HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Citizen_CommentLetter_180502.pdf
2 MAY 2018
Trica and John Diaz
CMR 467 Box 6596
APO AE 09096
Mr. Matt Herrera, AICP, Senior Planner
City of Renton
Renton, WA
Dear Mr. Herrera,
This letter requests that the City of Renton require additional information some of which may already be
in the City’s possession. Unfortunately, we are stationed in Germany.
Our property, tax lot 334510-0450, is directly adjacent and north. The proposed subdivision is
incomplete due to material error. The material error requires additional special construction,
engineering, planning, and environmental data and information.
Zoning. The proposed subdivision and adjoining properties are included in the King County Proposed
Annexation Area (PAA). While not required as part of the Hearing Examiner determination, we formally
request that City of Renton's Planning Division consider the opportunity to plan, coordinate and
synchronize the PAA area. Spacing and typical transportation classification for motorized and pedestrian
use will define future opportunities. While the City of Renton cannot dictate future development, with
proper planning and forethought community infrastructure and utilities can promote "good planning"
and facilitate healthy, safe growth. To be specific, the spacing of the north south access road will
constrain or restrain future growth. A north south residential road (shown in red in the imagery below)
too close to Union Avenue causes vehicular safety, access, and neighborhood circulation issues – a
primary reason why most municipal codes have strict guidelines on neighborhood residential roads.
APPROX. 2500 FEET
The proposed subdivision the ability for future connections as shown on the preliminary plans. The east
west future connection makes perfect logic; however, a south connection is problematic due to steep
slopes. The natural connection in order to provide fire safety, access and circulation is to the north;
however, there are multiple existing single family residences that limit access points along SE 95th Way.
As outlined in PAA and Land Use objectives for both King County and the City of Renton, there is a “long-
term” need for complete streets and safe residential roads. The north south alignments shown in green
below illustrate safe, access points.
The following questions relate to Roadway B shown on the preliminary plans.
(Road B_1a) What is the purpose and classification of this roadway? It clearly illustrates operations and
maintenance of Tract B's stormwater facility; however, it appears to serve as a future road connection
north for future development.
(Road B_2a) The current location of Roadway B fails to meet zoning code requirements (sections 4-6-
060 STREET STANDARDS (G) and (H)). A future connection at this location negatively impacts future
growth in parcels 334510-0450 and impedes infrastructure and utility connections. A "north-south"
neighborhood connect is better provided 1500 feet west of Union Road. The proposed subdivision
roadway is almost 1150 feet from centerline (Union Road) to center of cul-de-sac creating special
conditions for fire safety and access, a secondary access route is needed.
Preliminary TIR notes upstream contributory areas, but does not review current situation. The
topography currently breaks into two downstream paths. The currently omitted path absent from the
TIR runs down the combined utility easement to the v-ditch then travels westward. The site topography
clearly illustrate a draw between lots 12 and 13. This draw sheet flows onto our property eventually
contributing to May Creek. The upstream surficial flows are important to our native plant vegetation.
Diversion of this flow negatively impacts the native salmonberry, ferns and salil that receive surface
water from the upstream slopes. While not a designated wildlife trail or area, the area serves as a native
species habitat and accessway up to the park and school areas. Diverting surficial and subsurficial flows
could and most likely will impact the native species currently on tax lot 334510-0450. Soil conditions in
Test pits 8 and 9 depict shallows infiltration are feasible. Dispersion techniques are required to "mimic"
?
current hydrology patterns and not damage downstream native growth. The engineer downstream
analysis omits the current which receives offsite upstream flows (approximately 3.8 acres), then conveys
them along the Olympic Pipeline/Puget Sound Energy Easement to a roadway ditch running parallel and
on the south side of SE 95th Way. The Preliminary TIR downstream analysis omits the second flow path.
Downslope storm water impacts. King County Parks and Stormwater Division worked collaboratively on
fish and plant restoration of downstream May Valley Creek. The Level I downstream analysis does not
reflect the upstream contributory and splits. Redirecting flows most likely will affect current stream flow
rates and locations negatively affecting salmonid and biohabitat in May Valley Creek. Retention of native
biodiversity is critical for environmental stewardship. King County May Creek Fish Habitat project
impacts for degradation of the not just water quality, flow rates and nutrients are critical to salmonid
habitat. Upstream flow rates, water quality and quantity require special modeling and studies. While the
Preliminary TIR recommends that a Level II TIR is not required, we disagree due to the significance of
downstream habitat, terrestrial and stream.
Safety, environmental and engineering issues are omitted related to the Olympic natural gas pipeline
both in plans, TIR, environmental checklist and studies. The easement clearly shows two types of
utilities, Puget Power and Olympic Natural Gas. The geotechnical report does not evaluate cuts over
sensitive slopes and utilities, specifically, the natural gas pipeline. The developer proposes final grading
consisting of both cut and fill over the existing pipe. There is no discussion of temporary construction
techniques for areas where heavy construction activity traverses over or creates overburden loads onto
the pipe. The omission of the Olympic Natural Gas pipeline easement, assessment and special
engineering recommendations to mitigate safety and environmental risks does not generate confidence
in the developer’s due diligence, especially his professional staff.
Sensitive slope grading adjacent to properties. Our parcel has a terraced rockery. The geotechnical
engineer should define grading or slope treatment such that development does not impact adjacent
homeowner property.
Hazard trees need to be identified. Over 1,000 trees were inventoried, yet zero were identified as
"hazard" trees. The arborist must identify hazard trees and the developer must sequence the removal or
harvest of trees such that they do not create a public safety hazard to adjacent homes. This is
specifically the case for our parcel.
Sanitary sewer connection. Location of sanitary sewer to support homeowner connects north and south
of proposed subdivision. We would like to transition our current septic system to Renton utilities for
sewerage.
Thank you for your assistance. The best way to reach us is by email at teamdiaz4@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Tricia and John Diaz