Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutJustification for Conditional Use PermitTo: City of Renton Planning Department From: [Constance Proctor, Century Law Firm, PLLC er [Your Position] Date: December 11, 2024 Subject: Justification for Wests African Community Center Building Conditional Use Permit Introduction This memo outlines the justification for the conditional use permit requested by the West African Community Center. Consistence with Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies 1.Alignment with Comprehensive Plan: The proposed development aligns with the Comprehensive Plan's goals of promoting sustainable community growth, maximizing natural and socioeconomic resources, and improving the health, safety, and welfare of Renton residents. 2.Support for Infill and Mixed-Use Development: The project uses a long-time vacant building. It supports the Comprehensive Plan's policies for infill and mixed-use development, which aim to create compact, walkable communities with a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional uses.: By providing essential services and amenities within walking distance, the development promotes a walkable, livable downtown environment, reducing reliance on cars and enhancing the quality of life for nearby residents. 3.Integrating volunteer assistance, social services, retail, and community space within a single development maximizes the efficient use of land in the downtown area, aligning with smart growth principles. Zoning Regulations Compliance 1.Mixed-Use Zone Compatibility: The development complies with zoning regulations for mixed-use zones, which encourage a blend of residential, commercial, and community services to create vibrant, multi-functional urban areas. 2.Limited Scope of Services and Meetings at the Project. The proposed uses not currently within the explicitly allowed uses are quite limited, including limited tutoring and advising and limited meetings. The other proposed uses (office and retail) are within the allowable uses within the zoning. 3.No Similar Uses in Immediate Area: There are no existing properties serving the African heritage community within the area. WACC will provide support for students and small businesses within the immediate area, ensuring this development fills a unique and unmet need in the community. Impact on Adjacent Properties 1. No Undue Impact on Adjacent Church and School: The proposed uses with the exception of the meetings and tutoring are consistent with the prior uses of the Property and the weekly meeting is not inconsistent with nor as significant as meetings held at the offices and facilities of adjacent properties. They will not have undue impacts on adjacent properties and will likely we benefit the adjacent properties such as the school at St. Anthony’s and the activities of the Chamber of Commerce, and also businesses which need customer support. Measures will be taken to ensure the operations of the agency, and its retail tenant are not disruptive to these or other neighbors. WACC expects the project will enhance local businesses and support the educational efforts of the nearby school. 2. Maintaining Neighborhood Scale and Character: The building’s exterior will remain unchanged except for refurbishment and as such blends seamlessly with the existing scale and character of the neighborhood, preserving the aesthetic and cultural integrity of the area. Parking and Transportation 1. Sufficient Parking: The development includes adequate parking to meet the needs of both the agency and the retail tenant, ensuring there is no overflow into surrounding residential or commercial streets. 2. Safe Vehicular and Pedestrian Movement: The current building’s access ensures safe movement for vehicles and pedestrians. WACC will implement traffic calming measures as needed to protect all users. Community Needs 1. Access to Essential Services: The downtown area has a diverse population. WACC can provide assistance to the community in obtaining volunteer and essential contacts for services for a significant segment of the Renton community. 2. Food and Supplies: A retail sundries tenant within the building ensures nearby residents and employees of nearby businesses have convenient, walkable access to affordable, and nutritious food. supplies and gifts. Economic Development 1. : New Life The use of this vacant building as the offices of WACC with a significant retail presence, can contribute to the economic vitality of the area as it can attract new businesses, stimulate economic growth in the area, create jobs, boost property values, and generate tax revenue for the City of Renton. 2. Preservation of Historical and Architectural Value: Older buildings often hold historical significance and contribute to the unique character of a city. Adaptive reuse allows for the preservation of these buildings, fostering a sense of identity and place for residents 3. Sustainability: Repurposing existing structures is more environmentally friendly than demolishing and rebuilding. It reduces waste and carbon emissions by reusing materials and infrastructure, promoting a more sustainable approach to urban development . 4. Community Development: Transforming abandoned buildings into functional spaces can revitalize neglected areas, improving safety and aesthetics. Mixed-use developments can create vibrant, walkable communities that cater to diverse needs Cultural Enrichment: The proposed retail use of the building can serve to strengthen the sense of belonging and strengthen the cultural identity of Africans within the community Overall, leasing and repurposing old vacant buildings can breathe new life into communities, making them more vibrant, sustainable, and economically robust. 1. Local Business Support: By sourcing products from local farmers and suppliers, the retail tenant can support local businesses and promote sustainable economic practices. 2. Attracting Investment: A mixed-use development can attract further investment into the area, enhancing its appeal as a vibrant and dynamic urban center. Urban Planning and Sustainability Enhanced Livability: By providing essential services and amenities within walking distance, development promotes a walkable, livable downtown environment, reducing reliance on cars and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Conclusion The proposed uses of the Property in the downtown mixed-use zone address critical community needs, support local economic development, and align with sustainable urban planning principles. This initiative represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive, resilient, and vibrant downtown area.