have a good grasp of  the surrounding downtown parks, Heron Rookery, our aquifer, and the rich cultures within Redmond.  They handed out small models of the park showing two sheltered structures comparing this idea to the Chihuly Museum by the Space Needle.  Having a well lit, warm place to gather seems important in our climate.  Art and Culture is destined to be a big part of the Downtown Park...and probably rain gardens.  History was brought up a lot, too and Land Morphology once included an archeological dig in one of their parks.  You never know what could turn up during the development of the park considering the Indian artifacts found around Lower Bear Creek.

All three consultants had to deal with questions about dogs and pets.  I don't think any of them recommended a dog running area.  Public process and wonkish diagrams were emphasized by the last two consultants -- I'm sure much to the happiness of the attending staff.  Though public process can be boring at times it tries to capture the broader public and design the framework for launching the park.  We got to critique each consultant with "scorecards." 

I wish now I had stayed to listen to the last two consultants, but two hours was plenty for me and you can go to www.redmond.gov to watch all five presentations.   If you attended, the Mayor put on a good show with food before-hand and some fascinating art-musician-dancers performing during breaks for the cameras and audience. 

Bob Yoder   

Construction Of "Together Center" Well Underway

 

Site preparation for below grade parking (228 stalls)

PROJECT OVERVIEW:  Demolish existing building and construct two six-story mixed-use buildings with very affordable 280 dwelling units,  A single, approximately 2.47-acre parcel (Parcel number 29060600301300) located at 16225 NE 87th Street in Redmond, Washington

The City of Redmond Technical Committee and Design Review Board have reviewed and approved the above-referenced proposal for two mixed-use residential buildings with a total of 280 exceptionaly affordable residential units, approximately 49,000 square feet of gross floor areas of ground floor office space, and 228 stalls of below grade parking. 

The Site is currently developed with three (3) single-story commercial buildings totaling approximately 35,706 net square feet. The Site is being used by several businesses including: the Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy, the Together Center, a nursing agency, the Transition Academy for the Lake Washington School District, and a dental office. The site mapped as occurring within seismic hazard and critical aquifer recharge areas (which were not addressed within the Talasaea memo.)

-- Wetland LLC, 15803 Bear Creek Parkway, 3/4/2020

A sketch of things to come.

Bob Yoder, 6/25/2021

UPDATED: $886,780 approved for removal of peat soils from the Downtown Park

City council awarded a bid to Santana Trucking & Excavating, Inc.,in the amount of $886,780.82 for the removal of Downtown Park peat soils. Removal is scheduled for August -- get ready for a mess. 1,000 truckloads will be removed. Another 1000 replaced.

One Friend thought why not build underground parking, rather than fill up the hole? The aquifer?  Another couldn't understand how heavy buildings once stood on this site but park grass can't.  Many want to know where all that peat is going; the city has been silent.  By chance are they sifting it for artifacts?  

Bob Yoder 

LETTER: Area businesses fighting city stormwater regulations designed to protect drinking water

By chance, last Sunday, from 12 midnight to nearly 1 am on Ch 75, I watched the Nov 22 meeting of the City Council on the topic of "Stormwater Infiltration Assessments" - a topic I knew nothing about and had never heard of before.

It seems that city staff have become concerned about surface water leakage from our stormwater runoff system, into the groundwater aquifer layer where we get our drinking water. So they want to have mostly SE Redmond industrial businesses spend big bucks (through a new permitting process) to treat their stormwater runoff before it gets carried away into the runoff system.  According to business leaders, the overall cost could amount to $4-8 million

The affected businesses (known as "TAG") are fighting this and hired an outside expert to put forth a case arguing against a serious runoff pollution problem.

I found it quite interesting, and most of the councilmembers wanted to know more about potential dangers. They mostly struck me as smart, reasonable persons.

Today I learned of the existence of the Washington Stormwater Center (http://www.wastormwatercenter.org/  Evidently it was mandated last year by the state legislature.. A press release said that the Boeing Corp. very recently donated $85K to the Center, to help it aid small businesses in complying with new state stormwater permitting requirements.

