Do you have a favorite beauty salon, spa or chiropractor? This is your chance to vote for the very best volunteers, professionals, coffee shops and bakeries in Kent. Visit the Kent Reporter online to complete your ballot and for a chance to win a Kent Station gift card! Voting ends at 4 p.m. on April 3, 2013, so vote today!
Kent, WASH., Feb. 19, 2013–Detectives at the Kent Police Department are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect in the Feb. 12 robbery of the Panther Lake branch of Key Bank. In a press release from the police department, the suspect is described as as unkempt, white or light-skinned black male, mid 30s, 6′ to 6’3″ with a medium build. It is possible he has tattoos on his hands or knuckles and near his eyes. No weapon was shown during the robbery, and the man fled on foot.
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call the Kent Police Tip Line at 253-856-5808.
[Note: The information provided by the police department was dated Feb. 14, but just received today, Feb. 19 at 10:22 am.]
KENT, Wash., February 12, 2013 – In 2012, broker and real estate agent Marti Reeder was, once again, named a top producer and a member of the President’s Elite by John L. Scott. With 30 years of industry experience, Reeder has been a full-time agent working for John L. Scott for over eight years.
In 2012, Marti Reeder earned the following sales awards from her Kent-Covington Office: Top Sales Resale, first and second quarters; Top Producer for the second quarter; Top Lister Resale for the third and fourth quarters; and Top Producer for the fourth quarter. She also received John L. Scott’s highest honor, the President’s Elite Award, for the third year in a row.
J. Lennox Scott, Chairman and CEO of John L. Scott, offered his appreciation for Marti’s hard work and those of other top producers: “I would like to congratulate you on your success as a Top Producer. Your hard work and professionalism are exemplified in this accomplishment.”
As a lifelong resident of King County, Reeder helps individuals and families buy and sell homes throughout the Seattle and South-Sound areas. She also focuses on educating consumers on home ownership and on the real estate and mortgage industries through her website, blog, newsletter and social media – Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. She wants consumers to understand the ins and outs of the changing real estate market as well as the value of long-term home ownership.
“Home values are appreciating again and inventory is low, so this is a great time for prospective sellers to list their homes and get a good price, and buyers should jump in quick so they can still get a great buy,” Reeder says.
For more information about Reeder, visit http://www.marti-realtor.com or call 253-859-8500 (office) or 206-391-0388 (cell). You can also learn more about Reeder or view her latest listings at http://johnlscott.com/martireeder.
As a lifelong resident of King County, Reeder is a full-time, full-service real estate broker, serving the Puget Sound region. She has a wide range of experience in mortgages, home inspections, construction and real estate. In 2012, she helped more than 30 families sell or buy new homes. She is also a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), having successfully completed the rigorous coursework required to earn this designation in 2012. Reeder specializes in staging & marketing her listings as well as helping buyers whether, first-time, downsizing or upsizing. Reeder has been named the “Best in Kent” real estate agent for four years, as well as having been awarded the “Five Star Real Best in Client Satisfaction” Award from Seattle Magazine.
The following crime prevention tips were provided by the Kent Police Department. 
Exterior
Interior
Make a 
big difference in Kent small businesses by shopping locally on Sat., Nov. 24. “Shop Small” to help our local economy. Nov. 24, right between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, marks the 3rd annual “Shop Small” day, sponsored by American Express. By shopping at our local small businesses or dining in local restaurants, we are helping to support our local economy and fueling possible job growth.
We can help support “Shop Small” by shopping, dining, and spreading the word. Get out to our local Kent establishments. It’s these “small” businesses that make a big impact in our communities.
For more information about Shop Small, please visit Shop Small online.
Dear iLoveKent.net Readers and Fa
ns,
When I started iLoveKent.net in 2009, I did it to showcase some of the great people, places and things in Kent, Washington. I wanted to show the rest of the world, or at least South King County, that Kent has a lot to offer — from basic shopping, dining and recreational options to deeper values like culture, diversity and creativity.
Over the years, my passion for Kent has grown, and I’ve tried to reflect that in the pages of iLoveKent.net and on our Facebook and Twitter accounts. I’ve done this as a service to the community, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I will continue to provide this service because I believe in Kent, and my readers have shown that they believe in Kent too.
