Commuter parking study and survey on line

The results of a study on commuter parking alternatives within walking distance of the current Park and Ride location has been completed. The findings of the study, along with the criteria used to assess each parking option, were delivered to the Council at its annual Planning Session last weekend.

The study will also be presented to the public at an open house meeting on Jan. 29, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Mercer Island Community and Events Center. The study, along with a comment form, is available online at the city’s website on the ‘commuter parking web page.’

City’s updated open space plan ready for review

For the past 10 years, Mercer Island has been restoring its open space, — removing ivy, holly and other invasive plants and planting native trees and shrubs. Now the city is in the process of updating the plan that guides this work.

The past decade’s work has resulted in reducing the amount of invasive plants by half, according to a new study that assessed hundreds of study plots.

In an additional 142 plots, the number of native conifer trees regenerating in the forest averaged 78 trees per acre versus almost zero 10 years ago.

Climate change is likely to increase stress on native trees, said Alaine Sommargren, natural resources specialist. While the Pacific Northwest is expected to escape the more severe climate change anticipated in other parts of the U.S., increased summer drought could harm drought-sensitive native trees such as western hemlock and western red cedar.

The public is invited to review the draft plan and provide comments until Feb. 17. A public meeting on the updated draft plan will be held, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 at the Mercer Island Community and Events Center.

City Manager to speak at Chamber lunch

Mercer Island City Manager Noel Treat will be the speaker at the Feb. 5 luncheon meeting of the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce. at the MICEC.

Treat has had a first year full of challenges.

Issues confronting the city included the possibility of tolling on I-90, contaminated water, the controversy about remodeling the library, the call for more commuter parking and the integration of light rail.

Luncheon cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. For reservations and more information, contact the Chamber office at 206-232-3404.