Spirit Stones

Does anyone know who is painting these charming stones and placing them randomly around  Education Hill? This one was found on 166th and 104th. I've seen others in the grasses of the Powerline Trail.  I call them "Spirit Stones" because they lift my spirits during these Covid times.

I just learned there is community-building Facebook group called "Redmond ROCKS!" that finds their stones, paints and places them.  Right now they already have over 900 members and eager for more.  Here is their website.  What fun!  Some of the very best outdoor art I've ever seen in Redmond!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/RedmondRocks/

-- Bob Yoder

Doggies, Everywhere

Doggies everywhere this COVID-19 season. Bicycles, scooters too. This gentleman behind Trader Joe's gave me permission to take his picture.  He's carrying a take-out lunch.

Photo By Yoder
5/21/2020

Growth Is Exploding At Overlake Urban Center

Of course, one of the best measures of growth in Redmond is the number of cranes. If you squint how many cranes do you see? (I count six.)  Overlake is laden with cranes from the construction of light rail and the "Microsoft Refresh."  

Microsoft Refresh

Photo Yoder

5/21/2020

Redmond 10th Fastest Growing City In The Country

"While Seattle’s growth is cooling off, Redmond’s is not. Last year, Microsoft’s hometown grew by a whopping 6.7%. That ranks Redmond as the 10th fastest-growing city in the country for 2019, among those with a population of 50,000 or higher."

-- Gene Balk
    Seattle Times, 5/21/2020

Scooters And Dogs

Take a walk just about anywhere and you're bound to see a kid on a scooter and folks walking their dog these COVID-19 days. Can you guess where this picture was taken?  Hint: Kirkland.

Bob Yoder
5/20/2020

Thirty Parking Spaces Planned For The Downtown Park

In 2017-2018, the City held a design competition for the development of the 11,506 square foot Downtown Park Remnant Property on the west side of 161st Ave. NE, betweenRedmond Way and Cleveland St. 

The City’s goal for the remnant property is to encourage development that: 1. Provides a significant architectural contribution and gateway for Downtown, 2. Is compatible with the design and use of the Downtown Park, and 3. Activates and enlivens the Downtown Park and the surrounding neighborhood.

After reviewing proposals submitted by several developers, the City selected Main Street Property
Group (MSPG) to develop the property because their design most closely met the City’s development goals.

On August 21, 2018, the City Council approved selling the property to MSPG and on November 27, 2018 the Mayor signed a Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) to sell the property for $2,056,956.

In addition to purchasing the remnant property from the City, MSPG is buying two adjacent parcels from William Johnson, with the intention to build a multi-story mixed-use project with approximately 80 residential units, 7,000 square feet of retail space and over 80 parking spaces on a site totaling 30,106 square feet.

Under the terms of the PSA, MSPG will reserve no less than 30 parking spaces for public use under a shared-use agreement. The parking spaces will be available for those using the Downtown Park. Combining the City remnant with the Johnson parcels provides significant benefits for the City, including, more efficient use of the land, an architecturally unified building design in a highly visible area of Downtown, public parking for the Downtown Park and a higher return from the sale of the properties.

Councilmember David Carson praised the project saying that people had complained there was a parking shortage.next to the park.   

-- Reported by Yoder
   Source 5/19 Regular Meeting Memo

Two Ultraviolet Sanitizing Machines Donated to EvergreenHealth

Anonymous Donor Gifts EvergreenHealth Foundation Two Ultraviolet Sanitizing Machines to 

Support the Health and Safety of Patients and Staff

Advanced UV-C technology kills infection-causing pathogens to provide another layer of protection

Kirkland, Wash. – An anonymous donor recently provided a generous grant to the EvergreenHealth Foundation for the purchase of two additional Clorox Healthcare^® Optimum-UV™ Enlight Systems in recognition of the hospital’s comprehensive infection control plan and adept response to COVID-19. Following standard cleaning and disinfecting procedures, the mobile Optimum-UV™ Enlight System is used to ensure even hard-to-reach areas are thoroughly treated with short-wavelength ultraviolet light, or UV-C, which eliminates dangerous pathogens in 20 minutes or fewer.

