OPINION: Council shouldn't approve emergency moratorium on retirement homes - specifically Emerald Heights

Eugene Zakhareyev

If you follow Redmond city politics, I have a newsflash for you - at the next meeting, the City Council will consider moratorium!

There has been a lot of development in the last decade, and many residents asked the council and the mayor whether Redmond should take a break and evaluate the impacts of new buildings in Downtown and Overlake. So surely the Council plans to address these impacts? They are finally listening, and new developments will have to pay for the development! No more school district levies & bonds, or tax increases, no more new multi-story buildings replacing one story plazas and driving small businesses out of town!

But if you followed Redmond local politics for some time, you already know the answer. The moratorium is not targeting developers. The Council instead is concerned about “the triple density bonus for Retirement Residences with assisted living facilities in residential zones”.

Yep, those pesky seniors invading our residential areas with their retirement homes! The Council is gravely concerned, enough to warrant the emergency moratorium on such developments!

However, if you were to review pending land use applications, the reasons for the moratorium will become much more clear. There is pending application to expand Emerald Heights campus in Education Hill neighborhood of Redmond, the application that is vigorously opposed by the residents of nearby Abbey Road neighborhood. No other residential home applications are in pipeline.

I am very sympathetic to the community concerns; heck, just last year our neighborhood shelled out close to thirty grand on opposing the city decision (if you have to ask - the Council did not propose any moratoriums in our case, and actively resisted any attempts from the residents to engage). There were multiple cases recently where the community questioned the development initiatives - homeless shelter on 24th Street (nope, no moratorium), Idylwood Park tree removal (no moratorium needed), Seritage development at Sears site (what moratorium? The area can accommodate 16,000 new cars a day). The list can go on, but none of those issues was important enough to the Council.

So why the Council is suddenly so attentive to the community needs? What is different about Emerald Heights development? The residents concerns seem to be pretty typical to today's Redmond (the building is too high, the trees removed etc.) Why would the city stall the application for years, and now when the application is close to approval, why would the Council consider such drastic measures as moratorium?

It is just so happens that proposed new Emerald Heights building would be visible from the windows of home of Mr. Stillin, Redmond City ex-Council members. Mr.Stillin was on the Council until 2017 (the year the city withdrawn SEPA approval for Emerald Heights application and the year the application was denied by the City - just to be reinstated after the appeal). Since he left the Council, Mr. Stillin heads the residents opposition to the project.

One can appreciate the Council willingness to help their long time colleague. But there is a thin line between helping a friend and the conflict of interest, and this moratorium proposal appears to cross this line.

I am for one very disappointed in Councilmember Carson who proposed this emergency measure. Targeting Emerald Heights community of over 500 residents is not something public expects from our elected representative. I feel for Abbey Road residents, but the same legal process should be followed regardless of who affected - there are no VIP provisions. The city code describes appeal procedures available to any parties of record; should this process be unfair it is the Council responsibility to change that.

But for now it seems that the best way to make sure your neighborhood is excluded from development in Redmond is to buy a home next to the council member residence :)

Should you want to attend the Council meeting, it is at Redmond City Hall on January 15th, 7:30 PM (or you can reach the Council and the Mayor at MayorCouncil@redmond.gov

https://www.emeraldheights.com/courtyard-expansion/

  -- Eugene Zakhareyev
     Source:  facebook  

Idylwood Park restoration of tree removal areas

Gary Smith teaching restoration at Idylwood Park /
Credit Forterra

In August 2017, two separate large cottonwood tree limb failures occurred at Idylwood Park. The City hired a contractor to remove fourteen hazardous cottonwood trees in October 2018.  Two remaining hazardous trees have been pruned or are currently being evaluated.

Restoration Plantings: Restoration of the Idylwood Park tree removal areas will occur February – March 2019. A community volunteer replanting event will tentatively take place on Saturday, February 9. Volunteers and City staff will plant trees, shrubs, groundcovers...

