Seastside Newsletter #97

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Bellevue:

News:

• Two Bellevue parks to undergo significant improvements this year: Robinswood Park will get new synthetic turf on its two sports fields and upgraded lighting starting December 1, with the heavily-used fields expected to reopen in spring—the project also adds a cricket pitch to serve Bellevue's diverse community. Meanwhile, Ashwood Park is set for a broader transformation under a new master plan that would turn the 3.82-acre site into a more versatile gathering space with open lawns, an off-leash dog area, an expanded children's play area, picnic shelters, and improved paths. Both projects are supported by the voter-approved 2022 Parks and Open Space Levy. (info)

• Bellevue draws new residents as U.S. moving rates hit historic low: Even as American mobility dropped to a record-low 11% in 2024, Bellevue bucked the trend with 15% of residents moving last year—and nearly a third of those movers came from out of state, bringing over 7,300 new arrivals to the city. The national slowdown reflects rising home prices, higher borrowing costs, and remote work reducing job-related relocations, but Bellevue and Washington state continue to attract newcomers at above-average rates. Renters remain the most mobile group both locally and nationwide, making up the majority of Bellevue's movers. (info)

• Bellevue launches new resources to better support small businesses: The city is rolling out a suite of free services aimed at helping entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate permitting, planning, and growth—including a new "Start Smart in Bellevue" concierge program launching in January that offers one-on-one guidance through the development process. Bellevue also expanded its partnership with the Washington Small Business Development Center to provide no-cost advising on everything from business strategy to funding readiness. With small businesses making up 97% of all businesses in the city, officials say the goal is to reduce barriers and help local entrepreneurs thrive. (info)

• Council roundup: Inside look at Diversity Advantage Plan 2035: At Tuesday's meeting, the Bellevue City Council reviewed a major update to the city's diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy—a 10-year plan featuring 41 long-term equity objectives shaped by community and staff input, with a final vote expected at a future meeting. The council also received a briefing on proposed sign code amendments aimed at modernizing design standards and simplifying regulations, with a full draft anticipated in 2026. Additionally, the council proclaimed November 29 as Small Business Saturday, with the owner of Monserrate Colombian Cuisine accepting the honor on behalf of local businesses. (info)

Events:

• Opening of Garden d’Lights on November 29th. (info)

• Gingerbread Workshops on November 29th. (info)

• Holiday Barn Lighting on December 6th. (info)

Bothell & Kenmore:

News:

• Bothell adopts first-ever Climate Action Plan: After a year of planning and community input, the Bothell City Council approved the city's first Climate Action Plan, which lays out practical steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across buildings, transportation, and waste while supporting Washington's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan was developed with input from residents, technical experts, and regional partners, and aims to make energy efficiency and sustainable transportation more accessible and affordable over time. (info)

• Sound Transit Stride S3 Line is on the way to Kenmore: Sound Transit's Stride Bus Rapid Transit S3 Line has wrapped up final designs and is moving into construction, promising faster and more reliable service along Bothell Way. The project includes three new stations in Kenmore at 61st Avenue NE, 68th Avenue NE, and the Kenmore Park and Ride. Residents can learn more and provide input through Sound Transit's online open house. (info)

Events:

• Argosy Christmas Ship Festival on November 30th. (info)

• Kenmore Business Alliance on December 4th. (info)

• Santa Photos & Winter Wonderland on December 6th. (info)

• Kenmore Holiday Food and Toy Drive from now until December 15th. (info)

Fall City & Snoqualmie:

News:

• Lifelong Snoqualmie Valley resident Sergeant Ed Hall chosen as North Bend Police Chief: Mayor Mary Miller announced that Sergeant Ed Hall, a 21-year veteran of the King County Sheriff's Office and lifelong Valley resident, will become North Bend's new police chief effective January 1, 2026. Hall previously served as a deputy in North Bend from 2004-2005 and comes from a family with local law enforcement roots—his father was also a North Bend police officer. The appointment is part of North Bend's transition from contracting with the Snoqualmie Police Department to the King County Sheriff's Office, with the full changeover set to begin April 1, 2026. (info)

