UPDATED: Dr. Pierce drills down on school safety progress

During the March 5th school board meeting Superintendent Pierce drilled down into what actions the District is taking to improve school safety.

Many changes are underway.  Representatives from the City of Sammamish and City of Redmond will partner with the district to hold two "safety forums" to update the public. The Eastlake HS safety forum is March 27th, 7-9 pm.  The Redmond HS forum is April 9th, 7-9 pm. Both jurisdictions and the City of Redmond are partnering to provide SRO's.

At the school board meeting, costs and safety installations were reviewed: door locks, key card access systems, interior classroom window shades, portable peep holes, security cameras and monitors, and School Resource Officers (SRO.) 

The District has a solid safety structure.  An "Executive Safety Team" chaired by Dr. Pierce meets once a month. A staff  "Safety Advisory Committee" chaired by Mr. Emory, the school risk officer meets every two weeks.  The PTSA partners for emergency preparedness.  A Building Administration and Incident Command system is in place.  The district works in conjunction with city officials and community leaders.  

Expansion of SRO services and campus security monitors are under review with a feasibility study; estimated costs are $1.8M - $3.05M.  Most of costs for key locks, key card access, and interior window shades (~$1.5M) would be paid by levy funding.

Currently, full-time SRO's work at Redmond HS, Redmond MS, and Rose Hill MS.  A full- time SRO works at Eastlake HS and nearby El schools, Full-time SRO's work at Juanita HS and at LWHS. and 2 half-time SRO's work at Evergreen MS, Stem and Alcott Elementary.   

During public comment "Dan" (w/two students at Evergreen) recommended adding two more half-time SRO's to Evergreen, Stem and Alcott schools ASAP....that SRO's are low hanging fruit.  He felt the $730,000 cost for monitors and cameras could be reduced with these new SRO's.  

"Carrie" (w/Redmond MS student) said high school counselors are over-worked, saying there are 275 students for every 1 counselor employed.  She said "there's not a lot of engagement points to try to catch those students needing additional help."

Director Cassandra Sage had some concern about how an expelled student is handled by the district.  Director Stuart said a wrist band "locator" could be placed on them.  Dr. Pierce said measures are in place.  

B. Yoder

Source:  Board Business meeting video and personal attendence at the meeting

UPDATED: School Board Meeting News

It's possible but not confirmed the Board may put bond & levy measures on the ballot later this year or next. 

In the March 5th Board meeting comment period Martha DeAmicis, a very active parent on the 2017 Bond Committee, recommended 5 actions the district could take to improve the chances of approving a bond / levy measure if put on the ballot:  

1) The superintendents go on a "listening tour" to ask for feedback.
2)  Conduct an online survey to obtain anonymous feedback.
3)  Convene  a community committee advisory group composed of non-parents to listen to concerns; and so they can have insight into the intricacies of passing bond measures.  
4)  Meet with elected and community leaders for feedback.
5)  Create a task force of stakeholders to come up with a plan.

Martha recommended adding as much student space/dollar and investing in safety.  She prefers creating more Choice school space so students from comprehensive schools (like Redmond high) don't have to apply through a lottery.  

In the March 19th Board meeting Director Mark Stuart brought attention to how some in the community are accusing the District of building "Taj-Mahal" schools,  He referenced the $12,379,445 Peter Kirk remodel/rebuild as value-engineered  to net $1,999,846 in savings. (The Board approved 10 of 20 construction related proposals.)  He referenced the $13,708,872 Mead El rebuild as value-engineered to net $1.3M in savings citing 8 approved projects.  He gave a caveat that inflation and steel tariffs would contribute to additional costs. Stuart summarized that environmental health and safety would not be carried "on the backs of students while sharpening the pencil." 

Board Vice President Stuart also had some questions about the new Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center partnership with the City of Redmond.  He said the Center could provide an excellent location for Academy One and Two being closer to employers.  In addition the present Academy location at Kamiakin is poorly plumbed.  Stuart asked to see the floor plan.  Associate Superintendent Barbara Postumous said first and second floors are available for pre-school.  The city leases the first floor.  

School Board President Siri Bliesner runs a very efficient meeting.  

