Yes, I’m very concerned about the impact this will cause. Coal Creek Parkway already gets congested in the morning and evening commute times. This will seriously bring more congestion and I’ll personally look for alternative routes.

— Jackie Foskett

Yes. A backup beyond Factoria due to a lane closure for a truck problem at the same location; other bypasses being congested.

— Peggy Price

I am not all that concerned about delays in traffic on Coal Creek. One of the nice things about Newcastle is there are multiple ways in which to get in and out of town. I plan on using one of the alternate routes.

— Peter Zevenbergen

What priorities or goals would you like to see the City Council pursue in 2013?

I’d like to see them continue to focus on/explore ways to bring more tax revenue to our city, i.e.: Who/what businesses we can attract that would bring in needed tax revenue.

— Jackie Foskett

Fiscal sustainability, including some tax increases, if necessary. A utility tax involves a little control by the taxpayer — slightly lower use would slightly lower the tax paid.

— Peggy Price

In honor of Newcastle’s Mandy Schendel, who placed in the top 10 at the Miss America competition this month, what is the one most important thing our society needs, besides world peace?

A better sense of our influence on the future — well past the next year; a greater sense of responsibility beyond the measure provided by each pocketbook.

— Peggy Price

Our society needs to keep focused on how we can contribute to one another — help less fortunate people — rather than expecting someone else to!

— Jackie Foskett

Go green in 2013!

— Grace Stiller

My New Year’s resolution is to do whatever I can to help to improve the U.S. economy to create jobs in our region and country. I hope my dream is shared by others across the nation.

— Jesse Tam

I’ve taken to not making resolutions; instead I have reframed my intentions for the New Year as “creating” what I want to happen each year. It’s a different energy and much more powerful.

— Jackie Foskett

My favorite book is Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring.” It was the driving force that opened people’s eyes to issues and the long-range complications of not understanding how we affect the health of our environment. It tweaked the consciousness, catapulting the environmental movement. She died early of cancer, but I’m sure she would have had a lot more to say.

— Grace Stiller

Mine would be “A Child’s Garden of Verses.” Having learned it by heart from reading it so many times to my children, I often recite a stanza or two from one of the poems to mark one of those quotidian, but still heart-lifting moments — “How do you like to go up in a swing, up in the sky so blue…” or “In winter, I get up at night and dress by yellow candlelight…” Like music, it never loses its lilt.

— Sue Beverly

What’s the best way to celebrate the holidays?

Spending time with family, of course. A very close second would be an evening drive around the neighborhoods to see how creative the “Clark Griswolds” of Newcastle can be with their decorative holiday lighting (imported Italian twinkle lights).

— Dave Martinez

I love being with my husband, friends and family for the holidays. I also love visiting holiday lights and doing other festive holiday things during the holiday season!

— Jackie Foskett

Slowing down and spending time with family and friends.

— Peter Zevenbergen

Want to contribute your thoughts on Newcastle happenings? Receive rapid response questions every month by emailing newcastle@isspress.com.

An award-winning book and media selection that’s only minutes away. Not to mention, meeting rooms! Various clubs and HOAs would greatly appreciate that service.

— Dave Martinez

A great place to simply look at physical books, research and commune with others in our great Newcastle!

— Jackie Foskett

What capital projects or priorities would you like to see the City Council pursue as the 2013 preliminary budget is unveiled?

Carving bus turnouts to Newcastle Way and other streets that would benefit. Enough said.

— Dave Martinez

I would like to see consistent funding for open spaces, trails and preservation of our remaining wildlife corridors. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.

— Jeff Skocelas

As Thanksgiving approaches, what is it about Newcastle that makes you most thankful for living in this community?

A close-knit community. Merchants and patrons that know your first name. A rapid response from Newcastle Police Department and sheriff’s deputies, and Bellevue Fire Department.

— Dave Martinez

So much! A great community, easy access to Seattle, the airport and especially hiking — short walk from our house!

 — Jackie Foskett

I think massage therapy. I’m into the healing service professions (hypnotherapist and dental hygienist). Massage supports the mind and body in feeling better and healing.

— Jackie Foskett

Something like Oprah or Dr. Oz: Presenting helpful, useful, emotionally connecting material to millions in a crowd or TV format! Bring celebrities together to support a worthy cause and get useful information to people who need it!