Source:  Council business meeting, 1/15 memo

Bob Yoder

Redmond's ERRATIC art installation will be re-located at an estimated cost of at least $616,300

Below are two pictures of Redmond's Centennial "ERRATIC" art installation.  It was constructed with railroad plates to recognize Redmond's status as a railroad town.  It's called ERRATIC to recognize that glaciers shaped Redmond.  Erratics are huge boulders left behind by glaciers.  

At the January 8th Council meeting Staff announced owing to light rail the ERRATIC will be moved from it's present location on 166th near Redmond Town Center to "Gilman Landing" south of the Matador near Leary Way.  Sound Transit will pay $576,000 towards its re-location.  The City will move it....a laborious job. The original cost to the City for the art was $115,000.  

A public record request (prr) in December, 2019 revealed the total estimated cost for relocation is $616,300 - though, the exact relocation cost won't be known until it's completion in June of 2020. The prr also revealed the city will contribute $40,000 via a Redmond Parks CIP.  Rumors have it the total relocation cost will be close to $1M. 

Bob Yoder

2/24/2020

OPINION: Development of Marymoor Village should pause until Zoning Code is defined

During last night's Study Session on "streamlining zoning and regulations for Senior Housing" Council V.P David Carson recommended "a short pause of about six months" (moratorium) in the development of senior housing so Council can have the opportunity to evaluate certain aspects of the code without risk of further development, so we can trust the Administration in the spirit of our intent."  Mr. Carson proposed an Ordinance to this effect and recommended discussion at the next business meeting.

Marymoor Village Neighborhood:

Marymoor Subarea of SE Redmond

According to the Design Review Board's report on the LMC- Marymoor project the Redmond Zoning Code is silent on how the goal of Marymoor Village will be different from the Downtown neighborhood. The Design Board wrote "it should be funkier, cooler, eclectic, and different looking than Downtown. Thus, these ideas need a great deal of attention from the Design Review Board."

Council is placing trust in the Administration for the development of  Marymoor Village by holding a few community meetings and a Hearing with belief the Design Review Board (DRB) report will suffice. According to the DRB "The Redmond Zoning Code is silent."  A pause in the development of  LMC and the Marymoor neighborhood may be useful until the Redmond Zoning Code is scrutinized by staff and thoroughly studied by Council.

- Bob Yoder
 

Council reviews tourism funding

The City of Redmond collects a lodging tax of 1% on each overnight stay at Redmond hotels and allocates these revenues to the Lodging Tax Fund.

The purpose of the Lodging Tax Fund (“tourism fund”) is to increase tourism in Redmond by attracting visitors— especially overnight visitors who stay in Redmond hotels—by funding the marketing or operation of special events, festivals and tournaments.

The tourism matching grant program is intended to provide opportunities for potential partners to bring events and festivals to the Redmond community. The City received 17 grant applications from non-profit and for-profit organizations, in response to the annual matching grant applications request announcement.

Applications are reviewed against the program fund criteria including: tourism promotion, benefit to the community, innovation, community support, evidence of partnerships, scale of the project, other funding sources, and new or ongoing funding. The Lodging Tax Fund Advisory Committee is recommending funding all 17 applications evaluated as they each strongly met the grant criteria and were evaluated as a good fit for Redmond.

A total of $146,000 of matching grants is recommended by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for City Council’s approval.  A total request of $194,174 of Community Events and Arts programming is identified through the lodging tax, which is equivalent to the 39% previously identified by City Council for arts and events.

Programing includes:  Redmond Derby Days  Redmond Lights  So Bazaar  Redmond Arts Season  Redmond Moving Arts Center  Downtown Park Programming

Source:  Council Committee memo, 1/8/19

Council considers new street grid on Redmond Way

Looking north from Redmond Center parking lot -
future 158th Ave. NE extension here. Soulfood is on left

The City of Redmond and the owners (Nelsons) of Redmond Center wish to enter into a Development Agreement for improvements to the extension of 158th Avenue NE from NE 83rd Street to the intersection of Redmond Way, and to clarify the obligations and requirements for utility services for future developments of the multiple parcels at Redmond Center.

