Embedded Files
South Rose Hill Bridle Trails Neighborhood Association
March 10, 20026 Meeting MINUTES
President Chris Kagen called us to order at 7:06 pm.
There were no public comments.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Ruk Thai restaurant, recently opened in the Bridle Trails Shopping Center, has received positive comments from neighbors.
An Eastside Tool Lending Library is planned, offering shared tools, skills, and sustainability/. Based on Seattle’s Tool Library, former Councilmember Penny Sweet is involved in the planning. A location has not been determined. For more information, search “Kirkland Eastside Tool Lending Library”.
Downtown Capital Improvement Program: Christian Knight, Community Engagement Coordinator, City of Kirkland:
The project will begin in June 2026. The goal is to improve accessibility with 8’wide sidewalks, rapid flashing crosswalk beacons, and curb extensions on the north side of Kirkland Avenue between the Performing Arts Center and the library. Crosswalks will be located at State Street and 2nd Avenue South, Lake Street and 2nd Avenue South, and Lake Street and 5th Avenue South. Construction activity should not impede access to the library and Performing Arts Center “on a practical level”.
The project necessitates removing the existing sweet gum trees, which were planted in 1994, prior to when trees considered “infrastructure”. At the time, it was not recognized that sweet gums are voracious water users. Their roots search for water, resulting in sidewalk upheaval.
Planting any other species of tree in that location would result in the same problem. Under the City’s Urban Forestry Program, other trees, planted in more beneficial locations, will replace the sweet gums, site to be determined.
Q: Is the City planning to secure electric power lines from the new trees?
A: Puget Sound Energy owns and manages power lines. Consideration of utility lines is a major consideration when the City plants trees.
Executive Order 9066 and the Consequences for Eastside Residents of Japanese Descent: Loita Hawkinson, President, Kirkland Heritage Society
Audience reception to her presentation was rapt, respectful, and sober.
Loita began by differentiating between primary sources (diaries, certificates, news articles, etc.) and secondary sources (memory, which can be misunderstood and are not as reliable. Both primary and secondary sources contribute to historical research.
Some Japanese received a letter ordering them to present themselves at 122 Kirkland Avenue on May 16 or May 17 between the hours of 8:0 and 5:0 pm. (This building still stands–the Central Tavern adjoins it). Others learned of the Order by word of mouth, or from posters.
On May 20, 1942, 443 Eastside residents of Japanese descent left from the Kirkland Railroad Depot. They were allowed only what possessions they themselves could carry–bedding and toilet articles included. Parents carrying babes in arms were not granted an exemption. Their destinations were internment camps at Tule Lake and Pinedale, California.
Most Eastside Japanese lived in Bellevue, excepting the Yabuki family of two parents and six children. All the Yabuki children were born in Houghton. The Yabuki greenhouses occupied leased land in the 5700 block of Lake Washington Boulevard.
It is important to note that local Kirklanders did not “round up” their Japanese neighbors; the operation was done by soldiers of the U.S. Army.
Kirkland Heritage has transcribed oral histories of many survivors, which can be viewed at the Kirkland Heritage Society’s museum located in Heritage Hall. www.kirklandheritage.com.
Kraken Iceplex Update and other topics: Jim Lopez, Deputy City Manager, City of Kirkland:
“Conversations With Council” presented opportunities for Councilmembers to hear from residents one-on-one. The third of a series of three “Conversations” took place on March 19 at the North Kirkland Community Center.
Kraken Iceplex: a history: WSDOT surplused the Houghton Park and Ride site; Kirkland purchased it for $9 million. Subsequently, Kraken ownership group approached the City, as they were looking for a site with the potential for additional ice rinks.
The deal: Kirkland retains ownership of the site plus a 12,000 sf City-operated recreation facility and community center, the largest City community center to date. Parking fees are likely. The “likely” plan is that after 34 years, the City will own the facility.
Kraken gets two NHL size ice rinks, a “pub” selling food, beer and wine and a Kraken retail store.
Financing: City “floats” bonds–Kraken are paying for it–Kraken are going to a private bank for financing–intent to lease it to City–Kirkland has option to purchase it–set up schedule of lease payments– 34 years. Includes maintenance costs
Houghton “Park and Play” relocation:
Pickleball courts and skate park will be relocated to Peter Kirk Park.
Also at Peter Kirk, existing tennis courts will be re-purposed to 6-8 pickleball courts.
The community garden will be relocated to South Rose Hill Meadows Park.(opening this spring)
Kraken is doing “traffic stuff” and “environment” with the City.
Groundbreaking anticipated May 2026, facility opens Fall 2027.
Questions from the audience:
Will the construction schedule be coordinated with King County, assuming a replacement transfer station project?
Answer: Kirkland has not been able to review County plans at this time.
Might SRHBT Neighborhood Association be able to meet in the Community Room?
Answer: the space has flexibility to allow more than one activity at a time, so yes.
There will be a parking fee.
Will the Kraken/City work with King County Metro Transit to increase bus service?
Answer: Will need to follow up with SRHBT on that.
Comment: It’s very hard to find project status information on the City’s website. How transparent will the contracts be?
Answer: Jim will follow up with staff; he emphasized that “we don’t have a complete deal yet”.
Question: Will there be a green belt buffering residential housing? Will alarms be going off?
Answer: Jim is not aware of any buffer.
Question: Is the City getting third-party advice on the financial structure?
Answer: City is working with bond consultant and bond attorney.
Question: What happens if the Kraken pulls out of Seattle?
Answer: Kraken would have to pay off the debt. There would be severe financial penalties.
Coming Events:
Small business “pitch” competition: March 24
Community Appreciation Night: Thursday May 7
Fourth of July Parade: July 4
Junior League Softball World Series: August 2-8
City Hall for All, Kirkland Pride, Umbrella Fringe Festival August-September
Meeting adjourned 9:00 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Lewis
Secretary
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