From Michelle Witham at the City of Kent:

Kent City Council Approves Transportation Impact Fees
New Development to Help Pay for City Road Projects

KENT, Wash. – July 7, 2010 – After nearly four years of planning and gathering public input, the Kent City Council approved an ordinance allowing the collection of transportation impact fees to help pay for road projects necessary to accommodate new growth.

Transportation impact fees are paid by developers and expanding businesses to help cover the cost of road improvements that increase traffic capacity.  Money from the fees is tied directly to the size and type of the development and the anticipated increase in traffic associated with the project.

State law requires that cities plan for projected growth and have the infrastructure in place to support it within six years.

“We adopted a Transportation Master Plan in 2008,” said Council President Jamie Perry.  “But a plan is only a plan until it’s funded.  I’m happy to see we’re taking these first steps to implementing the plan we passed two years ago,” Perry said.

Projected future development accounts for roughly 45% of the total cost for new road projects identified in the Kent’s Transportation Master Plan.

Transportation impact fees are calculated by determining how many more vehicle trips are generated as a result of new development; the more traffic that results from a project, the higher the amount paid by a developer.

“Development should help pay the costs of new development,” Perry added. “Current residents shouldn’t be asked to shoulder the costs associated with new growth.”

The new fees will replace the City’s current Environmental Mitigation Agreements, which required developers to pay an average $2,400 per peak hour trip towards the cost to complete three cross-valley corridor projects over the last 15 years.

Citywide, the fees will now average $4,084 per peak hour trip, while downtown area fees will be approximately 25% lower, in part, because the impact fee calculation assumes fewer trips due to the close proximity of amenities and public transportation options.

In approving transportation impact fees, council members were particularly concerned about the effect they might have on future development and will review the rates annually beginning in July 2011.

“We will watch carefully what impacts the new fees have, and make adjustments accordingly” said Perry.  “But right now, we need to be proactive in funding our infrastructure.  Superior infrastructure will be good selling point for investing in Kent.”

Depending on the actual development that occurs, the new fees are expected to generate approximately $89 million from 2010 to 2017 to help pay for $389 million in needed transportation projects.

Transportation impact fees have been implemented across the state as diminishing revenues are insufficient to support the infrastructure needed for future growth.   Neighboring cities including Auburn, Covington, Des Moines, Federal Way, and Renton utilize transportation impact fees.

The City of Kent is the sixth largest city in Washington with a population over 112,000. As a culturally rich destination, Kent’s dynamic quality of life features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks and nationally accredited police and fire departments. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. For more information, visit www.choosekent.com.

From the City of Kent:

Traffic Advisory

Lane Closures – East Valley Highway
(84th Ave) between S 212th Street and S 224th Street

RW Scott will reduce traffic to one lane south and northbound on East Valley Highway between S 212th St. & S 224th St. to install signal loops in the roadway. The work will occur (weekdays only) beginning Wednesday, June 30 at 8:00 AM through Friday, July 9, at 4:00 PM.

From the City of Kent:

Shoreline Construction will temporarily close 124th Ave. SE between SE 255th St. and SE 248th St., and SE 248th St. between 119th Pl. SE and 124th Ave. SE, to install new water transmission and sewer lines.

The work will occur from Monday, June 21 through Friday, August 20, 2010, between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Residents with driveways in this area will have access to their homes during construction.

From the City of Kent. Please share this link with your friends to help us spread the news:

WSDOT will close I-405 in Renton during Cornucopia Days weekend.  If you plan to travel through the Renton area on the weekend of July 10-11, you may want to rethink your route. WSDOT will fully close I-405 in both directions between SR 167 and the Maple Valley Highway (SR 169) starting at 2 a.m. Saturday, July 10 to remove the old Benson Road Bridge. All lanes will reopen by 11 a.m. Sunday, July 11^th.

Attached is a fact sheet and poster explaining the closure and detour routes.

Drivers need to detour to get around the closure area and are encouraged to leave early and take alternate routes to their destination. Significant congestion is expected on alternate routes such as SR 167, SR 169, I-5, SR 520, and I-90. Check the WSDOT website for real-time construction updates and travel information.

