OneRedmond's housing initiative will help middle-income residents

Internet

"Middle-income residents are increasingly being priced out of communities in the greater Puget Sound area.

According to a recent report by "Challenge Seattle," home prices have risen nearly 60 percent in the past decade, three times the national growth rate. Housing prices are seven times the median income in King County, and nearly 40 percent of middle income households find themselves cost burdened by housing. The result is that a middle income household can no longer afford to rent, let alone buy, a home in most of the county’s zip codes. This, in turn, has implications for a community’s quality of life, workforce retention and attraction and overall vitality.

OneRedmond has responded to these challenges by launching a "Workforce Housing" initiative that has a goal of securing 1,000 units of workforce housing in Redmond in five years.

“Workforce housing” is housing that middle-income households could typically afford when earning 60–120 percent of the region’s median household income of $89,700 (i.e., $53,800 – $107,600). This initiative emphasizes taking intentional action to preserve existing workforce housing and increase the availability of new workforce housing by increasing opportunities for land for housing construction; streamlining regulatory and other requirements that impact housing construction costs, and supporting creation of financing mechanisms to support workforce housing options."

Source: Redmond Council Study Session memo, 2/26/19

The qualities, schools and employers of Redmond, WA.

Qualities

"Known for its natural beauty, the city is unique in that residents have access to 34 parks and over 25 miles of trails, but can also reach downtown Seattle in 20 minutes. Redmond also hosts live music, film, theater and a variety of other arts for every taste. Outdoor sculpture can be seen throughout the city. 

The Redmond Arts and Culture Program includes over 100 artworks around the City of Redmond.  Explore the City of Redmond's art collection in a new way. The program currently maintains a public art mobile app for the City's permanently-installed outdoor art collection. The app is called STQRY (pronounced "story") and is available for free on iOS, Android and Windows 8 operating systems."

 -- City website excerpt

###

Various video errors and omissions:  Starbucks isn't headquartered here but their barista's are-a-plenty. Of course, Microsoft is headquartered here. Nintendo, Rocket Research, Digipen and Striker/Physio-Control are headquartered here.  A division of Facebook is planning a move to Willows Road.  Amazon, Expedia and Google in Redmond?  

Schools:  Along with Rockwell El and Einstein El. other Education Hill elementary schools include:  Clara Barton, Redmond Elementary, and Horace Mann.

The City communications department is re-designing their website and some of the text may be out of date, particularly the STQRK app and the number or artworks.  This real estate video is dated.  It's the best one I could find for our community and I hope the City will make one of their own. We are due.

-- Bob Yoder

Video:  Murray Franklin 

Council President Angela Birney is running for Mayor

Council President Angela Birney began serving her first term on Council in 2016.  Prior to Council she chaired the Parks and Trails Committee.  Among many other activities, she represents the City of Redmond on the Cascade Water Alliance, the King County Board of Health, and King County Regional Policy Committee and Redmond's Disability board.  She also serves as an alternate representative on the Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee and the Eastside Transportation Partnership. Find her candidate website and Facebook page here.

Source:  redmond.gov

Small business owner Andrew Koeppen is running for Mayor

Mr. Koeppen has lived in Redmond 19 years and has been a U.S. citizen for one year.  Andrew was the first to announce he's running for Mayor of Redmond.  He's attentive to community safety, publishing a popular Facebook disaster preparedness site called "Eastside Ready."  He organizes community "disaster preparedness" events held at the library.  He's actively involved with police and fire safety.  He's especially upset by the city wasting electricity by leaving the lights on at City Hall.  Here is his website and facebook page

-- Bob Yoder

UPDATED OPINION: The next Mayor we elect needs to plan for "us," not just "them."

All these "Redmond Center" small businesses will be demolished

Why, oh why were we fated to live in Redmond during this messy urbanization process? There seems no end to the detours, disruptive demolition and ceaseless  construction. I hear (no transparency) even more Giants are cued up. The City needs to take pause to the planned "twin 9-story towers" by the old post office, and other monoliths -- not just for infrastructure catch-up but for presence of mind. When the City's Director of Planning finishes "our" 10-year plan many will be dead; or have left, leaving "technology" to enjoy the fruits of our endurance. The Mayor we elect in November will need a serious plan for "us" -- not just "them." (city staff and developers.) Yes,I pity the small businesses expected to move into the first floor of these expensive Goliath's. Our downtown core is evolving into a small business wasteland.  

Construction of this roughly 600-unit, multi-family apartment project is set to start in the summer 2020. Several other massive projects are planned for the downtown in the near future.  Which mayoral candidate do you want to manage the city during this turbulent time?