In August 2013, City Council adopted the 2013 Transportation Master Plan and directed the Administration to pursue the completion of the downtown street grid.  One of these streets is 158th Avenue NE, which currently terminates at the existing parking lot of the Redmond Center shopping center near Ben Franklin. 

As of 2018, the acquisition and improvement of the 158th Avenue NE extension is an unfunded project in the Redmond Transportation Master Plan. The property owners (Nelsons) of Redmond Center have agreed to dedicate the future extension of 158th Avenue NE at no cost to the City. This Development Agreement does not waive the Redmond Center Owner’s obligations to comply with City regulations or development standards that are applicable today or for future redevelopment of Redmond Center.

Source:  Council Committee memo, 1/8/19

The new southern extension of 158th Avenue would tunnel under the Redmond Central Connector to Redmond Way.  The new grid would allow residents living in the massive "Bear Creek" apartment complex, Heron complex and other nearby apartment complexes much better access to Redmond Center services e.g QFC, Staples, etc. Some speculate the entire shopping center will one day be redeveloped.  Opinion Bob Yoder  

Council President Angela Birney is running for Mayor

I'm experiencing technical difficulties in posting Angela's headshot.  Regrets.  To see her picture "Read More"  

Angela Birney's Experience

Local

Redmond City Council President
Redmond City Councilmember
Redmond Parks and Trails Committee Chair
LWSF Junior High Science Grants and Grant Review
Norman Rockwell PTA
Lake Washington School District Boundary Review

Regional
Hopelink Board Chair
King County Board of Health, Sound Cities (SCA) Caucus Chair
Regional Policy Committee, SCA Member
Cascade Water Alliance Board, Secretary/Treasurer
Eastside Rail Corridor Regional Advisory Committee
Eastside Transportation Partnership
SCA Public Issues Committee Alternate
Redmond Nourishing Networks
Governing for Regional Equity and Inclusion Working Group Member
Education
BAE Biology, MEd Professional Development
Leadership Eastside Class of 2017
Leadership Eastside Executive Insight 2018

Education Hill Neighborhood Assoc. Forums

Education Hill Neighborhood Association will be presenting a series of topic-based forums of interest to Eastside residents. These forums will be held at First Baptist Church of Redmond (16700 NE 95^th Street, Redmond, WA  98052).  Parking available for all forums in the north lot. 

Lake Washington School District (LWSD) Levy                           Thursday, February 7, 2019         7:30 PM

Representatives from LWSD will provide information and be available for questions regarding the Capital Projects Levy proposed for the April 23, 2019 ballot. 

Forum will begin at 7:30 pm in the Auditorium. 

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/188835422071858/

City of Redmond Planning Director                                            Thursday, March 7, 2019 7:00 PM

Erika Vandenbrande will answer questions about her role as the Planning Director for the City of Redmond, as well as her responsibilities as the Community Development Director.

Forum will begin at 7:00 pm in the Auditorium. 

Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2056723061083220/

King County Public Hospital District No. 2                                  Thursday, April 4, 2019    7:00 PM

Representatives from King County Public Hospital District No. 2 will provide information and be available for questions regarding the $325,000,000 Bond proposed for the April 23, 2019 ballot. 

Forum will begin at 7:00 pm in the Auditorium. 

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1175998462574861/   

Forums are available to the public; audience members will have a chance to submit questions of their own to speakers.  No childcare available.

The purpose of the Education Hill Neighborhood Association (EdHNA) is to empower residents by providing a forum to participate in, and advocate for: - A high level of civic engagement by its residents on issues that affect the Education Hill neighborhood - Active, continual and effective communications and conversations between EdHNA residents and community officials - A positive quality of life within the community to include items related to: diverse and inclusive community building, safety, growth management, and neighborhood improvements.

Paige Norman

(425) 214 6800
Education Hill Neighborhood Association
edhillna@outlook.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/EdHillNeighborhood/?ref=bookmarks

Website: http://edhillna.wixsite.com/educationhill

UPDATED: City's First Economic Outlook Event -- February 24th

The First Economic Outlook Event is to be held this month on February 24th. The public is invited with $30 collected at the door.  If you already registered, thank you!

