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- Seastside Newsletter #39
October 14th, 2024
This newsletter is brought to you by: Puget Sound Cleaners
Looking for a house cleaner? Let Puget Sound Cleaners take care of the cleaning and spend more time enjoying life. Enjoy free oven cleaning with your first service. Mention the newsletter to get the deal. (website)
Hello everyone! Another great week of news for you. We have recently released a podcast that discusses all the news in the newsletter! You can find the podcast on Spotify at this link! Please let us know if you have any fun events or news pieces you want to share for the upcoming weeks, we’d love to add it to the newsletter.
Please try out our personalized local news platform, Headline!
Today’s Seastside includes:
I90 Closure
Issaquah State Legislature candidate forum
Many traffic/road updates!
Enjoy and if you have any questions please reply to this email!! - Mac and Preju
Seastside Exclusive Deals:
50% off the first hour of personalized remote tech assistance for new customers at Issaquah’s GentleTechHelp.com. Bridget offers patient concierge tech assistance for seniors and the tech-uncomfortable. Mention the newsletter for the discount.
10% off every service purchased at KennyDale Exterior Washing. They provide comprehensive exterior cleaning services including power washing, window cleaning, gutter cleaning, and roof cleaning, ensuring your property looks its best. Mention the newsletter to get the deal!
10% off your next car, boat or RV detail with Detail Kings NW! Mention the newsletter!
10% off your first painting job from Liike Home Painting. Mention the newsletter!
20% off any gym membership at Hustle Fit in Redmond. Mention Seastside or use code HUSTLE when signing up!
10% off at Anchovies & Salt in Renton - mention code ‘Beehiiv’
In need of a handyman, real estate repairs, damage restoration or home remodeling? We Honey Do has offered all you readers an exclusive 5% off their services. Mention the Seastside newsletter to Eric! (info)
Bellevue:
News:
Bellevue City Council Approves Arts Facility Grants: The council approved $1.8 million in grants to support five arts and cultural projects, benefiting spaces across Bellevue. The council also discussed public safety and utility rate increases in the proposed 2025-2026 budget. Proclamations were issued for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Action Month, and Indigenous Peoples' Day. (info)
Celebrate Arbor Day at Lewis Creek Park: Bellevue residents are invited to celebrate Arbor Day by planting trees and removing invasive weeds at Lewis Creek Park on Saturday, Oct. 26. Volunteers will help restore the park's habitat and contribute to the city's goal of planting 75,000 trees over the next 30 years. (info)
Bellevue Rent Prices Are Falling, But Still Higher than Last Month: Bellevue remains the most expensive city to rent in the Seattle metro area, with the median rent for one-bedroom units at $2,530, reflecting a 2.7% decrease. Two-bedroom units have a median rent of $3,200, down 0.9%. While prices have slightly fallen, they are still significantly higher than the state median, which is $1,573 for a one-bedroom. Redmond and Kirkland follow closely as the second and third most expensive cities in the region. (info)
Update on Bellevue’s Grand Connection Crossing Project: Bellevue’s Grand Connection Crossing project has reached a milestone, with an online open house set from October 16 to 31 to showcase the preferred design for a pedestrian and cyclist bridge over I-405. This crossing will link City Hall Plaza to the Eastrail, forming part of a 1.5-mile public space network and a 175-mile regional trail. The project is moving into the 30% design phase, with $6.1 million in funding, including a $2.5 million donation from Amazon. (info)
Events:
Bothell/Kenmore:
News:
Council Considers the 2025-2026 Biennial City Budget: Bothell City Council is reviewing the proposed 2025-2026 budget, aligning spending with the 2040 City Council Vision. City Manager Kyle Stannert emphasized collaboration on a funding plan that supports community needs and invests in essential city services. (info)
Middle Housing: Middle housing, including duplexes and fourplexes, is returning to discussions in response to a 2023 state law mandating its allowance throughout the city. The Planning Commission has been working on middle housing policies as part of the Comprehensive Plan and will finalize recommendations at their October 15 meeting, with a presentation to City Council on October 28. Zoning regulations for middle housing will follow in early 2025, ahead of the state's June 2025 deadline. More information can be found on the city’s middle housing webpage. (info)
2025-2026 Biennial Budget: The 239-page 2025-2026 biennial budget was presented to the City Council on October 7, including plans to allocate the remaining $2 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds. The City Council will hold budget discussions most Mondays through November, with final adoption expected on November 25. Stay updated on the budget details and discussions by clicking the link provided. (info)
Imagine Housing Proposal: On September 30, the City Council approved a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) with Imagine Housing to purchase and develop a city-owned vacant lot on 181st Street. The LOI outlines key terms, including land purchase price, the number and mix of affordable units, and project timelines. For more details, visit the Imagine Housing and City webpages. (info)