During the closure, crews will remove the old Benson Road South Bridge. A new Benson Road South Bridge was built as part of WSDOT’s Renton Stage 2 project to accommodate new lanes on I-405. The closure is necessary because the traffic cannot pass underneath the bridge while crews tear it down. Crews will also use the closure time to work on other needed projects within the work zone.

This information is being shared with the Chamber, KDP, CAMPS, ShoWare Center, Kent’s Neighborhood Councils, and media.  It will also be posted to our website and social media outlets.

Please share this information with your contacts/networks who may be impacted by this closure.

If you have questions, direct them to Steve Peer at the I-405 Corridor Project Office at steve.peer@i405.wsdot.wa.gov or 425-456-8624.

Download more info. from WSDOT here:

I-405 in Renton:  Avoid the Curve
Full I-405 Closure in Renton

[Note:  This road closure will take place DURING a portion of Kent Cornucopia Days, so plan an alternate route now.]

Friday, July 2:   Qualifying and racing:  9 am – 5 pm
Saturday, July 3:  Saturday practice and racing
Sunday, July 4:  Sunday practice and racing

$25-day-long passes available per day OR by a multi-day pass for $40
Children ages 7 – 16 are $5 per day
VIP parking – $5; Field parking – $FREE

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Alfa Romeo, the Pacific Northwest Historics will feature approximately 250 of the world’s rarest pre-1970 race cars at next weekend’s event including Ferraris, Lotuses, Cobras, Corvettes and more. Some of the vehicles are valued at over $1 million. Guest celebrity and sports car racing legend Augie Pabst will be on hand as well.

All proceeds for the event benefit uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital in Seattle. Over the past 21 years, the event has raised more than $7 million for the cause. This year’s goal is $525,000.

For more info., visit the Pacific Raceways website or call 206-389-5200 (race hotline).

See you there!

From the City of Kent:

Traffic will be reduced to one lane southbound on East Valley Highway between S 220th and S 222nd for repair of existing road.

Work will occur on Monday, June 14th from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Contact: Dave Devine, City of Kent
(253) 261-5048

If you are thinking about talking or texting on your cell phone while driving, think again. Effective June 10, 2010, Washington State has revised its cell phone laws to make texting and talking on your handset a primary offense, meaning you can be pulled over for either offense. Penalties are stiff too – $124 per offense!

For more info., visit the Washington State Licensing website or the full text of the Final Bill SSB 6345.

Taking without a hands free device is only permitted in case of an emergency, and talking with a hands free device such as a Bluetooth headset or earpiece is permitted.

The boat launch at Lake Meridian will be temporarily closed due to unusually high rainfall.  The City of Kent is monitoring the water levels daily and will re-open the boat launch as soon as conditions improve.

“Boating activity and the wakes they create could potentially cause erosion of the shoreline,” said Jeff Watling, Kent’s Parks and Recreation Director.  “The amount of rainfall we’ve seen this June is unprecedented.  Closures of the boat launch typically occur only during winter months.”

For more information and updates on the boat launch, visit www.choosekent.com.

From Linda Thielke at the King County Department of Transportation:

Kent East Hill ‘In Motion’ program rewards healthy travel choices

King County Metro Transit is launching an “In Motion” program on Kent’s East Hill to entice residents to get around by walking, cycling, riding the bus or train, and sharing rides. Program participants receive detailed travel information and earn rewards when they reduce their driving over a period of time.

During the first week of June, about 3,500 households on the East Hill are receiving an In Motion mailer with information about local travel options that emphasize the health, cost-savings and community benefits of driving less. The mailing features a neighborhood map showing bus routes throughout the East Hill area, and destinations near Southeast 240^th Street and 104^th Ave Southeast that are reachable by a short bike ride or walk.

Residents are invited to register as participants to receive more information and free ride tickets for Metro and Sound Transit. If they pledge to drive less, they can earn rewards that continue through September. Rewards include a shopping tote bag, pre-loaded ORCA transit cards, and gift cards from local businesses. Kent merchants benefit, too, from the increased emphasis on shopping locally. Several businesses have donated items for three prize drawings, including a Diamondback mountain bike and $100 gift cards to Kent Station.