On February 24^th, OneRedmond will bring you the well-known local economist Chris Mefford to share need-to-know insights for the year. Join us for a continental breakfast as we listen to what to expect in 2019. Mr. Mefford is President and CEO of Community Attributes and has a remarkable track record of providing sound forecasts and an entertainment delivery. A breakfast and networking you don’t want to miss!

Where:               Seattle Marriott in Redmond, 7401 164th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052

When:                February 24, 2019 from 8am to 10am

More info:         https://conta.cc/2SyqFUs

Hope to see you there!

Donna Bannister | Operations Manager P: 425.885.4014 x102| 8383 158th Ave NE Suite 225 | Redmond, WA  98052 www.oneredmond.org

Redmond Mayor will not seek re-election this year

Council President Angela Birney and businessman Andrew Koeppen have their hat in the ring. John Marchione Redmond, WA – Yesterday, Mayor John Marchione announced to city staff that he will not seek re-election later this year. The three-term mayor started in 2008 and was immediately challenged by a major recession and an affordable housing crisis. During this period of economic instability, Marchione created balanced budgets and earned the City a financial rating of AAA from Standard and Poor’s.

Todd Banks appointed EvergreenHealth commissioner

Currently four of seven commissioners are appointed, not elected.  IMO this is not healthy for the community. The commissioners continue to avoid providing full mental health services. In the April election a $325M measure will be on the ballot mostly to fund seismic retrofits.  According to an Executive Laurene Burton, the measure would cost property owners 0.18/1K. 

- B.Yoder


Kenmore Air president Todd Banks will fill the position previously held by retiring commissioner Jeannette Greenfield

Kirkland, Wash. – EvergreenHealth’s Board of Commissioners formally voted to approve the appointment of Todd Banks to represent the community at-large on the health system’s seven-member governing board.

Banks is president and general manager of the long-standing, family-owned Kenmore Air company. He brings a wealth of professional expertise and community involvement experience that will serve EvergreenHealth in advancing its vision to create an inclusive community health system that is the most trusted source for health care solutions.

New Year wishes from Council member Steve Fields

Steve's holiday letter to Friends and Family

Last December at this time I was preparing for my first year on the Redmond City Council. An opportunity only made possible by your support and inspiration. It was an exciting moment in my life. This Holiday week, I am again preparing, now for my second year, with an even deeper appreciation and dedication to the work of serving as an elected representative.

I am firmly committed to and guided by the belief that local governments must maintain a close and active decision-making partnership with the community to not only keep the public informed of what we are doing,  but more importantly,  to keep us informed by the public on what we need to do.

Here in Redmond progress has been made over this past year.  As our most senior member on the city council put it during his closing comments on the 2019/2020 budget approval “We have a new spirit of inquiry on the council. We are questioning our techniques, assumptions, and our values”

The year ahead could well be the most important 365 DAYS in Redmond history.

2019 is again an election year and voters will have the opportunity to continue shaping our city leadership. We need to elect city leaders that include people with different experiences, thoughts, perspectives and backgrounds, who care deeply about the people who live here,  and who will challenge the current conventional wisdoms and approaches.

In 2019 we will be updating the city’s Comprehensive Plan. This is a critical time and our most important opportunity to ensure and instill community driven innovation with the purpose of making things better in ways that benefit everyone. This starts with the creativity and courage of people who are prepared to apply their ideas in search of new and better solutions. 

Although many of you do not live in Redmond you have supported my campaigns and my desire to make a better community and in turn a better world. Everyone of you is very much appreciated. 

All of us at the Fields home wish you the very best in the year and years ahead.

Sincerely, 

Steve Fields
12/31/2018

Why so many apartment buildings and no condos downtown?

