Kenmore voters will have the opportunity to approve a bond measure to make their roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists and increase access to water at city parks.
If approved Nov. 8, City of Kenmore Proposition 1, known as Walkways and Waterways, would fund five projects from the Imagine Kenmore initiative during the next seven years.
City staff has been promoting the measure at events throughout the area, including the Sept. 22 Greater Bothell Chamber of Commerce meeting, where Kenmore City Manager Rob Karlinsey, Public Works Director Kris Overleese, Community Development Director Debbie Bent and Finance and Administration Director Joanne Gregory gave a presentation on Walkways and Waterways.
During the presentation, Karlinsey cited the results of the Imagine Kenmore community engagement process, which saw residents repeatedly inquire about pedestrian and bicycle safety and better access to the water. “That’s what Proposition 1 is all about,” he said.
Two of the proposed projects involve increased pedestrian and bicycle safety on 68th Avenue from 182nd Street to the northern city limits and Juanita Drive from the Kirkland city limit to 170th Street/Simonds Road. Both projects involve building new sidewalks.
The bond also would allow for improved waterfront access at Log Boom Park, Rhododendron Park and Squire’s Landing Park. The projects at Rhododendron Park and Squire’s Landing Park would also increase access to the parks’ open spaces.
The bond measure would raise $19.75 million over 20 years (approximately $1.2 million each year), paid for by a property tax increase of 32 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. Based on the median home value of $438,000 in Kenmore, the average cost would be $140.16 a year.
In its 18 years as a city, Kenmore hasn’t acquired any debt, and this is the city’s first ballot measure.
“We’re very proud of the fact that we haven’t had any debt,” Gregory said.
The measure requires 60 percent approval.
The city will host a public information session on Walkways and Waterways at 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at Kenmore City Hall. A presentation from city officials will start at 7 p.m. For more information on Proposition 1, visit www.kenmorewa.gov/walkwaysandwaterways.
