federal way graffiti

Project update: Federal Way Link Extension

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 21:52:00 +0000

Project update: Federal Way Link Extension

Upcoming Board discussion on Federal Way Link Extension

On June 11, 2015, Sound Transit’s Capital Committee forwarded the Federal Way Link Extension project to the Board of Directors for review and further discussion without a recommendation for a preferred alternative or stations. The Board will receive an update on the project at the June 25 Board meeting and is expected to take action to identify a preferred alternative for the project on July 23. The Board will take public comments at the July 23 meeting.

You can watch the meetings live at: www.soundtransit.org/boardlive

The meetings are held:

1:30-4:00 p.m.

Ruth Fisher Board Room

Union Station

401 S. Jackson St.

Seattle, WA 98104

Please contact Tralayne Myers, Community Outreach Specialist, at 206-398-5014 or tralayne.myers@soundtransit.org with any questions or concerns you may have.

24-hour construction hotline: 888-298-2395

Visit the Federal Way Link Extension project page

MOD Pizza

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 18:53:00 +0000

Federal Way needs a MOD Pizza.

Where is Downtown Federal Way?

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Tue, 19 May 2015 03:49:00 +0000

Here's a sort-of answer. It's not quite an authoritative "It's at the corner of..." that I was hoping for. Though it does beat the previous answer "The Sears parking lot."

You can follow our Mayor on Twitter and Facebook.

Light Rail to the Federal Way Transit Center

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 15:52:00 +0000

Uptown Square

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 03:47:00 +0000

Here's a website and a flyer (PDF) for Uptown Square, a new complex going in on 320th. across from Safeway where the Federal Way Public School District bus lot used to be. The drawings make it look like a vibrant mixed use (commercial on the ground floor, residential above) but in reality, only two of the 15 buildings will be mixed use. All told, it should offer space for about six to eight retail shops and 300 hundred new residences/apartments. Thank goodness - if it's anything Federal Way has a shortage of it's residential properties and if there's anything Federal Way has too much of it's centrally located commercial, especially office spac... oh... wait...

These look nice until you realize the same company making these 4 and 5 story buildings are responsible for a lot of the 15-20 story office buildings in Bellevue. Still, to have some mixed use - any mixed use - it's a start. The developer is looking for businesses that won't attract a lot of evening or weekend parking. While the complex will have plenty of parking (naturally), is it too late to get the carpool lane that dead ends right before the entrance to Wells Fargo continued down 320th as a bus lane?

Editorial: Way to go, "leadership"

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 03:32:00 +0000

Update: Corrected Weyerhaeuser which was misspelled repeatedly throughout this article.

I don't generally use this blog as my own place to editorialize, though admittedly, it was the graffiti problem years ago that led me to start it in the first place. And granted, I haven't posted on here much anymore because I haven't had the time.

But I want to take a quick moment to just say how dismayed I am at Weyerhaeuser's news today that they're leaving Federal Way for Seattle. Visit the buildings surrounding its campus and just marvel at all the unused office buildings that have been unable to secure tenants. It's a shame really - freeway close, beautiful wooded settings, attractive buildings.

But once again, Federal Way's complete lack of vision and leadership is quite apparent. I want to believe in this town. I've started a business in this town. My wife and I have several other business ventures we hope to eventually start here in Federal Way. We live here. Our children are in a great school here. But I've said it before and I'll say it again - this town lacks any sort of vision and any sort of pride or identity.

Anyone else will tell you that Federal Way sucks. Unprompted, that's what the trolls are writing on the news articles about Weyerhaeuser's defection. And we have done nothing to contradict that. We have done nothing to say "No we don't."

We are, roughly, Bellevue, circa 1960. If we don't get our act together soon, in 40 years we'll be indistinguishable from Fife or Milton. (No offense, guys, but I don't know what you have to offer.)

We need some strong leadership now that says "This is what Federal Way is."

If I were mayor, I would immediately do the following:

(1) Move City Hall downtown. (Don't know where downtown is? This would help clarify.)

(2) Take a long, hard look at our zoning.
(a) First off, no one's in those really nice office buildings east of the 5 because there is NOTHING ELSE THERE. It doesn't help that the Washington State Department of Transit eliminated the quick hop onto the 18 to Crossings when they upgraded the connection. Some essential basic services (i.e. restaurants, banks, gas stations, dry cleaners) are needed east of the freeway.
(b) Create more places where businesses can flourish in Federal Way. If the Twin Lakes Golf Course is going to go under, that, too, could be a nice place for some smaller office buildings and incubators.
(c) Stop allowing new housing construction. It just clogs up the roads leading to the freeway because it just invites more people to live here with nowhere here in town to work.
(d) Zone the rest of downtown for 6+ story buildings, pronto. And then give the land away if you have to.
(e) Ring the edges of the city with low density retail where it makes sense.

(3) Finish the street grid in downtown.