Two organizations involved in the Kent community will help with outreach. The Lucy Lopez Center will offer information to Spanish-speaking participants, and ReWA (Refugee Women’s Alliance) will help Russian speakers. Metro’s other partners in the effort are the City of Kent’s Kent4Health program and the Kent Chamber of Commerce’s East Hill Partnership.

Over the past six years, Metro’s grant-funded In Motion program has reached residents in more than 20 King County neighborhoods. Metro estimates the popular programs have reduced more than 1.3 million miles of driving, 66,000 gallons of gas, and 674 tons of CO₂ emissions.

Information is available online at www.kingcounty.gov/inmotion or by calling the In Motion hotline at 206-296-3455

In the City of Kent’s April Scene eNewsletter, the city cautions local drivers to slow down or pay up. Speed emphasis patrols start April 9. They also offered these tips:

- Obey posted speed limits
- Slow down in heavy traffic or bad weather
- Don’t tailgate!
- It takes a braking vehicle traveling 60 mph 270 feet before it can come to a complete stop, so allow plenty of time!

Traffic Advisory From the City of Kent, April 22, 2010:

What: The contractor is working on water and sewer main replacements
Who: Kar Vel Construction working for The City Of Kent
When: April 22, 2010 to August 31, 2010, 7 AM to 4 PM
Where: Mill Creek Neighborhood, Between Alvord Avenue North to Kennebeck Avenue North, from East James Street to East Smith Street

More info.:  http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/content.aspx?id=16535

As the subject of much debate, the hideous, half-finished parking structure in downtown Kent (corner of W. Smith St. and Fourth Ave.) may soon become the victim of foreclosure. The 350-stall parking garage was supposed to be a part of a multiple use development with parking, condos and retail space. Plan B Development of Bellevue began the project three years ago but stopped in May 2007 when its lender refused to continue financing the project. The partially finished project has been a downtown eyesore ever since.

In a press release dated April 7 from the City of Kent, the Kent City Council voted unanimously last night to give Mayor Suzette Cooke and City Attorney Tom Brubaker the authority to start foreclosure proceedings.

“The recession has further complicated matters by causing not only the original investors, but banks and title companies involved to face failures and become subject to mergers and takeovers, all cooling interest in the property,” Brubaker said in the press release.

“Because of the realities of depressed commercial values in today’s real estate market, ironically, now may be the ideal time to exercise our interest in the property.” Brubaker said.  “If no buyer appears to purchase the City’s interest during foreclosure, the City will own the property free and clear, with marketable title to the site.”

“This property is the 50-yard line between Kent Station and the downtown Historic District, and that key geographic position poses some risk,” Brubaker added.  “There’s always a risk associated with moving forward with the foreclosure process.  If another party purchases our interest, we may get a development that doesn’t fit with your vision for downtown, or even worse—no development at all.”

According the press release, City Council President Jamie Perry said that the foreclosure process will do one of two things:  clear up the title of the property so the City can sell it or make the property available for sale now.

“While I know staff has been working to spur development interest in the site, I’m ready to move forward,” said Perry.  “We’ve waited long enough for a resolution on this key property in our downtown.  I’m ready, and I’m certain our residents are ready for us to do something about this eyesore.”

Brubaker concluded saying it is unknown how long the foreclosure process will take.  “There are so many variables in play, but hopefully, within one to two years, we’ll see development again at that site.”

On Thursday, March 4, the Kent Downtown Partnership hosted a property owners and commercial real estate agents’ meeting at Bittersweet Restaurant. Sponsored by Valley Bank, the breakfast meeting drew about 55 community members including downtown property owners, commercial brokers, property representatives, business owners, city officials and KDP board members. The mood was enthusiastic and participants were eager to hear what the city is working on in terms of economic development in downtown Kent.

