KAN March 2000 Meeting Report

 

 

From:                           Steven J. Tindall - STindall@Avtc.com

Representing:                South Rose Hill and Bridle Trails Neighborhood Association.

 

Regarding:                    Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods Bi-Monthly meeting

Meeting:                       March 1, 2000

Location:                      City Hall

 

Next KAN Meeting:                 May 10, 2000

(Next  SRHBTNA meeting):     May 9, 2000

 

My notes of interest regarding the agenda:

1.      ParkPlace Redevelopment

·        Feb 8, 2000 – Design Review Board approved the preliminary designs.

·        March 16, 2000 at 7:30 PM.  City Council reviews the proposal with the Design Review Board.

·        April 5, 2000 at 7PM in Council Chambers. Potential Park Swap for Phase II. Park Board will take public comments at a public meeting on the preliminary plans for a proposed park swap.  As the details on the proposed park swap become more final with the applicant's decisions on Phase II (which includes the park swap), another Park Board public meeting will be held in the summer.

2.      I-405 Corridor Study

·        April 18th: Open House/Workshop at the Redmond Regional Library 7-9 p.m.

·        Website: WWW.WSDOT.WA.GOV/I-405

3.      City Roundabout project

·        Proposed test location directly affects our neighborhood. (NE 80th & 132 NE)

4.      Neighborhood Reports

5.      City Updates

 

Respectfully submitted, Steve Tindall.

 

 

 

 

 

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Attachment: KAN Meeting Notes:

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Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods

Meeting Minutes for March 1, 2000

by Mary-Alyce Burleigh

 

 

Agenda:

1. ParkPlace Redevelopment

2. I-405 Corridor Study

3. City Roundabout project

4. Neighborhood Reports

5. City Updates

6. Upcoming Meeting

 

 

1) PARKPLACE REDEVELOPMENT - Presentation by Teresa Swan, Planning Staff and Barry Russell, Director of Parks(Michael Shulman, owner, unable to attend)

 

PROPOSED PLAN

 

The redevelopment will occur in two phases.

 

·        Phase I will result in the construction of 3 buildings abutting Central Way, with the most eastward building curling around to also front 6th. It is hoped to build structured parking above the existing two story retail/office building containing Hoffmans and Starbucks.  The facade of that existing building would be remodeled to handle parking displaced during construction.

 

Other points made were:

·        person in charge of Pacific Place parking in Seattle will be planning the underground parking structures with the goal of providing space that is light, attractive, safe and appealing.

·        TGIF and 24 Hour Fitness will be re-located and the existing building torn down

·        the overall design will include several water features including a 'wall of water' on the south side of the relocated QFC facing the park at the 4th street entrance

·        pedestrian amenities will predominate with 1200 underground parking stalls and 300 surface parking spaces

·        pavers, not asphalt will be used

·        buildings abutting Central Way will have retail on street floor with office above. The stories above street level will be stepped back to minimize creating a 'canyon' impact.

·        the 2 most east buildings will be 5 stories; the most western, 2 stories single retailer(the unknown, to us, retailer)

·        City design review board is insisting on exceptional design to building on corner of Central/6th as well as significant space corridor between and within the buildings.

·        Phase II will include:

·        a new 40,000 sq ft. QFC with rooftop parking

·        space for hardware and Lakeshore pharmacy

 

Issues

·        A land swap with Peter Kirk Park is being considered which would extend Parkplace into area where tennis courts are now located.  In this one for one swap of 20,000 sq feet, the park would then extend into some of the area where QFC and parking is now located. Both tennis courts would then be relocated to roofs of the two new one-story buildings containing the pharmacy and the hardware stores. The courts would be lighted and have a type of cover.

 

DISCUSSION

 

·        The discussion revolved around traffic and pedestrian concerns regarding crossing of Central Way. Several Ideas were proposed: lower speed limits, parking on both sides of street to calm traffic, a pedestrian overpass. It was noted that a new traffic light will provide a safer option to crossing at 4th street entrance if the park swap proposal is approved and accepted.

·        The Planning Dept. is hoping to arrange for a display of the models and plans in the lobby of city hall so residents can stop by and see what is being proposed.

