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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEx_33_Additional Public Comments and Staff Responses.pdf1 Alex Morganroth From:sharon <sharsist1@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, January 11, 2026 1:35 PM To:Alex Morganroth Subject:RHS Expansion Concerns Alex, here are my concerns regarding this expansion, I would appreciate it if you would make these public record and share them with the hearing examiner prior to the meeting on the 13 • The disturbing use of eminent domain to take over 30 residences and multiple businesses • The initial bond that was passed was to identify a NEW location for the High School (no language was included about the use of eminent domain and the taking of dozens of homes and businesses) Had this been clear in the bond description I NEVER would have voted for it. • History shows that Renton School District did this in the 1960’s as well to the Houston family’s land - and John Houston went on to partner with Senator Hasegawa to get SB 5142 passed. • Tobin street, between Shattuck Ave S and South Logan, will be taken over and no longer used to access downtown or other streets. This item causes traffic concerns that will seriously impact the downtown core as well my neighborhood in particular. • Logan Ave South will be congested with school busses as the drop-off and pick up will be shifted to this busy street • The block north of the High School is zoned primarily as residential zoning, R-8. The proposed use contradicts the zoning for the block and is in conflict with the comprehensive plan as this block is identified for medium residential use and the school is using it for baseball fields, not housing. Why is the comprehensive plan being ignored? • RSD is not abiding by the 30% rule as it relates to historical trees - they are supposed to save 30% of the 212 trees and instead are only keeping 28 trees. Math? Thank you for your time Sharon Bolstad Renton resident since 1964 CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. 1 Alex Morganroth From:Alex Morganroth Sent:Monday, January 12, 2026 5:37 PM To:'sharon' Subject:RE: RHS Expansion Concerns Hi Sharon – Thanks for sending your comments over. I have added them to the project record and they will be included as an exhibit to the staff report, which the Examiner will see. If you have any other comments/questions on the Renton High School project, please let me know. Thank you, Alex ALEX MORGANROTH, AICP, Principal Planner City of Renton // Planning Division o)ice (425) 430-7219 // email amorganroth@rentonwa.gov Virtual Permit Center // Online Applications and Inspections NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: This message complies with Washington State’s Public Records Act – RCW 42.56 From: sharon <sharsist1@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 1:35 PM To: Alex Morganroth <AMorganroth@Rentonwa.gov> Subject: RHS Expansion Concerns Alex, here are my concerns regarding this expansion, I would appreciate it if you would make these public record and share them with the hearing examiner prior to the meeting on the 13 • The disturbing use of eminent domain to take over 30 residences and multiple businesses • The initial bond that was passed was to identify a NEW location for the High School (no language was included about the use of eminent domain and the taking of dozens of homes and businesses) Had this been clear in the bond description I NEVER would have voted for it. • History shows that Renton School District did this in the 1960’s as well to the Houston family’s land - and John Houston went on to partner with Senator Hasegawa to get SB 5142 passed. • Tobin street, between Shattuck Ave S and South Logan, will be taken over and no longer used to access downtown or other streets. This item causes traffic concerns that will seriously impact the downtown core as well my neighborhood in particular. CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. 2 • Logan Ave South will be congested with school busses as the drop-off and pick up will be shifted to this busy street • The block north of the High School is zoned primarily as residential zoning, R-8. The proposed use contradicts the zoning for the block and is in conflict with the comprehensive plan as this block is identified for medium residential use and the school is using it for baseball fields, not housing. Why is the comprehensive plan being ignored? • RSD is not abiding by the 30% rule as it relates to historical trees - they are supposed to save 30% of the 212 trees and instead are only keeping 28 trees. Math? Thank you for your time Sharon Bolstad Renton resident since 1964 January 11, 2026 Hearing Examiner: I am wri ng to oppose the land use for an expansion of Renton High School to the north and east of its current loca on. I do not believe the school district should receive special considera on or treatment, that is, treatment no single resident or property owner would have: to realize the school’s proposal, the school district is looking to be “above the law” in several ways, namely: 1) Use property for a completely different use than it is zoned for and designated in the city comprehesive plan, changing residen al and commerical uses to lesser use. 2) Sidestep city requirement for use of side streets for vehicle access and for school buses, using South Logan Ave and S 2nd Street instead of Tobin and Lake Streets. 3) Close a through street on the north side of the school, which is part of item 2 and is necessary for the project, taking the block-long stretch of street to repurpose as part of school grounds. [This may not have been made explicit in the land use propsal.] 