But my mission is evolving and I want your help. Kent needs us now, perhaps more than ever. Over the last several months, we’ve heard about fatal car crashes, missing teens, vandalized stores, closing businesses, shootings and other crimes. Financially, our city is in danger as well. Businesses are being asked to pay more to run the city, the city is cutting valuable services and programs, and job layoffs continue. With so much going on, particularly at election time, it may seem like we as individuals can’t make a difference…but we CAN and we need to! Our city needs us, our schools and businesses need us, and our neighbors need us.
Many of you are already active in the community. You volunteer at school or church, participate in local government, or serve as a mentor or board volunteer somewhere. Those contributions continue to be important, but I think we need to do even more — at the most basic level, we need to look out for each other. We need to report burned out streetlights, call 9-1-1 when we see suspicious vehicles and erratic drivers, and need to avoid unnecessary distractions when driving, biking or walking through town. We need to remember to be kind and compassionate, pay attention to our surroundings, and clean up after ourselves when out in public. While these may seem like minor actions, each time we help someone else in a small way, it adds up to big change and a safer, more secure community.
In the weeks and months ahead, I’ll use iLoveKent.net to share ideas and resources with members of the community to show you ways you can help. I welcome your suggestions and comments as well. I don’t have all the answers; together we do! Let’s show Kent we care.
Caring for our community,
Dana Neuts, Publisher
iLoveKent.net
[Pictured above, right: Kent Fire Department at Kent Cornucopia Days, 2012. Photo taken by Dana Neuts.]
Join local businesses next Wed., Oct. 3 at ShoWare Center at the Kent Chamber of Commerce’s “Find It In Kent” Business Showcase.
ShoWare Center
625 W. James St.
Kent, WA 98032
Wed., Oct. 3, 2 – 7 p.m.
Business Expo, 2 – 7 p.m.
“Taste of Kent,” 5 – 7 p.m.
More details at Kent Chamber website or call 253-854-1770.
Contributed by Virtually Yourz
KE
NT, Wash., August 29, 2012 – Broker and real estate agent Marti Reeder was named top salesman for home resales for the first two quarters of 2012 by the John L. Scott office in Kent/Covington. With 30 years of industry experience, Reeder has been a full-time agent working for John L. Scott for just under 8 years.
In addition to helping individuals and families buy and sell homes throughout the Seattle area, Reeder focuses much of her business on educating consumers on home ownership and on the real estate and mortgage industries through her website, blog and social media channels – Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. She wants consumers to understand the ins and outs of the changing real estate market place as well as the value of long-term home ownership.
“The real estate market has changed dramatically this year, and right now it is shifting toward a seller’s market,” Reeder explained. “Whether you are buying or selling a home right now, it is important to work with a real estate professional who understands the market.”
For more information about Reeder, visit http://www.marti-realtor.com or call 253-859-8500 (office) or 206-391-0388 (cell). You can also learn more about Reeder or view her latest listings at http://johnlscott.com/martireeder.
As a lifelong resident of King County, Reeder is a full-time, full-service real estate broker, serving the Puget Sound Region. She has a wide range of experience in mortgages, home inspections, construction and real estate. In 2011, she helped more than 30 families sell or buy new homes. She is also a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Accredited Seller’s Representative (ASR), and she specializes in staging & marketing her listings as well as helping buyers whether, first-time, down-sizing or upsizing! Reeder has been named the “Best in Kent” real estate agent for four years, and in 2010 and 2011, she was awarded the Five Star Real Estate Professional Award from Seattle Magazine.
Kent business owners Nicole Adams of Intimate Pilates and Sandy Newby of Rain & Co. Salon/Spa are inviting the community to visit their new downtown location at 109 2nd Ave. S. during an open house on Fri., Aug. 17, 5 – 8 p.m. During the evening event, Intimate Pilates will offer refreshments, gift bags, a raffle and 15-minute free Pilates demos. Rain and Co. will offer hand and arm massages, complimentary bang trims or hair touch-ups, product samples and a raffle.
Intimate Pilates: In June, Adams relocated her Intimate Pilates studio from her original 1st Avenue location. She needed the larger space to expand the studio’s private sessions and group classes. The space includes a cozy waiting area, Pilates machines for individual workouts and group classes, as well as space for Pilates mat and yoga classes. The group classes can accommodate between four and six people at a time.
“We just love the new space,” Adams explains. “It’s bigger but it still has that intimate, personal feel our clients love.”
