Let's Talk about Bike Share...
At City Hall for All on Saturday, October 6, community members will have the opportunity to learn about and discuss a possible bike share pilot program in Kirkland. This interactive Bike Share Pilot Program meeting will go from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber. Community members will get information about how bike share has worked in other communities and be able to share initial feedback on the concept of allowing a bike share pilot in Kirkland. This meeting will be the first in a series of public engagement opportunities where community members will be able to provide input on the possible pilot program.
While at City Hall community members will also have the opportunity to have coffee with a Councilmember, make utility payments, receive passport services, license your pet, license your business, and get assistance at the Parks Department counter.
More information about activities and services available during City Hall for All is available online at www.kirklandwa.gov/cityhallforall. We hope that you will be able to drop-by and see us. We look forward to meeting you.
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Neighborhood Plan Updates: North Rose, South Rose Hill, and Bridle Trails, and NE 85th Street Subarea Plans
Each of Kirkland’s 14 neighborhood has its own plan. The core purpose of each plan is to help define - through goals, objectives and policies - how each neighborhood should promote mobility, accommodate forecasted household and job growth, and provide open space and recreational opportunities, and other vital services, all in line with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
In 2018, the City of Kirkland Planning and Building Department, in coordination with the neighborhood associations in each area, is tasked with updating the existing North Rose, South Rose Hill, and Bridle Trails Neighborhood Plans, and NE 85th Street Subarea Plan. Since January, staff have been working with the community and a working group of representatives from each neighborhood association on these plan updates. An extensive public involvement process including all sectors of the community has occurred and has encompassed visioning workshops, an open house, attendance at community events, a community survey, and direct mailings.
Overall, the key policy direction for each neighborhood has not changed dramatically, although policies have been added to promote Council and community priorities such as the generation of additional entry-level housing supply, transit-oriented development near major regional transit investments, and better bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Vision statements have been updated (or in the case of Bridle Trails, a new vision was created). Likely the most significant change in both Neighborhood Plans is the inclusion of new policies to implement the adopted Housing Strategy Plan by encouraging more accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and compact housing types (duplexes, triplexes, cottage housing) to be developed in predominantly single family areas. Staff is in the process of researching other housing regulations (locally, regionally, and across the U.S/Canada) to identify best practices to implement Housing Strategy Plan goals. The Planning and Building Department is also working on a research project to identify ways Kirkland can increase production of ADUs. The detailed code amendments text is in the process of being developed and will be brought forward in the first half of 2019.
Also as part of the neighborhood planning process, citizen requests and staff proposals to potentially change the land use/zoning/or Zoning Code regulations were accepted for study. A map showing the location and description of the “land use study areas” is available for viewing on the City’s project webpage. These “land use study areas” will be discussed by City Council on October 2. The second draft of the neighborhood plans may be revised to reflect input from the Planning Commission and City Council on the land use study areas.
Upcoming Meetings:
• October 2, 2018 – City Council briefing on proposed land use study areas
• October 22, 2018 – Public hearing with Houghton Community Council on Bridle Trails Plan
• October 25, 2018 - Public hearing with Planning Commission: Rose Hill and Bridle Trails Plans and rezone study areas
• November date TBD - Planning Commission deliberation on recommendation as needed
• November 20, 2018 - City Council briefing
• December 18, 2018 - City Council adoption
• January 28, 2019 - Houghton Community Council final action on Bridle Trails Plan
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Spooktacular Halloween Happenings
The air is crisper, the leaves are changing... clearly it's the season of the witch here in Kirkland. Here are a few Halloween activities
Halloween Costume Swap!
Instead of buying new Halloween costumes this year, trade costumes at Kirkland’s Halloween Costume Swap! The week of Sept. 24-28, donate last year’s costumes at City Hall or North Kirkland Community Center. Then, come to the swap event on Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at City Hall (Peter Kirk Room) and pick out a new-to-you costume. Reusing garments instead of buying new is a great way to reduce your environmental impact.
Pee Wee Monster Bash
Monsters under the age of 5 are invited to Kirkland’s Pee Wee Monster Bash carnival on Friday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the North Kirkland Community Center. Miniature monsters will be able to participate in safe and spirited activities such as swamp fishing, monster craft, scareball, cookie walk, story/song corner, a movement maze, and more.
Every child will receive a prize! Tickets are $13 per child (plus sales tax), and there are a limited number available. You can register now online for course #5226 at www.kirklandparks.net, or by phone at 425-587-3336.
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Upcoming Events
Sept. 26 Sound Sustainable Farms Tour
Dig in to local, low-impact food on a tour of Sound Sustainable Farms in Redmond on Sept. 26. The farm grows organic produce for local restaurants, Hopelink, and farm boxes. Register for the tour here.
Oct. 3 Get Water Smart in Your Yard!
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology (11605 132nd Ave NE) - Room W401
Dry summers and wet winters make it challenging to keep Pacific Northwest lawns and gardens healthy. In this interactive presentation, we’ll take a look at drought-tolerant landscapes, rain gardens, cisterns and other practical solutions for getting water smart in your yard year-round. Participants will receive free resources, knowledge and great door prizes to get started on their water smart yard right away! Register for Get Smart in Your Yard!
Oct. 4. Go Behind the Scenes at the Recycling Center
See what happens to your recycling after it’s picked up from your curb. Tour the Cascade Recycling Center in Woodinville on Oct. 4 or Oct. 11. See the sorting equipment and workers in action on this special behind-the-scenes tour. Learn why you can recycle certain materials in your cart, but not others. Only a few spaces remain in each tour, so sign up now! Register online for the Oct. 4 Tour or for the Oct. 11 Tour.
Oct. 9 Eastside Rail Corridor Open House
Come view the latest conceptual design plans for the Wilburton segment of the Eastside Rail Corridor on Tuesday, October 9 at Bellevue City Hall. King County will be gathering feedback about this section of the trail, which runs from I-90 north through Bellevue to 108th Avenue NE near Kirkland.
Wilburton Segment Open House
Tuesday, Oct. 9
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Bellevue City Hall
450 110th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Oct. 20 Volunteer for Arbor Day
Sign-up now to help plant trees in Rose Hill Woodlands Park for the Kirkland Arbor Day celebration on Oct. 20 at North Rose Hill Woodlands Park. The day includes a tree giveaway (1 per Kirkland household) and great info on how to care for your urban tree canopy. Sign up to volunteer on the City website.
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