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

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"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. In regards to staff review and comments, staff believes the changes meets 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 ...

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

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Could something like this happen here? Maybe. 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 . 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. Transportation:   Willows Road is already congested and traffic is poor here but Council member Myers calls the development "a ten minute community" where many of the residents can work nearby, I assume keeping some cars off the road, and with shopping at Totem Lake.  A necessar...

UPDATED: Redmond Council to hold Annual Retreat

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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 fa...

UPDATED: Council Committee notes - City website / Neighborhood Conversations

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"Finance, Administration and Communication" Council meeting talking points: The City Website :   Phase One involved community outreach and is complete.  Phase Two is underway and involves building out the design.  90% of the design is done with 5,000 pages reduced to 1500 pages.  (This just gives you and idea how outdated this website is; many of us have been asking for a new website for almost a decade.)  In response to Council member Steve Fields' question about how many employees were involved in Phase Two, Communications Director Lisa Mayre said 50 staff representing all departments participated in the updates.  12- 15 "super users" from planning and land use played a major role.  Mr. Myers asked for Search engine improvements.  Apparently, we'll have them. (I get better luck on google.)  We can expect more photos and videos too. Launch month is February. Neighborhood Conversations :    Jill Smith is now a member of the Com...

UPDATED: Favorable City revenue / expense trend

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Melissa Files, Director of City Finance reported this Tuesday that similar to the prior month, "revenue spiked 6% over target while expenditures were 3% under target.  Ms. Files indicated the reasons for this favorable report were similar to earlier monthly reports, as follows: She stated: "Sales tax on construction took a big jump to $5 million in December. Usually it's in the $2.3 million range.  Everything that has to do with development review - taxes, licensing, and permits - contributed to the favorable outcome."  Council member Steve Fields said "It looked like there were 4 months similar to what you described.  Does this begin to present a trend?"  Files answered, "Yes," that she was anticipating this in her forecast for 2019 but didn't expect it this soon.  Mr. Fields said "I appreciate this vigilance because I think it's important to our decision-making to know where we're at on our revenue projections."  Files said...

Community tree planting event at Idylwood Park, February 9th

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Help plant over 60 trees and 400 shrubs and groundcovers at Idylwood Park . The plantings contribute to the restoration of areas where previous cottonwood tree removals occurred. Tools and supplies will be provided, and no experience needed! All ages are welcome! Volunteers who are under 18 and are attending without a parent or guardian, please bring a signed youth waiver with you. Saturday, February 9th, 9:00 - Noon.  Location:  Idylwood Park.    For details and to RSVP go HERE .

Microsoft is pledging $500 million for affordable housing in the Seattle area

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The following "New York Times" article by Karen Weise on Microsoft's pledge was published on January 16th,2019: https://nyti.ms/2RWTaya?smid= nytcore-ios-share The author summarizes and ends her article with: �This is where Microsoft is going to be, and the region needs to work,� Ms. Balducci said. �I don�t think this is wholly altruism.� Claudia Balducci, a member of the King County Council who helps lead the Regional Affordable Housing Task Force.   -- Bob Yoder