City news in Mercer Island.

‘Lock it or Lose it’ to prevent residential burglaries

Over the past few weeks, there has been an increased level of residential burglaries on the Island while the homes were occupied by the homeowner, according to a Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) update in the city’s weekly newsletter. Though an “upsetting situation,” according to MIPD, it appears that each of these burglaries was preventable. Entry was made into the homes through an unlocked window or door, sometimes via the garage.

The MIPD reminded all residents about the city’s “Lock it or Lose it” campaign, which employs various educational tools and outreach opportunities to help residents remember to lock doors and windows, even on upper floors. More than any other single behavior, this simple action dramatically decreases the risk of a home burglary attempt. There are many other easy crime prevention measures, such as outdoor lighting, that residents should consider.

After swift detective work by the MIPD, one of the suspects was arrested with the help of surveillance footage, and identifiable stolen items were found in the Mercer Island condo where he lives. The same perpetrator may be responsible for several recent incidents.

The MIPD asks that residents stay vigilant, and call 911 if there is suspicious activity in their neighborhood. Learn more at www.mercergov.org/files/Crime_Prevention_2015.pdf.

Council holds preview of 2017‐2022 CIP

The Mercer Island City Council was presented with a preliminary 2017‐2022 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at its July 5 meeting.

Given the requirement to prepare a balanced two-year budget, the council focused on the 2017-2018 CIP, which is comprised of 87 individual projects totaling $28.6 million.

See the council agenda bill here for more information.

Get set for Summer Celebration

The city’s annual two-day Summer Celebration! Festival is this weekend, July 9 and 10, at Mercerdale and Luther Burbank parks, offering activities for all ages and interests. This year’s theme, “Symphony of Summer,” will offer a number of musical activities as well as all the usual crowd favorites.

Festival highlights include:

• Community parade – Saturday

• Live music and entertainment

• Community karaoke

• Arts and crafts fair

• Obliteride kids bike ride

• Boat tours around the Island – Saturday only

• Children’s Fun Zone

• Saturday fireworks, nonprofit and community booths

• Food vendors

• Car show – Sunday morning

• Swedish pancake breakfast

Eastbound I-90 to close this weekend

From 11 p.m. Friday, July 8 to 5 a.m. Monday, July 11, eastbound I-90 will close for light rail preparations. All eastbound I-90 traffic from Seattle will be reduced to one lane near Rainier Avenue South, then rerouted to the express lanes. Mercer Island traffic will be able to exit at Island Crest Way or East Mercer Way. Some delays may be expected.