Events:

• Tree Lighting and Sing-a-Long on November 29th. (info)

• Small Business Saturday on November 29th. (info)

• Snoqualmie Winter Lights - Tree Lighting on December 6th. (info)

• Fall City Holiday Market on December 6th. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• Issaquah releases Q3 2025 development report tracking major construction projects across the city: Issaquah's third-quarter development report shows numerous residential and commercial projects underway, including the Burgermaster restaurant renovation (targeting year-end opening), a three-story Evergreen Ford dealership with structured parking, and multiple townhome developments like the 29-unit Towns on 7th and the nearly complete 4-unit Mather Townhomes. The report also highlights projects in the review phase, such as the Trailhead Apartments (364 units in two 8-story buildings near the transit center), a 74-unit Park Place townhome development, and Costco's gas station expansion on the former Red Robin site, while anticipated projects include converting the Motel 6 to multifamily housing and the large-scale Lakeside Development Agreement for up to 1,200 residential units. (info)

Events:

• Caroling at the Depot on December 4th. (info)

• Green Gifting on December 5th. (info)

• Holiday Farmers Market on December 13th. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• Kirkland's Juanita Village to see sidewalk repairs and street tree replacement starting December 2025: The property owner at Juanita Village will begin replacing the sidewalk along 98th Ave NE as early as December 1, with most existing street trees slated for removal and replacement after construction wraps up. City officials determined that the current trees, which were improperly planted, have caused the sidewalk to buckle, and simply replacing the panels would lead to the same problem unless roots were cut—a process that would kill the trees anyway. While Kirkland typically prioritizes preserving existing trees, staff concluded that full replacement is the only solution that ensures both healthy trees and a safe, accessible sidewalk, with the property owner covering all costs including new, more suitable street trees. (info)

• Kirkland City Council approves park expansion, advances Kraken iceplex partnership, and hears public input on Houghton Village plan: At its November 18 meeting, the Kirkland City Council approved purchasing property at 10454 Forbes Creek Drive next to Juanita Bay Park to expand green space for community gardens, preserve historic trees, and create a pedestrian connection from lower Juanita to Crestwoods Park and the Cross Kirkland Corridor. The Council also received an update on the proposed Seattle Kraken partnership for a community center and iceplex at the former Houghton Park & Ride (with final legal agreements expected December 9), held a public hearing on the Houghton Village Development Plan (which sets a framework but doesn't authorize specific redevelopment), and got an update on the draft Homelessness Continuum of Care Action Plan. Additional actions included adopting 2026 state legislative priorities, hearing public comment on Design Review Board process changes required by state law, approving a solution for Upper Highlands water pressure issues, and setting the preliminary 2026 property tax levy. (info)

Events:

• Winterfest Tree Lighting on November 29. (info)

• Community Bonfires at the Park on November 30th. (info)

• Google Holiday Lights on December 5th. (info)

• 12ks of Christmas on December 14th. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• Mercer Island general election results certified, bond measure falls short: King County Elections certified the Nov. 4 general election results on November 25, showing that Proposition 1—a city bond for a public safety and maintenance facility—failed to pass despite receiving 54.61% yes votes because it needed a 60% supermajority. In City Council races, Lisa Anderl won Position No. 6 with 55.10% over Johana Beresky (44.79%), and Julie Hsieh took Position No. 7 with 57.23% over Adam Ragheb (42.65%), while incumbents Ted Weinberg and appointed councilmember Daniel Becker ran unopposed for their respective positions. For the Mercer Island School District, Stephanie Burnett won the contested Position No. 4 race with 67.67% over Robert O'Callahan (32.16%), Julian Bradley ran unopposed for Position No. 2, and in the Legislative District 41 state representative race, Democrat Janice Zahn won Position No. 1 with 70.88% over Republican John Whitney (28.99%). (info)

