Debra Sinick

Archive for April, 2008|Monthly archive page

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Today’s Seattle/Eastside BNSF Rails and Trails News, Plus Upcoming Eastside Meetings

In Kirkland News, Kirkland WA, rails to trails on April 28, 2008 at 4:36 pm

 

There are a number of active groups on the eastside who are for smart transit and trails, but not wasting taxpayer money.  Find out about this issue.  If you live within one mile of the BNSF tracks, you will be affected.

 

   On May 1st at 7 PM, there is a meeting at the Houghton Fire Station in Kirkland, 6602 108th Ave NE with the Cascade Bicycle Club to review the issues.

 

  On May 5th, there is a meeting with the King County Council, 10th floor of the King County Courthouse Building, 516 3rd Avenue in which people are invited to voice their opinions. ( FYI, I do not know if the time or the place have been confirmed for this meeting.)

 

And lastly, on May 8th, The Eastside Trail Advocates will be holding a meeting at the Houghton Fire Station at 7:30 PM  to review the issues.  Become informed about what may happen so you can decide what is the right thing to do.

 

 

Here is a copy of some of the key testimony given by Shawn at today’s King County Council meeting:

 

KING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS                                                                                 Seattle, April 28, 2008

“ Leaving the option of using the corridor for commuter trains indefinitely open seems sensible to me.  BUT, what is most important is that WHEN that option is exercised, it be BASED on a reliable and impartial Economic Evaluation of ALL the major transit-related options available. That should include, at least, Buses, Trains on 405, Highway Tolls, Bicycles, and even Rollerblades.

 Such an evaluation does not need to be too long or expensive, given the information already obtained from previous studies and experiences on projects like the Sounder Train, the Monorail, and Bus ridership.  However, it must include a fair comparison of the TOTAL Short- and Long-Term COST-PER-COMMUTER associated with each transportation option.  It should ALSO include a BALANCED comparison of the local and regional recreational, health, and life-style BENEFITS that ALL, or Parts of the corridor, may offer to Eastside and King County communities.  Finally, the conclusions and recommendations of this study should, in my opinion,  be ‘certified’,  by neutral Business-Teams from 1 or 2 local universities,  that THEY ARE fair and complete’, in order to minimize further controversy.

Only THEN, should the top option, or maybe even the top 2 options, be submitted to the voters for final selection.  Any rush, at this time, to submit commuter-train ballot propositions, based on incomplete studies and narrow interests, will be justifiably viewed by the voters with suspicion.”

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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An Important Meeting About the Eastside Rail Line In Kirkland, Washington’s Backyard

In Kirkland News, Kirkland WA, rails to trails on April 26, 2008 at 10:52 am

Rail or Trail or both?
 
 Can we save the trail we were promised last year?  The county council wants to hear from you. Come, listen, learn, and speak to The King County Council on Monday morning, April 28th at 9:30 AM, 10th floor of the King County Courthouse, 516 3rd Ave., Seattle.

 The Seattle Times reported on the upcoming meeting in today’s newspaper.    As  one proponent of the trail has said, the plans for a trail and/or rail take twists and turns every week.  The plans keep changing, nothing is for certain and nothing should be taken for granted. Ron Sims is for dual use of a trail and rail, the port commissioners want to put  rail first.  

The Cascade Bicycle Club has campaigned hard to have a meeting with the council to make their desire for a trail known. Check out the link to the club for a brief history of the trails issues. From Cascade Bicycle Club’s website:

“King County conservatively estimates that 2,400,000 trips are taken on regional trails each year. The Burke-Gilman alone sees about a million trips per year, which breaks down to 3100 every weekday. 47 percent are commuters riding to work. Imagine the possibilities if we developed a trail for $60 Million on the Eastside within one mile of 500,000 people, who want to commute to Bellevue, Kirkland or Renton.”

You as a citizen have this opportunity to be heard.  For more information about the rail/trail line, check out The Eastside Trail Advocates  website. This group is very active in support of a trail and is very knowledgeable about the issues.  In another article early next week,  I will post the dates of other meetings coming up on the eastside over the next couple of weeks.  You can learn more and become involved.