I guess this stormwater runoff issue is a whole lot more serious and complicated than I thought!
 
By John Reinke
Education Hill, Redmond.

The "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" Mission Statement, Goals, Achievements

Friends and Guests,

 The "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" brings transparency to the City of Redmond, Lake Washington School District, Evergreen Hospital District and other local jurisdictions, to encourage them to listen to their constituents and make positive changes; the Blog helps Greater Redmond citizens to be seen and heard in their neighborhoods and come together to find solutions. Your comments and stories are welcome."

I’ve lived in Redmond 30 years.  I publish the Redmond Neighborhood Blog because I am passionate about where live and I love being active in my community and local government.  The Blog is my avocation.  My goal is that someday the Redmond Neighborhood Blog will be a thriving nonprofit, skilled at connecting and engaging Greater Redmond local governments with our communities. Recognition and Advocacy are central to this Blog.

At the core of my reporting, is scrutiny and daylighting the local governing bodies of  Greater Redmond.  Transparency is a disinfectant.  I've expanded my City of Redmond coverage to include Lake Washington School District, Evergreen Public Hospital District and the local King County Library branch.  The School District has three times as many active voters as the City and represents great potential for additional readership and positive changes.

Alternative neighborhood news, opinion, comment, and  posts contributed by citizens and business engages and connects citizens with our communities and  local jurisdictions.    The Blog strives to be nonpartisan and independent.  Presently, every candidate running for office in the City, School Board, and Public Health District #2 knows about the Blog.

In 2005, preservation of  priority Urban Open Space and the cultural habitat of Perrigo Woodlands and Hartman Wetlands drew me into community activism.  Discovery of hazardous waste on a shallow city aquifer in SE Redmond triggered the beginnings of this blog.  Land use review practices, Public Notice and developer-centric planning were early reports and are ongoing.  In 2008, I worked with the Water Tenders and other citizens to leverage our voice and empower City and regional officials   Our message was successfully targeted to State representatives.  We secured  $8M funding from the State to restore Bear Creek and mitigate SR520 flooding.

Reporting on city governance brings positive changes, as follows:

1. Independent, alternative neighborhood news and reader comments and contributions keeps government  in touch with our needs and each other. 
2. TRANSPARENCY:  Our electeds' work is more visible. Minutes and recordings of meetings are taken and with consistency.  Elected conduct more meetings outside of their Chambers and in neighborhoods.  Committees have more voice.  Electeds' and staff meetings are more visible, efficient and productive.  Senior administrators and CEO's listen and respond.
3. City of Redmond and other local jurisdictions are subjected to public scrutiny for positive change.
4. Land use review process, Public Notice, Public Records and access is improved.
5. Human resource problems are identified.
6. Access to governments' website resources are improved and more transparent.     
7. Commissions, Boards and Councils are energized and empowered.
8. Mistakes and unintended consequences during the planning process are minimized by community participation and more functional internal (staff) communications
9. Neighborhood and community Voice is leveraged and targeted to create positive change in Greater Redmond, the County and State.  

Local and state politicians listen and respond to the problems and opportunities uncovered by the Blog.   A key Goal is to encourage reader participation and contributions to the Blog with their Comment, Letters, Opinion, Tips, and stories.  Probably, the biggest soft spot in this blog is the Lone Wolf Syndrome of One Howling Voice.  Readers want a chorus of thought, opinion, comment and neighborhood news.  Your contributions get top priority over my entries!   Improving site functionality is another key Goal.   I'm open to ideas!
 
The Redmond Neighborhood Blog provides alternative news to traditional  reporting while remaining independent of commercial and government dogma.    I cherish, and pay for this freedom!   I hope you will take advantage of this resource and participate, with your stories, your news, your comments, insight and of course, your readership!