 

PROCESS

·        The Design Review Board is currently studying Phase I (the northeast corner facing Central Way and 6th Street). There will be a public meeting held by the Design Review Board before final approval to the design is granted for Phase I and then later Phase II (the south side containing OFC, the pharmacy and the hardware store). Environmental Review process(SEPA) on traffic, glare, noise will be going on in April; The goal is for the first building permit approval in October.

·        Before Phase II begins, the Kirkland Parks Board will hold public meetings in April or May to discuss land swap. The Planning Commission will also be holding meetings on Phase II for changes to Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map to reflect the proposed new boundary for Peter Kirk Park and the ParkPace Center.

 

Questions, contact Teresa Swan in Planning at (425) 828-1263.

 

2) I-405 CORRIDOR STUDY

 

·        Michael Cummings, from the State Department of Transportation described the corridor study which is expected to be completed by 2001.

·        The City of Kirkland is represented on the Citizens Committee by Mary-Alyce Burleigh, Roland White, and Linda Holman; Executive Committee by Joan McBride, Sants Contreras(alt.); Steering Committee by Jim Arndt.

·        The primary study area is 5 miles wide; Kent to I-5; Lake Sammamish to Lake Washington.

·        The secondary study area includes a corridor from the Port of Tacoma to the Port of Everett; Puget Sound to the Cascades. It was noted that this corridor holds 62% of the state's total employment.

·        In 1997 the statistics for the primary study area were:

·        Population = 564,000    Employment = 409,000

·        In 2020 it is estimated:

·        Population = 765,000    Employment = 553.000

·        If current trends continue this growth will result in 56% increase in trips Goal of study is to reach a consensus on an alternative which will mitigate some of the impact of estimated growth.  Currently various options are being tested for impacts/costs.  A joint meeting on March 8th of the Steering Committee and the Citizen Committee will discuss the results of the 2nd level screening.

 

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEIGHBORHOOD INVOLVEMENT

 

·        April 18th: Open House/Workshop at the Redmond Regional Library 7-9 p.m.

·        There will also be a public opinion survey on the final 3 options.

·        All meeting packets, minutes, notices, background reports can be found on the following website: www. wsdot.wa.gov/I-405

 

 

 

3) ROUNDABOUT PILOT PROJECT

 

·        Michael Magee of Public Works explained that the city would like to determine if traffic roundabouts(not to be confused with traffic circles used to calm traffic - think more in way of traffic roundabouts found on east coast and in Europe) would provide a better alternative to 4 way stop or stop lights at selected intersections.

·        The goal is to improve traffic conditions in a pedestrian friendly manner that preserves the quality of life that residents expect. The city has identified two test sites:

1.      6th St @7th Ave.

2.      NE 80th @ 132nd Ave NE

 

Other locations have been evaluated and Public Works is willing to do an analysis of additional locations if there is an interest.

 

 

PROCESS

1.      Go to the neighborhood assn's/schools first(KAN, Norkirk, State ST/Central, So.Rose Hill

2.      get a representative from each group to become involved in the decision making process.(NOTE: JEFF TRAGER - NRH agreed to serve as KAN rep),

3.      sponsor a site visit to similar roundabout, workshop and provide detailed information on the pilot demonstration roundabout.

4.      return to each assn./school to see if they would now support/oppose moving forward

5.      report to Council on findings and recommendations

6.      pending neighborhood feedback, and Council approval, proceed with more detailed design of the proposal and hold Open House(s) for broad public comment.

 

CONTACT: Michael Magee, project engineer Demonstration Pilot Project

424/828-7976 or mmagee@ci.kirkland.wa.us

 

4) NEIGHBORHOOD REPORTS

 

North Kirkland/Jerry

·        New project of concern is proposed 150 room hotel on old Kirkland Covenant Church property at 11300 124th Street. Current hotels in area operate at 60-70% capacity so there is some question as to need. Concern is impact of increased traffic on an already overloaded street. A group has assembled to watch and analyze developers traffic impact study. Additional developments include a 3 story office building near McDonald's, Juanita Urban Village.

 

Everest/Linda

·        Everest is the first neighborhood along with Central Houghton to participate in the new Kirkland Connections(neighborhood CIP) project and is beginning work with Kari Page. In addition, speed bumps have been proposed for 8th.

