Environmental and Adventure School's Yearly Campout

This sailing trip is part of the Environmental and Adventure School's yearly campout at Bowman Bay at Deception Pass State Park where students focus on teamwork, environmental studies, service learning through a stewardship project with park staff and outdoor skills development.

- LWSD site

Overlake 7-Story Office Building With Three Levels Of Underground Parking

"ESTERRA PARK BLOCK 3"

Project Overview

The project incorporates a 7-story office building with 3-levels of underground parking 

For more information on this project:  Notice of Application Project Details (PDF)

658 Homes In Esterra Overlake - 5, 6 And 8 Story Towers

Project Overview - Under Construction

Lincoln Properties is designing three multifamily buildings on blocks 5, 6A and 9 of Esterra Park. Building “6A” on block 6A is proposed at six stories with 215 homes. Building “A” is proposed as an eight-story building with 212 homes that straddles blocks 5 and 9. Building “B” is also on blocks 5 and 9. It is proposed as two buildings connected by enclosed walkways, with heights of five and six stories and 231 homes. The north portion of Building “B” faces the Park at Esterra Park.

6-Story 330-Home Esterra Building In Overlake

Project Overview - Under construction

Avalon Bay Communities is designing a six-story, 330-home building on block 8 of Esterra Park. Block 8 is across NE Turing Street from the Park at Esterra Park site. The design for the building includes a ground-level courtyard that opens to the side facing the park.

Council Considers Significant Stormwater Improvements Off Education Hill

The Council Committee is considering permitting "Pond C" to improve stormwater run-off from Education Hill.  The cost is estimated at $330,000.  Below, is the description of the project as found in the Council Committee memo of 8/13/2019:

"A NE 90th Street Stormwater basin is about 230 acres of predominantly residential and commercial land use. Much of the basin development was prior to modern stormwater standards. The basin originates in the uplands of Education Hill and extends southwest to discharge into the Sammamish River at NE 90th Street.

There is an existing stormwater wetpond located just upstream from the outfall. The existing pond is believed to infiltrate untreated stormwater into the aquifer, the project will stop untreated stormwater from infiltrating at this location. This project will also improve water quality in the Sammamish River through the retrofit design of a stormwater wetpond at NE 90th St in the City of Redmond. The design will focus on the removal of total suspended solids (TSS) to the Sammamish River by increasing stormwater runoff treatment."

This pond provides significant habitat for birds and fish. 

Reported by Bob Yoder

The Downtown Park Cost $41.2 Million To Develop

Project Costs to develop the Downtown Park:

Expenditures:

$0.6M Acquisition and relocation
$20.9M Demolition and restoration
$0.75M Design and construction
$18.9M Total $41.2M Revenues
General fund $6.3M Real estate excise tax
$7.7M Impact fees $15.2M
Business tax $7.5M
WA Dept of Commerce grant
$2.95M Miscellaneous (County levy, rent, etc.) $1.55M

Total Project Cost: $41.2 million

Source: Redmond Document Center

Reported by Bob Yoder

Mackey Creek Restoration And Enhancement

Project Overview - Project Completed

Mackey Creek is a spring-fed, perennial creek that is about 2.65 miles long. It passes east to west through the middle of Farrel-McWhirter Park, joining Bear Creek a half mile to the east. Multiple issues related to the health of the stream were identified, including barriers to fish migration, bank erosion from high stream flows, deposits of sediment causing the creek to flow out of its channel, the growth of invasive plants that have exacerbated flooding, and lack of in-stream woody debris.

Project Work

The project work, which restored and enhanced Mackey Creek within Farrel-McWhirter Park, was funded in part by King Conservation District (KCD). Work included:

• Stabilizing stream channel and improving stream habitat
• Removing fish barriers
• Reducing flooding and sediment problems
• Controlling invasive plants, and planting native plants

Get information about all projects.

Oregon!

The New "Esterra Neighborhood" Of Overlake Urban Center

And, we think the Downtown is sprouting 6-story multi-family mixed-use buildings ... Don't discount the 988 home "Esterra Neighborhood" of the Overlake Urban Center just up the hill.

• Two 6-story buildings are under construction totaling 545 apartments ("homes")
• An 8-story tower with 212 "homes" under construction; hotel
• 5 and 6-story buildings totaling 231 homes under construction
• 7-story Office building with 3-levels of underground parking.
• Park 
• And this is just the beginning - 13 buildings in all

I'll be posting a description of each building next week, including sketches.  If you can't wait, check out the city's "Project" page here.  