The Washington Condominium Act is the culprit. It provides certain consumer protections for buyers but inadvertently deters building condos priced for entry-level buyers contributing to our housing affordability crises. The following 2/20/18 article by Jeff Reynolds in "Urban Condo Space" gives an excellent explanation of the Washington Condominium Act and why it's responsible for all the rental buildings in downtown Redmond and elsewhere. Washington state Rep. Tana Senn (D-Mercer Island) said she will reintroduce legislation in 2019 to reduce the risk of developing condominiums. - B. Yoder

"Changes To Washington Condominium Act Must Wait, Legislation Fails" by Jeff Reynolds, 2/20/18 

As reported by the Puget Sound Business Journal last week, the proposed revision to the Washington Condominium Act failed to make it to the House floor by the Wednesday deadline. Let me do my best to explain why this impacts the Seattle [and Redmond] Condo Market:  

Why Was the Washington Condominium Act Created?  [It was created in 1989]

The objective was to protect condo purchasers from developers trying to cut costs by using poor building materials & construction practices. It was also created to raise consumer protection standards. Inadvertently it added a tremendous amount of litigation.

Why Is It A Problem?

• It limits the amount of non-refundable deposits a buyer has to risk (The amount a buyer must deposit to hold their unit reservation)
• It creates enormously high per unit insurance premiums that developers have to plan for
• It allows attorneys to prey on unsuspecting board members and makes them feel personally liable for action
• It limits new buildings, effectively reducing inventory – which in turn is widening the affordability gap

How Do You Fix It?

• Focus on affordability (*make this your primary reason for change)
• Put a cap on attorney’s fees
• Creating binding arbitration
• Enforce a right to repair only
• Change HOA liability to give confidence back to the board

Why Is A Revision To The Washington Condominium Act Being Proposed

To introduce legislation to reduce the risk of developing condominiums. The Puget Sound region is facing an overall shortage of housing and the lack of condos is a glaring issue. If we found a way to modify the condominium act, we could re-introduce smaller, mid-rise condo projects that would benefit those looking for more affordable housing options.

My Opinion

A revision to the WCA is absolutely necessary. Th Washington Condominium Act has inadvertently crippled condo construction and affordability is getting worse with each passing month. I think we have an opportunity to address both quality control and more development. The real question is when. Are we running out of time?

I was pleased to see that the PSBJ included our data again in their article:Developers shielded themselves from the risk by building mostly apartments. The result has been a severe shortage of condo construction. Research by Windermere Real Estate broker Jeff Reynolds last year found there were only five condos for sale for less than $500,000 in downtown Seattle.

Redmond Mayor's 2018 State of the City address

Some very interesting information from Mayor Marchione and planned City growth.  Jump to minute 2:30 to watch the Mayor start his talk.  According to One Redmond he will present again early this year.  At the beginning of the tape there's a surprising photo of what Cleveland Street looked like in 2007.  The contrast with today is unbelievable.  Mayor Marchione also humorously talks about his health.  

-- Bob Yoder

Downtown Redmond light rail station will be elevated

The City Council recommended that the Downtown Redmond light rail station be located between 164th Ave NE and 166th Ave NE (the east location) near RTC and that it be elevated as per Concept 3. The Council emphasized safety, mobility, and a direct and uninterrupted Redmond Central Connector as key reasons for recommending Concept 3. The station is scheduled for completion by 2025.

Source:  redmond.gov  

Three school board members up for election in 2019

If you have thoughts about running for a school board position, now is a good time to start planning. You have to live in the District in which you want to run. Each Board position is elected by the voters from the entire school district.  Questions?  Contact sparthemer@lwsd.org, Director of Communications and Community Engagement.

Chris Carson - DISTRICT 2  Kirkland area / West Lk. Samm. Blvd./ No. Bridal Trails (tan district color)

Christopher Carlson, Ph.D., was elected to the school board in November 2007. He is a faculty member in the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's Division of Public Health Sciences. His lab focuses on identifying correlations between genetic variation and disease risk for cancer, diabetes, and other common diseases, then identifying the biological mechanism responsible. Carlson is also an affiliate assistant professor with the University of Washington School of Public Health in the Department of Epidemiology. He holds a B.A. in molecular biology from Pomona College. His Ph.D. is in genetics from Stanford University.

Carlson has been an active member of the Lakeview Elementary School PTSA. He has been a participant in state PTA efforts for math and science education reform. He is also a member of the Washington State Board of Education K-12 Mathematics Standards Advisory Panel. He serves on the SBE K-12 Science Standards Advisory Panel. He coaches soccer in the Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association and is an avid skier / snowboarder. He lives in Kirkland with his wife and three sons.