-- B. Yoder, opinion

Source:  Board Meeting videos  

Council member Hank Myers "beats the bunny"

"Beat the Bunny 5K at the new Community Center at Marymoor Village today. Giving
“bunny ears” to the Bunny means one more thing off the bucket list!" -- Hank Myers

A Council member of ten years, Hank Myers is an active Kiwanian and often participates in the "Green Redmond" forest restoration events.  The Redmond Kiwanis Club "is all about helping children."  They meet every Friday morning (7 am) at the Family Pancake House.  Beat the Bunny is one of their fundraisers. 
facebook photo

UPDATED: Lake Washington School Board Directors name north Redmond and Redmond ridge elementary schools

Deputy Superintendent Jon Holmen announced at the last Board meeting "Bobcat" is the mascot for Clara Barton El. and "Bear" is the mascot for Ella Baker El.   

Under school board guidelines the Directors name each new elementary school by selecting the names of a deceased person famous for work in science, the humanities, letters, or education. The final names on ballot for a student vote for north Redmond were:

1. Pat Tillman Elementary School 2. Clara Barton Elementary School 3. Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School 4. Fredrick Douglass Elementary School 5. Susan B. Anthony Elementary School 6. Amelia Earhart Elementary School,

The Board approved the name:   Clara Barton Elementary School for north Redmond.

The final names on ballot for a student vote for Redmond Ridge were:

1. Grace Hopper Elementary School 2. Ella Baker Elementary School 3. S.P. Clark Elementary School 4. Clara Barton Elementary School 5. Mary Jackson Elementary School

The Board approved the name:  Ella Baker Elementary School for Redmond Ridge

Ella Josephine Baker was an African-American civil rights and human rights activist. She was a largely behind-the-scenes organizer whose career spanned more than five decades. Wikipedia

Clarissa "Clara" Harlowe Barton was a pioneering nurse who founded the American Red Cross. She was a hospital nurse in the American Civil War, a teacher, and patent clerk.  Wikipedia

Eight-story Modera Overlake project-design is under review, public is invited to comment

Internet photo

This project is under review by the City's Design Review Board (DRB.)  The DRM is appointed by the City Council and is comprised of five professionals and two residents who volunteer their time and represent the community at large. 

The purpose of the Board is to make urban decisions that will promote visual quality throughout the City  DRB meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7 pm in the City Council Chambers. Planner Gary Lee manages the meeting. 

If you have questions or want to receive updates on "Modera Overlake Apartments" and other projects e-mail Gary at glee@redmond.gov.  

The "Modera Overlake Apartment" project address is 15260 Bel-Red Road.  The site is near Aero Rent A Car next to Brown Bear Car Wash and across from Jimmy John's.

CITY LETTER TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD:  "This first "Modera Overlake Apartment" pre-application meeting is to learn about the applicant’s (Modera Overlake) development concept, and to provide input regarding design issues the Board and staff will be interested in addressing through further design development.

With the two new buildings across Bel-Red Road, in Bellevue, and being that this might be the 1st new building in Overlake Village, Staff would like to ensure this building sets a good design direction and tone for this sub-neighborhood. Staff is also concerned with how the south and west façades of the garage will be clad/treated as they will be 2-stories tall near the property lines, as these sides will not be wrapped with commercial or residential space. 

The applicant (Modera Overlake) is proposing an 8-story building, which is possible in this zone with the use various incentive techniques, including the payment of in-lieu fee for plaza dedication, Green Building Incentives, subterranean parking, and provide housing above the minimum required. At this bulk, wire-frame, study stage, staff is concerned with massing, façade and roof modulation, and exterior façade material selection.  [Color schemes and other items will also be studied.]

FBI, DEA and Sheriff's Office To Lead Opioid Discussion

Expert speakers from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the King County Sheriff’s Office are scheduled to lead a community conversation about the opioid epidemic on Monday, April 9^th in Fall City.  -- Convened by King County Councilmemember and Education Hill resident Kathy Lambert.  

It's hoped the event will educate parents, school personnel, teens, and the public about the opioid crisis facing communities across the east and rural portions of the county.  It’s another look at this issue from an event held earlier this year from the human services aspect. 

“It is vital that everyone be informed on the many aspects of this epidemic. After many conversations and presentations about the opioid crisis, I am convinced that this conversation/seminar, led by experts on this topic, will be very informative,” said Councilmember Lambert. “Information for parents and teens in particular is crucial. Everyone who knows a friend or loved one dealing with this issue should plan on attending.”

It’s being hosted by the Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church on Monday, April 9 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.

                                                Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church

                                                36017 SE Fish Hatchery Road

                                                Fall City, WA  98024

Interested attendees can rsvp to ross.marzolf@kingcounty.gov.

Flagpole Plaza Park, Redmond's smallest

 "BI-CENTENNIAL FLAG, Dedication September 27, 1974.  This is a beautification Project by the City of Redmond, Jaycee's, Lion's, Kiwanis, Rotary, and Chamber of Commerce."  