Open seven days a week by appointment only, Intimate Pilates also offers SOMA neuromuscular integration, a treatment-oriented massage. Since opening in November 2009, Adams says the demand for Pilates and yoga has grown, in part because of the studio’s intimate feel and personalized attention but also because services are priced more affordably at $60/hour (less for packages) compared to $70 to $75 in Bellevue or Seattle. Visit the studio’s website for dates, times, classes and appointments.
Rain & Co. Salon/Spa: Upstairs from Intimate Pilates is Rain & Co. Salon/Spa, a contemporary boutique salon, featuring a talented team of independent salon professionals who focus on the satisfaction and well being of their clients. Eighteen months ago, Sandy Newby, the original owner of Excalibur Salon, took back over her location from Humanity Salons, and has named her new venture Rain & Co. Salon/Spa.
The salon staff offers haircuts and styles, hair color and highlights, deep conditioning treatments, special occasion hairstyles and updos, “real feather” extensions, body and skincare treatments, waxing, massage, body wraps and more. The salon is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and it features Bumble and Bumble products. For more information about Rain and Co., visit the salon online.
“When our clients visit the salon, they enjoy the inviting atmosphere, are genuinely welcomed by our friendly staff and leave feeling absolutely beautiful,” Newby says. “We hope people will visit the salon during the open house to see how relaxing a visit to an upscale salon can be!”
Contributed by the King County Solid Waste Division, reprinted with permission. Some links added by iLoveKent.net.
K
ing County Executive Dow Constantine today applauded 92 local companies for reducing waste and increasing recycling, naming them as the county’s “Best Workplaces for Waste Prevention and Recycling for 2012.”
“From recycling Styrofoam and cell phones to creating new programs for composting, the innovation these organizations have shown proves that sound environmental practices can go hand-in-hand with a successful business,” said Executive Constantine.
The sixth-annual list spans a wide array of businesses in King County, including hospitality, medical services, professional services, retail, finance, government, arts and entertainment and others. The list includes an honor roll for companies that have made the list at least five years in a row.
The businesses honored use a wide range of recycling and waste reduction strategies, including:
“Many times, what businesses consider waste is something other entities can use and actually purchase,” said Andrew Koeppen, managing director at Hot Off the Press, a local family-owned printer based in Redmond, and a first-time Best Workplace for Waste Prevention and Recycling. “Finding out where our waste can be used helps our society become a community.”
Hot Off the Press holds green print design seminars to teach others how to design printed documents and business materials in an environmentally conscious way. They donate the paper they don’t use to local schools and non-profits.
Last year, businesses in King County sent more than 180,000 tons of recyclable materials to the landfill. King County’s Solid Waste Division compiles the “Best Workplaces for Waste Prevention and Recycling” list annually to recognize the top recyclers and waste reducers, and help motivate others in the local business community.
All businesses operating in King County outside the City of Seattle are eligible for the list. To secure their spot, businesses are required to meet the same five basic criteria, as well as 10 additional waste reduction and recycling criteria, such as using reusable or compostable dishware in kitchens, collecting batteries for recycling or sending electronic invoices.
To see the complete list of 2012 Best Workplaces for Waste Prevention and Recycling and to learn more about what these businesses are doing to improve recycling programs, visit www.kingcounty.gov/recyclemore, and click on the link.
To learn more about the program, contact Karen May at 206-296-4353, or karen.may@kingcounty.gov.
_____________________________________________________________
On July 25, King County’s Solid Waste Division announced that 92 local companies have been named to the 2012 “Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction” list, including five businesses/offices in Kent. The list recognizes businesses with exceptional recycling programs and for their commitment to reducing the amount of waste their company produces. Last year, businesses in King County sent more than 180,000 tons of recyclable materials to the landfill. However, King County’s Solid Waste Division compiles the “Best Workplaces for Waste Prevention and Recycling” list annually to recognize the top recyclers and waste reducers, and help motivate others in the local business community.
The sixth-annual list spans a wide array of businesses in King County, including hospitality, medical services, professional services, retail, finance, government, arts and entertainment and others. Below is yesterday’s press release from King County. We can offer interviews with King County Solid Waste representatives about business waste reduction, as well as contacts for Kent businesses that made the list.
Kent honorees:
The following is an update sent to some Kent business owners today by Andrea Keikkala, Executive Director of the Kent Chamber of Commerce. It’s an update on the Kent City Council’s action at last night’s meeting. Thanks, Andrea, for allowing us to reprint your update. Emphasis added by iLoveKent.net.
