neighborhood villages

"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 ...

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 wi...

In the City Council's committee meeting on 10/23 Melisa Files, Director of Finance reported: 1)  Revenues were up by 5% of target and 2)  Expenditures were 4% below target So "we are in a nice place to be" says Ms. Files. Yes we are, many thanks to the "surge in permitting fees" from development and a "one-time construction tax," according to Files.  Historically, the City has assessed  property owners the State's maximum allowable 1% property tax.  But times have changed and the City is swimming in revenue like never before from the massive development of our Downtown and Overlake urban centers. Owing to this unprecedented growth the City of Redmond should change their practices and forgo the 1% property tax this year.  Residents are already burdened by looming school district taxes and in April, an EvergreenHealth $300M bond initiative, among other taxes. It's time the City tightens their belt. -- Bob Yoder, Opinion Sources:  City Council Co...

The Downtown Park  The city hosted a concert series in the Downtown Park that was curated in partnership with KEXP DJ Sharlese Metcalf to highlight local, Pacific Northwest musical talent, including musicians that have ties to Redmond.  My wife and I went to the last concert on Thursday, October 4th.  And guess what?  It wasn't raining and quite a beautiful Fall evening! Is this the "Redmond Moving Art Center?" Mayor Marchione said in a press release, this series brings " fresh new music and fun to Downtown Redmond,  It's a great way to spend a Thursday night with friends and family in the community�s new Downtown Park.� The City announced that "each evening�s concert takes place in the beautiful Redmond Moving Art Center  designed by Brooklyn-based artist Janet Zweig."  It was recommended residents "bring  your picnic blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy food from one of the many surrounding downtown restaurants."  Well, even with good weather...

Two long rows of "scooters" blanket a plaza in Sorrento credit/ Pam Yoder On July 23, our family burst out of the Redmond bubble for an eye-opening visit to Ireland and Italy.  After 40 years of life in Redmond it was about time to gain new perspectives! Our trip was instigated by my nephew, playing the Irish in a  Aussie Rules Football. tournament.  We lost both games but the Guinness, Jamison and lively pubs made up for it. I had my eye out for the McRedmonds in Ireland.  None to be found.   Luke McRedmond  immigrated to America during the potato famine and homesteaded here in 1850.  Upon becoming postmaster in 1882 he renamed the town from "Salmonberg" to Redmond.  [Click on the hyperlink to read a fascinating accounting of the early development of Redmond up to Microsoft's presence.] My daughter Lexie, and her boyfriend had to leave after the tourney.  Pam and I extended our trip to visit Venice, Rome, Sorrento and Capri.  Grea...

Take the City's Annual Citizen Survey, Register for "National Night Out" against crime and "Rockin' on the River" Summer Concerts.  Click here to begin  "National Night Out" against crime is an excellent way to connect with your neighbors over a potluck.  I've hosted one and went to another last year.  On my first, a council member stopped by to say hi.  On the second, a friendly police battalion chief showed up in her nice car and spent a lot of time with us.  When you register you can request as visit from Fire, Police, a Council member and even the Mayor!  But register early.  There are only so many city folks to go around! credit "Experience Redmond" My wife and I have been to three "Rockin' on the River Summer Concerts."  The music is lively and so much fun to dance to while the atmosphere is still laid-back and relaxing. You can buy a fully loaded hot dog at the Kiwanis booth or bring your own for a picnic on the ...

W Internet photo Council reviewed the draft  "bike share pilot program"  at their last study session.  Staff made the following recommendations for the pilot project.  As I read it: 1)  The total fleet (composed of 2 bike share companies) will initially be 400 bike shares. Council member Margeson said "this is a very conservative number."   A minimum amount of electric-bike shares (e-shares) will be 10%, because as Mr. Margeson says "We have a lot of hills in Redmond."  Council member Hank Myers said this regulation is unneeded.  I agree. Internet photo 2)  "Bike shares shall not be parked  within the 5-foot  pedestrian walk zones of a sidewalk." Thus, they won't be allowed to park on our neighborhood sidewalks.   However e-shares can climb our neighborhood hills to all of our city parks and park there. In all likelihood, we can expect bike shares legally available in our city by late August.  These bike sha...