The West Lake Sammamish Association

West Lake Sammamish Association Fall 2002 Meeting Summary

The fall 2002 neighborhood meeting of the Association was held at the Vasa Park Ballroom on Oct. 8th.   More than 50 area residents from Bellevue, Redmond, and Issaquah turned out to learn what’s been happening.

The WLSA Board summarized the status of a variety of issues and projects. A representative of the "Bellevue Charter Now" initiative explained the proposal to place a ballot measure before voters next spring. And, as usual, the floor was opened to residents to express their concerns and to offer solutions to issues confronting the neighborhood.

Topics Covered

Board members preceded an update on Parkway issues with broad questions, initially focusing on "pro’s" and "con’s" of the recent Bellevue annexation. Traffic concerns were also discussed. Among the topics attendees heard about -  (Click here to view summaries of these topics)

· Road Reconstruction In Redmond

· Radar Speed Signs Added In Redmond

· Bellevue Monitors Landslide Areas

· "Same-side" Mailbox Project in Bellevue

·  The Plastic Mountain

· Tri-Plex Being Opposed By WLSA

· Vasa Park Crosswalk Signs

· NEP Program to Place Sidewalk on 34th

· Widening at Immersion School

· Landscaping Due for Round-About

· Parks Bond Issue

 

How Do Those In the Recently Annexed Area Feel?

Pro’s

bulletIt’s much easier for contractors to get building permits in Bellevue.
bulletThere’s greater police protection – both quantity and responsiveness.

Con’s

bulletLess roadside vegetation control

What is the status of traffic from your perspective?

Traffic Continues to Increase

            Suggestions – 

bulletChange the Arterial designation of the Parkway, then
bulletNarrow the road to discourage through traffic.
bulletAt least find ways to interrupt the flow of traffic.

Extremely difficult to get in and out of driveways during peak periods

            Suggestions – 

bulletPromote a "Let Your Neighbor Out" Program.
bulletPlace signs citing a requirement to let people out.
bulletInterrupt the continuous flow of traffic

Drivers frequently pass you if you are going at or below the speed limit

Suggestions – 

bulletEnforce the speed limit!
bulletPlace a median down the center to prohibit passing.
bulletGet the license plate and report it to the Police.

In congested periods drivers will pass on the right

Suggestions - 

bulletPut curbing in to prevent passing.
bulletIdentify problem locations and place plastic posts.
bulletGet the license plate and report it to the Police.

Other Issues

"Mountain Beavers" are devastating hillside in vicinity of 1300 Block SE.

Suggestions – WLSA will contact the City seeking definitive action.

A Culvert in vicinity of 1400 SE dumps area drainage onto resident’s property

        Suggestions -

bullet Report the problem to the City, requesting an On-site inspection.                            Accompany the request with a letter and pictures as documentation.

Land Use Issues

Dwelling in vicinity of SE 2nd has been under construction for 4 years and causes nuisances. Parking problems abound due to workers.

Suggestion: Contact the Police if parking is in the street right-of-way and is blocking sight distance or private property access, or if they are parking on your property.  Check with the Planning Dept's permit division and confirm that permits are in order.  Ask to speak to the inspector for this project and voice your complaint.