Seastside Newsletter #87

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Bellevue:

News:

• Bellevue seeks community input on city identity and communication methods: The City of Bellevue is asking residents to help shape how the city represents itself and communicates with the public through an in-person listening session on September 25 at City Hall and an online survey running until October 5. The initiative aims to better align the city's identity with community needs and improve how residents access information from local government, with feedback feeding into a report with recommendations for the city council. This effort supports two of the city council's 2024 priorities and includes plans for an additional community survey in late September to assess engagement and city values. (info)

• Bellevue's economic development plan shows strong growth, targets December adoption: Bellevue City Council received an update on the city's Economic Development Plan revision, which shows the city's median household income jumped 39% from 2018 to 2023—faster than comparable "second cities" nationwide—while adding over 10,000 jobs and 4.3 million square feet of downtown office space since 2020. The plan identifies opportunities in emerging sectors like life sciences, AI, and clean technology, with draft strategies expected in October and final adoption targeted for December. The council also unanimously approved boundary adjustments with Kirkland to streamline future transit development, extended meeting exclusion periods from 60 to 180 days, and limited advisory board service to two consecutive terms to encourage broader community participation. (info)

• Bellevue picks developers for two major housing projects near BelRed light rail station: The city has selected BRIDGE Housing and Su Development to build transit-oriented housing complexes on two city-owned sites in the BelRed Arts District, with both projects featuring affordable units and dedicated spaces for artists and cultural activities. BRIDGE Housing will develop at least 172 affordable homes at 1500 130th Ave. NE with integrated arts facilities, while Su Development will replace a park-and-ride lot at 1700 130th Ave. NE with mixed-income housing, a 302-stall parking garage, and ground-floor arts spaces managed by the BelRed Arts District Alliance. The developments support the city's goal of creating 5,700 affordable housing units over the next decade while strengthening the arts district that's home to more than 100 creative businesses. (info)

• Bellevue approves 351-unit apartment complex to replace Main Street office building: The city has given design approval for the High Street Residential project at 11040 Main Street, which will demolish a 1979 office building currently housing John L. Scott real estate and replace it with a mixed-height development featuring 351 market-rate and affordable units. The project consists of connected six- and eight-story sections with three underground parking levels, 290 parking spaces, and street improvements including new bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and additional landscaping along Main Street. Located near downtown light rail stations, the development will include five affordable housing units, a small retail space, an outdoor plaza, and a private courtyard for residents. (info)

Events:

• Made in Bellevue on September 17th. (info)

• The Old Bellevue End of Summer Wine Walk on September 18th. (info)

• Bellevue Farmers Market on September 18th. (info)

• $5 Yoga In The Park on September 20th. (info)

Bothell & Kenmore:

News:

• Kenmore adds four mobile speed cameras to expand traffic safety program: The city will launch four transportable speed safety cameras in November as part of its Kenmore Automated Photo Enforcement expansion, allowing officials to rotate enforcement between 16 approved high-risk locations every 2-4 months based on speed data. The mobile cameras build on the success of Kenmore's existing fixed cameras launched in 2023, which have nearly eliminated speeding in school zones and pedestrian conflicts at a key intersection, with only 1% of drivers receiving tickets and 90% of those going to non-residents. New locations will get 60-day warning periods before ticketing begins, and all revenue gets reinvested in safety improvements like the recent $250,000 sidewalk project and $55,000 in school zone upgrades. (info)

Events:

• Kenmore Oktoberfest from September 17th to 21st. (info)

• Startup 425 CoWorking on September 17th. (info)

• Sustainamania on September 20th. (info)

• Bothell Kenmore General Meeting on September 25th. (info)

• Council in the Community on September 27th. (info)

Fall City & Snoqualmie:

News:

• I-90/SR 18 interchange project moves ahead with nighttime closures and pedestrian path work: WSDOT crews are making significant progress on the diverging diamond interchange project, with nighttime lane closures planned from September 13-26 on various ramps as they pave and finish a multi-use pedestrian path that will safely connect cyclists and walkers through the interchange beneath I-90 bridges. The westbound I-90 off-ramp will close completely from September 19-22 for final asphalt work, while crews continue widening SR 18 to two lanes in each direction between I-90 and Deep Creek, with completion expected this fall. The project includes ADA-compliant sidewalks and crosswalks across the diverging diamond islands, plus 4,700 tons of asphalt recently placed on eastbound SR 18 between the Deep Creek and Raging River bridges. (info)

• Seattle seeks community input on South Fork Tolt hydroelectric project license renewal: Seattle City Light is hosting public meetings in September and October to gather input on renewing the federal license for its South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project, which generates 16.8 megawatts from the existing Tolt Reservoir and serves 1.6 million people in the region's water supply system. The original 40-year license expires in July 2029, requiring Seattle to submit a formal renewal application by July 2027 after studying environmental and cultural impacts with tribes, agencies, and community members. Multiple in-person sessions at Carnation Public Library and virtual Zoom meetings are scheduled from September 22 through October 1, with the facility representing less than 1% of City Light's power but supporting carbon-free energy goals and grid stability. (info)

