Dear Editor,

As a 30-year resident of Education Hill, I write with growing concern about the loss of mature trees in our neighborhoods. Each new development seems to claim another stand of Douglas firs or western red cedars that have defined Redmond’s character for generations.

I understand growth is inevitable and housing is needed. But the current tree ordinance is inadequate. Developers routinely receive variances to remove significant trees, and required replacement plantings take decades to provide the same canopy coverage.

I urge the council to strengthen our tree protection ordinance, require genuine one-for-one canopy replacement, and establish a dedicated urban forestry fund.

Margaret Sullivan, Education Hill

Redmond stands at a crossroads. With population growth outpacing infrastructure development and daily traffic congestion worsening along SR-520 and Redmond Way, our city needs a comprehensive transportation plan that looks beyond the next election cycle.

The recent approval of the Downtown Link extension is a welcome step, but light rail alone cannot solve our mobility challenges. We need protected bike lanes on major arterials, expanded bus rapid transit, and creative solutions for last-mile connectivity.

Other growing tech hubs have shown what’s possible. Portland’s investment in multimodal transit has reduced per-capita vehicle miles. Boulder’s integrated cycling network serves as a national model.

We urge the City Council to commission a 20-year transportation master plan that prioritizes sustainability, equity, and quality of life. The time for incremental thinking has passed.