Silver Firs The Village

Informational Meeting scheduled to review proposed improvements to a water detention facility and the surrounding landscaped area at no expense to the HOA. The meeting is scheduled on August 10, 2010 at the YMCA at 7:00PM.

Snohomish County Surface Water Management Department (SWM) has met with the Silver Firs Board of Directors regarding a storm water detention facility located in Division II that is not working as it was originally constructed (see enclosed map). This area was identified during a SWM planning effort to analyze existing drainage systems in the unincorporated urban areas. SWM has proposed to make improvements to the detention facility and the surrounding landscaped area at no expense to the HOA-the project funding comes from SWM surcharge fees. The proposal for this area includes creating a detention pond to capture and slowly release the water to down stream and to re-landscape the existing overgrown tract.

The project goals are:

- Modify existing storm water facility.

- Make pond work as originally intended (with additional improvements to improve water quality).

- Store storm water during rainfall events and release slowly to downstream system.

- Treat storm water by removing pollutants (via biological means -bioswale, uptake by vegetation, etc. and by settling of sediments in newly formed sediment basin).

The project benefits are:

- Benefit to Larimer Creek and Snohomish River.

- The Increased storm water storage will reduce downstream flows which is a benefit to Larimer Creek (receiving water) and will reduce flooding of downstream drainage system.

- Snohomish County will maintain the modified facility-The HOA is currently responsible for maintenance as required by Snohomish County code.

- The modified facility will occupy the northern ½ of the Tract which is currently overgrown with invasive non-native vegetation.

- Silver Firs HOA will gain an improved and landscaped southern ½ of the Tract which currently has very rough ground and also some invasive non-native vegetation. The county will re-grade and plant grass in the area.

The Board has reviewed the preliminary plans with the County representative and feels that the proposed improvements would be beneficial for the community. There will be an informational meeting for those who have questions about the project on August 10, 2010 at the YMCA at 7:00PM. Mr. Jim Blankenbeckler from Snohomish County Public Works will be present to answer questions. If you are not able to attend please email any questions you may have to kelli.smith@cdcmanagement.com.

You can download and print a copy of the proposed site schematic from our website. Click HERE.

You can download and print a copy of the announcement letter sent to homeowners from our website. Click HERE.

Community Transit Helps Drivers on Snohomish County's High Congestion Roads Find Healthier Options. Curb the Congestion program unveils new tools and incentives

Residents and commuters along three high congestion roads in Snohomish County are being targeted by a Community Transit program urging them to get out of their cars. Drivers can even get personalized assistance to plan a bus trip, find a biking or walking route, or join a carpool or vanpool.

Plus, they have a chance to win some incentive prizes.

Curb the Congestion is a partnership between Community Transit and Snohomish County to reduce traffic and encourage healthy travel options on congested roadways. The program provides people who live and drive along the designated roads with information and incentives to reduce their drive-alone trips. A dedicated Curb the Congestion specialist provides one-on-one help with planning trips.

Participants who log their alternative trips at least 12 days a month are eligible to win a $250 monthly incentive prize or a $1,000 quarterly incentive prize.

Curb the Congestion is funded by Snohomish County through development mitigation fees and federal grants, and operated by Community Transit. The county identified three specific high congestion corridors because they could benefit the most from this type of program based on the existing infrastructure (i.e., roads, bike lanes, sidewalks and transit facilities), constraints to further road improvements and development patterns.

The three corridors are:

164th Street SW/SE (between Lynnwood and Mill Creek)

128th Street (between Everett and Mill Creek)

20th Street SE (between Lake Stevens and Everett)

Anyone 16 years or older who lives or works in Snohomish County and travels one of these corridors can participate. When signing up, participants will be encouraged to bus, carpool, vanpool, bike or walk instead of driving alone.

In addition to utilizing a travel specialist, Curb the Congestion participants have new web tools and resources available. An easy online calendar helps people log their trips and tracks eligibility for prize drawings. The calendar can also track the impact of an individual's new travel alternative, such as air pollution prevented and money saved.

The website also has resources for bus information, maps, carpool matching, a "Bike Buddy" program and other tools.

If you would like to learn more about this program or have questions, please feel free to call Community Transit at (425) 438-6136. Also, please check the Community Transit website, click here for more details.

Locking Mailbox is available.

Silver Firs Homeowners can get the same locking mailboxes used in Silver Firs 2 community at the same discount! The discount price is $99 including shipping right to your doorstep. (This is a $45 savings over the standard retail price of $129 plus shipping of $15). The “Pinnacle” model is an excellent, attractive, durable product.

1. Call the manufacturer at 1-877-968-4827 from 8:00 - 4:30 PST Monday through Friday.

2. Tell the operator your neighborhood order code (xxxx) and that you want to order The Pinnacle locking mailbox, #1022 in black.

If you are unable to reach a live operator at that number, you can leave your contact information on their voicemail and your call will be returned the next business day.