(4) Recruit some companies from Tacoma. That's where we got Weyerhaeuser.

Otherwise, we're left the large-but-shrinking non-profit World Vision (wonder if they'll ask the city to rename Weyerhaeuser Way) and the hospital. Oh, and two Wal*Marts. (And that's not something to brag about.)

We need strong leadership who can chart a course for our city - define a vision, a voice, a plan. No more throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks. Barring that, we might as well widen 348th and 320th and add onramps to the 5 north at Military, 336th and 288th so that everyone can get to their jobs in Seattle a little quicker.

Another survey for Federal Way residents

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 13:11:00 +0000

In addition to the previously mentioned Comprehensive Plan survey, Sound Transit is also looking for input on with its 2014 Long Range Plan update survey.

Red, White and Blues Festival offers free Fourth of July fun

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 04:59:00 +0000

Federal Way’s free Red, White & Blues Festival offers Fourth of July fireworks and fun for all at Celebration Park. The always popular festival features great live music, cultural performing groups, good food and family friendly activities for all ages. The event begins at 4 p.m., July 4 at Celebration Park and concludes with a fireworks spectacular beginning at 10:15 p.m.

This year, the City is introducing a (more...)

New City Survey Available

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 23:28:00 +0000

The City of Federal Way is updating its Comprehensive Plan. This update of our city’s vision for how Federal Way should grow over the next 20 years (2015-2035) is a requirement of state law and must be completed by June 30, 2015.

Residents are vital participants in this conversation about the city’s future. We want your input on important topics including... more... (click here to take the survey)

United Way seeking volunteer tax preparers

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 05:58:00 +0000

United Way seeking volunteers to help operate free tax sites throughout King County from January 15 – April 15, 2014.

There are two primary roles at tax sites available for volunteers, Volunteer Tax Preparers and Intake and Benefit Specialists.
Complete descriptions are available at www.uwkc.org/taxvolunteer. The suggested time commitment is three to four hours a week for the duration of the campaign.

At the sites, tax customers will also be able to sign up for certain public benefits, receive assistance completing FAFSA applications, and learn about opportunities they have to make the most of their tax refund such as opening a savings account or investing in a savings bond.

In 2013, 700 volunteers prepared 14,900 tax returns and helped return $22 million in federal returns.

The tax campaign also saved King County residents more than $1.5 million in tax preparation fees.

Volunteers will be certified and trained by the IRS and will help families and individuals complete their tax returns to ensure they secure all refunds and credits they are eligible for. On average, each tax volunteer helps secure more than $30,000 in returns for low income families in our community during the campaign. Your time as a volunteer will help stabilize people’s lives and make real difference for families in need.

While volunteers are needed at all locations throughout the county, the need is especially great for help in south King County locations such as Auburn, SeaTac, Kent and Renton. Additionally, those who speak Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish, Somali, Korean, Amharic, Cambodian and Russian languages are especially needed.

For more information and to volunteer, please visit www.uwkc.org/taxvolunteer or email EITC@uwkc.org.

Jared Erlandson

Public Relations Manager

United Way of King County

206.461.3742 office

206.293.5927 cell

LOCATED Help Needed: Missing Person

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 19:25:00 +0000

She's been located and is back home safely.

9/11/2013 1:06:15 PM EST - FED WAY POLICE are requesting assistance locating a 51 YO white female who walked away from a residential care facility in the 29900 2 PL SW in Federal Way. She suffers from a severe medical condition. 5'1" 160 lbs Hair/Gray Eyes/Bro. She was last seen at 4:30 this morning, wearing a pink nightgown (Knee length). If you have any information, call 9-1-1.

Further information (including photo) can be located on Federal Way Police Facebook page.

Canceled: FWPD Citizen's Academy starting soon

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 02:54:00 +0000

And now it's canceled. They're hoping to do one in the spring.

The Federal Way Police Department’s Fall Citizen Academy will begin Tuesday, September 24, 2013. The goal of Citizens’ Academy is to create a better understanding and communication between citizens and police through education. This is an opportunity for the citizens of Federal Way to know more about the men and women who are protecting their community and why they make the decisions they do.

~~Citizen's Academy is a two-way educational process. While citizens are learning all about what police officers do on a daily basis, officers also are hearing how citizens feel about issues.~~

Academy participants will meet every Tuesday for 10 weeks, beginning September 24th and ending November 26th. Classes run in the evenings from 6-8pm. Classroom sessions cover topics such as Patrol Operations, SWAT, K9 Unit, Criminal investigations, Support Services and much more!

If you would like the to attend the Academy, contact Lindsey Tiroux, Federal Way Police Department, 33325 8th Ave S, Federal Way WA 98003 or Lindsey.Tiroux@cityoffederalway.com to request an application.

