Town center planning work delayed
The city is still seeking public input on the vision for Town Center and has added several public engagement opportunities throughout the summer.
Public Input Meetings are scheduled for June 16 and July 16 from 5:30–7:30 in the Mercer Room at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center (8236 S.E. 24th St.). The June meeting will focus on the Vision for Town Center and the Town Center Code. The July meeting will focus on Town Center Comprehensive Plan Policies.
Due to this extended public process, the presentation to the City Council from urban planning consultant Seth Harry was rescheduled from June 1 to Sept. 8.
On May 18, the Council voted to extend the timeline for the community to understand and comment on Town Center issues. At the same meeting, the City Council agreed to delay adoption of the 2015 Comprehensive Plan Update to allow inclusion of new or revised policies and information reflecting the outcome of the Town Center process.
City staff said that continuing the current contracts of Seth Harry and Associates and 3 Square Blocks is necessary to provide support for this extended community engagement process, meaning that the budget will be revised. The Council will discuss the budget revision on June 15.
Town Center Liaison Group meetings are yet to be scheduled.
Town Center public input meetings
• June 10 – Town Center Stakeholder meeting
• June 16 – Public input meeting
• June 30 – Stakeholder meeting
• July 11/12 – Summer Celebration (art and information at city booth)
• July 16 – Public input meeting
• August 6 – Stakeholder meeting
• Sept. 8 – Open house and report to City Council
Police focus on cell phones use and distracted driving
The Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) is partnering with the State Patrol and other agencies, looking for people talking on their cell phones (without hands-free attachment) or texting while driving in King County. Drivers will face a $124 fine.
Researchers have found that using a cell phone, either handheld or hands-free, delays a driver’s reaction as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08.
From 2011 to 2013, “distracted driver” crashes accounted for more than 24 percent of all traffic deaths in King County according to data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. The MIPD and its partners are working on reducing the frequency of these incidents.
Learn more at www.targetzero.com.
City hiring lifeguards for Island beaches
The city is still looking to hire lifeguards for Groveland and Luther Burbank Beaches this summer.
Guards must possess and maintain certifications in Lifeguard Training, Community CPR and First Aid, and be at least 16 years of age. Apply at www.govjobstoday.com.
Lifeguards are on duty from Monday, June 22 to Monday, Sept. 7, from noon to 6 p.m. at Luther Burbank and noon to 7 p.m. at Groveland. Beaches are subject to closure due to inclement weather or low staffing. Clarke Beach is not guarded.
For large group visits to the beaches, complete a group usage form on www.miparks.net and email it to Ryan.Daly@mercergov.org.
