HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Duwamish Tribe Comments_20241223DUWAMISH TRIBE
dxʷdəwʔabš
12/20/2024
City of Renton
LUA24-000327
Dear Alex Morganroth,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Bretzke Single-family Residence project,located at 5501 NE 10th
St in Renton.The Duwamish Tribe understands that the proposed project is to construct a new two-story,3,180 SF
single-family home on a site of approximately 11,374 sq.ft.(0.26 acres)in size and is located in the Residential -4
du/ac (R-4)zone.We note that the applicant also proposes to retain one tree.Based on the information provided
and our understanding of the project and its APE,the Duwamish Tribe would recommend archaeological
monitoring with an inadvertent discovery plan,especially if any groundbreaking activity occurs below fill,topsoil or
other impervious surfaces into native soil.This is an area that the Duwamish Tribe considers culturally significant
and has a moderate probability to have unknown archaeological deposits.We note that there are 2 historical and
ancestral Duwamish place names within about 1.5 miles of the project location.The DAHP WISAARD predictive
model indicates that an archaeological survey is contingent upon project parameters with a moderately low risk for
encountering cultural resources.However due to the proximity of Honey Creek,the Tribe is ranking this as a higher
risk.
We request that if any archaeological work or monitoring is performed,we would like notification.Cultural and
archaeological resources are non-renewable and are best discovered prior to ground disturbance.The Tribe would
also like the opportunity to be present if or when an archaeologist is on site.
In addition,the Tribe strongly recommends only native vegetation be used for any proposed landscaping to
enhance habitat for fish and wildlife,and native avian life and native pollinators.The Tribe supports observing
critical area tracts and stream buffers to preserve any remaining wetlands and stream buffers.Loss of wetland
habitat is known to affect the viability of fish,water quality and increase the effects of seasonal urban flooding.We
note and support the removal of invasive plants for the project to bolster the water quality and natural
environment of Honey Creek and its surroundings.
We also strongly recommend that mature native trees in the APE are preserved.Mature trees can be of profound
cultural significance to the Duwamish Tribe and provide innumerable benefits for people,climate,and wildlife.If a
tree is suspected to be culturally modified,the Duwamish Tribe would like to be notified and would like the
opportunity to come to the site to ensure its protection.
Finally we request that any lighting be dark sky compliant to reduce light pollution.Darkened skies were favorable
conditions to practice traditional life pathways.
Thank you,
Duwamish Tribal Historic Preservation
Duwamish Tribe |4705 W.Marginal Way SW,Seattle,WA 98106 |206-431-1582
www.duwamishtribe.org