Mayor to Discuss Downtown Park, Other City Projects at Public Meeting

The City of Redmond is inviting members of the public to attend a Wednesday open house on various downtown projects.

Mayor John Marchione will begin the meeting by offering remarks on several city projects, including the downtown park, Redmond Central Connector and the planned conversion of Redmond Way and Cleveland Street to two-way roadways.

What do you think of the city's plans for downtown Redmond? Tell us in the comments section.

The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26, in the Redmond City Hall council chambers. After Marchione's presentation, a short video will be shown and attendees will have the opportunity to meet with city staff members and learn more about the various projects.

Officials will specifically be seeking feedback and ideas on the downtown park, which is already being used as a community gathering place for city arts events. Marchione said the city has secured funding for the planning and design work for the space but is still working to round up money for the actual construction, which he anticipates will come from a combination of "community fundraising, savings from previous budget cycles and impact fees from development."

“The next two years are dedicated to working with the community on coming up with a plan and designing the park,” he said.

Meanwhile, phase one of construction for the Redmond Central Connector is about complete, with a functional soft-surface trail running through the heart of downtown. Various improvements near the pathway are planned for next spring, Marchione said.

Along with the public projects, a couple of significant private development projects are also underway in the downtown area, including a 148-unit apartment building located across the street from city hall. Marchione said he approves of the ongoing development and believes it will bring more affordable housing to Redmond.

“I like the fact we’re able to add smaller housing units to the market,” he said, adding that he and his wife might consider downsizing into a condo at some point in the near future.

The now-familiar sight of cranes downtown is a "positive sign," Marchione said.

"Talking to other mayors, there’s not a lot going on in other cities in King County right now,” he said. “It’s a sign that people want to live in Redmond and be in Redmond.”

Click here for more information on Wednesday's meeting as posted on the city's website.

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