-- Bob Yoder

Rockin' On The River - Final Performance

The final  performance of city-sponsored "Rockin' on the River" was held at the Senior Center on Thursday, August 8th, 6-8 p.m.  Emerald Heights also sponsors the event.  The Kiwanians grilled hot dogs and hamburgers.  The "Eagle Eyes" band performed; the week before it was the Beatnicks. This is a very popular event and usually draws 400 - 500 residents. According to the City:

Eagle Eyes is a tribute band to the legendary music of the Eagles. They have taken great care and dedication in recreating and capturing the live true magic in the harmonies that make the eagles renowned. 

Hailing from Southern Vancouver Island, BC, the four members of Eagle Eyes have over 120 years of combined experience as professional touring musicians.  

Photos by Reinke

EvergreenHealth resorts to voter-shaming in Prop 1 mailers

MyNorthwest.com article on Prop. 1 shaming

King 5 - "Woodinville Foundation" Apologizes For Election Mailers Shaming Voters

According to the PDC, The EvergreenHealth Foundation spent over $547,000 for "get out the vote" ads. Besides copious mailers, they placed ads on Pandora and even CNBC.  $83,000 of the funds was dark money laundered though a non profit (Source:  Disclosure Act, Public Record Request)

The bond lost by 2%

B. Yoder, opinion

Rockin' On The River

On August 1st there was some great entertainment at the Senior Center - Rockin' on the River by the Beatnicks! Many thanks to the city, Emerald Heights and Kiwanis for sponsoring this event.  Another performance is scheduled for Thursday, August 8th.  They get better and better every year...great fun dancing and jiving outdoors with our neighbors!

-- Bob Yoder, video

Sound Transit Fares - Redmond Technology Center Update

Redmond Technology Center station in Overlake - East Link Light Rail Extension

Civil construction is expected to wrap up late next year. Civil construction will be followed by construction of the light rail operating systems (power, signals, etc.). The systems work takes about one year, and will be followed by pre-revenue service testing.

Fares are set at $2.25 + $.05 per mile, rounded to the nearest $0.25. Fares may change over time to achieve a minimum Board-required revenue target, but at current rates that would put the ~15-mile trip from Overlake to Westlake at around $3, or Overlake to Norhgate at ~$3.50.

Source:  Facebook: East Link light rail

Watching A Beaver Take A Slam Dunk

 John, thanks for the great story and better yet, the laughs! 😂

Credit/ John Reinke

Recently, I was out stretching my legs along the Sammamish River Trail here in Redmond.  Heading north, I was a couple hundred yards south of the "rusty pedestrian bridge" that crosses the river where NW 100th Street would be, if it existed.

Glancing out over the water, I noticed something plowing upstream against the current.  It was too far away to make out what it was, but I suspected it might be a muskrat, which I have occasionally seen in this area.

It was swimming steadily toward me when I suddenly hear a loud "thwack", and saw the creature's hind legs suddenly rise straight up into the air, before immediately sliding down beneath the roiling water.  (I guess we could call it a “slam dunk”…)

Former Mayor Rosemary Ives Endorses Steve Fields

Steve is also a very likable guy!

Former Redmond Mayor Doreen Marchione Passes Away

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond is saddened to report the passing of former Redmond Mayor Doreen Marchione. She passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 27, 2019, surrounded by her family. Doreen Marchione was first elected to the Redmond City Council in 1975 and then served as Mayor from 1984 – 1991.

“Doreen’s commitment to a lifetime of public service always impressed me,” said former Redmond Councilmember, Arnie Tomac, “She served on both the Redmond and Kirkland City Council and was the Mayor of Redmond. She was always striving to make Redmond and Kirkland better and a great place to call home. Her support of her family, friends and community was legendary.”

Born and raised in Seattle, Doreen Foster Marchione graduated from St. Edwards, Holy Names, and Seattle University. In her more than thirty years of public service, Marchione served eight years as a Kirkland City Councilmember including two years as Deputy Mayor. While serving for 15 years as CEO of Hopelink – the largest provider of social services in north and east King County, she oversaw a 150 percent increase in the number of residents Hopelink assisted. Her service on multiple regional boards and committees is highlighted by the 15 years she served on the Seattle University College of Arts and Sciences Leadership Council, as well as her time served on the State Transportation Improvement Board, as Commissioner of King County Housing Authority, as president of the Washington State Association of Community Action Agencies, and a Board member of the Kirkland Performance Center.

