HomeMy WebLinkAboutEX_06_C_Duwamish_CommentsDUWAMISH TRIBE
dxʷdəwʔabš
4/8/2025
City of Renton
LUA25-000077
Dear Jill Ding,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Fountain of Hope Ministries International Church Project,
located in 300 s 3rd ST, Renton, WA, 98057. The Duwamish Tribe understands that the applicant is requesting
an Environmental (SEPA) Review for the change of use of an existing building into a Religious Institution. The
existing building totals 7,005 square feet in area with surface parking including 23 stalls. No expansion of the
existing building is proposed. The proposal would include converting the existing garage into a community
outreach support space with a recreation area, commercial kitchen, shower, and two bathrooms for those in
need. A portion of the existing parking lot and pavement space is proposed to be developed with picnic
tables, a gardening space, and outdoor futsal/basketball court. With the The futsal and basketball court
planned to be used as parking during church services. Based on the information provided and our
understanding of the project and its APE, the Duwamish Tribe would recommend 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 high probability
to have unknown archaeological deposits. We note that there are 11 historical and ancestral Duwamish 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 very high risk for encountering cultural resources.
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.
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
EXHIBIT 6
Docusign Envelope ID: 0FF3A98A-233A-4E6F-BCEB-F7878118FE93