City encourages residents to report traffic with hashtag #MICommute
The city of Mercer Island wants neighbors to help each other cope with the changes to Interstate 90 access, now that the center roadway has closed. The city is encouraging Islanders to share information on social media, using the hashtag #MICommute, on available spaces at the Park and Ride, bus travel times, on-ramp congestion and other factors of their commutes.
“Add a photo if you can,” the city wrote on Twitter. “Make sure not to drive and text!”
For more traffic updates, follow the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) at www.twitter.com/wsdot_traffic. For commuter resources, see www.mercergov.org or www.justonetrip.org/Resources.
Public hearing on residential code amendments to be held June 12
The Mercer Island City Council will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. on June 12 regarding the Planning Commission’s recommendations for a zoning code text amendment that is intended to address the rapidly changing character of Mercer Island’s single-family neighborhoods. The council held a first reading for the amendments on June 5, after Reporter deadline.
The proposed amendments will result in changes to the regulations governing building height, gross floor area, setbacks, tree retention, landscaping and other related amendments intended to minimize the impact of new development on existing neighborhoods. Procedural changes to land division and deviations are also proposed. Information about the amendments can be found online at www.mercergov.org/residential.
The agenda will be posted at www.mercergov.org/councilmeetings. For more information, contact Planning Manager Evan Maxim at evan.maxim@mercergov.org or 206-275-7732.
Senior Foundation to host workshop on independence
The Senior Foundation of Mercer Island (SFMI) is hosting a workshop from 9:30 a.m. to noon on June 15 at the Community and Event Center to help seniors stay independent.
The SFMI wants seniors to stay in their homes as long as possible, and is determined to provide as much information as possible to make this goal a reality. Information on senior transportation and logistics are critical for this to occur.
At this free event, the foundation will provide information to satisfy seniors’ nutritional, medical and social needs. Sign up by calling 206-232-4597. Seating is limited.
Chamber of Commerce to host after hours social on June 14
Socialize, connect and grow a business relationship at the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce’s After Hours Business Social, hosted by S.R. Schill & Associates and the Chamber.
The event will be held from 5-7 p.m. on June 14. Wine and light appetizers will be served. RSVP to the Chamber at info@mercerislandchamberofcommerce.org.
In other Chamber news, Mercer Island High School DECA President Marcus Schiller was announced as this year’s scholarship recipient at the June 1 luncheon. Schiller recently placed sixth in the Business Services Marketing category at the International Career Development Conference.
The Chamber’s next luncheon will be in September. For more, see www.mercerislandchamberofcommerce.org.
