The Kenmore Top 4: January 31, 2025

Message from the Mayor: Kenmore's Commitment to DEIA and Climate Action
With the recent flurry of executive orders at the federal level and the administration's intention to pause or withhold federal funding from entities that may be seen as not in step with the administration's extreme ideologies, many of you may be wondering what Kenmore will do in response. Let me assure you that Kenmore will not deviate from the course we have been on to create a more inclusive and equitable community, nor will we back down from our efforts to address climate change. 

We in the City of Kenmore believe in the dignity, equality, and constitutional and civil rights of all people; hatred, discrimination, harassment, and behaviors that create fear, isolation, or intimidation have no home here.

The City Council adopted a Climate Action Plan in May 2022 and a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan in September 2023 and continues to wholeheartedly support these efforts. This work is about creating a resilient community where all people feel welcome, a sentiment that is right at home in a city whose service vision is to create a thriving community where all people love where they live.

In 2017, the City Council adopted a Safe and Welcoming Resolution. On February 10, the City Council will consider adopting an updated version of the resolution. We are committed to continuing DEIA and Climate Action Plan efforts to ensure our community is a safe and welcoming place for all, for years to come.

-- Mayor Nigel Herbig

Imagine Housing "Community Convening" on The Approach at Kenmore Affordable Housing Development - February 6
Imagine Housing invites all community members to a "Community Convening" at City Hall on February 6 to learn more and ask questions about the proposed Imagine Housing development, The Approach at Kenmore (located at 7010 NE 181st Street). The Approach at Kenmore proposes a multifamily building that brings together equitable, high-quality housing with both rental and affordable homeownership options. The mid-rise building is proposed to have more than 100 apartments, including studios and 1-3 bedroom units, and approximately 15 homeownership units through Habitat for Humanity.

The Approach at Kenmore Community Convening
February 6 from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
In-person at Kenmore City Hall & Virtual Zoom
Free and open to all - Family friendly

Read project information and FAQs, register for community engagement events (optional), and sign up for email project updates at imaginehousing.org/the-approach.

Potluck Presentation with Kenmore Public Works
February 12 from 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Kenmore Community Club (7304 NE 175th Street) 
Learn more here.

New Vertical Delineators (“Candlesticks”) Installed at NE 170th and 68th/Juanita Intersection
Last week, new vertical delineators, also known as "candlesticks," were installed at the NE 170th Street (Simonds Road) and 68th Avenue/Juanita intersection. These white tubes visually narrow the road, encouraging drivers to slow down while clearly separating car lanes from bicycle lanes. The delineators are a continuation of the City’s Target Zero efforts to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

The new delineators replace previous models that did not meet performance expectations. The updated delineators are a more durable, crash-tested design that has shown positive results in other locations, including the Aurora Bridge.

Vertical delineators are a cost-effective safety improvement, with lower installation and replacement costs compared to other road modifications. They will be monitored and repaired or replaced as needed to ensure they continue to provide safety and value. Staff will be looking at strategic locations throughout the city to install more of these delineators as time and resources permit.

Learn more about candlesticks and the reconfiguration of the lanes on 170^th Street and 68^th Avenue on the City's Streets & Sidewalks webpage, specifically under the “Biking in Kenmore” section.