Thank you, for your time and hard work to quickly learn about the B&O Tax issue and Kent’s infrastructure funding challenges. Last night the City of Kent Council did NOT pass a proposed B&O Tax. The vote came down 5 to 2 on an ordinance that would have put into place a .2 B&O Tax on Warehouses only. However, a Resolution was passed that solidifies the continued work of the business community and the city of Kent to come up with $4-6 million by the end of the year in a revenue generating mechanism. Be that, B&O, Head Tax, Door Tax, etc.
Section 2 of Statement of Intent Resolutions – “ The city council will consider all available revenue structures, including, without limitation, a Business and Occupation Tax, a Business License Tax, a Transportation Benefit District, and any other tax or fee structure that will best serve the needs of the people to have well maintained streets while imposing the least and fairest burden on the business community of Kent” This resolution passed the council on a 6 to 1 vote.
The hard work is just beginning. The City of Kent Council talked a lot about trust, hope and their desire to keep the business community at the table. We need to make sure we follow through and do our part. This is an opportunity for the business community to give input on the economic vitality of Kent and guide the process. Please make sure that you make time to be at this table. We will be gathering information, mapping out next steps and will call for a follow up meeting with the business community shortly to review all taxing mechanisms available.
As we requested, the City of Kent also passed a resolution to hire an outside consulting firm to do an efficiencies study. This was passed by council unanimously.
Also, as requested by the Kent Chamber, a Levy Lid Lift of $.37/1000 assessed valuation will be put on the ballot this November. This resolution passed the City of Kent council on a 4 to 3 vote.
Again, thank you all for your work on this issue. Thank you for your phone calls, emails and discussion. I look forward to working with you in the near future.
Best Regards,
Andrea (Keikkala)
Get a jump on identity theft by bringing your sensitive documents to Kent’s HomeStreet Bank on Sat., June 16 (9 am to 1 pm) to be shredded. The bank is located at 505 W. Harrison St., Kent, WA 98032.
For more information about HomeStreet Bank in Kent or to get driving directions, visit HomeStreet Bank online.
What do ice dancer Ben Agosto, Hilton Hotels and ShoWare Center have in common? They will all be integral players in bringing Skate America 2012 to Kent October 19 and 20, drawing thousands of sports fans and journalists from around the world to South King County.
Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke announced the news this morning at a press conference attended by local and state officials and representatives, media and residents and business people. Skate America will feature three days of competition featuring 52 world-class figure skaters from 15 countries. The DoubleTree by Hilton (SeaTac location) will be the host hotel, and ShoWare Center will host the competitions during the weekend-long event.
An enthusiastic Mayor Cooke said she wants to show the world “the very best Kent has to offer” in terms of dining, restaurants, lodging and other amenities.
“Let’s roll out the red carpet,” she said.
Though she had originally been scheduled to make the announcement, Governor Christine Gregoire was called away on last minute business. She made this statement in a press release issued following the press conference:
“We are excited to again welcome the international figure skating community and its fans to the state of Washington for 20120 Hilton HHonors Skate America,” Governor Gregoire said. “In recent years, Washington has hosted record-setting crowds in Spokane and Everett. The anticipated economic impact and international television exposure the event will bring to Kent and the greater Seattle area is exciting.”
King County Executive Dow Constantine was on hand to share in the good news. Constantine said he hopes to build on the success of the Olympic Diving Trials to be held in Federal Way next month, helping to position the area as a premier destination for sporting events.
“Thank you, Skate America, for choosing King County,” Constantine said.
Medalist Ben Agosto encouraged attendees to buy tickets for the event, explaining that some of the competitions held in Washington State are among the most memorable of his career.
“When you see it live, it is completely different than seeing it on TV,” Agosto said. “There’s a big energy transfer between the skaters and fans.”
Laura Lee of Production Sports will be handling the promotion of the event, with Ben Agosto serving as Skate America’s honorary chairman.
“This is our time to get noticed,” she told an audience of about 100.
Sports commentator Chris Egan of KING5 concluded the program: “It’s coming to YOUR city!”
Tickets for the international skating event will range in price from $75 for a weekend pass to $350 for premium seats. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow. For more information about the event, visit www.2012skateamerica.com.
If you like beer, wine, hot dogs and games, you’ll love the new Nevermind Tavern (209 E. Meeker St.) in downtown Kent. This over-21 hang-out is open daily for lunch and dinner and offers specials every day of the week. Tuesday, for example, is Doggie Discount Day where you buy one dog and get the second one for $1 off. And while Wednesday is designated as game night, the tavern offers board games including trivia, Yahtzee, Scrabble, Monopoly, cribbage and more to enjoy any time.