Outdoor Census Art

Outdoor art is reminding citizens to register for the Census 2020.  Four other pieces have been scattered around town.  Have you seen any of them?  There is one on Avondale (westside.) This one is in the Downtown Park.

-- Photo by Yoder

Sammamish River Pond Nature Photos By John Reinke

Male Western Tanager (top)  Green Heron with frog (bottom)

Redmond Middle School Responds To COVID-19 Crisis

The Heroes Of Horace Mann

Horace Mann teachers are heroes!

Horace Mann Students Give Thanks To Their Teachers

Students and parents of Horace Mann El. give thanks to their teachers. "We Miss You" is spelled out by punching red plastic cups through the fence. 5/12/2020

The Redmond Historical Society Wants You To Share Your Story

REDMOND, WA - History is happening - around the world, and right here in Redmond. In an effort to document the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on our community, the Redmond Historical Society is collecting personal histories from Redmond residents and community members.

To submit a personal statement or to record your observations, visit RedmondHistoricalSociety.org and click on the “Share My Story” button. These submissions will be included in the Historical Society’s archives, and provide a firsthand account for future historians.

While you are writing, they ask that you consider the following: How has COVID-19 affected your day-to-day life? How has it impacted your ability to work, or go to school? What changes have you observed in your community? How will this pandemic impact the future of your community?

In addition to first hand accounts, digital archives and physical artifacts will be an important part of documenting this unusual time. Do you have newspaper articles, photographs, temporary closure signs, or other items related to COVID-19’s impact on Redmond? Please contact the Redmond Historical Society at manager@RedmondHistoricalSociety.org or 425-885-2919 for more information on how to make a donation. 

Councilmember Jessica Forsythe, Position 3

Jessica Forsythe is an award-winning Creative Director and owner of a small graphic design studio which works primarily with clients who seek to better their community. Ms. Forsythe is a thoughtful, creative thinker who takes a holistic approach to every project. She believes strongly in being involved at the local level and knows first-hand the impact one person can have on their community.

Originally from Northeast Ohio, Jessica graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design with a concentration in Environmental Design. She has worked in environmental design, architecture, branding, and was the Art Director for the Seattle Symphony. She has volunteered with numerous community and charity organizations, most notably her decade-long involvement with Help Portrait International for which she is the Founder of the Redmond, Washington Chapter. Jessica has also served on various non-profit boards including the League of Women Voters Seattle-King County Executive Board and as the c3 Treasurer.

She enjoys hiking, running, cycling, kayaking, skiing, and rock climbing.

Jessica upset Hank Margeson in the 2019 election. 

-- redmond.gov

2020 Census Art

Pam  wearing mask in Downtown Park

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond has partnered with Centro Cultural Mexicano and King County’s 4Culture Creative Consultancy grant program to promote the 2020 Census through art. Over the next few months, residents of Redmond will find five vibrant sculptures created by local artists Angie Hinojos Yusuf and Carlos Jimenez in key locations throughout the City.

All five sculptures debuted in Downtown Park this month and will be there until May 15 before being deployed across the City of Redmond for the remainder of the summer. Centro Cultural Mexicano will host a virtual scavenger hunt to find each sculpture and to post the images on social media. Learn more on their Facebook page @centroculturalmexicano.

Redmond Parks Are Open

City Parks are open, but we don't know if the restrooms are open

Need For Behavioral Health Services - COVID-19

Amy Blondin, Chief Communications Officer Health Care Authority 360-688-0131

Need for behavioral health services anticipated to grow during COVID-19 pandemic; HCA secures funding to significantly expand services

Funding will expand crisis counseling support, treatment for substance use disorder

Camp Murray, WA — The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) has secured more than $4 million in federal funding to respond to increased behavioral health service needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a time of great stress, uncertainty and isolation, and we must ensure that the well-being of Washingtonians is addressed. That includes making sure they can get the mental health counseling and substance use disorder treatment they need,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “These new resources will help meet the needs of residents as we all navigate this unprecedented, challenging time.”