When I parked on Gilman Street to buy a book at McDonald's I noticed some very interesting artwork and a brick plaza with a plaque identifying the overhead "Bicentennial Flag."  Mayor Marchione said the plaza with flag was an official city park.  Other than the Naomi Hardy Clock Tower it may be the smallest park in the city.   He said Flagpole Plaza Park it's part of the Gilman Street Design Concept study and wouldn't be demolished during possible redevelopment of Gilman.  In fact, the park may be extended to Redmond Way, and expanded.   

City Transportation engineer Angie Ventura said, "The City has no plans to rebuild Gilman St. as a public project.  The goal of the study is to develop design guidance for potential future private development if and when they occur along Gilman Street."  

Can you see the artwork in the flag photo?  (Click to enlarge.) 

"BRIDGE TO BROTHERHOOD," CHERYLL LEO-GWIN, 1993, Porcelain Enamel Mural, 1% Public Works grant for Art, King County Arts Commission, Redmond Arts Commission, Leadership Redmond

To see the plaques READ MORE:

OPINION: Council Committee meetings are very informative and interesting, open to the public

Council members Fields (with tie), Birney (in red) and Carson (facing back) met with Police and Fire executives during yesterday afternoon's "Safety Committee Meeting.  Council member Fields chairs this committee.  Credit/ B. Yoder

Four times a month on Tuesdays the city council meets with staff at 4:30 pm to discuss city business.  They are called "Council Committee Meetings" and are significant because city staff are present and important business is reviewed, discussed and conducted. The public is invited to attend but may not comment and must remain silent.  Council and staff don't typically mingle with you. Bench seating is available. The meetings are held on the first floor of City Hall in the Council Conference Room across from chambers.  Whether or not there is quorum no formal action is taken at these meetings.  Meeting agendas and minutes can be found HERE, after scrolling.   If you have any interest in the workings of city government I encourage you to attend!

I found this "Safety Committee meeting" very interesting and informative.  A police executive reported that many of the baby-boomer officers were retiring and state training requirements slow down the commissioning process.  He indicated the Patrol force is in full swing but that officers-in-training had to take the "minor" duties like traffic control while being paid as fully commissioned officers.  It was interesting when Fire executives indicated, not counting the downtown apartments, over 35% of the apartment complexes don't have sprinkler systems and some don't have alarms.  The department historically takes a lot of calls from the 60-01 apartment complex in west Redmond,  Both Police and Fire reported they were under budget.  Council member Fields mentioned he's recieved anecdotal reports from citizens of near-miss ped-auto collisions at intersections.  He asked Police to look into it and requested data to confirm.  

In last night's study session "Council Rules and Procedures" were reviewed with Michele Hart, the city clerk.  What I found most interesting was the Council President (currently Ms. Angela Birney) works with the Administration to set agendas and determine topics for study sessions. Her e-mail is abirney@redmond.gov.  Under "Rules and Procedures" Council is planning to rename council committee "standing committees" (3 council members) with "Council as a Whole" (7 council members.)  Their rules will forbid "final action," as in study sessions, even with quorum; and absences needn't be recognized or approved.  

In meetings "Parks and Human Services" are reviewed on the first Tuesday of every month and Mr. Myers is currently the chair; "Planning and Public Works" meets the second Tuesday of every month and Ms. Padhye is the chair, "Public Safety" meets every third Tuesday and Mr. Fields is the chair.  "Finance, Administration and Communication" meets the fourth Thursday and Mr. Margeson is currently the chair.  All chairs are council members.  [For a detailed description of these committees "READ MORE." ] 

B. Yoder

SOURCE: Council Meetings Calendar, 3/20/2018, Study Session, Rules and Procedures amendment
https://redmond.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Color scheme of the Bela Bottega Modera project

Bella Bottega shopping center with Mill Creek crane to the south.  The Redmond Athletic Club (RAC) was torn down to make room for Modera's  luxury apartments

"Mill Creek Residential continues to expand in the Pacific Northwest with the development of Modera Redmond, a luxury apartment community located in Redmond, Washington. Situated in the downtown Redmond core, the residential transit-oriented development features 300 apartment homes contained within a five-story structure.

Video clip of construction

First move-ins are anticipated for Fall 2019. 

Mill Creek design-approved apartment building.  It will be
interesting to see if the contractor sticks with the design or
adds some color.  Blue would be a pleasant change.

