Chief Cherie Harris – Kirkland Chief of Police since April 2016
She started her career at Washington State University, then moved to Monroe before joining the Kirkland department over four years ago. Approach to her job as chief: listening to the officers, demonstrating that she cares, making sure they have equipment. One way she demonstrates that she’s gone out on SWAT calls and investigations to be present with the officers. For the last three years, the top calls for service are: 1. Collisions 2. Car prowls, vehicle thefts (typically when something valuable is left in sight). 3. Residential burglaries Tip: if you park on the street with your garage door opener in your car and it is broken into, the thief can get into your garage. If you have an unlocked door from the garage to the house, you are at risk for burglary. Drug crimes: There are crimes related to drugs. There have been fatal overdoses of heroin of young people. The fire department is working on carrying overdose antidotes. There have been very few calls related to Kirkland’s marijuana stores. The Department is finishing a 5+ year Strategic Plan. One aspect of the plan calls for looking at the data for every call for service to problem solve. One goal is to become more involved in the community. One idea is to have an online system to report crimes that don’t require a police officer to show up and take a report. For example, if a car appeared to be broken into but nothing was stolen, you could report it online. Recruiting and Retention: In the past, turnover was very low. But there have been 11 retirements and people moving for other opportunities. Eight positions have been hired and are going through the police academy. There are 98 officers and can hire two “over-hires” because of the number of people reaching retirement age. There are 20 staff members at the jail. Audra Weber has been Kirkland’s neighborhood resource officer. She will go back to patrol until the department increases staffing. Tip: you can call the business line or email [email protected] for questions or when you want to discuss something about policing. Houghton/Everest Neighborhood Center and 6th Street Corridor Angela Ruggeri is in the Planning Department responsible for this project and the plan is at http://www.kirklandwa.gov/ depart/planning/Development_ Info/projects/he6th.htm Marcia Wagoner from 3 Square Blocks – Consulting Company Hired by Kirkland City Planning Department to do public outreach. The goal is to update the Comprehensive Plan, update zoning regulations, and address Transportation issues. For example, the PCC grocery store wants to redevelop to add more space. This initiative is to help determine what could be possible. Right now, businesses are zoned for up to 30 feet in height. The citywide survey is open until October 28, 2016 at https://he6.metroquest.com There have been over 500 responses, with about 10% from Moss Bay. Results so far: · People want retail and restaurants. Don’t want offices and housing. However, Moss Bay’s results were higher for including mixed-use retail/housing. Most preferred small scale buildings with public spaces. · High interest in traffic controls for bikes and pedestrians. In November (2nd or 3rd), there will be a community workshop at Northwest University, to review survey findings, review pros and cons of land use and transportation options. The Planning Commission will review the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning November – January. The Transportation Commission will review and prioritize in the same time period. The recommendations will be presented to the City Council in early 2017. If you have questions about any city topic, or want to make a complaint or request, visit http://www.kirklandwa.gov/City_Services/question.htm KAN Update The city is putting on a program for residents on January 9, 2016 at the Kirkland Performance Center. The focus is on neighborhoods and topics that concern residents within each neighborhood. The featured speaker is Peter Kageyama, who is highly respected as a dynamic speaker with skills in making neighborhoods more meaningful. http://www.Fortheloveofcities.com Neighborhood Safety Program Must have our top 2 neighborhood ideas are by November 3rd. We will email the MBNA email list a survey monkey of the top ideas to have people vote on their top 2 preferences. Go to this site to request a project.
Kirkland Development Update In Development: · Kirkland Urban (former Park Place site) – Two office buildings 375,000 (square feet) with retail and restaurants, plus 185 homes. · Park and Main – Mixed use building with retail on the Park Lane side, and 128 homes. · State Street Lofts – 4 homes at the corner of State and NE 68th · Two developments nearing completion: at 7th Ave S and at the intersection of State Street and 4th Ave S; both about 30 homes. Planning Stage: · Areta is adding an extension to their current building with 70 apartment units. · The former Bungee office building near QFC will become 184 units in a mixed-use building. Comments are closed.
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