— Christina Mason

What topics would you like to see discussed at the annual town hall meeting?

How can we more actively promote Newcastle to others in our state? i.e.: as a place to visit, shop, eat, play golf, (of course), live, hike, play?

— Jackie Foskett

Plans for Newcastle undeveloped land, community development and social opportunities for fitness in Newcastle.

— Christina Mason

Finances and trail standards.

— Peggy Price

What suggestions would you give to improve Newcastle Days?

Continue with one-day format and pack the stage with acts that attract a crowd such as dancers, quality bands, local kids and community groups who can show off what talents they have. Also, consider a talent show inviting local residents to perform; and short educational presentations for the crowd: medical, legal, financial, fitness, etc, that are less than five minutes in length, in between entertainment acts. Show the residents of Newcastle what services exist locally to support them!

— Christina Mason

Have a teen-enticing activity, such as a ropes course or ultimate Frisbee.

— Peggy Price

Negative, Bellevue is full. There’s enough consolidation going on in America. Let’s keep this individuality as long as we can. We can start with our own ZIP code!

— Dave Martinez

Having our own city of Newcastle is probably best for us. We are one the best “small” cities of the country and we can set our own direction.

— Jesse Tam

I’d like to not have to be annexed to any other city, but Bellevue would be my choice if we absolutely saw no other way to keep Newcastle as a city. Bellevue has many more resources to be favorable for us.

— Jackie Foskett

I would like to see a study done on what efficiencies could be gained by annexation. Assuming efficiencies exist then yes I would be in favor. We would still be a unique neighborhood within Bellevue making this place still every bit as nice to live.

— Peter Zevenbergen

No. A somewhat higher millage rate is balanced out by a more personal connection with the folks at City Hall and now less bureaucracy in the way of doing trail work.

— Peggy Price

How were you  affected by the Waste Management strike?

We had to initiate the human compactor protocol. My wife assisted me up a step ladder and into the recycling bin to compress the overflow. Getting out was more exciting than I preferred.

— Dave Martinez

I was not affected much by the strike because it was a short period and the garbage was still manageable.

— Jesse Tam

Not very. Put some stinky garbage in freezer, but we don’t have a lot of garbage anyway; we recycle as much as possible. Yes, the yard waste bin full of food scraps was getting a bit ripe, but it was fine.

— Jackie Foskett

Not terribly, but with another week of striking we would have been considering burning trash.

— Peter Zevenbergen

Lots of fruit flies.

— Peggy Price

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It’s starting to move, but still rather slow. Too bad for all the contractor issues. We’re all waiting … maybe a bit impatiently now … smiles!

— Jackie Foskett

Definitely not … I think Synergy should vet their subcontractors more thoroughly. They got what they paid for.

— Dave Martinez

What are your thoughts on the city’s Fourth of July fireworks display at Lake Boren Park this year?

Fireworks were great, although I think they were a tad shorter this year … but thank goodness not as short as San Diego’s!

— Jackie Foskett

What are some of the ways your neighborhood celebrates National Night Out?

Since I don’t know what National Night Out is, and I haven’t seen anything about it for our neighborhood, I’d say we’re not celebrating it! I’d love to be enlightened!

— Jackie Foskett

Our association plans to host a barbecue, raffle and have Newcastle Police Department pay a friendly visit.

— Dave Martinez

I’d like to see a bus come close to Windtree (currently a mile away), a park & ride near the 44th Avenue Northeast interchange of Interstate 405 and light rail on the railroad corridor parallel to I-405 into Bellevue and Renton.

— Peggy Price

It would be nice to have better cover for our rain and winter wind at the bus stops and waiting areas.

— Jesse Tam

At this moment, I can’t think of one. I think our traffic is doing fine.

— Paula Spence

A shuttle bus to the golf club for happy hour!

— Jackie Foskett

How many Concerts in the Park do you plan to attend this year? One? Two? All? None? Why/why not? 

My husband and myself plan to attend all the concerts. It is wonderful to see all ages attend the concerts. Everyone seems to enjoy themselves. They are a treat.

— Paula Spence

Probably none.  The music isn’t my style, and I’m so busy doing other things, I really don’t have time.

— Peggy Price

I estimate two because of traveling and many other activities throughout our short summer.

— Jesse Tam

I am planning on attending all of them, as soon as I find out what the dates are.  I love the summer concerts — another one of my favorite things to do in Newcastle!