4) Subvert tree reten on standards, which bound the high school between the high school property and Logan Ave S, and the block north of the school. 1) Incompa ble Land use The proposed land use in not compa ble with the zoning for the block north of the school, and the stretch of proper es on the West side of Logan Avenue S which is proposed to be absorbed as a school property. From the City of Renton’s Zoning Map, the block north of the school is zoned primarily as Residen al (R-8), with commercial on the northern and eastern sides of the block The residen al use of this block is reinforced by Renton’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan The yellow in graphic below is the same block, showing that the primary use for this block is residen al—medium density. It is inconceivable that a public en ty can change the land use for their own purpose. The zoning is there for a reason. There is not “greater public use” here, like light-rail, which would benefit the general popula on well beyond the loca on of the property in ques on. Renton’s Business Plan, and the City’s Mission and Vision, contained in the City’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan, are in conflct with the removal of land designated as residen al and commercial in the city’s urban center. See Bullet 3 See bullets 1 and 2 See bullets 1 and 2 VISION (See bullets 1 through 4) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2) Neglect of side streets: Use of S Logan and N 2nd Streets and not S Tobin and S Lake Streets contradicts city code about vehicle access, buses, and parking. 3) South Tobin Street You oppose the project due to losing the through street of Tobin which was cause back- ups on Airport and remove an alternate route to the downtown Renton core in the event of Airport way being closed for an accident. Moreover, the loss of street access through S Tobin Street contributes to the issues outlined in item 2 above. 4) Tree retention: proposal skirts requirements to maintain significant or landmark trees. 212 were identified, meaning 71 trees should be retained. Only 28 are to be retained/replaced in the proposal, AND the remaining 43 are to be located on properties other than high school property. The following is a visual representation of the trees in the proposed land use area: Overhead view of trees on the block between Airport Way S and S Tobin St (North and South) and Logan Ave S and S ShaIuck St and (East and West) And Trees From South Tobin Steet and S 2nd Street (North and South) and Logan Ave S and Renton HS Property and (East and West) Trees between Eastern Edge of RHS property and Logan Ave S Tree on South side of Tobin St Trees along north side of Tobin St over to ShaIuck Ave Trees along Airport Way S Beginning of Trees along Logan Ave S, star ng around the corner on Tobin Street S Trees along S 2nd Street Trees on west side of RHS Parking Lot View looking west at trees along Logan Ave S Opposite view of trees along Logan Ave S looking toward S 2nd Street through parking lot In all these ways, the proposal would contradict city code / land use, zoning and comprehensive plan vehicle access, parking, buses and trees. The proposal ignores the use of S Tobin Street, which the school district will ask the city to vacate. It is up to you to restore the future of this area; instead of it being the end of the community that has lived there and operated business there for generations. Reject the school district’s proposed land use to give hope for the future of this area, for those who could live and build businesses in the future, as many already done Matt Hanbey 801 N 2nd Street, Renton, WA 98057 hanbeym@gmail.com (206) 637-6337 From: Alex Morganroth Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 5:29 PM To: Matt Hanbey Subject: RE: Comments to Hearing Examiner or Jan 13 Hearing on Proposed Expansion of Renton High School Hi Matt – Thanks for sending this over. It will be added to the project record and included as an exhibit to the staff report. If you’d like to discuss your comments or anything regarding the Renton High School project, please feel free to reach out anytime. Thank you, Alex ALEX MORGANROTH, AICP, Principal Planner City of Renton // Planning Division office (425) 430-7219 // email amorganroth@rentonwa.gov Virtual Permit Center // Online Applications and Inspections NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: This message complies with Washington State’s Public Records Act – RCW 42.56 From: Matt Hanbey <hanbeym@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 10:54 PM To: Alex Morganroth <AMorganroth@Rentonwa.gov> Subject: Comments to Hearing Examiner or Jan 13 Hearing on Proposed Expansion of Renton High School Alex: Please find enclosed comments to the hearing examiner for Tuesday's Public Hearing. I am unable to attend ,so am sending written comments. Thanks! Matt Hanbey CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. From the Desk of Sheryl Friesz 326 Wells Ave North Renton, WA 98057 sherylfriesz@gmail.com January 13, 2026 RE: Opposition of the land use for expansion of Renton High School Dear Hearing Examiner: My opposition to the expansion of Renton High School includes not only comments on: ● The use of the property in a completely different manner than what is currently zoned for as designated in the city comprehensive plan, and changing residential and commercial uses. ○ It is zoned as R-8 and should be used as such and abide by Renton’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan ● Dodging City requirements for use of side streets for vehicle access and for school buses, using South Logan Ave and S 2nd Street instead of Tobin and Lake Streets. ● The closure of