“As Washington residents grapple with the stress and uncertainties of this time, we need to be sure there is an adequate support system to meet their needs and help them cope,” HCA Director Sue Birch said. “These grants will create and contribute to services to help our families, friends and neighbors during these times.”

The grants will help ensure Washington residents have access to mental health counseling and substance use disorder treatment:

• A $2.2 million Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency. HCA will roll out a program called Washington Listens that helps reach people who are affected by the stress of the outbreak.

LWSD Refinances Bonds

Taxpayers Save $18.6 Million

Redmond, Wash. - On April 30, 2020, Lake Washington School District (LWSD) sold a total of $118.85 million of tax-exempt refunding bonds, which will refinance $134 million of its existing debt, to take advantage of lower market interest rates. The refinancing will save the District’s taxpayers more than $18.6 million over the next nine years. 

SR 520 Trail Grade Separation

Project Overview

Washington State has provided funds to grade separate the 520 Trail from vehicles at NE 40th Street. The project will construct a tunnel under NE 40th Street near the westbound SR 520 ramps.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements

The tunnel will enhance safety by moving much of the pedestrian and bicycle traffic away from the vehicular traffic on NE 40th Street. Travel times will also be reduced as tunnel users will not have to wait for the traffic signal. The tunnel is expected to attract additional walking and biking traffic to the area by increasing access to the freeway flyer stop, the Redmond Technology Light Rail Station, and Microsoft.

Project Number:  SEPA-2019-00967
Project Type:  State Environmental Policy Act
SEPA Project Details (PDF)

Related Environmental Documents
Hazardous Material Report (PDF)
Storm Drainage Report (PDF)

City Leadership Proposes Budget Reductions

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Redmond has identified approximately 6.3 million dollars in proposed budget reductions. These include a combination of temporarily decreasing the 2020 investment in the Capital Improvement Program, reducing ongoing service and supplies, eliminating nine staff positions which are currently vacant, and freezing all non-critical expenditures. These proposed reductions will balance the expected deficit in the current budget, but if conditions remain as they are currently, additional reductions will be needed in the 2021-2022 budget. City Council will review the detailed program cuts and policy adjustment at the Finance, Administration and Communications Committee of the Whole meeting on May 26, and vote on the final budget adjustment in June.

redmond.gov

Large Woodbridge Project Under Review

THE WOODBRIDGE PROJECT: (Under review.)  The project is proposing a 170 for-sale dwelling units (17 of which will be affordable) and consists of 118 townhomes and 52 carriage flat condominiums. 2.67 acres of open space and associated infrastructure upgrades are also planned as part of this development. The Master Plan proposes to increase the housing diversity within the City and provide a school bus shelter, a pedestrian connection of Woodbridge Community, and the dwelling units are to be built to 3-Star Built Green standards. The project will extend 191st Avenue NE north to NE 70th Street and construct NE 70th Street from 188th Avenue NE to the project site.

Project context:

Project Context The proposed project is located within the Southeast Redmond Neighborhood and is zoned Northeast Design District (NDD1). The site is approximately 11.94-acres in size and is currently undeveloped. The site was previously used as an industrial gravel pit and contains manmade steep slopes on the east, west, and south portions of the site. It is bounded by rural Unincorporated King County to the east, Woodbridge single-family community to the south, an undeveloped lot and Southeast Redmond Park to the west, and Cadman industrial gravel pit to the north. The Northeast Design District (NDD1) zone is in a unique location. It includes both heavy industrial uses and residential uses, as well as protected natural environment to the east. NDD1 is intended to create a transition from the more intensive heavy industrial uses to less intensive single-family uses through thoughtful siting of buildings, vegetated buffers, and parks. To ensure that transition between industrial uses and placement of residential is effective, the zone includes additional standards that apply to site design.

Public Hearing is August 18, 2020