-- Bob Yoder, opinion
   

Note: A friend stated: "the 6-story ground-level places intended for small businesses to move into are nearly quadruple the current rental / lease prices. Some of the businesses say it would  be $9K/month + just to lease a space.  That doesn't include renovating the space to fit their business, or any of the other moving expenses."

Downtown "Redmond Square" small businesses may be demolished

"Redmond Square"

Almost every small business you see here could be demolished for a mammoth mixed-use development.  I'm not sure when demolition and construction will begin. 

Development description:

Mixed-use development consisting of approx. 580 residential units in 5-stories of type VA construction over one level of above grade Type IA structure with retail, restaurants, lobby and amenity spaces. 2 below grade levels of Type IA parking structure. The project is to be bisected by a new mid-block pedestrian street. 

-- Amy Tarce, City planner / Project Viewer

The project is bound by Redmond Way, 166th Ave NE, Cleveland Street and Key Bank to the West. The "Anderson Hotel"  (Hilton) (under construction) is visible on the left as we drive down Redmond Way.  Parcel Numbers: 1225059133, 1225059030, 1225059142, 1225059031, 1225059055,1225059263, 1225059157,1225059156, 1225059080, 1225059090,1225059221, 1225059075.  

UPDATED: LWSD plans $20,750,000 land sale

SALE OF DISTRICT PROPERTY – REAL ESTATE ROSE HILL PROPERTY (SITE 27) RESOLUTION NO. 2262 February 11, 2019 (edited)

Rose Hill Property was acquired many years ago to use for a potential school site. After the property was acquired, the City of Redmond approved an ordinance requiring that the location of a school have a significant setback from the gas pipeline (500 feet) on the eastern side of the property. Using the 500-foot set back from the property line results in City of Redmond code not permitting a school to be constructed within about 70% of the property. The District would be left with usable area of approximately 3.21 acres which is about 30% of the property. The remaining buildable area would not support the construction of a school.

In accordance with law, the district obtained an appraisal that concluded the fair market value of the property was $11,925,000. The District, with the assistance of a real estate broker, marketed the sale of the property which continued into early 2019. Many local and national developers expressed interest in purchasing the property.

The District entered into a Vacant Land Purchase and Sale Agreement with DR Horton, subject to seller and buyer contingencies, to sell the property for $20,750,000.

It is expected it will take approximately 15 months for the buyer to obtain plat approval from the City of Redmond with a closing to occur in the summer of 2020. The funds from the sale of the property will be reserved for future property acquisition.

Source:  2/19/19 Board Packet 

Of note:  The gas trunk-line is "a stone's throw" east of Rose Hill Middle School.

EDITED" Redmond Blog "About Us" is updated for 2019

Redmond neighborhoods

I've updated Redmond Neighborhood Blog "About Us" for 2019.  

Find it here

-- Bob Yoder

Construction of Redmond Technology Station parking garage underway

Credit/ Ryan Bianchi 

A December photo of construction for the future parking garage at the Redmond Technology transit station.  

-- Ryan Bianchi, Community Outreach Specialist for Sound Transit 
   Source:  East Link Light Rail

EvergreenHealth Named Among America's 100 Best Hospitals

EvergreenHealth Named Among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Three Years

Kirkland, Wash. – For the third year in a row, EvergreenHealth has been named as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades for consistent, year-over-year superior clinical performance across a broad spectrum of care. [Comprehensive psychiatric care is not available, BY] The distinction places EvergreenHealth in the top two percent of more than 4,500 hospitals nationwide. 

Record Redmond snow storm hits the neighborhoods

Pam in front of our house on Education Hill

The three storms ended after four days and left 23 inches of snow on our deck railing.  So much fun for making snowmen and sledding.....but so dangerous to be on the back neighborhood roads.  Besides slipping and sliding you have to look-out for falling tree limbs.  We are praying for continued mild winds and power. 

-- Bob Yoder  2/12/2019, 11:51 AM, light mixed-rain/snow

City snow storm update #3

Tuesday, February 12, 9:42 a.m.

Road conditions are unsafe. We continue to ask the community not to drive unless absolutely necessary. Do not abandon your car – It will be towed.