Sincerely,

Bob Yoder
Community Activist
Publisher and Editor
"Redmond Neighborhood Blog"

10019 169th AVE NE
Redmond, WA.  98052
425-802-2523 (cell)
redmondblog@gmail.com

9/27/09, revised 10/17/09

Demolition of the Claim Jumper at RTC is underway

At a recent Council meeting, CM John Stilin said the demolition of Claim Jumper was underway.  It will be replaced by the "Archer Hote.l"  Mr. Stilin said it will be one of only four "boutique hotels" of its kind in the nation.  The hotel will be 7-stories, with parking on the first floor.  Parking can't be underground owing to the aquifer.   
Is it remotely  possible this event is the genesis of Redmond Town Center gentrification?  

Archer Hotel

Address: 7210 - 164th Ave NE
Project Type and Number: Site Plan Entitlement-LAND-2015-01974
Click on "Critical Areas" for a complete description.

Vicinity Map; Notice of Application; Process Flow Chart

Initial Submittal
Site Plan
Tree Preservation Plan
​
Additional Project Notices SEPA-2016-00779, Critical Areas, Cultural, Geotechnical, Traffic

Developer plans to build two, 9-Story Towers on the old Post Office site

I found out on social media today that two, 9-Story Towers are planned for the old Post Office site on 16135 NE 85th Street. You can contact city planner Gary Lee for the specifics of this project at glee@redmond.gov and to make comment about parking, traffic, the aquifer, etc.

According to the Public Lane-Use Notice:  The applicant, "Redmond Projects" plans to construct 250 dwelling units, 25,000 sq ft of retail space and 83,000 sq ft of office space on a 2.29 acre site.  No Public Hearing is required but you can Comment to the Administration by calling Gary Lee (425-556-2418) or emailing him.  The City is only accepting Comments until January 27th.

Gary Lee writes:  "Construction is anticipated to begin between the 4th quarter of 2016 and the 1st quarter of 2017.  If things go as planned the first tower will be completed in the Spring of 2018."

As for parking, Gary Lee writes:  "There should be sufficient parking (with 362 stalls). Because the office use and residential uses have opposite peak hours, they can realistically share a lot of the parking stalls (and it's close to the transit center.)"

Personally, I was blind-sided to learn the City zones for 9-Story High Rises in the Downtown. I had earlier been informed only 6-story buildings were allowed.  When was the zoning changed?  Why wasn't the public notified of this change?  Will the boutique hotel planned for Redmond Town Center be higher than 6 stories?

What part, if any, does One Redmond play in this?  Why can't they give the community timely development updates?

Bob Yoder

Footnote:  
This project (and others) are buried in the City Web Site "Design Review Board Agenda".  There is presently an opening on the Design Review Board for a "Redmond resident".

One Redmond Facebook page

City of Redmond's assessment is our water continues to be safe

Tacoma residents express concern about lead in their drinking water, Fox News

Redmond, WA - In light of recent concerns over lead in regional drinking water, Redmond’s assessment is that our water continues to be safe to drink. Residents receive water from Seattle and through our aquifer supply wells. Recent tests have shown the City drinking water meets standards set by the EPA and the Department of Health.

“We are proud of the high-quality water provided to Redmond residents,” said Mayor John Marchione. “We regularly test our water to ensure it not only meets but exceeds standards set for safe drinking water.”

Since 1983, the City has treated our well water to minimize corrosion of lead and other. The City has participated in lead and copper sampling, collected at a resident’s tap, since 1992. This City’s water quality has successfully met or exceeded the drinking water standards since that time. We perform testing annually; the most recent sampling event was conducted in June of 2015.

Recent concerns regarding lead, in other cities, are related primarily to water service lines containing lead components installed before 1945. The City has been proactively evaluating the potential for any concerns related to higher than normal lead levels in its service areas due to the City of Tacoma’s recent discovery of this issue in homes built between 1900 and 1945 using galvanized pipes. Redmond’s water system serves very few homes built before 1945. However, the City is planning to review and perform additional samplings for any areas of the system with components in service and that are older than 1945. The City does not have any lead pipe “goosenecks” like those identified by the City of Tacoma as the likely source of increased lead levels.