Modera Redmond consists of studio, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom homes with den and loft layouts available. Community amenities include club-quality fitness center, rooftop deck with views of Mount Rainier, two outdoor courtyards with fire pits and BBQ grills, a second-story clubhouse with demonstration kitchen, pool table, fireplace, shuffleboard, a theater/game room, controlled access garage
parking, self-serve

Apartment/mixed-use building on Union Hill Road across from
 Gold's Gym.  This is one of my favorite buildings.  The blue
 & grey colors and roof line add cheer.  In the winter the blue reminds us
of the sunny days of the summer. I took this photo last month.
Click to enlarge

-- B. Yoder

package lockers, conference room, and a 
coffee bar." 


-- Modera's website

UPDATED: City of Redmond and LWSD tie loose ends on joint partnership

OPINION:  It's been 25 years since the City formally agreed to partner with the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) on sports field use, community programs, and other joint-needs.  Well, in last week's study session, Council sat down with city staff and the LWSD Director of Finance Barbara Postumous to take a parting glance at a thoroughly vetted updated partnership.

LWSD agreed to rent 9,795 sf (25%) of their Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center on a five-year lease to provide "innovative space" for City of Redmond  community center programming.  The district will have the pre-school classrooms, a gym, and cafeteria space as voted in by last year's bond.  

Space for: Redmond Historical Society meetings, popular Zumba classes, Adaptive recreation, adult volleyball, pickleball, youth basketball, art, and non-profits are provided in the lease.  The space will be dedicated to the city and open until 9:30 pm.  Anticipated revenue is $45,000 annually.  

Jeff Hagen,city recreation program manager said gym space for youth basketball is at a premium with almost 800 children 1st-12th grade needing facilities.  He will work closely with the district to maximize school gym capacity to accommodate this growing sport.  Jeff will also schedule city owned parks, tennis courts and picnic shelters for school and city use. 

My opinion:  Council member David Carson gave a loud hoot during the meeting when "capital programs" were brought up.  I firmly believe this inter-local agreement could lead to the installation of turf fields in key school locations.  For one, LWSD owns the large, sometimes mucky and potholed athletic fields of Redmond El and the adjoining Old Redmond Schoolhouse.  The District could "swap" the land for turf and lighting installations paid for by the city.  (I coached MS lacrosse at Redmond El during rainy, dark, afternoons; no one else wanted to play there.)  Lacrosse and cricket fields are in demand;  a cricket field could be lined here.  Perrigo Park already has two turf fields lined for lacrosse. Turf and lighting could also be installed at Redmond Middle School for cricket or lacrosse.  Someday many LWSD fields will be turf, as  in Bellevue.  

B. Yoder 

After this post was published Council member Carson wrote:  "The city would be looking to leverage partnerships with associations that have funds for field development instead of general fund dollars.  Also, the City of Redmond participates in a county-wide consortium to bring down the costs of turf fields."

Cherry blossoms

Credit/ John Reinke

Cherry blossoms on trees next to the Redmond library.

Photo taken March 8th.  

Local Non-profit Seeks Warehouse Space

 "Pantry Party"

Pantry Packs now helping more kids than ever.  Looking for space the size of a 3-car garage, 24/7.

Redmond, WA, March 5, 2018 – Have an empty spot in your building? Want to make an impact in your local community? Consider a partnership with Pantry Packs, the all-volunteer program that delivers weekend food to over 850 students in the Lake Washington School District. This dynamic and powerful program is seeking a space—warehouse or other—to store food and host group packing events in the Kirkland/Redmond area. Community members should email leads to pantrypacks@lwsf.org.


Pantry Packs serves students from preschool through high school who have been identified by school personnel as "food-insecure" which means they are likely to not have enough food to eat over the weekend.  Volunteers gather, purchase, and store kid-friendly, non perishable food.  Once a month, upwards of fifty volunteers gather perishable volunteers gather and assemble this food into individual food packs at assembly-line-style "packing parties."  These assembled packs are delivered directly to schools, where they are handed out discreetly by school personnel so that each identified student can take food home every Friday

 Over 800 pantry packs are prepared  and delivered
every week to over 40  LWSD schools

Pantry Packs is powered by the Lake Washington Schools Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 organization, so in-kind donations are tax deductible. The program’s minimum space needs include:

    BOUNDARIES: safe and secure location within LWSD boundaries, preferably within Kirkland or Redmond.

        SIZE: 1,000 ft² minimum for storage and pack assembly -- sized a little larger than a 3-car garage.

