Rapid Response
February 3, 2012
Has the city’s response been adequate in light of the first major ‘snowstorm of the season?’
Yes! Days before the storm, I went for a run through Lake Boren and I saw the preparations of the trucks, equipment and all. They were ready. When the storm came on Sunday, the plows were hard at work and didn’t stop until it was over days later.
— Trina Sooy
The city has done a really good job in my part of Newcastle keeping the roads as passable as possible under difficult conditions. I live on a neighborhood arterial, and the plow and sander are constantly going by. I was amazed on Monday morning that they had been working all night, the results being the road was very clear. It has remained so all week.
— Valerie Young
Excellent, I saw them out there at 2:30 in the morning!
—Lee Strom
Rapid Response
October 9, 2011
What should be done about drivers passing buses illegally at the intersection of Newcastle Way and Coal Creek Parkway?
I think they need a legal way to do it so they don’t end up obstructing traffic that may be backed up onto Coal Creek Parkway.
Peggy Price
Make it not illegal. That “intersection redo” is the biggest waste of taxpayers’ money I have ever seen. Move the bus stop back to in front of HomeStreet Bank.
Gary and Suzi Beerman
The bus stop should have been designed to have a deeper pullout area to get the bus out of the traffic flow, with a merge lane. This intersection and stop should have been a “hub” stop for the area defining itself as our city center. The City Council needs to address this without effecting traffic flow.
Jeff Skocelas
Rapid Response
July 1, 2011
What do you think of the new Lake Boren Park playground?
Lake Boren Park playground is a huge success for Newcastle. The kids love it. The park looks great with it. It was also built under budget and we actually refund the balance back to the state.
— Jesse Tam, Newcastle
Fantastic! My kids love it.
— Trina Sooy, Newcastle
You can view a list on the city’s website of who is authorized to sell things door to door. Good idea?
Great idea! I do not like having people coming to my door to sell anything, but at least it’s good to know who is authorized.
— Jackie Foskett, Newcastle
Yes, although it still doesn’t stop solicitors and religious organizations from coming to my door.
— Trina Sooy, Newcastle
What is your favorite part about the Fourth of July celebration in Lake Boren Park?
Being able to come together with our community at Lake Boren, which is within walking distance for us, and watch the beautiful firework display!
— Jackie Foskett, Newcastle
The celebration is the kickoff to summer and all the activities that happen in Newcastle. It’s when neighborhoods come together for the first time in the year to celebrate the awesomeness of the community.
— Trina Sooy, Newcastle
Rapid Response
April 1, 2011
Newcastle now has 10,380 people. What do you think of the city finally hitting the 10,000 mark?
Great! Does that make us a little closer to gaining our own ZIP code?
— Trina Sooy, Newcastle
I think hitting the 10,000 mark is a cause for celebration! We are a growing city … and that is good news for tax revenues and interest in our city.
— Jackie Foskett, Newcastle
Not much. It’s our quality of life that matters, not a number.
— Lee Strom, Newcastle
Rapid Response
March 4, 2011
What do you think of the City Council’s decision to move City Hall to the Newcastle Professional Center?
OK, as long as we can develop where City Hall currently is into a good tax resource (i.e. a great bistro-type restaurant. No fast food allowed!) for the city.
— Jackie Foskett, Newcastle
I think larger space was sacrificed for nicer space when funds are low. Rent could go up substantially before improvements are amortized. Maintenance and storage spaces are still needed.
— Peggy Price, Newcastle
Great move and better accessibility for all.
— Trina Sooy, Newcastle
Rapid Response
February 4, 2011
What do you think of the Parks Commission’s recommendation to build a dog park at the site of the future sports park on Southeast 95th Way?
Can we just build it somewhere — anywhere — and move on to other things, like safe sidewalks on all major roads around Newcastle?