 

North Rose Hill/Jeff

·        March 20th meeting will feature pizza supper with city manager Dave Ramsey.

·        The Association is also beginning planning for the upcoming update by the city of the neighborhood land use plan.  Grant proposal will be submitted by due date of March 6th. Honda will be holding neighborhood meeting on March 6 @ 6 p.m. at the dealership to deal with any issues remaining from recent expansion north along 124th avenue.

 

South Rose Hill/Steve

·        Very involved in 85th Corridor Study and also the construction of ballfields on the landfill site.

·        Next meeting, March 14th

 

Norkirk/Janet

·        Focus has been on traffic issues. Elections have been successfully held.

·        Next meeting is March 16th on the topics of traffic and Parkplace.

 

Market/Teri

·        Next meeting March 15th with topic of Parkplace. Grant proposal includes improvement to neighborhood park.

 

Central Houghton –

·        not present due to meeting. Kari reported that CH is considering using part of grant funds for float in July 4th parade.

 

5) CITY UPDATES

·        Mary-Alyce reminded everyone that applications for city boards and

·        commissions are due on March 2nd.

·        Kari reviewed March 4th neighborhood conference to be held at the Senior Center from 10-4 p.m.  Each neighborhood is encouraged to send as many members as are interested. Call Kari at 828-7973 for more information or email kpage@ci.kirkland.wa.us

·        It was also announced that Dick Gillisse has been hired to take the position of traffic calmer previously held by Tony Mazzella.  Dick held a similar position in the City of Kent.

·        MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 8:55.

 

·        NEXT MEETING: MAY 10TH FACILITATED BY NORKIRK.

·        LOCATION - KIRKLAND JUNIOR HIGH LIBRARY 430 18TH AVENUE.

 

 

* the property tax per $1000 valuation for 1995 was $2.32; 1999 was

$1.95; and for the year 2000, including the 1.4% increase would equal $1.84. The reason for this is that as the assessed valuation increases, the amount collected per 1000 is lessened

3. Some good news: The following items are still in the budget

* neighborhood CIP program

* neighborhood conference

* $5000 in neighborhood support to develop the Tool Kit and other measures which will help neighborhoods be more effective.

* $30,000 in traffic calming

During a question period, it was asked why, given the savings many families will get from the reduction in the license tab fees, why not take the full 6% optional property tax increase. The answer was that to do so would require a supermajority vote of 5 and that there are not 5 votes for that big an increase. The 1.4% is not even sure to gain the required 4 votes.

 

Additional comments discussed what action legislative leaders are considering and the legal challenges which are pending to 695. The dollar impacts on the Totem Lake and 85th studies are that if a project enhances capacity, it will be funded if possible. There is also funding for the Waverly Site study. The Forbes Creek station is not fully staffed and will not be in the foreseeable future. Also no staff reductions are being considered and positions will be filled as vacancies occur. It was also explained that a 1.4% increase would result in $111,000 additional revenue Action: In a brief discussion, it was agreed that individual neighborhood associations or individuals would testify at the budget hearing on the 16th.

 

Neighborhood Conference: Cathy reviewed the work of the planning committee. The conference has been set for March 4th. The program under consideration includes an opening speaker(s) and at least 2 workshops. Topics under consideration are "Building Neighborhoods" and "Building Community". There followed discussion and it was agreed that the main item on the agenda at the January KAN meeting will be the format of the conference.

 

Neighborhood CIP: Kari handed out several items to help explain the process involved in the Neighborhood CIP project. Please contact her at city hall if you need copies. This will be a main point of discussion at the January KAN/City council meeting, currently scheduled for January 18, 2000

 

The meeting was then adjourned at 7 p.m. so the group could attend the lecture by Bill Kreager "Honey I shrunk the lots"

 

The following items were distributed. Copies can be obtained by contacting Kari Page at city hall:

Neighborhood Hot Sheet

Notice on "Magic of Mainstreet" kickoff of the holiday season sponsored by Kirkland Downtown on the Lake organization. December 2nd from 6-10

Recap of October 27th planning meeting for the community/neighborhood conference

Kirkland Neighborhood calendar of events

3 items regarding the Neighborhood CIP program

 

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