Tobin; Closing a through street on the north side of the school thereby once again impacting the flow of traffic. Logan South, which runs perpendicular to Tobin, is the proposed street for school drop off and pick up (as mentioned above). By impacting both Tobin and Logan, and should there be an accident on Airport - you are also creating a safety/accessibility issue by adversely impacting these streets. ● Circumventing the tree retention standards: 30% of the trees are supposed to be retained on the property, yet the Renton School District/Board is somehow being allowed to retain significantly less than that. Specifically, 212 trees were identified, equating to 63.6 trees being saved (30%). Instead only 13% are being saved. It includes the fact that it appears that the School District is, yet again, receiving special consideration and treatment, to the detriment of dozens of homes/homeowners and businesses. And finally, why I so vehemently also oppose the expansion is because the School Board once again, used eminent domain to acquire land (homes, businesses) under false PLANNING DIVISION RECEIVED pretenses. The original bond did NOT include language to expand should they not have been able to identify property. The current draconian style of the Renton School Board is at minimum consistent with behavior they exhibited in the 1960’s when they used eminent domain to take the Houston family land, 10 acres owned by a black family, under the disguise of building another school. Which they did not do - and instead sold the property to a developer. I ask that you take all of these items into consideration and reject the proposed use of this site. Thank you ~Sheryl Sheryl Friesz 326 Wells Ave N Renton, WA 98057 1 Alex Morganroth From:Alex Morganroth Sent:Monday, January 12, 2026 5:19 PM To:Sheryl Friesz Subject:RE: Comments for The Hearing Examiner Hi Sheryl – Thank you for your comments on the Renton High School project. I know we’re down to the wire here, but if you’d like to discuss any of the comments before the meeting at 11:00 tomorrow, please let me know. Of course, I’m also happy to discuss anything or answer any questions that come up after the hearing as well. Thank you, Alex ALEX MORGANROTH, AICP, Principal Planner City of Renton // Planning Division o-ice (425) 430-7219 // email amorganroth@rentonwa.gov Virtual Permit Center // Online Applications and Inspections NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: This message complies with Washington State’s Public Records Act – RCW 42.56 From: Sheryl Friesz <sherylfriesz@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:19 PM To: Alex Morganroth <AMorganroth@Rentonwa.gov> Subject: Comments for The Hearing Examiner Thanks Alex! ~Sheryl -- Sheryl Friesz CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. 1 Alex Morganroth From:Alex Morganroth Sent:Monday, January 12, 2026 5:19 PM To:Sheryl Friesz Subject:RE: Comments for The Hearing Examiner Hi Sheryl – Thank you for your comments on the Renton High School project. I know we’re down to the wire here, but if you’d like to discuss any of the comments before the meeting at 11:00 tomorrow, please let me know. Of course, I’m also happy to discuss anything or answer any questions that come up after the hearing as well. Thank you, Alex ALEX MORGANROTH, AICP, Principal Planner City of Renton // Planning Division o-ice (425) 430-7219 // email amorganroth@rentonwa.gov Virtual Permit Center // Online Applications and Inspections NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: This message complies with Washington State’s Public Records Act – RCW 42.56 From: Sheryl Friesz <sherylfriesz@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:19 PM To: Alex Morganroth <AMorganroth@Rentonwa.gov> Subject: Comments for The Hearing Examiner Thanks Alex! ~Sheryl -- Sheryl Friesz CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. January 12, 2026 Hearing Examiner: I am writing to oppose the land use for an expansion of Renton High School property to the north of its current location. The land use proposal for the north side of the school is not needed for the actual school building or instruction facilities of the school, it is only a land grab to add extra unnecessary sports fields only a handful of students may use. I do not believe the school district should receive special consideration or treatment, that is, treatment no single resident or property owner would have: to realize the school’s proposal, the school district is looking to be “above the law” in several ways, namely: 1) Use property for a completely different use than it is zoned for and designated in the city comprehensive plan, changing residential and commercial uses to lesser use. 2) Sidestep city requirement for use of side streets for vehicle access and for school buses, using South Logan Ave and S 2nd Street instead of Tobin and Lake Streets. 3) Close a through street on the north side of the school, which is part of item 2 and is necessary for the project, taking the block-long stretch of street to repurpose as part of school grounds. [This may not have been made explicit in the land use proposal.] 