CITY SEEKS NORTH BEND CITIZENS FOR INPUT ON BALLOT MEASURE
The City Council recently passed a resolution to place a proposition on the November 2 General Election ballot authorizing the renewal of the taxing authority for the North Bend Transportation Benefit District (TBD) No. 1, which expires in April 2022. The measure would authorize the renewal and continued collection of two-tenths of one percent (0.2%) sales and use tax within the boundaries of the TBD, which are the same as the city limits, for the purpose of financing a portion of the costs associated with projects identified in the City’s Transportation Improvement Program, multi-modal connectivity projects, and streets, sidewalks, and trails repairs and improvements. If this measure is approved by the voters, the tax will continue to be collected for another 10 years rather than expiring in April 2022. The City Council is seeking residents to serve on two committees to draft statements in favor of or in opposition to the ballot measure. The statements will be included in the King County Voter’s Pamphlet for the November election. Up to three individuals will be appointed to each committee by the City Council at its July 20th meeting. Those interested in serving on either the pro or con committee need to submit their name, address, phone number, e-mail address and which committee they would like to serve on, to the City as soon as possible, but no later than July 13, 2021. For more information, contact City Clerk Susie Oppedal at (425) 888-7627 or soppedal@northbendwa.gov.
SEASONAL BURNING MORATORIUM IN EFFECT
Eastside Fire & Rescue, which serves the City of North Bend and surrounding unincorporated King County areas, is reminding residents that its annual burning moratorium went into effect on Tuesday, June 15, and runs through September 30. This authorized seasonal burning moratorium is a precautionary measure to reduce fire danger.
NORTH BEND LIBRARY REOPENS JULY 7
The King County Library System (KCLS) announced it has advanced to Phase 4 of its multiphase reopening plan following the reopening of Washington State. Per the plan, the North Bend Library branch reopens on July 7. Hours of operation will be announced after the library reopens.
DOWNTOWN CONDOMINIUM PROJECT BEGINS
Site work for a new 23-unit condominium project along E. Park Street – near the new North Bend Way roundabout – has begun. These will be the first new condominiums built in the City in over 20 years, helping to meet the Comprehensive Plan goal of diversified housing options in a walkable location to downtown services. That site work – which includes clearing, grading, utilities, and curb, gutter and sidewalk construction – will be completed by developer TCMM Sequoia. When site work is completed, the project is expected to be sold to Pulte Homes of America for condominium construction at which point the name will be changed from Cade Vu to “109 Degrees.”
KING COUNTY BREAKS GROUND ON NEW NORTH BEND LOOP VEHICLE MAINTENANCE FACILITY
In June, King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) broke ground on a new Loop Vehicle Maintenance and Staging Facility in the eastern portion of the City. For the past five years, King County has worked with community members and the City on planning, designing and permit approvals to construct this new facility, located off exit 34 near I-90, on County-owned land. Construction of the new facility – located between 468th Avenue SE, SE 144th Street and SE 146th Street – is expected to take approximately 18 months.
KING COUNTY EVICTION PREVENTION AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
King County has opened the next round of its Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program (EPRAP). The program helps people experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 who are at risk of housing instability or homelessness. The program is funded by $145 million from the Federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), and will help King County residents by paying past, current, and future rent and targeting resources to people in need.
PUGET SOUND ENERGY ‘COVID BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM’
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) recently created a new COVID Bill Assistance Program, designed to help qualified customers facing financial struggle pay their utility bills. Since launching the program in late April, PSE has distributed over $9 million directly to its customers to reduce or eliminate outstanding balances. The program offers: up to $2,500 in additional utility bill payment assistance; up to $2,500 to forgive past balances for customers who received energy assistance in the past; extended payment plans up to 18 months; the option to change your energy bill’s due date to help with monthly budgeting.
— Courtesy of the City of North Bend