 

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Weekly Real Estate Buzz in The Kirkland Highlands Through April 25th, 2008

In buyers, Kirkland News, Kirkland WA, market statistics, sellers, Weekly market update on April 26, 2008 at 9:49 am

Update post it

 (Numbers in red are for last week’s data)

Active Listings:   26(27)

New listings:  2(1)

Re-listed properties: 0(0)

Sold subject to inspection:  2(0) 

Pending:  0(0)

Closed Sales:   1(0)

Contingent sale: 0(0)

Number of Price Reductions:  0(0)

Cancelled listings 1(0)

Expired Listings: 0(1)

Temporarily Off Market:  0(0)

Price increase:  0(0)

Back on market: 0(0)

———————————–

0-$349,999:   0(0)

$350,000-$499,999:   1(1)

$500,000-$749,999:    8 (8)

$750,000-$999,999:  9 (10)

$1,000,000- $1,499,999:   4(5)

$1,500,000- $2,999,999:   4(3)
———————————–
Average Price: $993,840 ($968,811)

Median Price:   $869,473(869,000)

Market: 63(60)

Highest Priced Listing: $2,299,950 ($2,299,950)

Lowest Priced Listing: $489,000 ($489,000)

This week’s analysis of the weekly real estate buzz:

This week there’s one less home on the market in the Highlands, although there are two new listings.  Two homes received offers this week and are now sold subject to inspection. One listing was cancelled and taken off the market.  One home sale closed, the new home owner moved in, and the price is now public.  The home sold for 13% below the original asking price of $824,950 with a sales price of $722,000.

New listings:

(Homes new on the market this week)

$512,850 small remodeled condo alternative with fabulous view.  Condo alternative and lot value.

$1,749,000 remodeled view home with 4200+ sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 4.25 baths.

Homes sold subject to inspection:

(homes that received an offer, but still have to go through a buyer’s inspection)

$684,900 Highland Creste two story with a basement, 3210 sq. ft, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths.

$795,000 remodeled daylight rambler with a view.

Pending sales:

(homes that have had the inspection resolved between the buyer and seller)

None this week.

Closed sales:

(Homes in which the ownership has changed hands and the new owner has moved in)

$722,000 Highland Creste home listed at $725,000 with the original list price of $824,950.   Sold in 262 days for 13 % below the original asking price.

Sold contingent:

(Home sales in which the buyer still needs to sell their home in order to buy the new home)

None this week.

Price reductions:

None this week.

Price increases:

None this week.

Expired listings:

(The contract to sell the home has expired)

None this week.

Cancelled listings:

(The seller has taken the home off the market)

$1,100,000 for a Martha’s Vineyard two story home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths.

Temporarily off the market:

(The seller has taken the home temporarily off the market.

None this week.

___________________________________

Town homes/ condos:

7 currently homes currently on the market

New listing:

$725,000 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2000 sq ft in Highland Creek.

 

 

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Kirkland’s Parkplace Books Needs Our Help

In Kirkland News, Kirkland WA on April 25, 2008 at 11:40 am

The other day I received an email regarding Kirkland’s Parkplace Books, a wonderful local bookstore. Parkplace Books is in need of our help.  I found the same information on The Book Publishers Northwest Blog, BPNW and the Kirkland Weblog.

The Bookstore has been a wonderful asset to the city of Kirkland over the years.  The store has recently weathered a few issues, the first being when the store was flooded out about a year and a half ago during the terrible winter storm in December of 2006.  Now the Parkplace shopping center is slated for redevelopment, which may mean the end of Parkplace books at this location.  But there’s a more immediate need.  On Monday, Parkplace Books has a huge bill to pay.  Can you help this venerable Kirkland institution?

Below is a copy of the letter the owners of Parkplace Books sent out this week:

Dear Customers and Friends,

In all the years we have been working at Parkplace Books, this is the hardest letter we have written to you.
We need your help. We need it soon.

The challenges that independent booksellers face in competing with the Internet and the huge box stores have resulted in the closing of most of the independent bookstores on the Eastside. With your past support, we have just managed to keep up with those challenges.

But now we face new changes that force us to retrench. The downturn in the economy is pinching most small retail businesses. Parkplace Books faces another particular problem: the departure from Kirkland Parkplace Center of several compatible retail stores. Without them, we have experienced a continuing drop in the foot traffic we need to sustain sales and maintain a desirable selection level of inventory. As the owners of Kirkland Parkplace Center work toward a massive expansion and remodeling, our future becomes more uncertain.

This week is particularly tough. We have a large bill coming due Monday, April 28. We do not have the resources to pay this bill and we need your help. If many of you help us by donating small amounts, we will be able to pay this bill and continue forward on our plan for the future. Please help us by sending a donation to the address at the end of this letter.

To address the continuing survival for Parkplace Books, we have called together a group of longtime advisers/friends to assist us in developing a long range plan.

That plan is likely to include:

* a greater emphasis on the Internet and online sales
* smaller, more efficient quarters at a probable new location in the Kirkland area
* and new ways for fans of the bookstore to be involved and stay in touch We are eager to add your ideas to this mix. Please send them to us.