Eric Lilabarte - DISTRICT 1  Juanita / Finn Hill / No. Kirkland area (pink district color)

Eric Lilibarte was elected to the school board in November 2015. He is an attorney practicing business and real estate litigation at Keller Rohrback L.L.P. in Seattle. Laliberte is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Law. He also earned a Bachelors in Economics and a Master of Business Administration from Chapman University. In addition to his work on the school board, he also serves as Chair of the Kirkland Planning Commission and as a member of Leadership Eastside. He and his wife married in 2014. They live in the Juanita neighborhood of Kirkland. 

UPDATED: Marymoor Village projects - "cool and eclectic"

"LMC-Marymoor" 5-6 story, 433 residential units, 6-story 41,500 commercial space and *524 parking stalls
  completion 2022.  It sits in a 4.9 acre parcel with plenty of room for additional development.  

"Alexan Marymoor" - 221 multi-family residences, 257 parking stalls, 5-story, 3.7 acre with plenty of room for growth.  

According to Ms. Dietz, a City planner: 

"Redmond’s community evolution is successfully weaving the small town feel of older, established neighborhoods with the energy and vitality of Redmond’s two main urban centers, Downtown and Overlake. We are now planning for the next stage of transformation in SE Redmond- known as Marymoor Village. 

"A major goal of the City is that this neighborhood be encouraged to transform, over time, into a cool/eclectic neighborhood – with a cool/eclectic identity. As such, and because LMC-Marymoor may be the first development in the neighborhood, the design of this development will set a tone and stage for future development."

Marymoor Village (map and Design Review Board memo) is currently a diverse mosaic of manufacturing, education, distribution industrial, and religious uses. Although Marymoor Village is not envisioned to become an urban center like Downtown and Overlake, it will begin to feature additional and more diverse uses and buildings than currently present. Much like a small urban village, the area already offers many options but needs to prepare for a light rail station and accompanying interest in transit-oriented development.

The vision is for Marymoor Village to be a more walkable place that features opportunities for nearby living, employment, gathering, education, shopping, and rapid transit connections to Redmond and central Puget Sound. 

The future light rail station is a large part of the Marymoor Village vision. The station will be at grade and located adjacent to Marymoor Park and SR-520 near the west end of NE 70th St, close to multiple regional trails. In keeping with Redmond’s focus for a neighborhood feel, the city is working with Sound Transit to accommodate the 1,400 planned parking stalls in two separate garages in order to reduce the scale of the parking structures. For more information on the future of light rail in Redmond, visit redmond.gov/LightRailExtension or soundtransit.org/RedmondLink.

*The LMC-Marymoor proposal is for 524 total parking stalls. The majority of the parking will be in 1-story underground structure that spans the footprint of the site. 45 of those stalls are in an above ground structure in the center of one of the buildings (wrapped with retail and residential).  Gary Lee, city planner.

For more information contact Kim Dietz, city planner k.dietz@redmond.gov

Source:  redmond.gov

Redmond Mayor John Marchione named Chair of the Sound Transit Board

Redmond, WA The Sound Transit Board appointed Redmond Mayor John Marchione as chair of the Sound Transit Board of Directors. Steilacoom Mayor Ron Lucas and Everett Councilmember Paul Roberts were appointed as vice chairs. The new officers’ terms extend through 2020. As Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers prepares to end his two-year term as chair at the close of 2018, Board members praised his leadership and accomplishments.

"I am honored my colleagues elected me to serve as Chair of the Board. This is a reflection of Redmond's leadership in the region," Marchione said. “I plan to build on Executive Somers’ hard work and successes as we continue to push forward the largest transit investment program in the country. Over the next two years, Sound Transit will continue work on East Link and will open stations in Redmond in 2023 and 2024. It is important to the Eastside that this work stays on track.”

Mayor Marchione is stepping into the board chair role as the construction of East Link light rail ramps up in 2019. He will be the first Sound Transit board chair from East King County.