— Jackie Foskett

What is your favorite summertime activity in Newcastle? 

I love having friends over and doing barbecues. I also love hiking up the Terrace Trail, although I do that year round!

— Jackie Foskett

I do enjoy our trails and hiking with friends and my dog.

— Paula Spence

I like the same things in summer and winter: trail construction, gardening, sewing, arranging music and watching educational shows — especially science and current events.

— Peggy Price

Golfing at the golf course and walking on Newcastle trails.

— Jesse Tam

I don’t think it would make a difference to have the policy. We have bulb outs to slow down our traffic, but some people get used to them and still bomb down our hill. They are a deterrent and the flowerbeds look good, but I don’t think they work as well as they should. I have used my hand to wave up and down to slow down cars.

— Paula Spence

Given the uniqueness of each of the neighborhoods it would seem case by case would be best.

— Peter Zevenbergen

A combination might be good. If established criteria for speed bumps are met, the residents could be asked whether they want them. If residents request speed bumps, the City Council could consider the case even if it doesn’t meet the criteria.

— Peggy Price

 Which precautions do you take to protect your home/neighborhood against home burglaries?

I live using just the basics … there is nothing at my home worth stealing.

— Peter Zevenbergen 

We have an alarm system in our home. Neighbors question each other if they see something suspicious, or call 911. We have had a few burglaries in our neighborhood at all hours — even when a family member was in the backyard. I just think we need to be more watchful. Our immediate neighbors tell us when they will be gone.

— Paula Spence

Knowing your neighbors and their vehicles should help to identify suspicious activities for each other in the same neighborhood.

— Jesse Tam

We lock our doors at night and when we’re not home, and leave a light on sometimes.

— Peggy Price

Which kinds of music would you like the Parks Commission to seek for community events such as Newcastle Days or Concerts in the Park?

We have a diverse community with many interests and preferences. We should have the variety of music to suit the different groups in our mixed Newcastle community. Provide a schedule ahead of time. Everyone can make their choice to attend according to their personal preference.

— Jesse Tam

We enjoy jazz/blues, and I love Motown. Alan White is always a treat to come play since he is a part of our community.

— Paula Spence

Blues, jazz, country

— Peter Zevenbergen

Join the conversation! Email newcastle@isspress.com to sign up to receive Rapid Response questions every month.

My Daisy Girl Scout troop will be on hand, girl-manning the community recycled art activity! Come see the adorableness and create your best upcycled art!

— Trina Sooy

I’m looking forward to good weather to enjoy it!

— Jackie Foskett

Where are sidewalks/pedestrian friendly trails most needed in Newcastle?

I would like to see 116th Avenue Southeast have wide, continuous sidewalks on both sides of the street between Southeast 68th Street and Southeast 88th Street. Both Southeast 68th Street and Southeast 88th Street need continuous sidewalks connecting 116th Avenue Southeast to Coal Creek Parkway. This would establish the “primary” pedestrian grid needed to provide access to Lake Boren Park and our “micro” city center. “Secondary” spurs could be added as needed to connect smaller neighborhoods to this Main Street walkway.

— Jeff Skocelas

Southeast 89th off of Coal Creek Parkway to 116th Avenue Southeast — it would create a perfect running/walking loop.

— Trina Sooy

Finish linking the sidewalks on the east side of 116th Avenue and then run sidewalks down the north side of Southeast 88th/89th until they reach Coal Creek Parkway. That will offer sidewalks that circumnavigate nearly all of Newcastle.

— Lee Strom

What do you think of the Lake Boren Townhomes project on the north shore of Lake Boren?

Great use of the space/area.

— Trina Sooy

I like the idea of the Lake Boren Townhomes, but am concerned about what the final product will look like. Will it emphasize the waterfront? Will it include a public walkway like downtown Kirkland has in front of its newer lakefront condos? Will it look like dense apartment living with sparse vegetation or like a beautiful lakefront condo with thoughtful and beautiful landscape? I sure hope these were the questions asked during the permitting process.

— Maury Miller

I think they are fine. A bit small for my taste, what I’ve seen of the insides so far, but I know they will be great for some people. Nice location!

— Jackie Foskett

Join the conversation! Sign up to receive Rapid Response questions by emailing newcastle@isspress.com.