City Hall is open Tuesday, February 12 with limited service

UPDATED: Cubed 6-story apartments are offering significant move-in incentives

A planned Redmond rental. This is
not Station House

"Station House" sent me this unsolicited offer 6-weeks after I inquired about pricing  and when I told them, no thanks, that I' decided to stay in my house.  (Downsizing to their small apartments would be almost impossible after living in our house for 32 years.)  There appears to be a vacancy problem?  Anyone know pricing and offers for the "Triangle?"  Are developers ahead of themselves and light rail?    BY

Here's their e-mail:

"Thank you for your recent interest in Station House Apartments! We wanted to reach out and update you on our newest leasing specials:

• For the next 3 applicants we are offering 6 weeks free if you move in February on select floor plans. These floor plans include our large open one bedroom, our traditional 1 bedroom, and all our 1 bedroom plus dens.
• If you are looking for a move in date further out, we are offering one month free on move ins up to 90 days away!
• If you tour and lease within 24 hours you can receive 3 months of free parking.
• If you rent a one bedroom with loft you can receive a $500 visa gift card.

All these specials can be applied together if applicable. 

Please feel free to give our leasing office a call for more information or to schedule your tour today! We hope to see you soon!"

Sincerely,

Station House Leasing Team

StationHouse.Reply.Thrive@aptleasing.info

(425) 242-1208

Storm update from the Mayor, 2/11

Redmond Mayor Declares State of Emergency

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY February 9, 2019

CONTACT Lisa Maher, Communications & Marketing Manager
lmaher@redmond.gov 
425-556-2427

Redmond, WA – Mayor John Marchione has declared a state of emergency for Redmond, Washington due to the major snow event overnight and the continued winter storm warning in effect through 4:00 p.m. today. Redmond received over six inches of snow in the last twenty-four hours and is expecting continued accumulation today. Heavy snow is weighing down tree limbs and the National Weather Service is predicting increased wind over the next few hours. Tree limbs and power lines may be affected.

“This proclamation will allow the City to take additional actions to keep the Redmond community safe”, said Mayor Marchione. “We are requesting that you stay indoors and off the roads unless it’s an emergency”, said Marchione. “If you have to go out, please take it very slow and don’t abandon your vehicles in the roadways.”

In preparation for what may be a windy afternoon and evening, we recommended that you:

• Remember not to touch downed power lines and stay back a minimum 35 feet
• Charge cell phones and mobile devices in case of a power outage
• Download the PSE mobile outage app to track and report outages, check status and get estimated restoration times, or visit https://www.pse.com/outage/outage-map
• Do not bring generators or grills indoors

You can view the signed Proclamation of Emergency on the City website. The City will continue to keep residents informed with updates to the City website, www.redmond.gov as well as Facebook (@CityofRedmond) and Twitter (@CityOfRedmond) as information becomes available. To view the City of Redmond snow and ice response routes, visit www.redmond.gov/snowice. To learn more about the latest weather conditions and predictions, visit the National Weather Service website at https://www.weather.gov/sew/.

Residents can view live traffic cameras on the City’s website at http://gis.redmond.gov/traffic/. For questions and more information contact Lisa Maher, Communications & Marketing Manager, at lmaher@redmond.gov or 425-556-2427. This press release is available on www.redmond.gov.

"Icicle art"

Education Hill frozen rain-chain

Redmond Council member Hank Margeson named Treasurer of Sound Cities Association

Redmond Councilmember Hank Margeson has been selected to serve as the 2019 Treasurer of the Sound Cities Association (SCA), which represents 38 King County cities and provides a regional voice for more than one million people. He will be one of five individuals to serve on the SCA Executive Committee.

“Councilmember Margeson will help SCA continue to be an important regional catalyst in addressing the challenges and opportunities that face King County communities,” said Deanna Dawson, SCA Executive Director. “He has a tremendous track record in creating innovative partnership and initiatives that create solutions to local and regional issues. We look forward to his leadership in the coming year.”

“Councilmember Margeson has a long history of leading on regional issues and I am pleased that he has been elected Treasurer of the SCA Board,” Councilmember Claudia Balducci, King County Council. “In my experience, he shows up, he pays attention, and he asks hard questions. All of which make him a great choice to help lead SCA. I look forward to working with him in his new role and wish him great success.”

"Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!"

View from my front door, 8 inches -- Ed Hill

2/4/2019

Opinion: Another six-story apartment building coming to "Bedmond"

"Bedmond is the new Redmond" 😁

PRE-APPLICATION

LAND-2018-00869, LMC Marymoor 
Neighborhood:  Southeast Redmond near future Marymoor Transit Station 
Description:  Proposal to construct (1) six story and (2) five story multi-family residential buildings with commercial space 
Location:  17611 NE 70th Street
Applicant:  Rocky Flores with Encore Architects
Prior Review Date:  09/12/18, 12/06/18 & 12/20/18
Staff Contact:  David Lee, 425-556-2462 or dlee@redmond.gov
Review Materials:  Memo   Materials

Click "Materials" and "Memo" for pictures and details of the proposed buildings.

