December 2018

 

Shoreline Master Program 2019 Periodic Review

On Nov. 13, the King County Council approved a two-year budget for 2019-2020 – including funding for its new Department of Local Services. Local Services funds will support improved coordination of county services in unincorporated areas. Projects for the new biennium include starting a program to replace aging county bridges, sidewalk repairs in North Highline and West Hill/Skyway, a new culvert replacement program, improvements to the permitting process, and economic development to build stronger communities (learn more).

The overall county budget also includes funds to support the Creekside Village Apartments project on Vashon Island and the Evergreen pool in White Center (learn more).

 
 

Share your thoughts on county Shoreline Master Program through Nov. 30

photo of Vashon shoreline

King County is doing a periodic review of its Shoreline Master Program under the Washington State Shoreline Management Act. The county is proposing regulatory changes for net pens and evaluating how to address increased risks and hazards related to sea level rise.

All comments will become part of the record.

To submit comments:


Road news and upcoming closures

Bridge closure

Starting at 9 a.m. on Dec. 4, Road Services will close the Kanaskat Overcrossing Bridge along Cumberland Kanaskat Road SE near Black Diamond for repair work. The work requires a full closure of the bridge and roadway from Retreat Kanaskat Road south for 1,000 feet (see map). Signs will direct drivers along a detour during the closure, which is expected to last until 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7.

Get ready for winter

It’s time to prepare for snow, ice, and other winter weather! We’re getting ready, and you can too—check your snow route and learn more on the Road Services Snow & Ice page.

cartoon: hot air balloon being blown away from Seattle

Don’t get blown off course by the viaduct closure!

If your commute takes you on Seattle’s Alaskan Way Viaduct, you’ll need to make other plans. The viaduct is scheduled to close on Friday evening, Jan. 11 – less than two months from now. Metro’s website offers details on several travel options.


Share your thoughts on King County parks/trails

Take our survey

As part of its commitment to improving visitor experiences, King County Parks is looking for visitor opinions. What’s great about our parks, trails, and natural areas? What could be improved to make them even better?

Take the survey before Dec. 7 and leave your email address to be entered in a drawing to win two tickets to a concert at Marymoor Park in 2019.


Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Area news

Adult beverage ordinance

On Nov. 9, the Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council, the Upper Bear Creek Unincorporated Area Council, and the Hollywood Hill Association submitted a combined set of comments on proposed Ordinance 2018-0241 to the King County Council’s Planning, Rural Service, and Environment Committee. The comments included recommendations to remove demonstration project overlays, close certain loopholes, and provide for a 12-month grace period (see letter).

196th Avenue SE corridor

On Nov. 20, the Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council submitted to the King County Department of Transportation further recommendations on safety measures to be assessed and implemented along the 196th Avenue SE corridor (see letter).

Special event: Reserve Silica Mine site cleanup project

On Nov. 16, the Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council and the Washington State Department of Ecology co-hosted an in-depth discussion of the department’s Draft Agreed Order for cleanup of the Reserve Silica Mine site in Ravensdale. An open house was followed by presentations and a detailed question/answer period. For details about the site, see the council’s Reserve Silica page.


SE King County Area news

Are you ready?

Be ready when disaster strikes

King County’s Office of Emergency Management and the City of Pacific are sponsoring a free all-ages disaster skills training in January that’s open to residents of the unincorporated SE King County Area. The workshop will provide an overview of likely hazards and the skills needed after a disaster, including utility control, water storage and purification, emergency sanitation, and creating emergency plans. To register, call Nicole Schunke at 253-929-1106 or register online.

Disaster Preparedness Education Event Thursday, Jan. 24, 6:30-8 p.m. Pacific City Hall Council Chambers 100 3rd Avenue SE Pacific


Upcoming Community Meetings

Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage

No meetings scheduled for November and December. See website for the latest information and to confirm meetings.

Fall City Community Association

Tuesday, Dec. 4, 7-8:30 p.m.
Fall City Fire Station
4301 334th Place SE
Fall City

Monthly board meeting, open to the public. Presentations by community members and county officials. For more information, visit the website.

Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council

Tuesday, Dec. 11, 7-9 p.m.
Eastside Fire & Rescue Station 78
20720 SE May Valley Road
Issaquah

Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.

Friends of Bass Lake

Saturday, Dec. 1, 9-11 a.m.
Enumclaw Senior Center
1350 Cole Street
Enumclaw

See Facebook page for place and time.

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council

Monday, Dec. 3, 7-9:30 p.m.
Maple Valley Fire Station
Southeast corner of SE 231st Street and SR-169 intersection

Guest speakers will be Tony Giurado, new Superintendent of Tahoma School District #409, and Chief Aaron Tyerman, Fire District #43/Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety. Topics and speakers for 2019 meetings will be discussed. Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meetings.

Green Valley/Lake Holm Association Meeting

Wednesday, Nov. 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Fire District 44, Station 95
32316 148th Avenue SE
Auburn

At the Nov. 28 meeting, Captain Lance Dauber from KC Sheriff’s Precinct 3 will give family and property safety tips focused on the holiday season. There will be no meeting in December. Regular meeting agenda items include committee updates on transportation, environmental, and safety issues. Visit the association on Facebook or Twitter or send email for more information.

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council

Thursday, Dec. 6, 7-9 p.m.
1243 SW 112th Street
White Center
(parking and entrance in back of station)

Monthly meeting of all-volunteer neighborhood based community organization, open to the public. For agenda information visit the website. For more information contact Barbara Dobkin.

Skyway Solutions Community Development Association

Monday, Dec. 10, 6-8:30 p.m.
13470 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S
Seattle

Open to the public. Skyway Solutions is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in unincorporated Skyway. For more info, call 206-706-6400.

West Hill Business Association Monthly Meeting

Tuesday, Dec. 18, 9-11 a.m.
Skyway VFW
7421 South 126th Street

For West Hill business owners interested in connecting with other local business owners to strengthen our business district, create more visibility, and improve our neighborhood. For more information, visit the website or send email to contact@mywesthill.org.

West Hill Community Association Board Meeting

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 7-9 p.m.
King County Fire District 20 Training Center
12424 76th Avenue South

Board meetings are open to the public and often feature guest speakers as well as community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information, visit the website or send email to contact@mywesthill.org.

Upper Bear Creek Community Council

No meeting scheduled for December. Visit the website or Facebook page for the latest information and to confirm meetings.