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.

Bittersweet Restaurant in downtown Kent wants YOUR feedback, whether or not you’ve dined in their restaurant. They want to know what you liked, what you didn’t like and what they can do better. In exchange for 2 minutes of your time, Bittersweet is offering everyone who completes the survey a FREE DESSERT (you may only complete the survey once per computer/IP address.)

Take the online survey NOW

Offer for FREE DESSERT expires 10/31/09

At yesterday’s KDP Breakfast Hour, hosted by Bittersweet and sponsored by CleanScapes and Hanis Irvine Prothero, the Kent Downtown Partnership named three community stars for their selfless support of the Kent community.

The recipients are:

John Hinds, General Manager of Kent Station

Sally Goodgion, Catalyst Travel

Rick Roland, Roland & Company CPA

Thanks to John, Sally and Rick for their hard work and commitment to making Kent the best it can be!

Community volunteer:  Sue Froyd

Insurance agent:  Bob Wagner

Doctor:  Dr. Twe

Dentist:  Dr. Rich Hayashi

Firefighter:   John Robbins

Police Officer:  Paul Peterson

Public Official:  Mayor Suzette Cooke

Realtor:  Marti Reeder, John L. Scott

Teacher/School:  Mrs. Carchedi – Glenridge

Automotive:  Kent East Hill Tire Factory

Fitness Center:  24 Hour Fitness on Kent-Kangley

Bank/Credit Union:  Bank of America

Spa Services:  Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage

Green Business:  REI Corporate

Nail Salon:  Peridot Nail Salon

Hair Salon/Barber Shop:  Salon Ivoni

Plant Nursery:  McLendon Hardware

Senior Living Facility:  Arbor Village

Winery:  Castle Bridge Winery

Asian Cuisine:  Archa Thai Bistro

BBQ:  Cave Man Kitchens

Breakfast:  Maggie’s on Meeker

Lunch:  Bittersweet Restaurant

Coffee Shop:  Starbucks on 4th

Family Restaurant:  Golden Steer

Mexican Cuisine:  Mexico Lindo

Pizza:  Pizzeria Fondi

Italian Cuisine:  Paolo’s Italian Restaurant

Fine Dining:  Paolo’s Italian Restaurant

Waiter/Location:  Rebecca at Maggie’s on Meeker

Pet Groomer:  Soggy Doggy

Veterinarian:  McMonigle Veterinarian Hospital

Flower Shop:  Bella home and garden

Jewelry Store:  Bonaci Fine Jewelers

Antique Shop:  Mad Hatter Antiques

Gift Store:  Marie Haggin Accessories

Grocery/Convenient Store/Location:  Top Food &  Drug

Clothing/Shoe Store:  Just the Thing

Furniture/Home Decor:  Chair & Trellis

Bookstore:  Children’s Bookshop & Teaching Supplies

Consignment/Thrift Store:  Meeker Street Emporium

Best View of Kent:  Grandview Off-Leash Dog Park

Most Romantic Spot:  Lake Meridian Park

Favorite Family Destination:  Kent Station

Congratulations to all of the “Best of Kent 2009″ winners and to all of the honorable mentions and nominees! We’re proud of Kent, and it shows!

As always, they feature customer favorites like the chicken enchilada, pasta of the day and their famous desserts…but there are some new treats on the menu so please check it out.

Breakfast:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 7:00 to 3 p.m.

Lunch:
Monday – Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Earthworks Gem Design Studio
Bella home and garden
City Frame
Heartbeat Yoga & Healing Arts
Vibe Bar & Grill
Cypriana
Wild Wheat Bakery & Cafe
Spiro’s Greek Island Restaurant
Shindig Martini Bar
The Balanced Athlete
Discovery Shop
Bittersweet Restaurant
Goju Karate and Pilates
Salon Avoni
Howell’s Religious Books
Distinctive Images Barber Shop & Styling Salon
NW Electrology & Permanent Make-up
Perk Up Place
Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage

This weekend the historic district and businesses on Meeker Street are celebrating with their annual Holiday Open House. Visit www.kentdowntown.org for details.

Skorupa said this is the second year her knitting group has sponsored the fundraiser. Last year the group raised just over $1,600. For this year’s fundraiser, the group put together a throw of 20 squares of different designs all of the same color – passionately pink, the signature color for breast cancer. Most of the knitters participating in the project are from the Kent area; the group also includes a knitter from Salt Lake City.

“This is such a great project,” Skorupa said. “Not only will the winner get to take home this beautiful throw, but they’ll be contributing to a cause that is near and dear to all of us.”

For more information about the drawing or to purchase tickets for a chance to win the passionately pink throw, contact Nancy Skorupa at Renaissance Yarns at 253-852-YARN, 877-852-YARN or info@renaissanceyarns.com.

Located in the heart of downtown Kent, Renaissance Yarns is a cozy boutique-style yarn shop featuring a variety of yarns, needles, patterns, accessories, classes, knitting circles and more. The store is open seven days a week. For more information including store hours and class schedules, please visit www.renaissanceyarns.com. Renaissance Yarns ~ feel the fiber!