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.

Flooding in the Green River Valley

Residents, businesses and farms below the Howard Hanson Dam in the Green River Valley should prepare now for a higher risk of flooding. Parts of Seattle, Auburn, Kent, Renton and Tukwila—could be flooded and evacuations in some communities are possible.

MORE INFO HERE.

Are you ready?

See the King County Flood Plan website for complete information on upcoming presentations and tips on how to prepare for potential flooding. Events listings here.

Not sure if you are in an area that may be affected? Check this map for more information. Potential areas to be affected are those below the Howard Hanson Dam including Kent, Auburn, Renton, South Seattle and Tukwila.

Additional is also available in this blog post.

King County is advising residents of the Green River Valley area to prepare for possible flooding this fall. On their list of “to dos”:

1.  Make an emergency plan and an emergency kit.

2.  Buy flood insurance now. It takes 30 days to become active. Check with your local property & casualty insurance agent* for a quote.

3.  Purchase an AM or emergency radio that runs on batteries.

4.  Monitor news media for severe weather.

5.  Listen for evacuation alerts and be aware of evacuation routes near you.

6.  Monitor local road conditions and obey road closure signs.

7.  Take medications and medical supplies with you.

8.  Be prepared to relocate pets, livestock and other animals.

9.  Minimize flood damage.

For more information and tips on how to prepare for a flood, visit the King County website.

*Some local agents with knowledge about flood insurance include:    Patti Jenson, Allstate (Maple Valley); Rob Jones, Farmers Insurance; Doug Jones, State Farm; and Rod Saalfed, Bell-Anderson Insurance.

[Note:  There are other agents throughout the Green River Valley area who will also be able to provide a quote on flood insurance. This list is not all inclusive and not meant to endorse any of the listed agents.]

Today in Kent, the Pacific Cascade Mustang Club is hosting its 2009 Classic Ford Show and Mustang Round-up at Bowen Scarff Ford Lincoln Mercury in Kent. The show will go from 9 am to 3 pm and guests will be treated to a free barbecue, can join in on a raffle and see some beautiful vintage Fords.

1157 Central Ave. North, Kent, WA  98032
253-852-1480

Sponsored by The Mustang Shop in Auburn, WA

Engaging residents in conversation about future transportation options and financing is the goal of a Town Hall Meeting hosted by Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke and King County Councilmember Julia Patterson.

The public is invited to share their thoughts on a long-range transportation plan and five alternatives which will be presented Thursday, June 4, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 East Smith Street.

“Our transportation system dramatically impacts our economy and quality of life, yet it is something we often take for granted,” said Councilmember Patterson. “This meeting is designed to help South King County residents understand the proposed transportation alternatives, and gives them the opportunity to help shape the future of transportation in our region.”

The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is updating its regional transportation plan known as Transportation 2040.  The Plan aims to evaluate the best ways to get people where they need to go while making communities, the environment and the economy stronger as the region grows over the next 30 years.

“Engaging the public is critical as demand for transportation options grows while revenue sources decline,” said Mayor Cooke.  “Having a better understanding of the region’s needs and identifying sustainable funding sources to meet them is the challenge; the public should be involved before they’re asked to pay for new projects.”

Scheduled for adoption in 2010, Transportation 2040 will address climate change and sustainable financing for transportation while addressing the mobility needs of a growing region.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth and transportation planning in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. Comprised of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies, it coordinates the distribution of approximately $160 million in Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration funds each year. PSRC sets priorities and evaluates the most efficient ways to target those funds to support state and local transportation and growth management plans.