Public Spaces

Improvements coming to MLT Transit Center

Submitted by Heather Reese on Thursday, March 4th, 05:14pm

Government funding will pay for improvements at the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center

The 25-year-old surface lot pavement will be replaced with permeable pavement, which should reduce the number of puddles when it rains. Crews will also add a new topcoat and striping to the lot.

The $425,000 project is being funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The work will begin in the middle of March and last about two months. During that time, the entire surface lot of the transit center will be closed.

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Grand opening of City Hall: March 10th

Submitted by Heather Reese on Tuesday, March 2nd, 01:25pm

The new Lynnwood City Hall and Traffic Management Center (pictured above) will officially open on March 10th with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3:00 p.m.

Stop by 19100 44th Ave. W. for tours of the new facilities.

The City describes the Traffic Management Center as:

A state-of-the-art high-tech "nerve center" of Lynnwood's Intelligent Transportation system, which is connected by fiber-optic cable to all 58 traffic light controlled intersections within the City of Lynnwood, 5 within the City of Edmonds and 1 within the City of Mountlake Terrace.

The Center has the capability of expanding both into proposed annex areas and adjoining regional communities.

The $1.6 million project is working toward a Silver LEED rating. Crews have been working on the re-model since May 2009.

Lynnwood City Hall before the remodel. Photo courtesy of the City.

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If you're headed to the mall...check out the Student Showcase!

Submitted by Marina Rockinger on Thursday, February 25th, 04:43pm

Performers from area highschools including Lynnwood and Meadowdale, will perform tonight at Alderwood Mall in the Terraces Food Court at 7pm.

You'll find everything from hip-hop dancing to classical piano!
At the end of the show, performers will be awarded scholarship checks from the Lynnwood Rotary.

The event is free, but any donations made will go to the Lynnwood Rotary Scholarship fund for students in the performing arts.

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Rec Center renovation underway

Submitted by Heather Reese on Thursday, February 11th, 03:29pm

The City launched construction on its $25 million Recreation Center renovation project today.

"Permits have been issued, and backhoes and trucks are moving on the site," Lynn Sordel, director of Lynnwood Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department, said in a press release.

The Lynnwood Recreation Center closed in December. A lot of classes and activities have been temporarily re-located next door at the North Administration Building, 19000 44th Avenue West, or to the Senior Center.

After the renovation, the Rec Center will have a new leisure pool, a partially retractable pool roof, an additional 16,000 square feet of building, new family lockers rooms, expanded cardio/weight room, new group exercise room, new mechanical and electrical systems, and new interiors throughout the building.

It's slated to re-open in April 2011.

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Public Spaces

Sloppy property? You may be forced to clean it up

Submitted by KOMO Staff on Monday, February 8th, 05:34pm

The City is considering a new ordinance that would force homeowners to clean up their property.

The proposal includes outlawing grass more than a foot tall and banning personal work trucks from parking in front of homes - depending on the size of the truck, that might also include the street.

Council is expected to vote on the ordinance tonight.

Some neighbors think council members are crossing the line. What do you think?

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Book a city park for YOUR summer event

Submitted by Heather Reese on Monday, February 8th, 04:04pm

Need an outdoor space for your family reunion or birthday party? How 'bout a cheap wedding venue?

Lynnwood will start taking reservations for its parks and picnic shelters on February 22nd.

Picnic shelters are available at Lynndale (pictured above), North Lynnwood Neighborhood and Wilcox Parks.

Rental rates:

Under 100 people, Half Day is $57 and Full day is $85.50
For groups over 100 people, Half Day is $89 and Full Day is $101.

Lynnwood Residents are eligible for discounted rental rates. Call 425-670-5732 to reserve your spot.

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Public Spaces

A court decision sides with Lynnwood on annexation plans

Submitted by Marina Rockinger on Wednesday, February 3rd, 05:13pm

The city of Lynnwood celebrates a small victory in the battle over annexation plans - but the city of Mill Creek isn't too happy about a judge's decision.

A Snohomish county superior court judge sided with Lynnwood when looking at evidence from the county's Boundary Review Board.

Lynnwood is looking to add about 3700 acres and 27,000 residents.

Lynnwood Community Develop Director Paul Krauss says there are great benefits for the community as property taxes for those currently in the un-incorporated area would go down and city services would go up.

"The people we are looking at annexing are already part of the greater community" Krauss told KOMO news.

A portion of the proposed annexation, just east of I-5, is being battled by the city of Mill Creek.

Bill Trimm with Mill Creek's planning department says I-5 should remain the boundary between the two cities.

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Stevens Hospital reports record profits in 2009

Submitted by Ray Marcham on Sunday, January 31st, 11:45am

As it gets ready to finalize a joint operating agreement with Swedish Hospital, Stevens Hospital has announced record profits in 2009.

According to the Everett Herald, the public hospital reported an $15.4 million profit in 2009, up from $5 million in 2008. This puts the hospital in a stronger position as it finishes up the lease agreement with Swedish.

Officials at Stevens are crediting a reduction in operating costs along with an increase in charges for medical services for the steep increase in profits. This money is targeted to upgrade equipment at the hospital.

Officials also said that they need to upgrade patient satisfaction, pointing to surveys where only half of the hospital's patients grades Stevens with an "A".

For more information on this story, check out the Everett Herald.

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New bridge and trail going in at 44th Ave. W.

Submitted by Heather Reese on Tuesday, January 26th, 04:45pm

Crews have started building a pedestrian bridge over 44th Avenue West and the I-5 South on-ramp.

The $3.9 million project will compete the "missing link" in Lynnwood's portion of the Interurban Trail.

"Today, people on foot or bike must travel along busy city streets to get from the trail to the Lynnwood Transit Center," said Brian Delp, Lynnwood Resident Construction Engineer, in a press release. "The new bridge and trail will separate vehicle and pedestrian traffic and provide a safer, easier pedestrian route to the transit center."

The bridge will connect with the existing trail near the Transit Center on 46th Avenue West.

The trail will remain open during construction. Crews expect to finish the project this summer.

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New County law bans pasties, thongs on baristas

Submitted by Ray Lane on Thursday, January 7th, 11:48am

Starting today, pasties and thongs on nearly-naked baristas at coffee stands within county limits must be covered up under a new county law.

The new law tolerates baristas in bikinis, but not much less. And the county's strengthened lewd conduct ordinance comes with tougher penalties for violations for which business owners and managers can be held accountable.

It's the county's attempt to crack down on bikini baristas crossing the line, but workers at more family-friendly locations are skeptical about the stricter laws.

"I think maybe right at first, but i think it's going to go right back to how it has been," said barista Ashley Winn. "I don't think by wearing pasties, going to a bikini is going to change how anybody views any of that stuff."

The sight of scantily-clad young women flashing customers and performing simulated sexual acts at drive-through espresso huts had a lot of neighbors steamed. Vocal business owners near one risque stand near Mill Creek finally had it shutdown after a year and a half of battles.

Neighbors who helped lead the fight for the new county-wide restrictions are breathing a sigh of relief.