In the immediate future, you can help us most by coming to the store, saying hello and buying books and art. When our advisers met with us recently, they all exclaimed that Parkplace Books is essential to the community of Kirkland.
They pointed out how — in meetings about plans for Kirkland Parkplace Center, speaker after speaker expressed concern for keeping two vital businesses — Parkplace Books and the movie theater.

And what is the bookstore? It’s selection and knowledge about books.It’s a staff who can respond to your questions and help you find the books you want.
It’s a comfortable space where people can relax and chat while they browse. It’s a place where children can read and dream. It’s a community gathering place that supports diversity and the exchange of ideas. It’s an independent bookstore on the Eastside owned by two people that are passionate about the inherent value of books and reading.

Without you, there wouldn’t be a bookstore.

So please come in, say hello and help us in any way you can. We are keeping in mind the adage that in Chinese the ideogram for crisis is the same as that for opportunity. This IS an opportunity for us to rethink both our short & long-range plans and find new ways for Parkplace Books to serve you, our community. We believe Kirkland deserves the continued presence of a quality independent bookstore as part of our city’s identity.

Mary and Rebecca
parkplacebooks@integra.net

Our mailing address:
Parkplace Books
348 Parkplace Center
Kirkland, WA. 98033

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Weekly Real Estate Buzz in the Kirkland Highlands through April 18th, 2008

In buyers, Kirkland News, Kirkland WA, Kirkland, WA Real Estate, market statistics, Real estate, sellers, Weekly market update on April 19, 2008 at 11:34 am

Update post-it

Active Listings:   27(27)

New listings:  1(0) 

Re-listed properties: 0(0)

Sold subject to inspection:  0(0)  

Pending:  0(1)

Closed Sales:   0(2)

Contingent sale: 0(0)

Number of Price Reductions:  6(0)
Cancelled listings 0(0)
Expired Listings: 0(1)
Temporarily Off Market:  0(0)
Price increase:  0(0)
Back on market: 0(1)

———————————–

0-$349,999:   0(0)

$350,000-$499,999:   1(1)

$500,000-$749,999:    8(8)

$750,000-$999,999:  10(10)

$1,000,000- $1,499,999:   5(5)

$1,500,000- $2,999,999:   3(3)
———————————–
Average Price: $968,811($976,985  ) 

Median Price:   $869,000(877,050)

Market: 60(57)

Highest Priced Listing: $2,299,950 ($2,299,950)

Lowest Priced Listing: $489,000 ($489,000)

My analysis of this week’s real estate buzz (through midday Friday.  Numbers in red are from the previous week.

New listings:

$550,000 remodeled two story in Edwards Place with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths.

Homes receiving offers:

(homes in which an offer has been made, but is now going through a building inspection)

None this week

Homes sold contingent:

(The buyer has to sell their home as a condition of the sale.)

None this week.

Homes that are pending sales:

(home sales in which the inspection has been satisfied)

Closed sales:

(Homes in which the new owner has moved in!)

None at this time

Back On Market

(Homes which have come back on the market)

None this week

Reduced:

$624,950 Waterwheel Park, down from $674,950 for a two story with 2600+ sq. ft.

$649,888 Highland Pointe two story with 1800 sq. ft. down from $668,000.

$919,000 newer two story down from $989,000 for 3330+ sq ft, built in 2006.

Several newly completed construction homes have been reduced from $5-25,000 below the original asking price.

There was one new listing in the Highlands for a total of 27 available homes.  There were a number of price reductions, particularly with the finished new construction homes.

_________________________________________________________

Town homes/Condos

6 active listings

New listings:

None

Sold subject to inspection:

None

Closed sales:

$570,000 Kirkland HIghpointe town home with 2300 sq. ft. Sold 13% below the original asking price of $649,950.

Reduced:

None

Expired:

$599,950 Kirkland Highpointe 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths

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The Goats Are Here in Kirkland, Washington’s Highlands Neighborhood!

In Earth Day-Goat Project, Kirkland News, Kirkland WA on April 18, 2008 at 11:23 am

The goats have arrived here in The Kirkland Highlands to dine on the invasive plantings in Cotton Hill Park.  This is the first round effort to clear the park and bring it back to its natural state.  KING 5 covered the story on the news on Thursday morning, interviewing Karen Story and Sharon Rodman, the two people most responsible for the event.

Here is a link to the video clip from KING 5 news:

<http://www.ilanga.com/other/King5-news-item.wmv>

The man in charge!

The “man” in charge.

The late afternoon “happy hour”.