Events:
Fall City/Snoqualmie:
News:
Lane Reductions on I-90 Near Issaquah for Bridge Repairs: Starting Monday, Oct. 14, eastbound and westbound I-90 will undergo nightly lane reductions to repair concrete bridge surfaces near Issaquah. Eastbound lanes will be reduced on Oct. 14 and 15, with westbound lanes following on Oct. 16 and 17. Closures begin at 8 p.m. and reopen by 5 a.m. the next day. Travelers should expect delays and can check real-time updates via the WSDOT app or website. (info)
Washington State Patrol Re-establishes North Bend Detachment: The Washington State Patrol has re-established its North Bend Detachment, which had been abolished in 2007, to enhance coverage of Snoqualmie Pass and the Snoqualmie Valley. The detachment is now based out of the Fire Training Academy near I-90, and plans to be fully staffed with eight troopers and a sergeant by Winter 2024. An open house will be held on October 11, 2024, to celebrate this milestone. (info)
State Grant Brings New Street Trees to Downtown Snoqualmie: The City of Snoqualmie has started a three-phase project to plant over 300 new trees in downtown Snoqualmie, with initial plantings taking place along Schusman Ave SE. The project, funded by a state grant, will continue through Spring 2025 and aims to improve stormwater management, air quality, and provide shade, while ensuring the trees are suitable for the local environment. (info)
Council Approves Development Agreement for New Museum in Downtown Snoqualmie: The City of Snoqualmie has approved a development agreement with Pacific West Rail Foundation (PWRF) to establish a Model Train Museum in downtown Snoqualmie. The museum will feature one of the largest O-scale working model railroads in the U.S., owned by Peter Hambling. Located on Railroad Ave SE and SE King Street, the project aims to promote tourism and celebrate the region’s rich railroad history. (info
Events:
Issaquah:
News:
Happy Time Gallery: Call for Art: Happy Time Gallery is calling for submissions for its winter art show titled SOCIAL MEDIA. Artists are invited to share their perspectives on the role of social media in their lives and its broader implications. Submissions can include any medium that can be displayed in the gallery space, and artists of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to apply. The deadline for submissions is November 7, 2024, with an optional $25 application fee. An artist reception will be held on December 21, 2024, for selected works. (info)
Retail Opportunity: Local Arts & Makers: The Holiday Shop at 232 Front Street North is returning for the holiday season. Local artists and makers are invited to apply by October 30, 2024, to have their products sold on consignment. There are no table or booth fees, making this a great opportunity for local creators to showcase their work. (info)
University of Washington Student Rescued on Himalayan Mountain: Michelle Theresa Dvorak, a University of Washington doctoral student, was rescued after being stranded for three days on a Himalayan peak in India. Dvorak and her British climbing partner, Fay Jane Manners, lost their gear due to a rockfall while ascending Chaukhamba-3 in Uttarakhand state. The climbers were located by a French mountaineering team and airlifted by the Indian Air Force from 17,400 feet after a coordinated rescue effort. (info)
Events:
Kirkland:
News:
Traffic Alerts for Kirkland: Multiple road closures and lane reductions are scheduled this week in Kirkland. Additionally, 124th Avenue Northeast remains closed to southbound traffic between Northeast 116th and 124th streets, with detours onto Slater Avenue Northeast until at least 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Construction on 116th Avenue Northeast near Lake Washington High School begins Monday, Oct. 14, affecting traffic as new sidewalks and stormwater systems are installed. Goat Hill residents should expect daytime closures on Northeast 116th Place this week. Water services are being installed on 8th Avenue West between 4th Street West and Market Street, with flaggers managing traffic flow. Meanwhile, the Kirkland Avenue and Lake Street intersection has reopened, with minor traffic impacts expected for material deliveries. Businesses in the area remain open, and pedestrian detours are in place. (info)
Kirkland City Seeks Community Input on 2025-2026 Budget: The Kirkland City Council is inviting residents to provide feedback on the development of the 2025-2026 city budget, which funds a range of services like public safety, park maintenance, environmental protection, and housing. Residents can share their thoughts through public hearings scheduled for November 6 and 19, via email, or through online feedback platforms. A preliminary budget will be presented on October 24, and the final budget adoption is scheduled for December 10. (info)
Events:
Mercer Island:
News:
Explosive devices shut down I-90 for hours on Mercer Island, WA: Two men were arrested after throwing explosive devices out of their car, leading to a three-hour traffic halt on I-90. Westbound and eastbound lanes have since reopened, and no ongoing threat remains. (info)