4) Subvert tree retention standards, which bound the high school between the high school property and Logan Ave S, and the block north of the school. A: Land Use: Renton Comprehensive Plan and Zoning: The land north of Tobin is designated as Residential Zone 8 and Commercial. The 2024 City of Renton Comprehensive Plan identifies this area as needed housing and business for the downtown commercial core and vitality of the city. To allow a lesser use of the land – for baseball fields – does not allow for the maximal potential of the land to serve Renton residents for Medium density housing as identified in both the 2011 and 2024 City of Renton Comprehensive Plans. The school should not receive special treatment that adversely affects the entirety of residents of Renton to serve a few students. I oppose the use of R-8 and Commercial Zoned districts for a LESSER use of ball fields. Tobin St., Tillicum Street and the area north of those streets are NOT for the actual school building, but will be used for ball fields. The existing homes and businesses that are needed in the downtown core will be torn down to be replaced by grass. The area North of the current school is Zoned Single-Family Residential and Commercial/Retail/Office. Industrial Medium (IM) zone, Residential-8 (R-8) land use designation and that by allowing the high-density downtown core buildings to be torn down, we are losing much needed affordable housing that is by transit and is walkable. Page 11: Number 19: “The purpose of the CMU designation is to allow residential uses as part of mixed-use development and supports new office and commercial development that is more intensive than what exists to create a vibrant district and increase employment opportunities. The intention of this designation is to transform strip commercial development into business .” Compliance Comprehensive Plan Analysis The plan does not comply with current zoning to maximize density in the downtown core: Instead, the School is planning to replace housing and businesses with two ball-fields. Policy LU-2: Support compact urban development to improve health outcomes, support transit use, maximize land use efficiency, and maximize public investment in infrastructure and services. Page 12: 1. Zoning Development Standard Compliance: Pursuant to RMC 4-9-150D.4, each Planned Urban Development (PUD) must demonstrate compliance with the applicable underlying zoning standards unless a modification has been specifically requested and justified through the PUD process. The subject site consists of multiple zoning designations, including Center Downtown (CD), Commercial Arterial (CA), and Residential-8 (R-8). The proposed campus redevelopment locates the primary school building entirely within the CD-zoned portion of the site, while the athletic fields, track, courts, parking areas, and associated campus infrastructure extend across the CA and R-8 zoned areas on the northern portion of the site. Pg. 4: General Information: 1. Neighborhood Characteristics: . North: (Tobin Street and North) Renton Municipal Airport, Single-Family Residential and Commercial/Retail/Office. Industrial Medium (IM) zone, Residential-8 (R-8) zone, Employment Area (EA) land use designation, and Residential Medium Density (RMD) land use designation Page 27: Row 3: “A planned urban development may not authorize uses that are inconsistent with those uses allowed by the underlying zone, or overlay district, or other location restriction in RMC Title 4, including, but not limited to: RMC 4-2-010 to 4-2-080, 4-3-010 to 4-3-040, 4-3-090, 4-3-095, and 4-4-010. Staff Comment: Pursuant to RMC 4-2-060 Zoning Use Table, K-12 educational institutions are permitted in the R-8, CA, and CD zones with an approved Conditional Use Permit. See FOF 27 for Conditional Use Permit analysis.” Page 28: Row 1: Compliance PUD Decision Criteria and Analysis ✓ _ Demonstration of Compliance and Superiority Required: Applicants must demonstrate that a proposed development is in compliance with the purposes of this Section and with the Comprehensive Plan, that the proposed development will be superior to that which would result without a planned urban development, and that the development will not be unduly detrimental to surrounding properties. Page 29: Row 2: “Public Benefit Required: Applicants shall demonstrate that a proposed development will provide specifically identified benefits that clearly outweigh any adverse impacts or undesirable effects of the proposed planned urban development, particularly those adverse and undesirable impacts to surrounding properties, and that the proposed development will provide one or more of the following benefits than would result from the development of the subject site without the proposed planned urban development:” Page 31: Row 2: i. Open Space/Recreation: (a) Provides increased open space or recreational facilities beyond standard code requirements and considered equivalent to features that would offset park mitigation fees in Resolution 3082; and Staff Comment: The project provides a comprehensive system of outdoor recreation and gathering spaces that exceeds what would otherwise be required through standard development regulations. Page 33: Row 1: “Athletic facilities, including baseball and softball fields, are oriented toward Airport Way (Public comment: which is a major arterial street! You want baseballs hitting the cars driving by?!) Page 65: Row 3: “Effect on Adjacent Properties: The proposed use at the proposed location shall not result in substantial or undue adverse effects on adjacent property . “ (Public comment: How can the City of Renton state that having the Renton High School use eminent domain and tearing down resident’s homes does not have an adverse affect on the property adjacent to the school? And so they can put in ball fields, which does not conform to city codes of R8 and Commercial Zoning) Public comment/Response Regarding Compliance with Zoning and the City of Renton 2024 Comprehensive Plan: Demolishing 32 homes, dislocating residents and demolishing 8-businesses is detrimental to those and surrounding properties. The loss of housing & businesses in the downtown urban core adversely affects the development and retention of community and walkability in the