Events:

• Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on December 4th. (info)

• Holiday Makers Market on December 6th. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Redmond City Council votes to rebuild Old Fire House Teen Center at original location: At its November 18 meeting, the Redmond City Council voted 6-0 to approve rebuilding a new teen center at the same site as the existing Old Fire House Teen Center, which closed in March due to hazardous materials, structural concerns, a failing roof, and building envelope issues identified through multiple facility assessments. The decision—informed by recommendations from the Old Fire House Teen Center Stakeholder Group and extensive community engagement including online questionnaires, listening sessions, workshops, and focus groups—prioritizes expedited construction, centering teen voices in the design process, and including music performance space and a dedicated recording studio to continue the center's legacy. Teen programs have been temporarily relocated to the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village, and additional community engagement will continue throughout the rebuilding process to ensure teens guide the creation of the new facility. (info)

Events:

• Holiday Night Market at Big Block Brewing on December 5th. (info)

• Snowflake Ball at the Redmond Senior & Community Center on December 5th. (info)

• Redmond Lights Kick-Off on December 6th. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Renton hit-and-run search intensifies: A 21-year-old man walking along SR 900 was struck by a silver or gray 2018–2022 Honda Accord that swerved into him and fled, leaving him with a concussion and head injuries. Investigators released surveillance footage and are asking the public for tips as they hunt for the driver, with a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. (info)

• Renton Airport completes new admin office and major upgrades: The city opened a modern administrative building and celebrated the airport’s 100th anniversary, marking a shift from the old tower workspace and highlighting the airport’s century-long regional impact. With $18 million in federal grants, Renton is repaving taxiways, expanding parking, and planning EV aviation charging, a new control tower, and seaplane base upgrades through 2027. (info)

Events:

• Tree Lighting & Small Business Saturday 2025 on Nov. 29. (info)

• Clam Lights Opening Night on Dec. 5 from 6:15-8:30pm. (info)

• K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run & Walk on Dec. 7th from 9:15-10:30am. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• Sammamish traffic impacts expand across multiple corridors. Crews are vactoring and cleaning catch basins through Nov 26, creating periodic one-lane closures on 228th, Inglewood Hill, East Lake Sammamish Pkwy, and 244th. A catch basin replacement on 247th Ave SE runs through Nov 24 with lane shifts, driveway impacts, and tree removal for drainage protection. The Louis Thompson Road detour remains shortened between 208th and East Main as wall construction continues, with modified local access rules in place. Watermain installation near NE 36th and NE 37th continues through December with minor delays. PSE begins a Dec 1–7 gas main replacement on NE 12th Pl and 228th NE, using police-directed traffic control and causing brief slowdowns. (info)

Events:

• Cribbage Night at Big Block Brewing on Dec. 11 from 6-8pm. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• No news this week!

Events:

• A miracle on 34th Street - A Live Radio Play on Nov. 29 from 3:30-5:30pm. (info)

• Thanksgiving Weekend Brunch at Braking Frog on Nov. 30 from 7am-3pm. (info)

• Yoga at the Carol Edwards Center on dec. 1 from 7:15-8:30pm. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• Facing East: A family-run Taiwanese eatery recently opened a new downtown Bellevue outpost, bringing fresh takes on Taiwanese comfort dishes to the city center. Expect dishes like beef-noodle soup, handmade dumplings, and stir-fried specialties made with real care, all delivered with welcoming warmth that makes the new location feel like part of the neighborhood already.

Weather this Week:

• This week in Bellevue ushers in classic late-fall weather — expect plenty of cloud cover and a fair chance of rain, with temperatures slipping into the chillier range. It’s the kind of week that begs for a cozy sweater, a steaming mug, and maybe a few quiet strolls when the skies clear up.