Recently, Redmond Public Works improved public property along Northeast 95th Street between Avondale Road Northeast and 184th Avenue Northeast. A new sidewalk was installed along with some peripheral asphalt. Between these applications, a bed of sod was applied to beautify the surroundings.

Unfortunately, an old-time practice at this location has been for drivers to pull off the road to make a phone call or fill out their paperwork. They’re still doing it, and because of this action, the new sod laid now looks like a bad high-country road and is very unsightful. If it is allowed to continue, the sidewalk will be next to be trashed and all will have been a complete waste of money and intent.

I would suggest that the city reconfigure the space between the sidewalk and roadway, which has a space of 3 feet to 10 feet from one end of the block to the other, to be planted with a low-lying bush ala the rose bushes along 140th Avenue Northeast just off of Old Redmond Road. They would serve as a buffer in protection of not only the sod but also the person who might be walking along the new sidewalk. Maybe 20 plants maximum could be spaced, perhaps costing under $500.

Norm Herd, Redmond