• Snoqualmie begins construction on long-planned Rivertrail project in downtown area: The Snoqualmie City Council approved a $2 million construction contract with Accord Contractors to start the first phase of the Rivertrail project, which will remove flood-prone properties from the riverfront and create a three-mile loop trail connecting Snoqualmie Falls to downtown and the Meadowbrook area. The initial phase will build one mile of soft surface trails between Kimball Creek and Northern Street while restoring river shoreline and preparing for future trail connections, with construction starting later this month and completion expected by summer 2026. This multi-phase project, formerly known as the Riverwalk, represents over a decade of planning to better connect downtown areas while restoring riparian habitat along the Snoqualmie River. (info)

• Snoqualmie allocates over $316,000 to local human services organizations: The city has distributed funding to 12 community organizations that provide essential services including food assistance, housing support, mental health counseling, and youth programs, since Snoqualmie doesn't operate its own human services department. Major recipients include Encompass Northwest ($45,000 for early childhood development), Empower Youth Network ($47,124 for suicide prevention and youth mentoring), Mt Si Senior Center ($45,000 for senior support services), and Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank ($35,000 serving over 700 local clients). The city's volunteer Human Services Committee reviews funding twice yearly to ensure compliance, with organizations ranging from CarePoint Clinic providing free medical care to Friends of Youth addressing homelessness and substance abuse issues. (info)

• Snoqualmie hosts Green Day event to plant climate adaptation forest and teach fruit tree pruning: The city invites volunteers to help plant trees and shrubs designed to adapt to climate change on Saturday, October 4, from 9 AM to noon on Park Street across from Mount Si High School, with the goal of creating a demonstration forest using resistance, resilience, and transition strategies for long-term urban forestry benefits. The all-ages, family-friendly event provides tools, gloves, refreshments, and pizza afterward, while a follow-up fruit tree pruning workshop runs 1-4 PM at the Community Orchard with expert Steve Gaber teaching maintenance techniques for healthy, productive trees. Both events are part of the Green Snoqualmie Partnership's ongoing efforts to restore the city's forested parks and natural areas, having already removed thousands of square feet of invasive plants and planted numerous trees throughout the community. (info)

Events:

• Meet Up With Mayor Miller on September 17th. (info)

• SnoValley Innovation Center Meet-up on September 19th. (info)

• Fall City Apple Festival on September 21st. (info)

• Vintage Bike Day on September 21st. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• Issaquah to repair sinkhole caused by historic mine shaft on Squak Mountain: The city will begin a three-phase repair project in mid-September to address a developing sinkhole at Valley View Place SW and Wildwood Blvd SW, which formed due to an abandoned mine shaft beneath Squak Mountain that's overseen by the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. The work will start with city water and sewer relocation (September 15-October 17), followed by Puget Sound Energy gas line relocation in October, and conclude with federal roadway repairs from late October through November. Traffic will be reduced to one lane with alternating signals throughout most phases, and residents may experience up to six hours of water and sewer interruptions with three days' advance notice, though officials say there's no immediate safety risk to the community. (info)

• One dead, one detained after apartment fire in Issaquah: Eastside Fire responded to an apartment fire Tuesday after a sprinkler system triggered a fire alarm, with emergency responders immediately calling police upon arrival at the scene. Police found one person dead inside the unit and arrested another individual, obtaining a search warrant for the residence as part of an ongoing investigation led by Issaquah Police Chief Paula Schwan. The fire was contained to a single apartment unit, though authorities have not released details about the relationship between the deceased and detained individuals or the circumstances surrounding the incident. (info)

Events:

• Issaquah Open Studio Tour on September 20th. (info)

• Issaquah Highlands Community-Wide Garage Sale on September 20th. (info)

• Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on September 21st. (info)

• Civil Service Commission on September 25th. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• Kirkland declares emergency to support regional wastewater pipe repair along Cross Kirkland Corridor: City Manager Kurt Triplett issued an emergency proclamation Monday to help King County repair a sagging, leaking section of the Eastside Interceptor wastewater pipeline that's been spilling into Houghton B1 Stream and poses a risk of structural failure that could cause an uncontrolled overflow into Lake Washington. The repair work will require a temporary full closure of the Cross Kirkland Corridor trail for about two weeks starting around September 29, followed by partial access and intermittent closures, with King County installing a bypass pipeline along the trail between NE 52nd Street and 108th Ave NE near the South Kirkland Park and Ride. The Kirkland City Council will consider ratifying the emergency proclamation at tonight's meeting, with the city and county working to identify safe detour routes for trail users during construction. (info)

