HomeMy WebLinkAboutEX_11_C_Duwamish_CommentsDUWAMISH TRIBE dxʷdəwʔabš
May 23, 2025
City of Renton
PR25-000034 LUA25-000148
Dear Jill Ding,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Windsor Court for the subdivision of an existing 111,381
square foot (2.56 acre) site into 20 lots for the future construction of single-family residences and two tracts
(Tracts A and B), located at 19411 108th Ave SE & 19505 108th Ave SE in Renton. The Duwamish Tribe
understands that the project site is currently developed with two single family residences and associated
detached accessory structures, that will be demolished. The applicant also proposes to develop access to the
site via a new 53ft wide public right-of-way off 108th Ave S. In addition, a 20 ft wide secondary emergency
access tract (Tract B) is proposed along the northern portion of the property to provide emergency access.
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, followed by 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 of
having unknown archaeological deposits. We note that there are 3 place names within 2 miles of the project
location, 1 of the 3 is located within 600 ft of the project location. The DAHP WISAARD predictive model
indicates that an archaeological survey is recommended with a moderate 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
EXHIBIT 11
Docusign Envelope ID: DF429B06-CA80-4493-87D6-C67576B95CF2