Mark Eliasen called the meeting to order.
Mike Nolan, Google Facilities Manager, was our
first guest.
Mike explained that Google has been going through a
process of "space rationalization" on a global basis as a way
of managing costs in the economic downturn. During this time, work was stopped
on the new Google campus on 6th. St. S.
After reviewing its options, Google has confirmed that it
will remain in Kirkland and work has resumed on finishing the buildings. The
employees are happy to be in Kirkland and want to be good neighbors who make a
positive impact on the community. On a worldwide basis, Google employees are
involved in local non-profit organizations in their communities. The company
is focused on environmental issues. Google strives to be an open and accepting
employer embracing all nationalities, religions, cultures and personal
philosophies. Although growth has slowed, Google is still hiring talented people.
The new Kirkland campus was designed by the builder to be
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) silver. As the occupant, Google is shooting to achieve the highest
LEED
certification possible. To reduce the impact of transportation, the company
provides bike rooms & showers, carpool parking and a ride share email
system.
The Kirkland campus will house engineering and product
development teams. The Seattle campus (Fremont) has engineering and sales
personnel. Employees would resist any attempt to combine the campuses.
Mike said that early September is current move-in date.
The capacity of the new campus is 1,000 employees in 195,000 sq ft. The
current plan is for Google to employ 400 employees in 80,000 sq ft. and to sub
lease the remaining space.
Margit Moore, of
the Kirkland Cultural Council, was our next speaker. This group of volunteers
was created by the City Council to oversee the big picture related to the arts
and heritage in Kirkland. They sponsor events such as "Uncorked" and
"Kirkland Artists Studio Tour". For more info go to: http://www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/depart/Boards_and_Commissions/Cultural_Council.htm
Maura O’Brien, Geologist / Hydrologist, Washington
State Department of Ecology was our next guest. Maura is in charge of the
cleanup at the former Pace National site on 7th Ave. S. Pace has occupied the
site starting in 1969 -- mixing and packaging chemicals at the facility
through the early 1990s.
The state has records of at least 4 separate clean-ups at
the site. 14 underground storage tanks have been removed and lots of soil has
been hauled off. ULTRA Corporation, owners of the site, is cleaning up under
an “agreed order” with the State. The clean up conforms with the Model
Toxics Control Act.
The ground water is contaminated with petroleum and vinyl
chloride.
Two clean up tests are being undertaken. One started in
March and the other started in April. The results should be available in 6
months. If the tests work, they can be used to clean up the entire site. The
clean up could start in 2010 and finish by 2012. Development and construction
could be done in parallel with the clean-up. Camwest Development, which had an option on the property,
has “stepped back” from purchasing it.
Maura will keep the neighborhood informed as to progress
on the clean-up.
Bruce Knowton, VP
Development, Camwest was next.
Camwest will host a Grand Opening at Nettleton Commons on
State St. June 27 &28 from noon to 6pm. Members of the neighborhood are
invited to visit.
New homes are available starting at about $789k. Three or
four homes have been sold to date. The Nettleton home is still available.
The landscaping on the site is temporary.
Carolyn Hayek,
Member of the Planning Commission told us that the commission is reviewing Kirkland's tree ordinance.
Citizens are encouraged to send ideas for improvement.
Neighborhood
question time
SRM is still looking for a tenant for the office building
project at State and 2nd Ave S. After further discussions with the
neighbors, the private school idea was rejected.
City Council Member Bob Sternoff mentioned that the Bank
of America project was about to start construction. The "McLeod"
property project is on hold due to the economic climate. There has been some
talk of redevelopment on the "Antique Mall" property, but nothing of
substance has emerged as of yet.
We will be taking our summer break and our next meeting
will be Sept. 21, 2009.
Meeting
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