REPORTER
Mercer Island
Serving the Mercer Island Community Serving community Since since 1947 1947
Mercer West brings more apartments
A furry stowaway
Firehouse Munch, Tree Lighting is Friday An evening of holiday merriment begins at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6, at Mercerdale Park. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., Radio Disney will broadcast holiday tunes. The Christmas tree will be lit at 6:30 p.m. Then the party continues at 7 p.m. at the Firehouse for food, music, activities for kids and, of course, Santa. Bring an unwrapped toy for the local Toys for Tots drive. Need more Santa? Go to www.mercergov.org.
Newest 85-unit Dollar Development project could open by holidays By Celina Kareiva
ckareiva@mi-reporter.com
‘Sounds of the Season’ arrive It is an International celebration when the Island Girls Choir performs their annual holiday concert, ‘Sounds of the Season,’ Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 and 8, at Mercer Island High School. Tickets are $15 at the door. For times, go to www.islandchoralexperience.com.
Carols at the library Enjoy a holiday musical performance by the renowned Dickens Carolers at 2 p.m. Sunday Dec. 8, at the library at 4400 88th Ave. S.E. The free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Lions’ Christmas trees on sale The annual Christmas Tree sale held by the Mercer Island Lion’s club is underway at the Farmers parking lot at 77th Avenue S.E. and S.E. 29th Street, evenings and weekends through December. All proceeds benefit Lions charities and community scholarships.
Michael Brawer / Special to the Reporter
This adventurous young otter got herself into a boat at a home along the shore in the 4500 block of Forest Avenue. She was spotted over the weekend exploring with her two siblings and a mother.
New solicitation law ready for 2014 New law would require license, but homeowners need to post signs By Mary L. Grady
editor@mi-reporter.com
On Monday night, Dec. 2, the Mercer Island City Council held a second reading of a proposed ordinance to impose more restrictions on solicitors who come to the Island looking for donations or to sell goods. The second reading (held after Reporter deadline) gave Islanders and City Councilmembers another opportunity to check in on the proposed law. As outlined in the draft ordi-
take the risk of appearing at the door of a home in order to rob it later, they said. City officials have been hesitant to regulate solicitors. The city’s present ordinance is essentially not enforceable. The reason? It contains provisions similar to nance, Islanders have reported those struck down in the City increasing numbers of unwanted of Medina by the federal district and sometimes aggressive solici- court in Western Washington who tors at their front door. Many have said it limited constitutionallyprotected free spoken in favor of an speech. ordinance to limit or However, many regulate people who who have spoken go door to door. to the Council The people sellsay that they want ing subscriptions or more restrictions wanting donations seem questionable Katie Knight, City Attorney on solicitors. The new ordisome say, making nance will allow those who answer solicitors to operate in the City the door feel unsafe. Others worry that a recent spike between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. in burglaries earlier this year is Commercial (for-profit) solicitors related to the presence of solici- must be licensed under the new tors who come from off-Island. law. “If a homeowner does not want Mercer Island police Chief Ed Holmes and others have testified solicitors coming to the door at to the contrary. Burglars do not LAW | PAGE 7
“Homeowners must post a sign if they do not want solicitors.”
Have Your Photos Taken With Santa
December 7th • 11 - 5 pm ❅ December 8th • 1 - 4 pm
Jeffrey Costello www.costello-costello.com Chase Costello 206.595.5709 jeffreycostello@cbbain.com
206.999.4420 chasecostello@cbbain.com
2 Blocks SE
BELLEV of SQUARUE E
Mercer West, the long awaited sister development to the Mercer East apartment complex could begin housing tenants as early as Christmas, if it receives its temporary certificate of occupancy as planned. “We’re very close,” said Kenneth Lee project manager and analyst for Dollar Development, which is responsible for both phases of the construction. Mercer West will resemble Mercer East, but with a slightly different décor and 85 units. Amenities include quartz countertops, floor-to-ceiling win-
DOLLAR | PAGE 2
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Donate 2 items of canned food and save $500 on your portrait with Santa. Donations benefit Bellevue Lifespring.
210-105th Ave NE, Bellevue • (425) 455-2126 • www.OMEGAPHOTO.biz