Redmond Mayor-Council October 3RD "Neighborhood Conversation" Last Chance to Save Fairweather-Idylwood Tree

This coming Monday evening, October 3rd, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm Redmond Mayor John Marchione and City Council members will host a "Neighborhood Conversation" forum at Horace Mann Elementary, 17001 NE 104th Street. The event is open to all Redmond residents and to those who use city services, such as Idylwood Park.

This is probably the last opportunity to let our elected City officials know of the community's concern about the proposed removal of a magnificent Western Red Cedar tree at Fairweather Condominiums. The tree is immediately adjacent to Idylwood Park and is part of an ecosystem of trees at the park such that most people consider it a park tree. A Fairweather unit owner wants to take the tree down in order to put in a patio, even though alternatives exist. Pictures of the tree are included. The first picture, taken from the Fairweather side, shows the threatened tree on the right. The second, taken from the park, shows the threatened tree on the left.

Idylwood Park users have been alerted to the danger to the tree over the past several weeks and have responded with an outpouring of support for the tree that has been heard at City Hall. But the battle is not yet won; one last effort is required.

Please come to the meeting, if you can, to express your opposition to removing the tree directly to city officials. It is time for the City's tree ordinance to truly protect trees. Whether or not you can make it to the meeting, please send an email by October 3rd expressing your opposition to the following people:

Jill Brown, Fairweather Condominium Association Board President: 234jill@gmail.com

Carl McArthy, Redmond Code Enforcement Officer: cmcarthy@redmond.gov

Carol Rich/William Wurtz; we will hand-deliver copies of all emails received opposing the tree's removal to the Mayor and City Council: william.wurtz@gmail.com

Tress are the symbol of Redmond, and this Western Red Cedar is a symbol of our quickly disappearing urban forest, the victim of development. We need to take a stand here to save this tree and other trees. Thanks for your caring and concern.