— Trina Sooy, Newcastle
I’m still waiting for the library and athletic fields Sonny Putter and the rest of the City Council promised 10 years ago when I first moved into the community. Nothing against dogs or dog owners, but I am curious how the city of Newcastle manages its priorities. If the Parks Commission has recommended a dog park as a priority over a park kids can use, I’d recommend they become outwardly mobile.
— Troy Anderson, Newcastle
Rapid Response
January 7, 2011
What is your New Year’s resolution?
Reduce the amount of clutter in our home.
Trina Sooy, Newcastle
More of the same.
Lee Strom, Newcastle
Rapid response for Dec. 3
December 2, 2010
What do you think of the city’s new website design?
It’s very classy! It took me a moment to figure out what the homepage picture is since I don’t always equate Newcastle to the golf course, though.
- Trina Sooy, Newcastle
They have a new website design? Ever since Newcastle 411 died, I’ve really been out of touch with the city.
- Troy Hopwood, Newcastle
Navigation is more functional, and I like the paragraph describing Newcastle on the home page.
- John Jensen, Newcastle
How would you feel if the city were to install an off-leash dog park in the southwest corner of Lake Boren Park where invasive knotweed and blackberry bushes now grow?
Good, I like watching the dogs in an off leash park. They seem to know it’s all about them and all act like puppies.
- John Jensen, Newcastle
I would love an off leash park at Lake Boren. If it replaces invasive plants, then all the better.
- Troy Hopwood, Newcastle
What is the best part about the holiday season in Newcastle?
The Rotary Club Santa at the fruit stand on Dec. 4!
– John Jensen, Newcastle
Definitely buying our tree from the great people at Newcastle Fruit & Produce. Oh, and chocolates and pumpkin spice scones from Sweet Decadence.
– Trina Sooy, Newcastle
Rapid Response
November 5, 2010
The City Council could raise property taxes by 1 percent in November. Should it? Why or why not?
I would rather the City Council raise property taxes by 1 percent than leave parks unmaintained.
— Peggy Price, Newcastle
What do you think about cutting parks maintenance for all parks except Lake Boren and Donegal next year, likely leaving maintenance duties to neighborhoods?
Having neighborhoods maintain parks is an interesting concept. I’m not an attorney, but I wonder about liability. If a volunteer gardener gets hurt using a mower or some other tool, or if a park visitor gets injured by a volunteer, it seems the city could have significant liability exposure.
— Will Winslow, Newcastle
With Thanksgiving approaching, for what are you thankful this year?
I am thankful for the city employees and volunteers who are working together diligently to make Newcastle a pleasant community.
— Peggy Price, Newcastle
I’m thankful for my family, friends and finally being employed!
— Trina Sooy, Newcastle
Rapid Response
October 4, 2010
What do you think of the City Council hiring interim City Manager Rob Wyman as its permanent city manager?
I am looking forward to seeing how the community evolves under his leadership.
-Trina Sooy, Newcastle
We are thrilled to have Rob as city manager. He’s passionate and honest and really is looking out for the best interest of the city.
- Brenda Nunes, works in Newcastle
I feel good about Rob Wyman. Now that he is thoroughly acquainted with the city, he will have a chance to propose and implement solutions.
- Peggy Price, Newcastle
Mr. Wyman was chosen even though he was less qualified than the other finalists. So, it appears his selection was a done deal, and the city could have saved the $22,000 search fee. I wish Mr. Wyman all the best. However, this seems to be another example of the Newcastle City Council breaking its campaign promise not to waste our money.
- Will Winslow, Newcastle
What did you think of Newcastle Days this year?
What a great festive weekend thanks to the man volunteers and businesses that stepped up to the challenge and made it happen. A big thanks to the community for turning out for it, too.
-Trina Sooy, Newcastle
Newcastle Days went really well — hurray for the volunteers! Some people missed the car show, but Alan White was very popular.
- Peggy Price, Newcastle
What are you going to be for Halloween?
Probably a witch again, but maybe a nice one this year.
-Trina Sooy, Newcastle