• Kirkland traffic updates show multiple ongoing construction projects affecting major roads: Several major road projects are creating traffic impacts across the city, including Central Way street preservation with night paving expected the week of September 22, and NE 85th Street reduced to single lanes in each direction from I-405 to 6th Street for a shared-use pathway project. The Stores to Shores Greenway project may temporarily close one direction of Market Street around 9th Avenue, while work continues on 100th Avenue Northeast with final paving north of Simonds Road expected to complete soon. Additional projects affecting traffic include soldier pile wall construction on NE 85th Street between 120th and 122nd Avenue Northeast with daytime and overnight lane reductions, plus ongoing work on Goat Hill and 124th Avenue Northeast between NE 116th and 124th Streets. (info)

Events:

• Senior Resource Fair on September 18th. (info)

• Juanita Friday Market on September 19th. (info)

• Wheels and Reels on September 20th. (info)

• 7th Annual Kirkland Cadet Benefit Car Show on September 20th. (info)

• Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods (KAN) City Council Candidate Forum on October 14th. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• No News This Week!

Events:

• Young Adult Financial Literacy Night on… tonight! (info)

• Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) Fitness Class on Sep. 19th from 10:30-11:30am. (info)

• Restoration Event at Clarke Beach Park on Sep. 20 from 10am-1pm. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Redmond Police Firearm Exchange Event – Sept. 20, 2025 Redmond Police will host a free, voluntary firearm exchange on Sept. 20 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at the department’s North Lot, offering residents gift cards ($100–$300 depending on firearm type) in exchange for unwanted guns, which will be safely destroyed. Proof of residency is required, and no ammunition will be accepted. (info)

Events:

• Downtown Redmond Art Walk on Sep. 18 from 4-7pm. (info)

• Boots & Brews Line Dancing on Sep. 18 from 7-8pm. (info)

• Meet the Redmond City Council members on Sep. 25th at 5pm. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Renton Transgender Woman Assaulted, Two Teens Arrested: A transgender woman suffered serious injuries after being attacked near the Renton Transit Center; police are investigating the assault as a possible hate crime, and two teenage brothers, both Renton High School football players, were arrested and released on electronic home detention pending charges. (info)

• Renton Finance Department Receives State Auditor’s Stewardship Award: The City of Renton’s Finance Department was honored as one of only five agencies statewide to earn the 2025 State Auditor’s Stewardship Award, recognizing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in the audit process. (info)

Events:

• Renton Park Run on Sep. 20 from 9-11am. (info)

• Oktober Fest with Four Generals Brewing on Sep. 20 from 12-8pm. (info)

• Neighborhood BBQ with Cascade Neighborhood on Sep. 24 from 3-6pm. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• Sammamish Launches Fish Passage Barrier Assessment: The City of Sammamish, in partnership with Wild Fish Conservancy, has begun a project to identify and prioritize fish passage barriers, aiming to improve salmon migration, guide restoration funding, and engage the public in protecting species like kokanee salmon. (info)

• Sammamish Publishes Final SEIS for Town Center Project: The City of Sammamish released the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) evaluating the impacts of adding 2,000 housing units to the 2008 Town Center Plan, incorporating community feedback and updated analysis to guide officials in decision-making. (info)

• Sammamish Roadwork Updates (Fall 2025): Louis Thompson Road will remain one-way Sept. 8–Oct. 30 as crews install curbs, gutters, retaining walls, and widen the road before restoring two-way traffic. A new water main is being installed on Sahalee Drive East through December with minor delays expected. Asphalt overlay work runs Sept. 17–26 across several neighborhood streets, including 224th Pl NE, NE 12th/13th Ct, and 222nd Pl NE. Traffic control will be in place, but school buses, mail, and garbage pickup will not be disrupted. (info)

Events:

• Recycling Event on Sep. 20 from 9am-3pm. (info)

• Sammamish Landing Volunteer on Sep. 24 from 4-6pm. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• Woodinville Opens Community Survey (Sept 2025): The City of Woodinville is inviting all residents to complete its biennial community survey, open through Oct. 10, to share feedback on quality of life and local priorities; results will be presented to City Council early next year and posted online. (info)

Events:

• 4 Stitch Trivia Night tonight from 7-9pm. (info)

• Live Entertainment at Fireside Lounge on Sep. 18 from 6-8:30pm. (info)

• Ben King Meine at Chelan Ridge Winery on Sep. 20 from 5-8pm. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• Dapper Doughnut in Sammamish: We had the chance to try this out last week and we were blown away! Sammamish has needed a doughnut spot for a while and Dapper is everything we could’ve asked for. Must try.

Vibes:

• This week starts warm and sunny, with highs in the mid-70s through Friday before cooling slightly into the upper 60s by the weekend. Saturday brings some clouds, and Sunday is expected to see showers before conditions clear again Monday and Tuesday. Another round of rain is likely midweek, with temperatures holding steady in the upper 60s.