After a welcoming statement from Valley Bank’s Mike Miller and the introduction of participants, Kent’s Economic Development Director Ben Wolters took the floor to discuss the city’s recent successes. He noted the Regional Justice Center, Kent Station, the rail station and ShoWare Center as having been some of the area’s most significant recent developments.

“The city has tried to attract businesses that are game changers,” Wolters said.

He further noted that the ShoWare Center has only been open for 15 months, and has already attracted more than 400,000 visitors to its hockey games, concerts, business fairs and other community events. These numbers are likely to escalate with the addition of the Kent Predators, Kent’s new IFL expansion team. The Predators play their first home game at ShoWare Center on Friday, March 12.

“Looking forward, the city is looking at another game changing opportunity,” Wolters added.

The targeted project is to build a facility for the Federal Aviation Administration which could potentially bring 2,000 employees to Kent – within half a mile of the downtown core. Currently, a dozen municipalities are competing to be considered. The first phase of the process is submitting a letter of interest to the GSA and FAA. The City of Kent has done that and hopes to provide a more detailed proposal in May. If the city advances to the next level of the bidding process, the city will make a presentation and proposal in August, with the final decision coming in December.
Other key projects in the works include Tarragon’s expansion of Green River Community College at Kent Station.

“Tarragon just completed a huge expansion of GRCC, with hundreds of new students, and a lot of energy, excitement and new opportunities,” Wolters said.

He also gave an update on the half-completed parking garage at Smith and Fourth which he called “an incredible legal soap opera.” The property is now in the hands of Washington Federal Savings. To date, there has been some interest in buying that space for office use, but there is no time frame for resolving the issue, developing that property or selling it.

Another meeting highlight included the city’s completion of Town Square Plaza which was an attempt to bridge the historic downtown district with Kent Station. Wolters noted there is still a gap between the two areas, but the city is hoping to do more integration. Wolters also commented that First Avenue is becoming a destination in downtown Kent, with its own personality and flavor.

Wolters said, “It shows what is possible in the rest of downtown if property owners and businesses come together. We are changing the market perception of this place.”

Wolters opened the meeting for questions and comments, and invited property owners to voice their concerns as well as the potential for opportunities. Participants asked about the status of the Howard Hanson Dam, potential flood risk, lack of parking, need for additional ball fields and an aquatic center, the Farmer’s Market, the need for housing in downtown Kent and more.

“What is the long-term vision for downtown Kent?” asked Paul Morford. “The city needs to take on parking. It needs to increase parking on a large scale.”

Wolters wrapped up the meeting by inviting participants to contact him directly with their concerns and ideas. A follow-up meeting is planned for later this spring. To offer your input, contact Ben Wolters at 253-856-5703 or via email.

Kent TV21 has created and is now showing “Welcome to Kent:  The Panther Lake Annexation” to discuss the city’s plans to annex the neighborhood on July 1, 2010. Featuring Mayor Suzette Cooke, planning director Fred Satterstrom and members of Citizens for Annexation to Kent, the program will discuss the annexation and how it will impact the community. To view the program, visit KentTV21 online.

Once the Panther Lake annexation of 24,000 residents is complete, the City of Kent will become the sixth largest city in the State of Washington. For more information about the annexation, visit the city’s online annexation resource.

This month the Seattle Thunderbirds are hosting several fun family nights at the ShoWare Center. Some of their upcoming events include:

Mascot Game:  1/16/10 (7:05 pm)
This game will invite mascots from area sports teams, businesses, middle schools and high schools to participate in activities on the ice.

Kid’s Hat Night:  1/16/10 (7:05 pm)
The first 1,000 kids (14 years and under) will get a free TBirds hat, courtesy of KPS Health Systems.

Teddy Bear Toss:  1/23/10 (7:05 pm)
Join the TBirds at their Annual Teddy Bear Toss during their game against the Portland Winterhawks. After the first TBird goal, fans can throw teddy bears on the ice. The bears will then be given to the WARM 106.9 Teddy Bear Patrol who will distribute the bears to children during emergencies and times of crisis.

