Got a pencil? Maybe open up a spreadsheet. Let’s see if we can name some of the construction projects underway — or poised to begin — on our Island.

There are more than a few. First, plans for the Sound Transit station in the center lanes of I-90 are still in flux. What to do about buses and the interface between the two modes of transportation? Will more land be needed? Should buses loop around city streets?

Next in the Town Center, the developers of the Legacy project have yet to clear away the old buildings that housed the Islander Restaurant and True Value. But they will.

Next, plans for a Performing Arts Center — still in fundraising mode, will include another piece of parkland, a sliver of Mercerdale Park , with the approval of the City Council. (Remember — Bicentennial Park, on which the building will be situated, is a city park.)

Just northwest of there, condos are being built into the hillside behind Farmers Insurance. To the east across Island Crest Way, 14 homes are planned on 86th Avenue S.E. In just a matter of weeks, demolition crews will take down the old North Mercer gym – a.k.a. Youth Theatre Northwest, and a new elementary school will rise up.  A new addition to the high school will follow.

Heading down Island Crest Way, it is a bit of a shock to see homes demolished and new ones being built in their place. Who knew there was so much land behind the vegetation there?

Similar changes are taking place along the East and West Mercer Ways. At the South-end, the new fire house is taking shape. Contractors have prepared Islander Middle School for more construction along its western flank and the portables that stood there are now, temporarily, in front of the school.

Are we done? No, not by a long shot.

Thanks to Island safety personnel, neighbors

What a weekend. Fine temperatures, (mostly) clear skies — and the Angels returned to their rightful place high above the waters of Lake Washington. Down below, there are dozens of public safety personnel on the ground and in the water, both before and after the Angels roar above. They orchestrate traffic. They round up drunks, rowdies and trespassers. They make it work. A big thanks also goes out to Island residents who live at or nearby prime viewing spots. For the most part, such neighbors tolerate the crowds that cram into their neighborhoods, park every which way and encroach onto lawns and driveways to view the airshow each year. It is not always pleasant – but much appreciated.