Issaquah Highlands Town Hall Meeting
On Feb 3, 2010 the meeting was standing room only at Blakely Hall as residents of Issaquah Highlands came to find out answers to their questions. The quest is strong to find out any new information. Outreach to the community was a needed and welcome event.
It was evident that IH folks want to be heard and kept informed. Lead by Judd Kirk, Port Blakely senior vice president, a panel of participants, Rene’ Ancinas, Genni Reilly, and Chris Hysom took residents through a history of the events from the very beginning of IH. The changes through these 12 years have been many and as neccessary they had to respond to these changes. Kirk pointed out that they don’t control things the way people think. Microsoft changed their mind about many things, the freeway interchange was delayed and that affected what could be built, and many other things not under their control. The latest challenge is, of course, the recession that has hit so hard.
Many very positive things are going on, like the Swedish Hospital under contruction, which will attract many other support groups. YWCA housing complex is beginning construction. The Proliance Sports medicine clinic is operating, successful and a very positive addition to IH. There are plans to begin development at the south end of IH with a large apartment complex. Opus is still a partner in developing the area around the hospital.
Port Blakely has been criticized recently for not getting the proposed mall underway, with some even suggesting that IH shouldn’t build any more housing until that is done. That kind of penalty would not help. Kirk pointed out that new housing is a positive as more density is important to attracting stores, tenants, restaurants, businesses.
Judd Kirk believes that getting a grocery store is a paramount issue, we would definitely agree. Plans are in the works to make that happen but much cannot be announced until it is a sure thing. Many of us were disappointed when Central Market decided not to procede. Port Blakely is also working on partnering with a new developer to assist in the commercial areas.
Kirk wants to have more robust interaction with the residents and the community, and in keeping with that theme, opened up the meeting for people to come to the front and ask questions or make suggestions. The meeting went on much longer than planned. Vicki Stier discussed ways to keep us informed, from surveys, to videos each month, and neighborhood captain meetings and more meeting like this. Volunteers from IH are very much appreciated and needed. Your input is always welcome, “send us your rumors” was voiced!
Many residents had suggestions: skate board park, swimming pool, farmers market, roads, gas station, and of course the mall. It will come but will be gradual.
It has been said that the residents of Issaquah Highlands are wonderful. Issaquah Highlands is not perfect, but it is still wonderful!
You can help, you can get involved. And don’t forget IH has 2 websites www.issaquahhighlands.com and www.ihwebsite.com . And of course, THIS BLOG!