TBirds Fan Bus: 1/30/10
Take the TBirds Fan Bus to Portland for the Sat., Jan. 30 game against the Portland Winterhawks. For $49, fans get a ticket to the game and transportation to and from the game via the Shuttle Express. The bus is expected to leave around 3 p.m. and return home around midnight. Call 425-981-7064 to book your spot.

Throughout this election season, I have attempted to remain neutral on iLoveKent.net. As a journalist who holds herself closely to the SPJ Code of Ethics, I felt it was important to present both sides fairly which I have done. I have also refrained from stating my personal opinion regarding who I am supporting in the Kent mayoral election. Those who know me well know that I made my vote without reservation.

Before I continue, let me disclose my relationships with both Mayor Suzette Cooke and mayoral candidate and KSD school board president Jim Berrios. I used to be a contractor for the city. I am no longer working with the city on projects, but I frequently interview city officials and employees for articles for publication. I have also interviewed Jim Berrios  for several stories I’ve written for publication, one local publication and a trade publication for the newspaper advertising industry.

Without divulging my personal choice for mayor, I ask you to consider the following when casting your vote (if you have not already done so):

• Each candidate’s record of service to the community:   Mayor Suzette Cooke as our mayor for the last four years with numerous community and governmental achievements, and Jim Berrios as a community volunteer, business owner and president of the KSD school board.

• Each candidate’s behavior during the campaign. Did your preferred candidate conduct him or herself honorably, focusing on the issues (e.g., budget, flooding, economy) rather than minutia?

• When faced with difficult decisions like how to handle flooding, manage transportation issues, boost our economy and settle the school district strike, did your candidate act in the community’s best interests?

• Does your candidate of choice have a plan for the next four years? If so, do you understand and agree with it?

• Is his or her campaign platform clear and does it benefit the community at large, or primarily special interest groups?

• Do you have any reservations whatsoever about your candidate’s loyalty?

As you consider these items, I ask you to also consider the media coverage and debates that have taken place. There has been a fair amount of mudslinging and the race has gotten ugly in some instances. From where I sit, that mud is coming from one side more than the other, however. That tells me a lot about the integrity of the candidates and how I can expect them to represent me and the City of Kent into the future.

I invite anyone to comment on the mayoral candidates and how they have (or have made) their choice for mayor of Kent.

Thanks for listening,

The Washington Department of Transportation is considering adding express toll lanes on I-405 and State Road 67. To learn more about the proposal and to offer your input, attend one of the upcoming workshops:

Tues., Nov. 3 – Kent
Kent-Meridian High School Cafeteria
10020 SE 256th St., Kent, WA 98030
4 to 7 p.m.

Thurs., Nov. 5 – Kirkland
Kirkland City Hall – Peter Kirk Room
123 5th Ave., Kirkland, WA 98033
4 to 7 p.m.

The benefits to the proposal, DOT officials say, is that “two express toll lanes could create an ‘expressway within a freeway’ – so commutes have a choice for a reliable trip along SR 167 and I-405 (the Eastside Corridor).”

For more information, visit the Washington DOT website, send an email or call Janet Matkin at 206-716-1150.

New information 10/2/09 from City of Kent:

Starting the weekend of October 10, the City will begin placement of 20,000 giant sandbags on 12 miles of Kent’s levees.

Each giant sandbag is 3×3 feet wide, stands 3 feet tall and weighs 1.7 tons, or 3,375 lbs. They will be covered with black vinyl plastic to help seal them and keep water from getting inside, as well as protect them from ultra-violet (UV) damage.

City staff will place an equal number of small sandbags to hold the plastic vinyl in place.

Originally posted 9/23/09:

Contact:
Michelle Witham, City of Kent
253-856-5709
mwitham@ci.kent.wa.us

Giant Sandbags Ordered to Help Prevent Flooding

Kent Mayor Takes Proactive Step to Protect Valley Residents and Businesses

KENT, Wash. – September 22, 2009 – With restrictions on the water pool level behind the Howard Hanson Dam, Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke, Chair of the King County Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee, took a proactive step to reduce potential flooding this winter in the Green River Valley.  “Our first line of defense should be to fight the flood at the levee – not in the Valley,” Cooke declared.  “It is much less costly to prevent flooding in the first place, than to suffer the financial and emotional expense of cleaning up after a flood.”