I met briefly with Nancy, who also owns and manages the Milton Tavern, who says changes – including a new name – are in the works. Stay tuned for more details!
Hours:
Open daily at 11 a.m. for lunch
Weeknights until 10 p.m.
Friday – Saturday open until midnight.
Sunday – Noon to 9 p.m.
The tavern is located at 209 E. Meeker St., between Central and Railroad, right next to Blanc ‘n Schwartz, one of my favorite downtown salons!
Update–April 17: My friend Cynthia and I went to have a drink at Nevermind Tavern yesterday, and we really enjoyed our visit. We were both able to taste our respective drinks (beer for her, wine for me), before ordering, which was really nice. I hate ordering a glass of wine and realizing that I don’t like it. I tried the Big Brown Box Riesling. I am not a fan of boxed wines, but this one was very tasty — super sweet. We enjoyed talking with bartender Andrew and owners Chris and Nancy Guzek. The place had the feel of a neighborhood pub – friendly, casual, comfortable. A great place to go for a celebration or to just hang out with friends! I will definitely be going back.
Ready for some fresh produce? Check out Frager Farm Stand which opens for the season this Sunday, April 8.
Frager Farm Stand is located at 25189 Frager Rd. S., Kent, WA 98032, two blocks south of LA Fitness off West Valley Highway. Call 253-854-0207 for more info.
The Kent Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual gala on Saturday, April 28, 2012. Touted by organizers as an evening of dining, dancing and fun, the event will feature the Kings of Swing, a dynamic big band. During the event, local businesses will be presented with awards for outstanding service to the community.
Tickets for the fun-filled event are $65 each or $550 for a table of 8. Can’t make it to the dinner? You can come just for the dancing from 9 to 11 p.m. for just $15. For more information or to buy tickets, visit KentChamber.com or call 253-854-1770. Note: You don’t have to be a member of the Kent Chamber to participate. Everyone is welcome!
Kent Chamber of Commerce President’s Gala
ShoWare Center
Sat., April 28, 5:30 – 11 p.m.
Dining, Silent Auction, Biz Awards, Dancing
$65 per person or $15 for dancing only (9 – 11 pm)
Seattle, Washington, April 3, 2012 – TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® of Seattle launches Movers for Moms®, a local campaign to collect personal items and creature comforts for mothers living at DAWN’s House, a domestic violence shelter serving South King County. True to its mission of being “movers who care,” TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® of Seattle will accept donations of robes, slippers, socks, brushes, combs and other personal items to be distributed Mother’s Day weekend.
The program was started in 2008, but this is the first year TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® of Seattle will be participating in the program. The program has spread to 24 states and more than 80 TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchises. This year’s goal is to collect more than 100,000 items for moms in need across the country.
Collections for Movers for Moms® begin this Friday with a kick off at Shoreline Christian School, a drop off site for the program. During the event, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® of Seattle representatives from the Kent and Kirkland locations will pass out flyers describing Movers for Moms®, hand out coloring sheets and crayons, hear from a DAWN representative, and ask kids and their families to “Help Mom” this Mother’s Day. Other drop off sites include Renton Chamber of Commerce, Kent Downtown Partnership, the Mint in Enumclaw and iLoveKent.net. Donations will be accepted now through Friday, May 11.
“DAWN’s House relies on the generosity of the community members and partners like TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® of Seattle to provide abuse survivors with much needed items during their stay,” said DAWN’s House Director Andrea Paine. “Most women arrive at our shelter with very few belongings, so even items that seem small can make a huge difference in a woman’s day and in her entire experience of starting over.”
The idea behind the program is to collect items and gifts in honor of Mother’s Day for women and children currently staying at local women’s shelters like DAWN’s House, because all moms should have something to celebrate on Mother’s Day, regardless of their situation. Suggested items include new or gently used clothing and shoes; personal products such as soap, deodorant and lotions; new and gently-used toys and games; books and magazines; and DVDs and CDs.
“As active members of the community, we see parents and families in all kinds of different living situations. Seeing abused mothers and children is one of the most heartbreaking,” said Glenna Clendenen of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® of Seattle. “We want to do our part to make this one weekend special for moms who give their all every day. We invite our communities to help by making donations to help moms in need.”
To learn more about the program, or to find out how you might help, contact TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® of Seattle at (253) 656-4322 or visit TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® of Seattle online.