Goats II, Cotton Hill Park

Serious dining at the early bird special, 5 PM.

Grazing among friends.

The “all you can eat” buffet.

Looks like the dining is better over here!

“I vant to be alone!”

 

Solitary dining.

(photos courtesy of Stephen Kratz)

 

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Is Kirkland Washington’s Proposed Annexation Dead?

In Kirkland News, Kirkland WA on April 17, 2008 at 1:17 pm

I haven’t seen any articles in the traditional media as of yet, but saw this blog post earlier today which mentioned the Kirkland annexation proposal was defeated last night by the city council with a 4-3 vote. It appears the county areas north of Kirkland aren’t going to be annexed to the City of Kirkland. The group reporting the “no go”  decision was against the annexation.  I haven’t see anything on the pro-annexation website as of yet.  The area that had been under consideration for annexation is shown on this map from the City of Kirkland website.

What have you heard and what are your thoughts?  Is this a good or bad decision for the city?

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Kirkland Highlands, How Do You Want To Spend the $29,000 Neighborhood Connections Money?

In Kirkland News, Kirkland WA on April 17, 2008 at 12:02 pm

How should The Kirkland Highlands spend the Neighborhood Connection money? Highlands residents have a chance to pick from the many suggestions proposed by neighborhood residents.  The $29,000 neighborhood connections grant is the result of a city program designed to help neighborhoods make improvements which will benefit the entire neighborhood. The reward stipulates volunteers from the neighborhood must help the city to complete any needed work.

Kirkland Connections Program

There are great choices to pick from.  Below are photos of the the projects up for a vote with a description of each proposal from the Neighborhood Potential Projects. The estimated cost for the project follows the description.

1.  116th Walkway improvement:  widen and place a gravel path along the east side of 116th south of 94th.   $15,000.

116th and 94th

2. 116th Walkway Improvements:  Asphalt a portion of the 116th Avenue NE walkway between NE 87th and NE 94th. $8200.

 

3.  Entrance enhancement:  Enhance the entrance to the Highlands at 116th Ave NE and NE 87th at the curve in the road.  Landscape with drought tolerant plants, and either remove or refurbish kiosk.  $2500.

116th entrance

4.  Entrance Enhancement:  Enhance the entrance to the neighborhood at 112th Ave NE and 87th St. by the railroad tracks.  Landscape with drought tolerant plants, possibly install a Highlands sign, remove or refurbish kiosk.  $7500.

112th Ave NE Kiosk112th entrance

5.  Highlands Park:  Install a fence or barrier to stop balls from rolling into the street.  Block cars from driving on the grass. $3-5000.

Highlands Park

Highlands Park

6.  Cotton Hill Park: Build raised gravel trail to help keep trail dry year round (approx 750 feet) The trail is used by Kirkland Jr. High students to go to school. $5000.

Cotton Hill Park path

7.  Cotton Hill Park: Plan and fund Phase Two of park restoration by possible goat rental again (they are here now!), continuing to removing invasive species, and plant native species. $1000- $4,000.

(Even though the Earth Day project is cleaning up Cotton Hill Park, planting will need to be done at a later date)

Cotton Hill Park

8.  Spinney Homestead Park:  Remove roots and resurface asphalt walk where damaged along the perimeter walkway.  $2,500.

9.  Cedar View Park:  Remove swings and install a play structure. Play structure to be chosen by neighborhood association along with City’s Park Department.  Swings would be relocated to another city park.  $9-25,000.

Cedar View Park

 Cedar View Park interior

10. Forbes Creek Park:  Patch and resurface both the tennis and basketball courts.  The city is scheduled to resurface these courts in 2011-12.  $8900 and $5600 for a total of $14,500.

Forbes Creek athletic courts

11. Stairs at Forbes Creek:  Rebuild stairs from north end of 116th down to railroad tracks. Project to include purchase of materials, wood timbers, and gravel. (This would be a volunteer neighborhood work project) $7000.

Forbes Creek stairs

12. Street light: Add street light along 114th between NE 85th and NE 87th close to neighborhood entrance sign. $6000

13.  Street lights: 115th Pl NE.  two new light poles.  One at the corner of 104th and 115th PL NE and the other at the bottom of the hill.  Contingent on approval of adjacent property owners.  Each pole is $6000.  $12,000 total.

14  Way finding signs for Highlands walk:  Install directional arrow signs and location signs along a selected walking route within neighborhood. $1000- $3000.