       ACCESS: no stairs; must be easy for private vehicles to drive close to door and pick up packs; must have access for large bulk food deliveries on pallets.

        PARKING: spaces for 50+ monthly volunteer packers; spaces for regular weekly volunteers.

       HYGIENE AND SAFETY: able to store packaged food; free from pest or moisture issues; restroom access.

While Pantry Packs currently operates out of Hopelink’s Kirkland warehouse.  Currently Pantry Packs delivers food packs to over 800 students every week. Leadership Team member Marlene Vacknitz pinpoints the problem:

“Many LWSD students benefit from receiving a weekly Pantry Pack and our numbers keep growing. Space is needed now, as we have already maxed out our storage—we simply can’t fit any more food in our current location. We must find a new space soon, as we want to provide for the increasing need in our area and not have to turn away a hungry student because of space. Our goal is to provide a Pantry Pack to any LWSD child that needs food so they don’t go hungry over the weekend.”  

Community members should email leads to pantrypacks@lwsf.org.

###

For more information about Pantry Packs, visit www.lwsf.org/pantrypacks.

Back-yard Bobcat in North Redmond

Credit/ Michelle Vallene

UPDATED 3/18: Vagrant cuffed near Banner Bank

Man cuffed near Banner Bank / credit B. Yoder

Last week across the street from my Banner Bank on 164th I saw three police vehicles lit up with flashers in the middle of the road,  What the heck was going on?  Someone coming out of McDonald's book store had the same question.  I took this picture from McDonalds.  At one time a 3rd police officer huddled over the man.  It seemed like an excessive display use of force.

The officers were lingering over and questioning this man for about 30 minutes.  A Medic may have stopped by.earlier.  He was cuffed -- standard operating procedures for liability?  It's possible they may have been waiting for Narcon to take effect but that's only a guess.

When the cuffed fellow was released he staggered over to me and offered his hand, showing off a bible. I shook the hand and washed afterwards.  His eyes were glazed, he was dirty, and looked sick, but was smiling. He staggered east on Redmond Way.  My thought was he was heading towards known homeless sanctuaries --Anderson Park, the woods behind Overlake Urgent Care, and the Target's western parking lot buffer.

I emailed Kent Hay, the City's Homeless Outreach Coordinator to inform him of this man and see if he could help him.  Mr. Hay responded:  "There are some new people that have come to Redmond that I have not met yet and I’ve been informed are in that area. I will try and make my way down there tomorrow to see what I may be able to do.  Allot of factors play a part in what help I can offer people. Hopefully he is open to changing his situation and we will see what plan we can come up with."

-- B. Yoder,  opinion

Sammamish River nature photographer captures Downy Woodpecker

click to enlarge

The title is kinda funny, huh?

On a recent overcast day, I stepped out onto the promontory that overlooks the Sammamish River in downtown Redmond, opposite the Opportunity Building.  I was surprised to see a downy woodpecker suddenly alight in a low bare-branched tree in the middle of the fence at the edge of the river bank.

click to enlarge

I quickly reached for my camera, hoping I’d be lucky enough to get off a few shots before it flew away.  To my surprise, it ignored my approach and calmly flitted about, pecking at the bark on the trunk and branches.  It was a male, as evidenced by its red topknot. 

click to enlarge

Downy woodpeckers are the smallest woodpeckers in Washington state and indeed the country.  They are quite common and typically inhabit deciduous forests.  They find insects in the crevices of bark, but also feed on berries, seeds and suet.  Monogamous breeding pairs form in late winter.

My little friend allowed me to take several photos at close range.  It's amazing what you can find in our  growing downtown urban center.

-- John Reinke

    Redmond, WA

    Photos credit John Reinke

Elementary students to compete for Future Chefs champion

This is an exciting a fun event!  I've been a mentor over the years and love working alongside these kiddos. They are all exceptional, creative chefs  - Pam Yoder

Students will take to the kitchen to create Asian inspired dishes based on their own recipes in the Sodexo Future Chefs competition. With the help of a nearby adult, the students will need to prepare and cook the dish in a set amount of time alongside their peers. Students dishes will be judged on a range of factors like nutrition, preparation and overall quality. The winner of the overall quality award will be considered to compete in the regional finals.

Sodexo’s Future Chefs Competition is a national challenge encouraging students to make healthy food choices and get creative in the kitchen. The event was created to get kids thinking about and making healthy choices by increasing fruit, vegetable and whole grain choices in their diet.

14 fourth and fifth-grade students from throughout Lake Washington School District will  be competing based on the recipes they submitted.   