Cooke requested staff begin purchasing giant sandbags for placement on top of the Green River levee system within Kent’s city limits.   The City is coordinating its efforts with the US Army Corps of Engineers, King County and the other Valley cities of Auburn, Tukwila and Renton.

According to Larry Blanchard, Kent’s Public Works Director, these structures are a proven method to assist in flood-fighting.  “Giant sandbags have been successfully used around the country to manage the flow of water,” Blanchard said.  “They would be up to three feet high and weigh 3,500 pounds each.  They are easily installed and can be placed on top of Kent’s levees to increase their height.”

A recent engineering survey of the levee elevation indicated with every one foot increase in height of the river bank, the Green River gains an additional 1,000 CFS (cubic feet per second) capacity.  “The giant sandbags will provide additional capacity in the Green River, allowing us to protect ourselves up to 13,900 CFS with three feet of free board space above the river’s main flow level,” Blanchard said.

The City previously considered using giant water-filled bladders, or aqua-dams, to line the levee system but determined that sandbags are more sturdy.  Aqua-dams may be used as a second line of defense.

Kent officials are still preparing for potential flooding this winter due to concerns about the Howard Hanson Dam after sink holes were discovered in its right abutment last January.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who has responsibility for the dam, has warned that it will not be able to hold back as much water as in the past during heavy rains, therefore increasing the risk of flooding downstream.

“Even with giant sandbags in place along the levees, every resident and business in the Green River Valley needs to purchase flood insurance and devise a plan for evacuation,” Cooke said.  “Emergency measures are linked to our web site, www.choosekent.com, and being distributed through numerous meetings and mailings.  While the dam itself is not under our jurisdiction, the City is doing all that it can within its authority to prevent a disaster.”

The City of Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, Washington with a population over 88,000. As a culturally rich destination, Kent’s dynamic quality of life features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks and nationally accredited police and fire departments. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. For more information, visit www.choosekent.com.

Earlier this month Evergreen City Ballet (ECB) moved into a new state-of-the-art facility on Lind Ave. in Renton. Along with the new building, the organization is offering new classes including:

• Mommy & Me
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Tap
• Ballet, Modern, Hip-Hop and Creative Movement

See the ECB flyer, or ECB’s website, for more information.

[Author's note:  As a writer for Renton Magazine, I had the privilege of touring the new facility before its grand opening. Watch for the October 2009 issue online or pick up a free copy at your local library.]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Michelle Witham, City of Kent
253-856-5709
mwitham@ci.kent.wa.us

The Lakes and Riverview Neighborhoods Get Long-Awaited Bus Service

KENT, Wash. – September 18, 2009 – At a time when public budgets are strained, new bus service would be considered quite a coupe.  But thanks to voter-approved initiative Transit Now, that’s exactly what residents in west Kent are getting.

Beginning Saturday, September 19, the new DART Route 913 Lakes-Riverview line opens.  Buses will run every 30 minutes, 6:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Saturday with service between The Lakes and Riverview neighborhoods in west Kent and Bay 3 at the Kent Station Transit Center.

The route runs from the Riverview community on Riverview Blvd., across the Joe Jackson Bridge, into The Lakes neighborhood via Lakeside Blvd. W. and along James Street.

“Residents in these two areas have long been asking for this service.  This new route will allow riders to reach shopping and services in Kent, as well as connect to other parts of our region via other bus routes, and Sounder Commuter Rail,” said Steve Mullen, Kent’s Transportation Engineering Manager.  “The routes are timed to give riders adequate transfer time to or from the Sounder service.”

The City partnered with King County Metro Transit to bring west Kent residents this service.  Metro will cover two-thirds of $616,128 annual cost, while Kent’s portion is $205,376.

Bus fare is $1.75 during off-peak hours on weekdays. For more details on fares, or purchase passes online. visit http://buypass.kingcounty.gov.