About DAWN’s House:
Dawn’s House is the only confidential domestic violence shelter for women and their children in South King County. The shelter serves women with children from birth to age 18, and provides an array of advocacy and services including support groups, housing search assistance, children’s groups, mental health and legal and one-to-one advocacy. For more information about DAWN, visit http://dawnonline.org.
About TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® of Seattle:
The Seattle area franchise of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is owned by husband and wife team Rick and Glenna Clendenen. The firm serves the Seattle area out of offices located in Kent and Kirkland and actively participates in the communities it serves. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK© offers a full-range of residential and commercial moving services, senior move management, packing services, supplies and workshops. To learn more about TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® of Seattle, visit them online at http://twomenandatruckseattle.com or call (253) 656-4322.
For more information, contact:
Glenna Clendenen
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK© of Seattle
1119 Central Ave. S., Ste. 203, Kent, WA 98032
(253) 656-4322
Glenna.Clendenen@twomen.com
http://twomenandatruckseattle.com
To: City of Kent, Council and Mayor
Re: Proposed UGM Homeless Shelter
A Different Open Letter to the City of Kent
A subject with as much potential for polarizing various sects of the community must be discussed with a wide angle perspective. Where there are many who would consider themselves interested parties, it is imperative that none of the interested parties be seen as more important, and certainly should be no more influential, than any other. The recent reactions from a couple of Kent business owners, whose implication of representing the opinions of the majority of business owners is unfounded, should not be allowed to reduce the issues at hand to merely a question of money, industry and their view of progress.
I too am a longtime resident of Kent. I have owned a business in Kent, have many commercial clients on whom my livelihood depends that are based in Kent and I have long been involved with working with two of the fine organizations that serve the homeless in Kent. I disagree with Mike Hanis’ statement that we are all “warriors in the battle against homelessness”. Sadly, some of the initial reaction to this very attractive proposal to improve the service levels to our least fortunate indicates that many are reluctant spectators willing to pretend that Kent does not already suffer the negative consequences of homelessness.
This proposal can be evaluated using any number of criteria. Critical in my view is that, simply put, the population of homeless on the streets of Kent exists right now, and according to estimates, in significant numbers. Services currently providing evening meals have no provision or resources for providing services during the day. Our homeless population is left to wander the streets, often in retail centers or in the library. Loitering is prohibited, but moving a person does not make the person any less real in their next location. Inadequate public restroom facitities presents an obvious problem, leading to the necessity of using city park and retail restrooms, and of course inappropriate places. People without shelter add a burden to police and other public services both in time and resources.
The Union Gospel Mission proposal addresses these concerns, and what’s more, they’ll pay for it, offering to fund all operating costs of the proposed facility in return for rent-free use of the space. UGM mandates that overnight guests are drug and alcohol free, dispelling speculation that those guests would be a threat to neighboring businesses at night. The shelter would provide meals and restroom facilities that would reduce panhandling and using our outdoors as bathrooms. The shelter would provide a place for the homeless to go by day, reducing the burden on the library and other public facilities. UGM provides drug and alcohol programs. And although I am loathe to engage in the type of speculation that opponents have demonstrated, it does stand to reason that sheltering the homeless at night will reduce the burden on police services.
It is not imperative that we even discuss so-called “warm fuzzy” aspects of the proposed shelter to see its value. Certainly there is a significant humanitarian aspect to the proposal, perhaps best dealt with by those who see a city as more than just a conglomeration of money-generating businesses. But we can evaluate this proposal in more practical terms. The negative issues of a significant homeless population exist in Kent now. The strain on public facilities and services is real. The quality of life in Kent can be improved when citizens are not faced with their fellow citizens urinating on their front lawn and clogging the library because they have nowhere else to go. And finally, a significant portion of the homeless population is in transition; homeless by misfortune and needing a safe place to rest and set their belongings as they seek work and permanent shelter.
A city is a living community, dedicated to the welfare of all its citizens in a dynamic array of interconnected relationships, where the good for one should benefit the many. Kent, as the sixth largest city in Washington, has to face all of the issues of a growing city, and cannot avoid or procrastinate on the negative issues hoping they will solve themselves. This proposal is attractive, well conceived and presented by an organization with the infrastructure and experience to manage the facility and perform as excellent city partners.
Eric Greiling
[Address Provided But Withheld by Publisher]
Reprinted with permission from Kent resident Eric Greiling
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