Mercer Island Police Officer misconduct investigation: A Mercer Island Police Officer is under investigation for public intoxication and inappropriate behavior. The Police Department swiftly took disciplinary action, and the case is currently under review by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission for independent certification. (info)
Events:
Redmond:
News:
Armed robbery at Redmond 7-Eleven leads to pursuit; suspects still at large: Three male suspects robbed a 7-Eleven and fired shots before carjacking a vehicle. After a chase and PIT maneuver, they fled on foot. No injuries were reported, and the suspects, described as black male teens, remain at large. (info)
Redmond’s 2025-2026 Preliminary Budget: Mayor Birney presented the preliminary budget to the City Council on Oct. 1, focusing on community values and sustainable growth. Public hearings for community feedback are scheduled for Oct. 15 and Nov. 4 at 7 p.m., with additional input opportunities at Council meetings or via email at [email protected]. (info)
Redmond City Council Opposes Initiative 2117: On Sept. 3, the Redmond City Council unanimously adopted a resolution opposing Initiative 2117, which aims to repeal the Climate Commitment Act and jeopardize over $1 million in funding for local sustainability projects. The Act is essential for Redmond's goals of achieving municipal carbon neutrality by 2030 and community wide neutrality by 2050. (info)
Events:
Renton:
News:
Partnership with Project Be Free: The City of Renton has announced its partnership with Project Be Free, highlighted during the council meeting, to emphasize the importance of providing crisis response services to those affected by domestic violence. (info)
Purple Lights Display in City Hall: To honor domestic violence victims, the City of Renton is displaying purple lights and the Silent Witness display in City Hall, encouraging residents to show support by wearing purple ribbons. (info)
2025 Renton Art Grant Applications Open: Applications for the 2025 Renton Art Grants are now open, aimed at individuals and organizations seeking to enhance the city's cultural landscape through various projects. (info)
Winter Prep Work Begins: The Public Works Department has started winter preparation activities in anticipation of a wetter and colder La Niña winter, including testing equipment and checking supplies. Renton Public Works has stockpiled 9,500 gallons of de-icer, 700 tons of salt, and other materials to address snow and ice challenges during the winter months. (info)
Renton Small Business Empowerment Event: The fourth Renton Empowerment Think Tank Series is set for October 25, focusing on networking and collaboration among Valley/Talbot neighborhood business owners to tackle local challenges. (info)
Events:
Sammamish:
News:
Road work updates:
Streetlight Outage: Streetlights near Issaquah Pine-Lake Rd and SE 32nd St are off due to an electrical cabinet issue; repairs are in progress. (info)
Stormwater Pipe Inspection: Inspections and cleaning began on Sept. 23 and will continue until year-end; expect minimal traffic disruptions and occasional single-lane closures. (info)
Monitoring Wells Installation: From Oct. 8, contractors will drill nine monitoring wells on East Lake Sammamish Parkway, with work hours from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and alternating one-lane closures for 10-15 working days. (info)
Work in Issaquah: A southbound lane on Issaquah Pine Lake Road at Southeast 48th Street will be closed on Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for signal pole work. (info)
Sewer Main Work: Traffic will be alternated on Southeast 24th Way (19000 block) from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for sewer main work over the next week. (info)
Puget Sound Energy Work: PSE will trench across East Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast for new power; alternating traffic will be in place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for at least four days. (info)
Events:
Woodinville:
News:
Motorcycle and Car Crash in Woodinville: One person hospitalized after a serious collision between a car and motorcycle on Northeast Woodinville Duvall Road on October 1, 2024; the victim is in critical condition, and fault is yet to be determined. (info)
Events:
Volunteering Opportunities:
What we are currently loving!
Gianfranco Ristorante Italiano in Snoqualmie is a charming family-owned spot that serves authentic Italian cuisine. Known for its friendly service and fresh ingredients, popular dishes include the classic Spaghetti Carbonara and the rich and flavorful Gnocchi alla Bolognese. This cozy restaurant offers a warm atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or a family gathering.
Jimmy Mac’s Roadhousein Renton offers a lively Texas-style dining experience. Known for its BBQ ribs, prime rib sandwiches, and hearty burgers, this roadhouse delivers bold flavors in a fun, laid-back environment. Peanuts are all-you-can-eat, and the memorabilia-filled decor adds to the restaurant's charm. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a full meal, Jimmy Mac’s is a great choice for barbecue lovers.
Vibes:
Please try out Headline and let us know what you think.
The weather will be pretty rainy all week!
Puget Sound via Alan Liu
Final Thoughts!
Happy Monday everyone! Remember to check out Headline and the Seastside Podcast!
Mac & Preju