Unincorporated Area Community News
Welcome to Community News, King County government's monthly newsletter for unincorporated area residents. You can find the newsletter online with links to program details, at www.kingcounty.gov/UnincorporatedAreaNews. To see previous versions of the Unincorporated Area Community eNewsletter visit the archives.
Engage with King County
Snoqualmie Valley farm pad meeting
King County has set a March 24 meeting for property owners interested in farm pads for livestock safety and equipment storage in flood-prone areas. The meeting is set for 7-9 p.m. at the Preston Community Center, 8625 310th Ave., Issaquah. For more information, contact Joelyn Higgins, 206-296-7159, or Claire Dyckman, 206-296-1926, or visit the Web site.
Fair-housing workshop
Rental owners and managers are invited to a free fair housing workshop and seminar on March 25. The 9 a.m. - noon session addresses fair housing basics, and the 1 - 3 p.m. interactive session covers advanced fair housing topics. The training is sponsored by the King County Office of Civil Rights and other fair housing agencies. Find directions and registration information at the Office of Civil Rights Web site.
Workshop helps residential permit applicants in ‘Getting to yes at DDES’
The King County Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES) is offering a workshop to prospective building permit applicants and property owners who intend to build one or more single family homes or do remodels in unincorporated King County in the coming year. The workshop is set for March 26, from 9 a.m. - noon at the Master Builders Association offices, 335 116th S.E., Bellevue. The cost is $20 per person and online registration is required. For more information visit the Web site or contact Paula Adams at 206-296-6682 or paula.adams@kingcounty.gov.
Green River flood safety information meeting
Learn more about Green River flood safety, flood risks and developments related to the Howard Hanson Dam operations March 31 at a meeting co-sponsored by King County and the King County Flood Control District in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The meeting will be in the Lindbloom Student Center at Green River Community College, 12401 SE 320th Street, Auburn, from 6-8 p.m. For more information, contact Katy Vanderpool at 206-296-8362. More details about Howard Hanson Dam can be found at http://www.nws.usace.army.mil.
Rural economic strategies public involvement
King County continues its review of the rural economic strategies, in coordination with rural UACs and as part of the comprehensive plan update. The next meeting is with the Vashon Unincorporated Area Council on April 20. Please join us on Vashon to discuss this important issue. For more information contact Julia Larson, Rural Economic Strategies Coordinator at julia.larson@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-1062.
Join the 'weed team' at Preston Athletic Fields and Park
This new community park has two soccer fields and plenty of space to walk or jog. Volunteers help keep the planted areas weed-free and thriving. Weeding parties are set for the last week of every month on weekday evenings and a weekend day. For more details and to sign up, contact Laurie Clinton at 206-296-4452 or laurie.clinton@kingcounty.gov.
Plant native trees and shrubs
March 14, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Help plant native trees in the wetland enhancement project at Chinook Bend, along the Snoqualmie River near Carnation. To sign-up, get directions, or for more information, contact Tina Miller at 206-296-2990 or tina.miller@kingcounty.gov.
March 21, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Help us plant native trees and shrubs at this beautiful site at Ricardo/Cedar Rapids along the Cedar River near Renton. To join this event, contact Tina Miller at 206-296-2990 or tina.miller@kingcounty.gov.
First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m. - noon
Remove invasive weeds and keep the trail clear on the Eastside Audubon BirdLoop Trail at Marymoor Park. Contact Laurie Clinton at 206-296-4452 or laurie.clinton@kingcounty.gov to register.
News
Track your pending permit applications online
DDES offers a new application on its Web site allowing citizens to track a variety of information about a pending permit application. "Permit at a Glance" can be found on line at http://your.kingcounty.gov/ddes/permits/reports/. Simply click the PERMIT SEARCH tab. Permit customers can see the real-time status of their application at multiple routing stations, the DDES staff person responsible for reviewing the application at each routing station, and staff review comments and related permit activities on the same parcel.
FEMA audit reduces flood insurance costs for property owners
DDES and the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) have recently completed the bi-annual Federal Emergency Management Agency audit of the county's work supporting the National Flood Insurance Program. King County's participation in this program significantly reduces flood insurance premiums for all citizens in King County. For more information, contact Don Gauthier at DDES at 206-296-7181; or Brian Murray at DNRP at 206-296-1906.
Q&A regarding court rulings on county's clearing limits
Questions and answers associated with court rulings on Critical Areas Ordinance clearing limits in the rural area can be found online.
KC Parks is looking for the next Big Idea
Big or small, we are looking for innovative partners who want to connect with the public and contribute to their communities by supporting Parks. Join the likes of Starbucks, Cirque du Soleil and Group Health in partnering with King County Parks.
2009 Youth sports applications now available
Public entities and youth sports leagues and other community groups are eligible to apply for King County Youth Sports Facilities Grant Program grants, which provide matching funds to rehabilitate or develop youth sports facilities. Letters of Intent are due May 1; full applications are due June 12.
