Edmonds approves interim ordinance to protect landmark trees from removal
EDMONDS — After unanimously passing its interim tree ordinance on Monday night, Edmonds city staff will begin crafting a permanent policy to protect certain large, landmark trees from removal.
The interim ordinance protects trees with a diameter of 30 or more inches 4.5 feet off the ground from removal with the hope that the policy “reinforces the importance of protecting and maintaining the city’s tree canopy.”
The temporary policy does not cover trees deemed hazardous or a nuisance by city code.
“I want to thank our very mighty environmentalist community here in Edmonds,” council member Chris Eck said on Monday night. “You all contributed to this ordinance.”
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/edmonds-approves-interim-ordinance-to-protect-landmark-trees-from-removal/
Council withdraws ideas to sell Hummingbird Hill Park, Frances Anderson Center
EDMONDS — The Edmonds City Council will no longer consider recent controversial comprehensive plan amendments — including selling Hummingbird Hill Park and the Frances Anderson Center.
On Tuesday night, the council unanimously voted to remove these amendments and several others.
The chamber overflowed with residents once again Tuesday night. Some carried signs that said “Save our parks!” and “Children of Edmonds ask you to vote for us!” Twenty-nine of them spoke during a 90-minute public comment session.
Some spoke out against the expansion of the medical district — the area surrounding the Swedish Edmonds Campus. The comprehensive plan proposes two options for the area’s development. The first, Alternative A, proposes increasing height limits in the existing area, creating an estimated 750 housing units. Alternative B expands the medical district to include 220th Street, areas west of Woodway High School and areas east of 76th Street, creating an estimated 1,500 housing units.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/council-withdraws-ideas-to-sell-hummingbird-hill-park-frances-anderson-center/
Edmonds voters approve measure to annex into South County Fire
EVERETT — Edmonds voters approved a controversial ballot measure to annex into South County Fire in Tuesday’s special election.
The measure, Proposition 1, passed with 63% of the vote. The measure required a simple majority — more than 50% — to pass. Voter turnout was 33%. The county will certify the election May 2.
For the city of Edmonds, the approval is a step in addressing its fiscal crisis.
“Your vote in the recent election was more than just a box checked,” Mayor Mike Rosen wrote in a statement Tuesday evening. “It was a clear statement of trust, and of your belief in the future of Edmonds. Because of your support, our city will officially join South County Fire—a major step forward that ensures our community will continue to receive high-quality, life-saving emergency services from a partner we already know and trust.”
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/edmonds-voters-approve-measure-to-annex-into-south-county-fire/