Last Update:  November 3, 2004
Positions recently advocated by the residential and business community appear to be at odds with one another regarding existing and proposed development and uses in the Southeast Redmond neighborhood. The primary concern described by residents is noise and truck traffic on 188 Avenue NE. The primary concern voiced by the business community is the need to continue existing and planned industrial and business park activities. This web page provides information regarding actions taken and City of Redmond source documents pertinent to the issue.

Background
The new Woodbridge community located in Southeast Redmond is part of a large, residential area adjacent to an industrial zone that is home to Lakeside Industries, Cadman Gravel, Genie Industries, and others.  Some of these companies have been in business in Redmond for as long as 70 years.  There are approximately 1,500 residential units built, or under construction, on 188 Avenue NE, and an additional 1,000 units are presently planned in the area.

Since December 2003, City staff has received concerns from area residents regarding noise and truck traffic.  The Woodbridge community is primarily dissatisfied with the presence of the large commercial trucks using 188 Avenue NE.  This roadway is bracketed with homes whose residents see the truck traffic as noisy and intrusive.  Local business owners are concerned about efforts to eliminate essential routes and activities throughout this area.  The following list shows five categories of issues, as well as the commonly stated, diverse interests of the residents and business owners.

Issues
1. Traffic Volume 

• Prohibit trucks from using 188 Avenue NE.
• Discourage general traffic and trucks from traveling on 188 Avenue NE.
• Do not restrict the hours that trucks can use the roads.
• Do not close roads to truck traffic.

2. Speed (determine and post speed limits on 185 Avenue NE and on 188 Avenue NE) 

• Lay the speed argument to rest.  City traffic studies indicate that trucks are not the offenders.
• Reduce the speed limit on 188 Avenue NE.  (Resolved at the Oct 5, 2004 City Council meeting.  Vote was 5-1 to post the roadway at 35 MPH).
• Increase the speed limit on 185 Avenue NE.  (Resolved at the Oct 5, 2004 City Council meeting.  Vote was 6-0 to post the roadway at 30 MPH).
• Increase speed enforcement.

3. Noise

• Regulate truck noise.
• Seek voluntary actions from businesses to mitigate noise.

4. Road classification and connectivity 

• Change the classification of 188 Avenue NE between Redmond/Fall City Highway and Union Hill Road from its current classification as a minor arterial to a lower "classified" local street.
• Eliminate the proposed connection of 188 Avenue NE to Union Hill Road.
• Create an alternate arterial route bypassing 185 Avenue NE and 188 Avenue NE.
• Complete the plan to build the arterial network.

5. Miscellaneous 

• Repair the street lighting system that is currently not functioning in the community.  (NOTE: This has been completed.)
• Relocate the existing school bus stop on 188 Avenue NE.  (NOTE: This issue has been referred to the Lake Washington School District for safety review.)
• Prohibit 188 Avenue NE as a detour route for the SR 202 Sahalee Project.  (NOTE: City has agreed to this.)
• Install a traffic signal on 188 Avenue NE at NE 65 Street.

Research
Staff research into guiding documents and approved community plans shows that there are several that pertain to development and future plans for the Southeast Redmond neighborhood.  They for the most part clarify previous decisions and shed considerable light on the issues now being raised by the community.  An overview of the information as well as links to documents or pertinent passages is provided below:

• Lakeside Community Traffic Issues.  (Includes Summary of Statements Pertaining to the Lakeside Development and 188 Avenue NE.)
• Comprehensive Land Plan Use Map.
• Zoning Map.
• Community Development Guide.
• Comprehensive Plan.

What's Happened?
In response to community requests, City staff proposed ordinances to establish a 30 MPH speed limit on 185 Avenue NE and a 35 MPH speed limit on 188 Avenue NE.  The City Council considered these proposals at their September 7, 2004 meeting.  Woodbridge residents gave testimony at the meeting.  Additional comments from the business community were received at the September 21, 2004 City Council meeting.  At the September 7, 2004 City Council meeting, Council members voted 6-0 to refer both speed limit matters to the City Council Public Safety Committee, which would convene on September 22, 2004. 

At the September 22, 2004 City Council Public Safety Committee, after additional testimony from staff, residents, and the business community, it was recommended that both issues be considered by the full City Council at their October 5, 2004 meeting.  At that City Council meeting, the ordinance to establish a 30 MPH speed limit on 185 Avenue NE was approved 6-0.  Following a defeated attempt to consider lowering the speed limit on 188 Avenue NE from the proposed 35 MPH to 30 MPH, the ordinance to establish a 35 MPH speed limit on 188 Avenue NE was approved 5-1. 

What's Next?
Speed limit signs to establish a posted speed of 30 MPH on 185 Avenue NE and a posted speed of 35 MPH on 188 Avenue NE will be installed on Monday, October 18, 2004.

The ordinance to establish a 30 MPH speed limit on 185 Avenue NE and a 35 MPH speed limit on 188 Avenue NE was approved at the City Council meeting on October 5, 2004.