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Redmond council hears youth concerns after Firehouse Teen Center closure; city says programs will continue
Summary
Councilmembers and the mayor addressed public concern after the Firehouse Teen Center was closed for safety reasons. Officials said programming will continue elsewhere and announced a study session April 22 for further discussion; councilmembers requested transparent communications and a possible listening session with youth.
City leaders on Tuesday responded to public concern over the closing of the Firehouse Teen Center, saying the building is closed for safety and that teen programs will continue at other locations.
Council President Kritzer opened council talk time by noting the petition and community questions, and Councilmember Fields said young people and residents want clarity on the city’s plans: "What is your real plan with that property?" Fields asked, adding that transparency about facility plans and programming is necessary.
Mayor Bernie told council and the public that program continuity and safety are the city’s priorities. He said city staff are relocating teen programming and will hold further public meetings: "We are closing the facility due to safety," the mayor said, and he distinguished program decisions from facility decisions, explaining that programming relocation and the facility/location choices are separate conversations.
Next steps and public participation
Mayor Bernie and councilmembers said the city will accept written comments by email and in person. The mayor and staff said a study session on the subject is scheduled for April 22; city officials also noted a business meeting with public comment opportunities on April 1. Council Vice President Forsyth and Council President Kritzer said they spoke with teens outside City Hall to encourage direct engagement and suggested a listening session or town hall to give young people a formal forum.
Access and transportation concerns
Councilmember Salahuddin raised access issues and asked that staff consider transportation and mobility when planning where relocated teen services will be provided, noting some youth had described difficulty reaching Marymoor Community Center and other alternative sites.
Ending
Councilmembers encouraged public participation and asked staff to provide accurate, timely information to petitioners and the community. No formal action was taken; council scheduled follow‑up briefings and a study session on April 22.