The March 14th event, 2:30 - 6 p.m. is at Rose Hill Middle School.  13505 NEth Street, Redmond.  The public is invited.  

UFO hovers over Downtown Park

No need to rush. It'll probably be here for another six months.

Photo: B. Yoder

Close encounter with Steve Fields at "down pour coffee bar"

Steve Fields pouring coffee at his coffee bar

 I stopped by Steve and Ronnie's"down pour coffee bar" this morning for a visit.  I had planned to ask him a few questions about the city but the place was buzzing and we had to reschedule

Scarce parking didn't deter these Down Pour
lovers (click pic to enlarge)

Steve's one of two new Redmond city council members and in my opinion does a fantastic job in many ways.

The following are a few questions I wanted to ask him:. 

1)  I thought the new Downtown Park was going to cost $40M but the project sign says $19M.  Facebook readers felt the city was not being up front.  What's up?

2) The 14-acre Estera / Sears project is probably the largest project the City will EVER build....but only 14 citizens showed up at the last community meeting.  Ridiculous!  Steve once suggested an extensive session.  Yes, we need one!  Also, according to the Redmond Reporter only 7% of the planned 2,000 apartments will be "affordable."  City standards are 10% affordable so what's up??  What's the mayor doing?

3)  I had a few questions about how council conducts their council committee meetings as they relate to the Open Public Meetings Act.  In this week's study session Jim Haney, JD explained how council's  "Rules and Procedures" pertain to these meetings. Whatever the outcome, I hope when there is quorum all members present will have an opportunity to talk.

On to Down Pour.  This morning the place was literally buzzing with chatter; few were on their devices.  How refreshing and pleasant to have genuine conversations.  Steve and Ronnie (his spouse) offer "no password" WiFi.  Is this the reason? (I'm not a marketing guy.) Anyway, if you're looking for a vibrant, fun coffee shop, this is the place.

-- B. Yoder

Updated: Sound Transit: Another Record-Breaking Year for Ridership

The East Link of Light Rail is targeted for the Overlake Urban Center in five years!
The East Link of Light Rail is targeted for Downtown Redmond within 5-6 years!

The 4th Quarter ridership numbers were released today along with the 2017 year-end numbers for Link, Sounder, ST Express and Tacoma Link. The year-end ridership report adds another data point to mirror widespread news of how our region leads the nation in transit ridership growth. 

Overall Sound Transit carried folks on 47,031,129 trips last year, a 10 percent increase over 2016. Here's the breakdown by mode: 

• Link light rail - 23,186,633 
• ST Express bus - 18,373581
• Sounder - 4,438,374 
• Tacoma Link - 972,405  
• Paratransit - 60,136 

The largest growth was on Link with 22 percent growth over 2016. Last year was the first full year of service since new stations opened at the University of Washington, Capitol Hill and Angle Lake. We also started running more 3-car trains last summer to meet the booming demand. 

Here's a quick video clip showing just how effective Link light rail has become at moving masses of people. It's footage of trains clearing the southbound platform at Westlake Station in downtown Seattle after the Women's March on Jan. 20 of this year.

OPINION: The Redevelopment of Sears Plaza is Something to Ponder

"Redmond is growing faster than many of us imagine, especially in the Overlake Urban Center.  A 14-acre Urban Village coined "Seritage"  will transform  Sears Plaza into office space, a hotel,  residential, commercial, retail and a large park.  High rise buildings are a possibility.  

Click this link to discover the magnitude of this village:   https://www.redmond.gov/595/Seritage

·       The buildings will reach 9 stories and  include both commercial space, hotel and residential units. 

·         When built, the project will generate over 13,000 vehicular trips a day. Currently planned, the developer-funded road improvements are minimal, in fact the traffic study states traffic will improve when the project is completed. The cities of Redmond and Bellevue will bear the burden of road improvements as part of their infrastructure plans)

·         There will be 2,300 parking stalls (vs. around 1,000 today). 

·         There is an already approved project next door (KCC Limited Edition) that will result in 885 homes, 173,000 square feet of office, 28,000 square feet of retail, an 80-room hotel. Adding new, larger project to the area will likely multiply the impacts of this development.

If any of the design assumptions on the project are not correct, it is likely that the traffic gridlock in the area will intensify. The best way to influence the project is to get informed and provide comments to the city either at the meeting or via email. After all, there are 10,000 of us in Overlake today (in Bellevue and Redmond both) and many have a perspective on proposed development and its impacts.