City of Renton. I oppose the use Tobin Street and the neighborhood North of Tobin St for ball fields, which could be located elsewhere in the City of Renton on undeveloped land or could be continued to be co-shared with other schools, as the other high schools co-share Memorial Stadium and as successfully done in the Seattle School District. To lose valuable housing and businesses in the downtown urban core, where access to public transit and businesses is crucial does not follow the City of Renton Comprehensive Development Plan. As stated in the report, the land including Tobin Street and North of Tobin Street is NOT NEEDED for the development of the actual school structure. This land is being used as extraneous open space beyond code requirements, therefore does NOT outweigh the adverse impacts of losing much needed housing in our Zone 8 residential district. B: Parking and Bus Access: Streets: The project site fronts Airport Way, S Tobin St, Logan Ave S, S 2nd St, S Tillicum St, Lake Ave S, and Shattuck Ave S, which together serve a range of neighborhood and regional travel functions. City of Renton Report to the Hearing Examiner cites:– Page 9: Row 6: RMC Code Citation Required Standard Modification (by the City to accommodate the School) RMC 4-3-100 Urban Design Districts (Vehicular Access Location) Parking should be accessed from alleys or side streets rather than primary streets. Student and visitor parking/drop-off accessed primarily from S 2nd St, with secondary RMCPage 10: Row 1: 4-3-100 Urban Design Districts (Surface Parking) Parking areas shall be fully screened from adjacent streets. Student parking lot is located adjacent to the side of the 1930s building and adjacent to S 2nd St. It is partially screened with the exception of areas where the sidewalk is expanded. Page 12: Compliance Comprehensive Plan Analysis Policy TR-11: Limit direct access onto arterials when access opportunities via another route exist. Page 7: Number 6: – “Vehicular access to the redeveloped campus would be provided by multiple site driveways, including three (3) primary access points off of S 2nd St and three (3) gated access points off Logan Ave S, S Tobin St/Shattuck Ave S, and Lake Ave S. A designated bus load/unload area is proposed along Logan Ave S …” Page 23: Row 1: “The site plan identifies 21 bus loading bays along Logan Ave S for drop-off and pick-up” Public Response/Comment regarding traffic flow– S 2nd St and Logan Ave S are heavily trafficked streets. Having bus pick-up/drop off on a heavy 2-lane traffic street will adversely impact the neighborhood and the downtown core traffic pattern. Also, using S 2nd street as PRIMARY access points to the school adversely impacts traffic on S 2nd Street. The option for bus pick-up & drop-off, along with PRIMARY access to parking at the school should all be relocated to LAKE AVE S, which will not adversely impact the traffic flows, as it is a side street that is not butting up to residential neighborhood, nor is a main thoroughfare. I oppose the use of Login St and S 2nd Street as primary access points for vehicles and busses. Code states side streets must be used when available, therefore Lake Ave and Tobin should be used – keeping Tobin as a through-street. I oppose the project due to losing the through street of Tobin which was cause back-ups on Airport and remove an alternate route to the downtown Renton core in the event of Airport way being closed for an accident. (2024 City of Renton Comprehensive Plan) C: Significant Trees: A Tree Retention Plan identifies 212 significant/Landmark trees, of which 28 will be retained, but Renton Code states 30% of Landmark trees must be saved. Page 11: Row 3: RMC Code Citation Required Standard Modification (by the City to accommodate the School) RMC 4-4-130 (Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations) Administrator may allow fee- in-lieu of tree replacement. Allow for potential off-site planting to supplement Page 20: Landmark Trees: “The report identifies 212 significant trees, of which 29 meet the definition of landmark trees based on size and species. … Under RMC 4-4-130, the project is required to retain a minimum of 30 percent (30%) of significant trees, excluding those located in future right -of- way dedication, those deemed hazardous, or those within critical areas. Based on a developable site area of 33.2 acres, a minimum of 1,008 (33.6 x 30 = 1,008) tree credits are required and a minimum retention of approximately 64 trees is required (212 x 0.3 = 64). Based on a total of 28 retained trees, the applicant is proposing a retention rate of approximately 13.2 percent (13.2%) (28 / 212 = 13.2%). The 28 trees proposed for retention total approximately 197 tree credits, or 811 less than required by code. Public Response/Comment regarding significant trees– To allow removal of Landmark and significant trees, above and beyond what the Required Code is would leave a shell of what is currently present for our canopy. You cannot replace an 80-foot tall, 100-year old tree that is on one side of the city with another tree start somewhere else in the city and expect to have the same benefit. These trees cannot be replaced in our lifetime. They can only be protected from demolition. We cannot allow the Renton School District to have special favors given to them so they can plow down our heritage and our Landmark trees for non-educational purposes. I oppose allowing the removal of Landmark/Significant trees – especially north of the school building itself where zoning should remain R-8 and Commercial. Sarah Becker 331 Smithers Ave S Renton, WA 98057 City of Renton Resident since 2001 Beckersarah92@gmail.com ______________________ January 12, 