 February is Black History Month in Kenmore
February 2022 has been proclaimed "Black History Month" in Kenmore by City Council. Black History Month recognizes and pays tribute to the many enhancements and advancements that Black and African Americans have contributed to our history, society, and culture, both nationally and locally. It also recognizes the discrimination and cruelties that Black and African Americans have continuously faced while shaping our society and strengthening our nation.
Black History Month summons every member of the Kenmore community to build on togetherness and cultural awareness, while celebrating Kenmore’s diversity and intersectionality. Here are a few ways you can participate:
 The Lodge at Saint Edward State Park Receives a John D. Spellman Award, Presented by King County Executive Dow Constantine, for Exemplary Achievement in Historic Preservation
The Lodge at Saint Edward State Park was among this year's award recipients of the 21st Annual John D. Spellman Awards for Exemplary Achievement in Historic Preservation. The Spellman Award recognizes the stunning, large-scale rehabilitation project that saved and transformed the threatened 1931 Saint Edward Seminary in Kenmore. Daniels Real Estate, the city of Kenmore, and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission were honored for exemplary achievement in partnering to rehabilitate this monumental building for new use as a hotel, spa, and meeting venue, and ensure its future in Kenmore. View the video highlighting the project and award, here.
68th Ave NE Sidewalk Construction:
Upcoming Traffic Detour Revision
Starting in mid-February, 68th Avenue NE from NE 190th Street to 66th Avenue NE will be closed to thru traffic until the end of August 2022, to stay on schedule for project completion in September 2022. Local access will be maintained for residents in the work zone. If your destination is Kenmore Middle School, NE 202nd Street, or Snohomish County, please use the alternate north-south detour route (73rd Avenue NE via 181st Street) to bypass the project. Motorists should expect traffic delays and backups when traveling through the area and, whenever possible, choose alternate routes. For additional information, please visit kenmoreconstruction.com.
It will all be worth it in the end! Planned project improvements include new sidewalks, curb and gutter, bike lanes in both directions, upgraded streetlighting, and underground stormwater drainage improvements.
Waterfront & Natural Open Space Access Project at Squire’s Landing Park
(renamed ƛ' a Xw a d i s, and pronounced Tl' awh-ah-dees)
January was a productive start for the project as the site was prepared and habitat benches were installed along Swamp Creek. The Department of Ecology (DOE) conducted a site visit and approved the in-water work being performed, complimenting the work so far. Before in-water work was conducted, a temporary bridge was installed to allow access to the peninsula and protect the waters. This was implemented as part of the project Water Quality Management and Protection Plan approved by DOE.
|
Log Boom Park Waterfront Access & Viewing Project:
Despite the concrete worker’s strike, progress is being made at Log Boom Park. The contractor recently completed work on the upland beach, boat rental building roof and siding, west water access entrance, top soil, and irrigation. This month, concrete pours will begin for the pedestrian promenade and final seat wall/stairs along the beach near the boat rental building. It is exciting to see the progress!
|
 |
|
Did you hear the great news? There will be a pilot farmers market in Kenmore this summer! The City is hosting a design contest for the farmers market logo. Enter by February 28 for the chance to have your creative design be the face for the market! Check out www.kenmorewa.gov/farmersmarket to learn more about the market coming to Kenmore this June. |
 Transit Oriented Development Panel Presentation
The City is considering changes to the City’s Transit Oriented Development (TOD) regulations, including commercial and multifamily zones north of SR-522 and east of 68th Avenue NE. On Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., the Planning Commission will hear a panel presentation from developers, architects and others who have either tried to develop in the TOD or hope to develop there. Panelists will give the Commission insights on the current regulations and offer suggestions for improvement. We encourage community members to listen to the presentation and then send in comments. To join the Planning Commission mailing list and receive the agenda materials, including the Zoom link, please contact Rita Moreno, rmoreno@kenmorewa.gov.
"Missing Middle" Housing Update
The Planning Commission continues to review the Land Use and Housing chapters of the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code amendments related to “Missing Middle” housing in areas of R-6 Single-Family Residential zoning within one-quarter mile of the city’s two main transit corridors. Regional responsibilities and local priorities require Kenmore to address “Missing Middle” housing such as duplexes and triplexes. However, the Commission has heard the community’s concerns about compatibility with single-family residences and, in response, the City has hired “Missing Middle” experts, Opticos Design, to help develop appropriate, Kenmore-specific, building form standards.
Learn more! Read responses to Frequently Asked Questions about “Missing Middle” housing, or consider attending a regional presentation on “Missing Middle” housing sponsored by the University of Washington.
|
American Rescue Plan Act Reminders
 |
|
Share your input on how the City should spend a portion of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. It only takes a few minutes, and it's fun, too!
Participants are given a menu of 16 possible ARPA project ideas and are asked to select and rank their top choices while staying within an allotted budget. Use the tool and share your feedback by February 28 here: https://kenmorewa.abalancingact.com/ |
 |
|
The Kenmore Cares program has already distributed $500,000 to Kenmore residents at or below 50% of our Area Median Income. We are encouraging any Kenmore resident who may be eligible to apply ASAP, as the program will be ending soon. In-person office hours continue to be held and applications are being accepted at https://kenmorecares.org |
West Sammamish River Bridge Project: Winter Work Lookahead
The new west bridge is open to traffic as remaining work continues; installing art and rails and lighting, lane striping, building sidewalks, and utility connections. The West Sammamish River Bride Project is anticipated to reach substantial completion this summer. Over the next several weeks, northbound traffic will be reduced to one lane, so crews have adequate space to build a wall on the east bridge. The contractor is also building a new lane for northbound traffic north of the bridge. Please follow the 25 MPH speed limit through the work zone and be aware of bicyclists sharing the roadway and construction crews nearby.
 |
Is Your Business Registered?
Extended Renewal Dates Expired September 2021
If you haven't updated your city business registration recently, it may be time to contact the Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service to get reinstated. Business registration is required for all businesses physically located within the City of Kenmore, including home occupied businesses, with a gross annual income over $2,000. Kenmore businesses with a gross annual income under $2,000 may register voluntarily. Registering your business allows the City to keep in touch with important information and opportunities to support your business and also allows your business to be listed in the Kenmore Business Directory!
|
Kenmore City Hall is open weekdays 9am - 12pm and 1pm - 4pm. Receptionists are available to answer phone calls weekdays 9am - 12pm and 1pm - 5pm at 425-398-8900.
Find out more about upcoming events here.
Si gusta communicarse con la ciudad de Kenmore o revisar un documento en otro idioma, envíe su solicitud con su información de contacto a cityhall@kenmorewa.gov o llame al 425-398-8900.
|
