Rapid Response
January 31, 2013
Are you concerned about the traffic impact that Bellevue’s construction of a new bridge replacing an aging culvert under Coal Creek Parkway, may cause and why?
Yes, I’m very concerned about the impact this will cause. Coal Creek Parkway already gets congested in the morning and evening commute times. This will seriously bring more congestion and I’ll personally look for alternative routes. — Jackie Foskett
Yes. A backup beyond Factoria due to a lane closure for a truck problem at the same location; other bypasses being congested. — Peggy Price Read more
Rapid response
January 3, 2013
What is your New Year’s resolution?
Go green in 2013!
— Grace Stiller
My New Year’s resolution is to do whatever I can to help to improve the
U.S. economy to create jobs in our region and country. I hope my dream is shared by others across the nation.
— Jesse Tam
I’ve taken to not making resolutions; instead I have reframed my intentions for the New Year as “creating” what I want to happen each year. It’s a different energy and much more powerful.
— Jackie Foskett
Rapid Response
December 6, 2012
In honor of the Newcastle Library’s grand opening, what is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring.” It was the driving force that opened people’s eyes to issues and the long-range complications of not understanding how we affect the health of our environment. It tweaked the consciousness, catapulting the environmental movement. She died early of cancer, but I’m sure she would have had a lot more to say.
— Grace Stiller
Mine would be “A Child’s Garden of Verses.” Having learned it by heart from reading it so many times to my children, I often recite a stanza or two from one of the poems to mark one of those quotidian, but still heart-lifting moments — “How do you like to go up in a swing, up in the sky so blue…” or “In winter, I get up at night and dress by yellow candlelight…” Like music, it never loses its lilt.
— Sue Beverly
Rapid Response
November 1, 2012
What are you most looking forward to when the Newcastle Library opens Dec. 8?
An award-winning book and media selection that’s only minutes away. Not to mention, meeting rooms! Various clubs and HOAs would greatly appreciate that service.
— Dave Martinez
A great place to simply look at physical books, research and commune with others in our great Newcastle!
— Jackie Foskett
What capital projects or priorities would you like to see the City Council pursue as the 2013 preliminary budget is unveiled?
Carving bus turnouts to Newcastle Way and other streets that would benefit. Enough said.
— Dave Martinez
Rapid Response
October 4, 2012
If you could try any profession for a day, what would you choose and why?
I think massage therapy. I’m into the healing service professions (hypnotherapist and dental hygienist). Massage supports the mind and body in feeling better and healing.
— Jackie Foskett
Something like Oprah or Dr. Oz: Presenting helpful, useful, emotionally connecting material to millions in a crowd or TV format! Bring celebrities together to support a worthy cause and get useful information to people who need it!
— Christina Mason
Rapid Response
September 6, 2012
Would you be in favor of Newcastle being annexed into the city of Bellevue? Why/Why not?
Negative, Bellevue is full. There’s enough consolidation going on in America. Let’s keep this individuality as long as we can. We can start with our own ZIP code!
— Dave Martinez
Having our own city of Newcastle is probably best for us. We are one the best “small” cities of the country and we can set our own direction.
— Jesse Tam
I’d like to not have to be annexed to any other city, but Bellevue would be my choice if we absolutely saw no other way to keep Newcastle as a city. Bellevue has many more resources to be favorable for us.
— Jackie Foskett
I would like to see a study done on what efficiencies could be gained by annexation. Assuming efficiencies exist then yes I would be in favor. We would still be a unique neighborhood within Bellevue making this place still every bit as nice to live.
— Peter Zevenbergen
Rapid Response
August 2, 2012
Are you satisfied with the process made on the Newcastle Library this summer? Why/Why not?
It’s starting to move, but still rather slow. Too bad for all the contractor issues. We’re all waiting … maybe a bit impatiently now … smiles!
— Jackie Foskett
Definitely not … I think Synergy should vet their subcontractors more thoroughly. They got what they paid for.
— Dave Martinez
Rapid Response
July 3, 2012
What public transportation improvements would you like to see come to Newcastle?
I’d like to see a bus come close to Windtree (currently a mile away), a park & ride near the 44th Avenue Northeast interchange of Interstate 405 and light rail on the railroad corridor parallel to I-405 into Bellevue and Renton.
— Peggy Price
It would be nice to have better cover for our rain and winter wind at the bus stops and waiting areas.
— Jesse Tam
At this moment, I can’t think of one. I think our traffic is doing fine.
— Paula Spence
A shuttle bus to the golf club for happy hour!
— Jackie Foskett
Rapid Response
May 31, 2012
Do you think the City Council should consider creating a speed hump policy to standardize which areas get traffic-calming measures or take each instance case by case?
I don’t think it would make a difference to have the policy. We have bulb outs to slow down our traffic, but some people get used to them and still bomb down our hill. They are a deterrent and the flowerbeds look good, but I don’t think they work as well as they should. I have used my hand to wave up and down to slow down cars.
— Paula Spence
Given the uniqueness of each of the neighborhoods it would seem case by case would be best.
— Peter Zevenbergen
A combination might be good. If established criteria for speed bumps are met, the residents could be asked whether they want them. If residents request speed bumps, the City Council could consider the case even if it doesn’t meet the criteria.
— Peggy Price
Rapid Response
March 8, 2012
What are you most looking forward to for this year’s Newcastle Earth Day event?
My Daisy Girl Scout troop will be on hand, girl-manning the community recycled art activity! Come see the adorableness and create your best upcycled art!
— Trina Sooy
I’m looking forward to good weather to enjoy it!
— Jackie Foskett
Where are sidewalks/pedestrian friendly trails most needed in Newcastle?
I would like to see 116th Avenue Southeast have wide, continuous sidewalks on both sides of the street between Southeast 68th Street and Southeast 88th Street. Both Southeast 68th Street and Southeast 88th Street need continuous sidewalks connecting 116th Avenue Southeast to Coal Creek Parkway. This would establish the “primary” pedestrian grid needed to provide access to Lake Boren Park and our “micro” city center. “Secondary” spurs could be added as needed to connect smaller neighborhoods to this Main Street walkway.
— Jeff Skocelas
Southeast 89th off of Coal Creek Parkway to 116th Avenue Southeast — it would create a perfect running/walking loop.
— Trina Sooy
Finish linking the sidewalks on the east side of 116th Avenue and then run sidewalks down the north side of Southeast 88th/89th until they reach Coal Creek Parkway. That will offer sidewalks that circumnavigate nearly all of Newcastle.
— Lee Strom
What do you think of the Lake Boren Townhomes project on the north shore of Lake Boren?
Great use of the space/area.
— Trina Sooy
I like the idea of the Lake Boren Townhomes, but am concerned about what the final product will look like. Will it emphasize the waterfront? Will it include a public walkway like downtown Kirkland has in front of its newer lakefront condos? Will it look like dense apartment living with sparse vegetation or like a beautiful lakefront condo with thoughtful and beautiful landscape? I sure hope these were the questions asked during the permitting process.
— Maury Miller
I think they are fine. A bit small for my taste, what I’ve seen of the insides so far, but I know they will be great for some people. Nice location!
— Jackie Foskett
Join the conversation! Sign up to receive Rapid Response questions by emailing newcastle@isspress.com.