2026 Hearing Examiner: I am writing to oppose the land use for an expansion of Renton High School property to the north of its current location. The land use proposal for the north side of the school is not needed for the actual school building or instruction facilities of the school, it is only a land grab to add extra unnecessary sports fields only a handful of students may use. I do not believe the school district should receive special consideration or treatment, that is, treatment no single resident or property owner would have: to realize the school’s proposal, the school district is looking to be “above the law” in several ways, namely: 1) Use property for a completely different use than it is zoned for and designated in the city comprehensive plan, changing residential and commercial uses to lesser use. 2) Sidestep city requirement for use of side streets for vehicle access and for school buses, using South Logan Ave and S 2nd Street instead of Tobin and Lake Streets. 3) Close a through street on the north side of the school, which is part of item 2 and is necessary for the project, taking the block-long stretch of street to repurpose as part of school grounds. [This may not have been made explicit in the land use proposal.] 4) Subvert tree retention standards, which bound the high school between the high school property and Logan Ave S, and the block north of the school. A: Land Use: Renton Comprehensive Plan and Zoning: The land north of Tobin is designated as Residential Zone 8 and Commercial. The 2024 City of Renton Comprehensive Plan identifies this area as needed housing and business for the downtown commercial core and vitality of the city. To allow a lesser use of the land – for baseball fields – does not allow for the maximal potential of the land to serve Renton residents for Medium density housing as identified in both the 2011 and 2024 City of Renton Comprehensive Plans. The school should not receive special treatment that adversely affects the entirety of residents of Renton to serve a few students. I oppose the use of R-8 and Commercial Zoned districts for a LESSER use of ball fields. Tobin St., Tillicum Street and the area north of those streets are NOT for the actual school building, but will be used for ball fields. The existing homes and businesses that are needed in the downtown core will be torn down to be replaced by grass. The area North of the current school is Zoned Single-Family Residential and Commercial/Retail/Office. Industrial Medium (IM) zone, Residential-8 (R-8) land use designation and that by allowing the high-density downtown core buildings to be torn down, we are losing much needed affordable housing that is by transit and is walkable. Page 11: Number 19: “The purpose of the CMU designation is to allow residential uses as part of mixed-use development and supports new office and commercial development that is more intensive than what exists to create a vibrant district and increase employment opportunities. The intention of this designation is to transform strip commercial development into business .” Compliance Comprehensive Plan Analysis The plan does not comply with current zoning to maximize density in the downtown core: Instead, the School is planning to replace housing and businesses with two ball-fields. Policy LU-2: Support compact urban development to improve health outcomes, support transit use, maximize land use efficiency, and maximize public investment in infrastructure and services. Page 12: 1. Zoning Development Standard Compliance: Pursuant to RMC 4-9-150D.4, each Planned Urban Development (PUD) must demonstrate compliance with the applicable underlying zoning standards unless a modification has been specifically requested and justified through the PUD process. The subject site consists of multiple zoning designations, including Center Downtown (CD), Commercial Arterial (CA), and Residential-8 (R-8). The proposed campus redevelopment locates the primary school building entirely within the CD-zoned portion of the site, while the athletic fields, track, courts, parking areas, and associated campus infrastructure extend across the CA and R-8 zoned areas on the northern portion of the site. Pg. 4: General Information: 1. Neighborhood Characteristics: . North: (Tobin Street and North) Renton Municipal Airport, Single-Family Residential and Commercial/Retail/Office. Industrial Medium (IM) zone, Residential-8 (R-8) zone, Employment Area (EA) land use designation, and Residential Medium Density (RMD) land use designation Page 27: Row 3: “A planned urban development may not authorize uses that are inconsistent with those uses allowed by the underlying zone, or overlay district, or other location restriction in RMC Title 4, including, but not limited to: RMC 4-2-010 to 4-2-080, 4-3-010 to 4-3-040, 4-3-090, 4-3-095, and 4-4-010. Staff Comment: Pursuant to RMC 4-2-060 Zoning Use Table, K-12 educational institutions are permitted in the R-8, CA, and CD zones with an approved Conditional Use Permit. See FOF 27 for Conditional Use Permit analysis.” Page 28: Row 1: Compliance PUD Decision Criteria and Analysis ✓ _ Demonstration of Compliance and Superiority Required: Applicants must demonstrate that a proposed development is in compliance with the purposes of this Section and with the Comprehensive Plan, that the proposed development will be superior to that which would result without a planned urban development, and that the development will not be unduly detrimental to surrounding properties. Page 29: Row 2: “Public Benefit Required: Applicants shall demonstrate that a proposed development will provide specifically identified benefits that clearly outweigh any adverse impacts or undesirable