According to a City planner:  "The Arts Commission was previously briefed on the integration of art into the buildings and general approach of how art was to be used throughout the site in November. The concepts and proposed placement of art on the site was met with very favorable comments and excitement. A Call for Art was released shortly after the Arts Commission meeting. The shortlist of artists, and examples of their work, were presented to the Arts Commission at the January 10, 2018 meeting. Much like the approach and placement of the art, the shortlist of artists was met with a very positive reception. The next stage of the art process is to award the project to the artists and receive conceptual drawings."

In regards to staff's review and comments, staff believes the changes meet the intent of the goal of exhibiting “eclecticism”.  (What do you "believe?) "The mix of materials, the unique building shape/massing, and art interventions serve to make a statement gateway to the young Marymoor Design District." says a planner.

Comment:  This 4+ acre project/master plan is still under review by your Council, two residents on the Design Review Board and the Arts Commission.  After you review this pre-application (click Materials and Memo) you can decide for yourself if the project is "eclectic and cool."   If not, contact the Arts Commission or Council@redmond.gov.  The City should hold a Community meeting to discuss the art, design and staff's ideas of eclecticism.   



Source:  Design Review Board page

-- Bob Yoder, opinion

OPINION: Planned development on corner of Willows & 124th brings challenges and opportunities

Could something like this happen here? haha
Internet 

Updated 1/29, 1:01 PM

Quadrant is working with the City to develop "Business District" property at the intersection of NE 124th Street and Willows Road on the Southwest corner. The Planning Commission was very involved.

Here goes. 

The Applicant (Fred Proctor) is proposing a mixed-use development consisting of approximately 370 residential units with a variety of housing types that would include for-sale townhomes, triplex and traditional for-rent apartment style dwellings. The development would also include a minimum of 20,000 sq. ft. of ground-level or stand-alone retail or commercial space, to include neighborhood-scale commercial uses, office, and/or day care center uses.

Willows Road is already congested and traffic is poor here; and will be more challenged when Facebook moves in.  Council member Myers calls this development "a ten minute community" where many of the residents can work nearby, keeping cars off the road (with some shopping at Totem Lake.)  A necessary signal on 124th is sure to slow traffic. The development is virtually it's own neighborhood.

To mitigate traffic the City will try to work with Metro for all day service.  Right now it's AM / PM.  Whenever possible, I won't be driving through this corner.  A new sidewalk is planned on 124th is to connect a northern and western trail, I assume for pedestrian and bicycle mobility.

The range of housing types creates needed flexibility to integrate with the site and creates more variation in housing affordability:

  >10% of the townhomes will be at 80% of average monthly income.
  >10% of the apartments will be at 70% of average monthly income.

The development will include open space tracts, landscaped active and passive recreation, a trail network, and potentially, a gateway/bike rest stop feature on the northeast corner of the site.  Open space is 20% of the site.

Green development incentives specific to the site are 1) electric vehicle charging, 2) green roofs, 3) solar panels on townhomes, 4) solar panels on community buildings.  Quadrant is required to use two of the four options.  Council member Myers said solar is a poor choice for our region since "there is a -500% rate of return."

What's your opinion?

For development diagrams, plans and mapping click this link.

https://redmond.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=6991868&GUID=8B0CADAE-4CB4-498E-B110-FFD3C43BA5D7

  -- Bob Yoder, opinion

Source:  1/27/2019 Council study session & memo

UPDATED: Redmond Council to hold Annual Retreat

Marymoor Village Community Center
retreat location

Council President Angela Birney announced in this week's Study Session the annual Council retreat will be Saturday, February 9th, 9-3 pm. The retreat location is Marymoor Village community center. Though it's open to the public only to watch, I for one will be joining others planting trees and shrubs in Idylwood Park.  Council member Hank Myers suggested the last 2-3 hours should be private so Council can discuss various City issues of concern without staff around. 

Council goals:  Hank Myers wants to instill agility and creativity.   Steve Fields wants to enhance community involvement at every level.  He asked to "spend less time being taught and more time discussing."  Jeralee Anderson wants to understand roles and responsibilities (mayor/council/staff.)  Hank Margeson wants to provide a free form discussion.

Police Chief Kristi Wilson said each City director will be next to a poster board facilitating discussion with two council members per board -- and the council members rotating amongst each other.  Steve Fields joked the Chief will be directing traffic. :)

Bob Yoder

Source:  Council Study Session, 1/22/19