Kenmore residents spoke and the city listened, with this Walkways and Waterways plan for expanded, safer walking/biking linking community hubs and major upgrades to waterfront parks. 

This proposal came from “Imagine Kenmore,” in which several hundred citizens strongly supported walking, biking and park improvements. This bond measure represents a solid community investment in a better quality of life for Kenmore residents. 

Supporting the city’s goal of zero pedestrian/bicyclist fatalities/serious injuries by 2025, new sidewalks and bike lanes along main arterials Juanita Drive and 68^th Avenue would connect north and south neighborhoods to central Kenmore, providing accessible, safer walking/biking to downtown services and amenities, public transit, the Burke-Gilman Trail and parks. It would enhance safe walking/biking to schools. And it would reduce local vehicle traffic and parking, while encouraging an active, healthy citizenry.

Kenmore’s greatest natural asset is our waterfront location on Lake Washington/Sammamish River. This measure would expand public waterfront access with new park trails, viewpoints and Log Boom Park beach expansion, along with environmental enhancements, boating facilities, picnic areas and better parking at one or more waterfront parks, serving Kenmore residents of all ages.

Help Kenmore move forward toward its great potential--vote yes on Walkways and Waterways!

Poorly planned and financially irresponsible, Proposition 1 will put Kenmore into unnecessary debt, costing the average homeowner $150 per year in taxes or $3,000 over the term, to fund work you are already paying for.

The City already receives over $2.3 million a year in tax revenue which should be used for road maintenance, improvements and street safety. However, the City uses that money for operating expenses, City Hall and growing overhead instead. Let’s put that money back where it belongs.

Roughly 50% of this proposition includes unneeded development of existing parks, destroying natural habitats and building boat houses for private clubs. Is this worth going into debt over? Additionally, there are legal covenants restricting some proposed developments that require land to remain natural and open.

Combining multiple projects of this magnitude, where planning is still conceptual and the City can arbitrarily allocate funds, is reckless. Already the total cost is approaching $27.5 million with future taxes required. The City has spent nearly $300,000 on this proposition. Imagine, Kenmore, how we could have better spent that money.

Kenmore needs smarter fiscal planning with sustainable development strategies that stay within the current tax revenue. Vote No to careless planning and spending.

Walkways and Waterways reflects high community priorites for safer walking/biking, more waterfront access and better parks.

Municipal bonds commonly fund public infrastructure, while annual budgets provide essential city services. These projects will follow all applicable laws and regulations, while enhancing the environment.

These mobility and park improvements offer potential citywide economic benefits for residents and businesses.

Building a better community requires money, but this bond measure promises great value and big rewards.

Invest in Kenmore!

Submitted by: Mark Ohrenschall, Nicole Suarez, Barret Aldrich, marko@newsdata.com

Don’t be misled; Proposition 1 is not about listening to citizens or reducing our traffic gridlock. It’s about debt for special projects and work you are already paying for.

Tax revenue originally intended for roads and safety is continually redistributed to support the City’s spending and overall expenses.

Let’s be smart and ensure our parks are managed and maintained for everyone without unnecessary expansion or devastating environmental impacts.

Vote No to unrealistic spending and debt!

 Submitted by: Todd Prince, Steve Colwell, John Hendrickson, steven.colwell@frontier.com

Complete text of measure

60% yes vote and a minimum turnout equal to 2,122 voters (Washington Constitution, art. VII, sec. 2(b))

For questions about this measure, contact: Leslie Harris, Community Relations Manager, 425-398-8900, lharris@kenmorewa.gov