effects of the proposed planned urban development, particularly those adverse and undesirable impacts to surrounding properties, and that the proposed development will provide one or more of the following benefits than would result from the development of the subject site without the proposed planned urban development:” Page 31: Row 2: i. Open Space/Recreation: (a) Provides increased open space or recreational facilities beyond standard code requirements and considered equivalent to features that would offset park mitigation fees in Resolution 3082; and Staff Comment: The project provides a comprehensive system of outdoor recreation and gathering spaces that exceeds what would otherwise be required through standard development regulations. Page 33: Row 1: “Athletic facilities, including baseball and softball fields, are oriented toward Airport Way (Public comment: which is a major arterial street! You want baseballs hitting the cars driving by?!) Page 65: Row 3: “Effect on Adjacent Properties: The proposed use at the proposed location shall not result in substantial or undue adverse effects on adjacent property . “ (Public comment: How can the City of Renton state that having the Renton High School use eminent domain and tearing down resident’s homes does not have an adverse affect on the property adjacent to the school? And so they can put in ball fields, which does not conform to city codes of R8 and Commercial Zoning) Public comment/Response Regarding Compliance with Zoning and the City of Renton 2024 Comprehensive Plan: Demolishing 32 homes, dislocating residents and demolishing 8-businesses is detrimental to those and surrounding properties. The loss of housing & businesses in the downtown urban core adversely affects the development and retention of community and walkability in the City of Renton. I oppose the use Tobin Street and the neighborhood North of Tobin St for ball fields, which could be located elsewhere in the City of Renton on undeveloped land or could be continued to be co-shared with other schools, as the other high schools co-share Memorial Stadium and as successfully done in the Seattle School District. To lose valuable housing and businesses in the downtown urban core, where access to public transit and businesses is crucial does not follow the City of Renton Comprehensive Development Plan. As stated in the report, the land including Tobin Street and North of Tobin Street is NOT NEEDED for the development of the actual school structure. This land is being used as extraneous open space beyond code requirements, therefore does NOT outweigh the adverse impacts of losing much needed housing in our Zone 8 residential district. B: Parking and Bus Access: Streets: The project site fronts Airport Way, S Tobin St, Logan Ave S, S 2nd St, S Tillicum St, Lake Ave S, and Shattuck Ave S, which together serve a range of neighborhood and regional travel functions. City of Renton Report to the Hearing Examiner cites:– Page 9: Row 6: RMC Code Citation Required Standard Modification (by the City to accommodate the School) RMC 4-3-100 Urban Design Districts (Vehicular Access Location) Parking should be accessed from alleys or side streets rather than primary streets. Student and visitor parking/drop-off accessed primarily from S 2nd St, with secondary RMCPage 10: Row 1: 4-3-100 Urban Design Districts (Surface Parking) Parking areas shall be fully screened from adjacent streets. Student parking lot is located adjacent to the side of the 1930s building and adjacent to S 2nd St. It is partially screened with the exception of areas where the sidewalk is expanded. Page 12: Compliance Comprehensive Plan Analysis Policy TR-11: Limit direct access onto arterials when access opportunities via another route exist. Page 7: Number 6: – “Vehicular access to the redeveloped campus would be provided by multiple site driveways, including three (3) primary access points off of S 2nd St and three (3) gated access points off Logan Ave S, S Tobin St/Shattuck Ave S, and Lake Ave S. A designated bus load/unload area is proposed along Logan Ave S …” Page 23: Row 1: “The site plan identifies 21 bus loading bays along Logan Ave S for drop-off and pick-up” Public Response/Comment regarding traffic flow– S 2nd St and Logan Ave S are heavily trafficked streets. Having bus pick-up/drop off on a heavy 2-lane traffic street will adversely impact the neighborhood and the downtown core traffic pattern. Also, using S 2nd street as PRIMARY access points to the school adversely impacts traffic on S 2nd Street. The option for bus pick-up & drop-off, along with PRIMARY access to parking at the school should all be relocated to LAKE AVE S, which will not adversely impact the traffic flows, as it is a side street that is not butting up to residential neighborhood, nor is a main thoroughfare. I oppose the use of Login St and S 2nd Street as primary access points for vehicles and busses. Code states side streets must be used when available, therefore Lake Ave and Tobin should be used – keeping Tobin as a through-street. I oppose the project due to losing the through street of Tobin which was cause back-ups on Airport and remove an alternate route to the downtown Renton core in the event of Airport way being closed for an accident. (2024 City of Renton Comprehensive Plan) C: Significant Trees: A Tree Retention Plan identifies 212 significant/Landmark trees, of which 28 will be retained, but Renton Code states 30% of Landmark trees must be saved. Page 11: Row 3: RMC Code Citation Required Standard Modification (by the City to accommodate the School) RMC 4-4-130 (Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations) Administrator may allow fee- in-lieu of tree