HNA General Meeting recap for Jan 2025
Mari
Thank you all for attending in person and on zoom at our general meeting last night.
We heard from Tom Chriest from the City of Kirkland about 1) why there was a change and 2) what they are doing about the low water pressure for some Highland residences.
Previously Highlands had only one source of water coming from NE 85th St. In May 2024, they increased our water interconnections from one to nine. They thought that would increase flow (pressure) and improve water quality because there would be fewer "dead ends".
Unfortunately, there are about 45 homes Highlands whose water pressure dramatically decreased because of the changes. The City of Kirkland is evaluating which of three consultants to hire. When they decide on the winning bidder, everyone on the list will be contacted and they want to schedule an appointment to visit each home. One city employee and one contractor will both be at the appointment. They will make individual recommendations, possibly, a rebate. They are hoping appointments will be made this winter or spring.
If you live in the Kirkland Highlands and are experiencing low water pressure, please contact TChr...@kirklandwa.gov.
After Tom’s presentation, we talked about Neighborhood Safety Program (NSP) ideas.
The City Council authorized the Neighborhood Safety Program (NSP) in June 2014. The purpose of the Program is to re-energize Neighborhood Associations by empowering them to work collaboratively to identify, prioritize and address pedestrian and bicycle safety issues in Kirkland neighborhoods.
Each year there is a total of $350,000 available for projects citywide under $75,000. Projects fall into the following categories:
Bicycle facility: Bike lanes or trails;
Crosswalks: New crosswalks, improved crosswalk ramps (ADA), and crosswalk islands;
Intersection Improvement: Signage, parking, and pedestrian "bump outs;"
Traffic Calming: Radar speed signs and traffic circles;
Walkway and Trail: Gravel trails, steps, curb, and traffic delineators; and
Streetlights: On existing utility pole or installing a light new pole.
If you have ideas, please let us know! Here is the website:
I shared the website below which is offering free trees!
Our next meeting is March 19, 2024, at 7PM and we will be back in the Peter Kirk Room at City Hall (south side of the building entrance). Hope to see you there! Please let us know if you want to recommend a speaker.
Other upcoming events are the Spring Egg hunt. We need a new volunteer to wear the Bunny costume. Please let us know if you are interested (just reply to this email).
Thank you! I love living in the Highlands and I enjoy all our wonderful parks and neighbors!
Mari Bercaw