 

These are all good options and it would be great to have many of these projects completed.  My vote goes to the entrance areas by 112th and the corner of 116th and NE 87th.  The weak entrance areas to our neighborhood affect everyone who lives here, taking away from the charm and beauty of the neighborhood. Fresh looking entrances will improve the feel of our neighborhood for all.  Remember to vote for three choices in order of preference.

 

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The Goats Will be in Kirkland, Washington’s Highlands This Week For 3 Square Meals and a Celebration of Earth Day

In Kirkland News, Kirkland WA on April 15, 2008 at 8:46 pm

The fence is up and waiting for the arrival of the goats.

 

Starting on the 17th of this month, the goats will be having “dinner” in The Highlands courtesy of the Cotton Hill Park invasive plants, especially the blackberry vines. 

In honor of Earth Day, on Saturday, April 19th from 9 AM to noon,  the city has called all two and these four legged critters to clean out the rest of the invasive blackberry vines in Cotton Hill Park. Access to the park will be best at the lower entrance on 110th AVE and NE 98th.

Two legged critters are welcome to join in and help the goats get rid off all the invasive species on the 19th.   Be prepared for wet, muddy conditions. Wear comfortable work clothes, boots, and gloves.  Don’t forget to bring your garden equipment (labeled with your name).  All pruning shears, shovels, and clippers are welcome.

Goats have been munching on invasive plantings in the Northwest for some time as municipalities become aware of the benefits of using goats. The goats offer an inexpensive means to eradicate invasive plants.  They’re a cost effective alternative to renting heavy machinery. 

 The PI reported on the goats clearing some land last year in Bellevue.   The Eastside Business Journal.com also had a story about this weeks’ goat and Earth Day events. The city of Kirkland is a major sponsor of the event. For additional information about going green and improving parks in the city of Kirkland, you can check out theKirklandGreen website.

 For photos of the park before the goats arrive for dinner, you can check out my previous blog posting.  Photos will be posted to show the “after” when people and the goats are finished.

Parking will be provided at Peter Kirk Elementary and people can access the park through the school’s back gate, across the railroad tracks, and north on 110th Ave NE.  Snacks will be provided.

Don’t forget, Saturday, July 12th, 2 legged critters will be called to finish the rest of the park cleanup.

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Weekly Real Estate Buzz in The Kirkland Highlands through April 11th, 2008

In buyers, Kirkland News, Kirkland WA, Kirkland, WA Real Estate, market statistics, Real estate, sellers, Weekly market update on April 12, 2008 at 8:02 am

Update post-it

Active Listings:   27(26)

New listings:  0(2) 

Re-listed properties: 0(1)

Sold subject to inspection:  0(1)  

Pending:  1(1)

Closed Sales:   2(1)

Contingent sale: 0(0)

Number of Price Reductions:  0(0)
Cancelled listings 0(0)
Expired Listings0(1)
Temporarily Off Market  0(0)
Price increase  0(0)
Back on market 1(0)

———————————–

0-$349,999:   0(0)

$350,000-$499,999:   1(1)

$500,000-$749,999:    8(8)

$750,000-$999,999:  10(10)

$1,000,000- $1,499,999:   5(4)

$1,500,000- $2,999,999:   3(3)
———————————–
Average Price: $976,985($961,678)
Median Price:   $877,050(875,300)

Market: 57(50)

Highest Priced Listing: $2,299,950 ($2,299,950)

Lowest Priced Listing: $489,000 ($489,000)

My analysis of this week’s real estate buzz (through midday Friday.  Numbers in red are from the previous week.

New listings:

none this week

Homes receiving offers:

(homes in which an offer has been made, but is now going through a building inspection)

Homes sold contingent:

(The buyer has to sell their home as a condition of the sale.)

None this week.

Homes that are pending sales:

(home sales in which the inspection has been satisfied)

$799,950 contemporary two story with 2235 square feet and a view.

Closed sales:

(Homes in which the new owner has moved in!)

$429,000 Bungalow on 114th PL NE. Original price of $440,000. Sold for 2.5% below asking price.

$690,000 remodeled rambler in Hidden Hills.  Original list price of $750,000. Sold for 8% below original list price.

Cancelled listings:

None at this time

Back On Market

(Homes which have come back on the market)

$1,499,950 Altezza daylight rambler with 3680 square feet and a view.

___________________________________________________

Town homes/condos

7  town homes currently on the market

New listings:

 $715,000  Highland Creek with 1700+ square feet and a view.

Sold subject to inspection:

Pending:

Price reduced:

Closed sales:

No new activity in the above categories.

________________________________

This was a quiet week in the Highlands.  There was little real estate activity this week.  However, the goats should be fairly busy later this week over in Cotton Hill Park!  Come on down and help.

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