Rental yurts damaged at Tolt-MacDonald Park
Vandals have struck Tolt-MacDonald Park in Carnation, causing several thousand dollars in damages to two of the county's six popular rental yurts. While repairs to the damaged yurts must be made before they're ready for public use, four undamaged yurts are available for rent at a great price. Tolt-MacDonald is a fantastic place for a mini-vacation, with hiking, biking, fishing and many other activities right outside your yurt's door!
County kicks off road construction season
A project to replace an aging bridge in May Valley will kick off the 2009 construction season for the King County Road Services Division. This year's work plan for the division includes some intersection and road improvements, several rehabilitation projects, countywide repaving, and a significant amount of road repairs related to damage from winter storms in December and January.
Juanita roads to 'smarten up'
King County began construction in February on two more Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) projects, and this pair will speed up traffic flow in busy corridors north of Kirkland. There's more in store for 2009 as the King County Road Services Division kicks off planning and design on additional ITS projects near Redmond, Kent/Auburn, Issaquah and White Center.
Spring is perfect time to clean your home and garage
Be sure to use safe and non-toxic cleaning products. To find out what's safe but effective, visit the Green Cleaning Web site. If you need to dispose of chemicals, like fertilizers or oils, call the hazards hotline at 206-296-4692 or go to the hazardous household chemicals Web site for safety and disposal information.
Jump start a new exercise routine
For tips and resources on starting a new exercise routine this spring check the Public Health — Seattle & King County's Get Active Web site. And why not start eating healthier too? Go to the nutrition Web site for easy ideas and recipes. Puget Sound Fresh is another great resource to find local farms that provide the freshest, best-tasting food.
Housing Repair Program
Do you need a new roof, a more efficient furnace or plumbing repairs? Does your electrical system need an update? If you are a low- to moderate-income King County homeowner, the King County Housing Repair Program may be able to help you. We offer no interest loans with no monthly payments for housing repairs and disability modifications. Find out more by calling the Housing Repair Program at 206-263-9095 or visit the Web site.
Sign up for the Elections eNewsletter
King County Elections distributes an electronic newsletter periodically to keep our constituents informed of important news, deadlines and the ongoing transition to all-mail voting. To receive the Elections eNewsletter, e-mail your request to vbm@kingcounty.gov.
Civil Rights Commission seeks applicants
The Martin Luther King, Jr. County Civil Rights Commission is soliciting applications from individuals in County Council District 9, represented by Council Member Reagan Dunn, and includes Maple Valley, Newcastle, Covington, Black Diamond, Enumclaw and parts of Kent, Renton and Bellevue. For more information, please contact Paula Harris-White at 206-296-8610 or Paula.Harris-White@kingcounty.gov, or visit the Web site.
Find a new pet
Meet adoptable cats and dogs March 14 at the Federal Way Petsmart and the Issaquah Petco from noon - 4 p.m. On March 21 come find a new best friend at the Tukwila Petsmart from noon - 4 p.m. If you can't make it to the adoption events, plenty of cats and dogs are waiting for a permanent home at King County animal shelters. For more information, including hours and directions, visit the Web site or call 206-296-PETS.
Pay property taxes quickly and easily online
Taxpayers who pay their property taxes themselves rather than through a mortgage lender received their 2009 annual property tax statement in mid-February. Taxpayers who pay their taxes via a mortgage lender will receive a postcard that explains how to access the county's database to review a detailed breakdown of levy rates and how property taxes are allocated to various governmental entities. To avoid interest and penalty charges the first-half of 2009 tax payments are due April 30. Residents who do not want to mail a check or visit a Community Service Center can quickly and conveniently pay online. For more information on property tax payment options, see the property tax home page.
Community news
Four Creeks/May Valley
Work begins to replace bridge on May Valley Road
King County is beginning a nine-month project to replace a deteriorating timber bridge on Southeast May Valley Road south of Issaquah. Traffic will be channeled into one lane, which may create disruptions for motorists.
Vashon
Future of farming meeting on Vashon
Vashon Island residents are invited to a public meeting April 9 from 7-9 p.m. at the Vashon Courthouse, 19001 Vashon Hwy SW. The meeting, sponsored by the King County Agriculture Commission, will provide Island residents with the opportunity to share their opinions on the future of farming on the island. For more information contact Steve Evans at 206-296-7824, steve.evans@kingcounty.gov.
West Hill
Join King County Parks, UW's Restoration Ecology Network and Friends of Skyway Park to get down and dirty in Skyway Park
A Habitat restoration work party will be held at Skyway Park S 120th Pl and 70th Pl S, Seattle on Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. — 1 p.m. Stick around for the picnic afterwards and help celebrate UW REN and FoSP's progress on the park's wetlands and natural areas. For more visit the King County Parks Volunteer Web site or contact Tina Miller at 206-296-2990 or tina.miller@kingcounty.gov.
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If you have comments or suggestions about future content, please contact Lauren Smith at 206-263-7146 or lauren.smith@kingcounty.gov.