Presentation: Severe Weather and Pandemic Outbreaks

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 23:00:00 +0000

Hello Partners,

The city of Federal Way Emergency Management division is hosting a free preparedness presentation about Severe Weather Events & Pandemic Outbreaks:

When: September 19th, 6pm should end around 8pm depending on discussion and questions

Where: Federal Way Library, 34200 1st Way S, Federal Way, WA

What: Discuss what to do and what NOT to do in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from severe weather events and pandemic outbreaks.

Topics include:

Government response/recovery actions during times of severe weather and pandemics
Primary and secondary hazard considerations
Emergency Supplies to have on hand for severe weather and pandemic outbreaks
Special planning topics
Long term concerns

Please contact Deputy Emergency Manager Ray Gross with any questions at 253-835-2712 or Ray.Gross@cityoffederalway.com.

Updated: Parking Lot Scam (FWPD)

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 01:00:00 +0000

**Updated: The Federal Way Police Department has requested that you call 911 "if the scam is still in progress and the suspect is still on the scene." **

Hello Partners,

We have received a crime tip from Safe City's "Submit An Anonymous Tip" feature on our website. A citizen submitted information about a scammer targeting elderly women at various shopping center parking lots. A male is approaching women telling them that wires are hanging out of their car. He further goes on to explain that this could accidentally set of the car's air bags, but he would be happy to fix this problem for $200. This male may have a piece of wire that he is hooking onto the underside of the car to help prove the validity of this claim.

Please be aware that this is a scam. If this happens to you or anyone you know please report this crime to the Federal Way Police Department's non-emergency phone number 253-852-2121.

There are several variations of this scam commonly seen in this area; please do not hesitate to report this type of activity to police through 9-1-1, non-emergency 253-852-2121 or on-line: http://pd.cityoffederalway.com/onlinereport/.

Michelle Roy
Safe City Coordinator
safecity@safecityfw.com

Seattle: Tall Ships Invite

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 23:45:00 +0000

Of possible interest - from a local PR firm. Click on image to enlarge.

2013 Summer Sounds Concert Series at Steel Lake Park

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 05:30:00 +0000

Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Free Admission

Chrome Molly (Classic Rock)
July 10

The Rangers (Country )
July 17

Alice Stuart (Blues)
July 24

Deems Tsutakawa (Jazz)
July 31

Buck and Elizabeth (Children's Entertainment)
August 7 (5:30 - 6:30)

The Voodoos (Irish Rock)
August 14

Sway (Top 40)
August 21

See the FW's website for more info

Property Valuations, Taxes and Services (June 18)

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:16:00 +0000

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and Assessor Lloyd Hara will host a town hall meeting on Tuesday, June 18 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM to discuss property valuations, taxes and the services that the Department of Assessments provides to assist residential and commerical property owners. The meeting, which is open to the public, will take place... More...

Sound Transit Extension Open House

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:55:00 +0000

April 8. Click here for more info.

21st and 336th Open House

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 05:37:00 +0000

Big changes to the 21st and 336th area coming. An open house on Oct. 30 will give you the chance to learn more and ask questions. Click here for more info.

Parks, Recreation and Open Space

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 02:53:00 +0000

Every six years the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (great acronym, btw) Plan is updated. This is an inventory of the city's offerings, what it's accomplished since the last update to the plan and its projections for what it would like to accomplish before the next update.

To learn more about the plan, view the city's website. Also, there's a meeting on Nov. 1 at 6 pm that you may find interesting.

Appendix A is an inventory of the city's current offerings and is really fascinating. There's quite a few Federal Way parks now that my family and I will be checking out that we didn't even know existed.

Federal Way Transit

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 05:48:00 +0000

This was an interesting document. (Here). It was working on Friday when I looked at, but now I'm getting an error message. It detailed all the different types of intersections the city looked at before settling on the Michigan Left for 21st. and Campus. (Which we now know they've abandoned for a more traditional widening.)

This site contained explanations for the intersections studied and many more.

One other nugget that report had in it was indications of where it expected the 3 Link stations in Federal Way to be in 2035. Here they are on a map. (The line means nothing.)

View Federal Way's Expected Link Stations in a larger map

"Bring Mystery Back"

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 22:47:00 +0000

You mean like "There's a Borders in this mallish? Where?"

Spotted last month at the Federal Way Commons:

Review: Joe's Deli

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:09:00 +0000

Joe's Deli (Yelp)
1230 S 336th St
Ste D (between S 13th Pl & S 10th Pl)
Federal Way, WA 98003

We went to Joe's Deli today. I've driven by it a number of times and today after church our family and another family from church went to Joe's Deli.

Joe's Deli is closed on Sundays.

They should get that information onto Yelp! or create a website or something that will show up for a search for "Joe's Deli" in Federal Way.

Best Buy - FW isn't cut

noreply@blogger.com (James Lamb) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:57:00 +0000

Best Buy released its list of closures today and only one In Washington is closing - Vancouver.