HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Duwamish Tribe Comments_20250529DUWAMISH TRIBE dxʷdəwʔabš
May 29, 2025
City of Renton
PR25-000035 LUA25-000152
Dear Jill Ding,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Raabe Townhomes to construct a new five (5)
unit townhome building in a vacant lot of 26,483 square feet (0.61 acres) zoned Residential-14 (R-
14) located at 8225 S 132nd St in Renton. Based on the information provided and our understanding
of the project and its APE, the Duwamish Tribe would recommend an archaeological or cultural
resources assessment, 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 to high probability to have unknown archaeological deposits. We
note that there are 10 place names within about a mile of the project location. The DAHP WISAARD
predictive model indicates that an archaeological survey is highly advised with a high risk for
encountering cultural resources.
The Duwamish Tribe requests 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 also strongly recommend that native trees in the APE, particularly culturally modified trees
(CMPs) 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 permanent lighting associated with the project 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