Electric scooters to debut in Redmond July 30th.

Lime, a private bike and scooter share company, is expected to debut electric scooters in Redmond on Tuesday, July 30, and may add bicycles in the future.

This pilot program allows residents and employees to use bikes and/or scooters until May 2020 and then bike and scooter share will be reconsidered.

Vision

Bicycle and scooter sharing support the City’s vision in the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) to improve travel choices and mobility. The scooters will give Redmond travelers new options as the average trip in Redmond is 2.2 miles, which is about a 15-minute bike or scooter ride.

redmond.gov

Letter From The Editor

Bob and Pam

Dear Friends,

I want to apologize for the inundation of political stories on my blog at this time.  The Primary is only 5 days away and I'm trying to design a "Voter's Guide" which requires posting the content for it. After August 6th and our vacation, I'll circle back to you with some fresh reporting.

All the best,

Bob

Steve Fields' Leadership Style Sets Him Apart

In Redmond's "Strong Mayor" form of government our mayor is both CEO and Chief of Staff; Steve Fields will fill both those shoes. I know, because I watch council meetings almost every week and report on them in Redmond Neighborhood Blog.

Primed to excel as CEO, Steve is the only candidate who has led teams preparing large government budgets. As mayor, Steve will manage our city finances with integrity and accountability. He's completed multi-million dollar negotiations and led teams of people that improved operations. The Redmond urban centers have grown exponentially. As CEO, Steve will strategically implement projects to control this growth. He's assertive, likable, and doesn't need the popularity of the elite. Steve isn't bigger than life. He's grounded.

Steve's the best candidate to take the rudder and guide Redmond, both locally and regionally. Career experience has brought him toe-to-toe with Seattle and King County officials. He's connected. While engaging with neighbors he will cut expensive and ineffective projects like the 2-way conversion.

Protecting our environment, our health and our future is his highest priority. He wants to protect our streams, salmon and trees. He took the 5K Walk with NAMI to "bust" the stigma of mental illness. He wants to make our city more affordable for people who call Redmond home and for small businesses -- like he and his wife's coffee shop.

Our traditional small businesses simply can't afford the mixed-use box buildings. They are being driven out, just as workers have been driven out to find affordable housing. Steve wants to change this by navigating through government red tape to provide innovative housing options and tax incentives for our small businesses. For mobility, Steve will move light rail forward, encourage "smart technology" with traffic and parking programs, and design smarter and safer bike lanes.

I've spoken with and listened to the candidates on many occasions. Steve's management and leadership style is what separates him apart. Please vote "Yes" for Steve Fields this August 6th!

-- Bob Yoder

The gem of EvergreenHealth's Proposition 1

The 5K  "National Alliance For The Mentally Ill" Walk to "bust stigma"
supports in part, EvergreenHealth's goal to build an outpatient mental health clinic

When voting on EvergreenHealth's Prop. 1 measure you may not be aware of a hidden gem in this bond.  Our elected officials (commissioners) decided to build an outpatient mental health clinic if we pass the bond!

The need is definitely there. According to the "National Institute of Mental Health": 

• One in 25 have a serious mental health illness like bipolar, eating disorders, major depression and severe anxiety. 
• Only 41% of adults in the U.S. with a mental health condition received mental health services in the past year. Among adults with a serious mental illness, 62.9% received mental health services in the past year.
• Just over half (50.6%) of children with a mental health condition aged 8-15 received mental health services in the previous year
• Suicide is now the Number 2 killer of our teens.

So please know Prop. 1 is more than seismically retrofitting Evergreen's oldest buildings and upgrading the 1985 Critical Care Unit. It's also about "the forgotten people" --  our mentally challenged residents and their families crying for care. 

Please vote "Yes" on Proposition 1.

-- Bob Yoder

Average Cost/Student At LWSD Is $18,432

How much did Lake Washington School District taxpayers pay per student in the 2017 - 2018 school year?

$18,432 cost per student at LWSD

This number was derived from the district's: 

2017 -2018 operational budget of $355,527,166 

+ their capital budget of $192,896,229 = a total 2017 - 2018 budget of $548, 423, 395

$548,433,395 / 29,754 students

= $18,432.

Source: Shannon Parthemer, Director of Communications and Community Engagement