Sept 21, 2016 | Vol. 11 | No. 38
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 Update on Light Rail Negotiations and Council Presentation |
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Click to read the City's recent press release
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At Monday's City Council meeting on September 19, staff presented an update on the City's ongoing negotiations with Sound Transit over mitigation measures for light rail construction, as well as high-level discussions with WSDOT about vehicle access for Islanders to future HOV lanes on I-90. View a .pdf file of the PowerPoint presentation.
The City continues to pursue constructive and collaborative negotiations with all parties currently seated at the table, and is pleased to announce the first round in a series of outreach presentations planned for community groups, civic organizations, clubs, etc, so that individuals can be more accurately informed. A City-sponsored update open house will occur later this fall when there is a critical mass of new mitigation options to seek citizen input on. Check the "What's Happening Now" section of the City's Light Rail Mobility Discussions page to see upcoming dates.
Ever since the proposal emerged to convert the Center Roadway Express Lanes of I-90 from vehicle traffic to a light rail corridor, the City of Mercer Island has advocated for equitable treatment of its citizens and received the support of the State and local and regional governments for its position. Mercer Island's commitment to its residents' mobility and quality of life remains unchanged.
Based on resident input collected over the past two months, the City has also issued FAQ documents - updates are ongoing.
For more information about future vehicle access to I-90 (the "R8A Lanes"), and copies of historical agreements and correspondence, visit www.mercergov.org/R8A. To learn about Sound Transit light rail plans in general, visit www.mercergov.org/Rail. |
Island Crest Way Paving Ends Early and Under Budget
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Click to learn more about the ICW repaving project
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The City's Public Works Department recently completed its Island Crest Way repaving project ahead of schedule and under budget. According to the City's Street Engineer, construction costs (still being finalized) are significantly lower than the $913,830 construction bid and the project is wrapping up two weeks earlier than originally expected.
Construction activities on this half-mile long project between SE 40th Street and Merrimount Drive began in mid-July with repairs to the road's storm drainage pipes and replacement of damaged portions of curbs and sidewalks. Repaving occurred at the end of August, which included removing the worn out asphalt pavement surface (laid in 1991) and placing a 3-inch thick, hot-mix asphalt overlay that will last for 25 years of heavy service.
In addition to the Island Crest Way work, SE 42nd Street to the east of Island Crest was repaved and a new pedestrian walkway added along one side. Crews are currently finishing up remaining minor items and Island Crest Way has been successfully reopened to four lanes of traffic for a week now.
Both the City and Lakeridge Paving Company would like to thank the traveling public for their patience during this significant construction work along a very busy Mercer Island arterial roadway.
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Council Seeking Board and Commission Volunteers
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Click here for an application
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Help improve the livability of Mercer Island by getting more involved in your community! The City counts on volunteers to staff many different boards and commissions, and the City Council is once again seeking a diverse range of applicants.
Appointments to boards and commissions are made by the Mayor and affirmed by the City Council. Generally, terms run June 1 through May 31. Upon appointment, board members can expect to spend approximately eight-ten hours a month serving on the board, although the level of commitment may vary.
The boards and commissions with positions available are: For more information on each of these boards or commissions, click on the titles above. Click here for an application. Contact Deputy City Clerk Karin Roberts at (206) 275-7795 or by email for further information or to have an application mailed to you.
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Pioneer Park Dog Walker Meeting
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Click to learn more about Pioneer Park or comment on dog walking guidelines
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Does your dog love Pioneer Park? Come walk with Mercer Island Parks and Recreation staff and join a brief meeting to discuss how to make Pioneer Park a welcoming place for everyone. Rendezvous at the kiosk on Island Crest Way at SE 68th Street, hear a 10-minute update, and then go for a walk around the park, chatting with staff as you go. Sociable dogs are welcome to attend. Choose your date: Tuesday, September 27, at 6:00pm, or Saturday October 1, at 9:00am. No RSVP required, just show up! |
MIYFS Luther Burbank Open House, October 2
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Click for more information about the MIYFS Foundation
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The City of Mercer Island and Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) Foundation invite the entire community into the halls of the historic Luther Burbank Administration Building (2040 84th Avenue SE) on Sunday, October 2, from 1:00-4:00pm.
Bring your family on a tour of the MIYFS Administrative Offices (the "Red Brick Building" in Luther Burbank Park), be the first to purchase from this season's glass pumpkin collection, and wander among the new Mosaic Murals in the playground area where you will meet the artists! Come and enjoy festive treats, family activities, prizes, and more.
The Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 fundraising board comprised of Islanders volunteering their time to help support YFS. The board also hosts the annual YFS breakfast held the second Wednesday of every February (Feb 8, 2017); this signature event brings together close to 600 Islanders who support the YFS mission through generous contributions. To learn more about the Foundation, contact MIYFS Development Officer, Sari Weiss by phone at (206) 275-7756, or Email, or visit the Foundation website.
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Brief Repaving Project Around New Hadley Building
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An architectural rendering of the Hadley Building; click to learn more
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Next week, some City roadways around the new Hadley Building in the Town Center will be restored and repaved to their original condition. Project managers expect approximately three days of work, affecting portions of SE 27th Street and 76th Avenue adjacent to the construction site.
The mixed-use Hadley Building is expected to open in several weeks, and will have 209 residential units, two-and-a-half floors of underground parking (with 58 stalls available for public use), and ground-floor retail tenants.
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Due to space constraints this edition, we're taking a week off on Mercer Island Green reporting.
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