Council approves design contract for 150 Sixth Avenue shared-use path, requires 60% design review for tree impacts

The Redmond City Council on March 18 approved a consultant agreement with KPFF for engineering services on the 150 Sixth Avenue shared-use path project in an amount not to exceed $900,000 and amended the action to require the city to return to council for review at 60% design to evaluate tree impacts and alternatives.

Council President Kritzker, who had pulled the item for discussion, said she wanted assurances the design phase would consider reducing impacts to trees along the corridor, "especially the landmark trees," and requested that the city provide alternatives to minimize removal. Public Works Director (on the record as responding at the meeting) said the initial estimate of up to 85 trees was a worst-case scenario and that the department would take steps to minimize impacts and report back at design gates.

Council Vice President Forsyth moved an amendment requiring that the project be returned at 60% design for council review; the amendment passed on roll call. Public Works staff explained the typical design gates (30%, 60%, 90%) and committed to bringing the project back at 60% with alternatives and a cost-benefit outline. Councilmember Fields asked specifically that the 60% package include alternatives analysis and cost estimates so council could choose options that trade off tree preservation and project costs.

After discussion about the tree canopy strategic plan and requests for a site tour, council voted on the consultant agreement as amended; the motion passed 7–0. Staff said the construction contract will return to council for final approval after design is complete.

Ending: Councilmembers emphasized a need to balance bike infrastructure goals with tree canopy preservation and asked staff to schedule a site visit and to include alternatives and cost implications in the 60% design package.