replacement. Allow for potential off-site planting to supplement Page 20: Landmark Trees: “The report identifies 212 significant trees, of which 29 meet the definition of landmark trees based on size and species. … Under RMC 4-4-130, the project is required to retain a minimum of 30 percent (30%) of significant trees, excluding those located in future right -of- way dedication, those deemed hazardous, or those within critical areas. Based on a developable site area of 33.2 acres, a minimum of 1,008 (33.6 x 30 = 1,008) tree credits are required and a minimum retention of approximately 64 trees is required (212 x 0.3 = 64). Based on a total of 28 retained trees, the applicant is proposing a retention rate of approximately 13.2 percent (13.2%) (28 / 212 = 13.2%). The 28 trees proposed for retention total approximately 197 tree credits, or 811 less than required by code. Public Response/Comment regarding significant trees– To allow removal of Landmark and significant trees, above and beyond what the Required Code is would leave a shell of what is currently present for our canopy. You cannot replace an 80-foot tall, 100-year old tree that is on one side of the city with another tree start somewhere else in the city and expect to have the same benefit. These trees cannot be replaced in our lifetime. They can only be protected from demolition. We cannot allow the Renton School District to have special favors given to them so they can plow down our heritage and our Landmark trees for non-educational purposes. I oppose allowing the removal of Landmark/Significant trees – especially north of the school building itself where zoning should remain R-8 and Commercial. Sarah Becker 331 Smithers Ave S Renton, WA 98057 City of Renton Resident since 2001 Beckersarah92@gmail.com ______________________ From: Alex Morganroth Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 5:15 PM To: 'sarah becker' Subject: RE: Public Comments for Hearing Examiner 1.13.24 City of Renton Mtg Hi Sarah – Thank you for your additional comments. They will be added the public record and included as an exhibit to the staff report. I will also note the additional comment at the hearing tomorrow. If you have any other questions, please let me know. Thank you, Alex ALEX MORGANROTH, AICP, Principal Planner City of Renton // Planning Division office (425) 430-7219 // email amorganroth@rentonwa.gov Virtual Permit Center // Online Applications and Inspections NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: This message complies with Washington State’s Public Records Act – RCW 42.56 From: sarah becker <beckersarah92@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:57 PM To: Alex Morganroth <AMorganroth@Rentonwa.gov> Subject: Public Comments for Hearing Examiner 1.13.24 City of Renton Mtg Hello Alex, Attached are my written comments for the Hearing Examiner for tomorrow's meeting. I am unsure if I will be able to make the hearing to speak, but will attempt to at least join via Zoom to listen. Thank you for speaking with me last week. Sarah Becker CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. 1 Alex Morganroth From:Marcie Palmer <pkplmarcie@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, January 12, 2026 11:00 PM To:Alex Morganroth Subject:Renton High School Expansion and Replacement project (LUA25-000343) We oppose the expansion of the Renton High School into property being taken by eminent domain. The government, Renton School District, has the power to take land for public use, but the current plan to install baseball fields is NOT in the best interest of the greater public. The use of all this land for a few elite teenagers is not for the greater good of the Renton Community. Especially with the RSD owned Memorial Stadium a short distance from the high school. Other Renton high schools do not have such an expensive stadium to call home. There are so many reasons this project is wrong, and negatively impacts our community for generations. The taking of homes and businesses for minimal amounts of money will affect the property owners for years. The loss of a neighborhood when our state, county and local elected officials tout affordable housing - which is being removed here in Renton with this project - is against all reason and claimed commitment. It is particularly concerning to me that the current Administration views the codified Comprehensive Plan as a "suggestion", as City Staff have stated. Of course Administrative Variances happen all the time, but not on a project that has such enormous negative impacts on the current community. As a former Renton City Council Member, 2004-2015, I spent hours reviewing each segment of the 2015 Comp Plan, beginning several years prior to adoption, as a member of the Planning and Development Committee. My name is found on the first page and I'm proud of the hard work previous council members and staff put in to ensure good decisions in the years to come. How discouraging to find out it's not of high value any more. The vacation of Tobin Street is not needed. The value and importance of the street is vital to future transportation planning as Renton continues to grow. Recent flooding shows the necessity for emergency options and Tobin Street is essential as an alternative to Airport Way. There is also the issue of the FAA considering whether Renton Airport may need to increase the runway safety zone, to the south as the only alternative, due to increasing jet traffic. As Chair of the Transportation/Aviation Committee most of my 12 years on Council, I have a good understanding of these issues going back to 2001 with the airport. Decisions being made today regarding these expansion plans by RSD and the City, may be seen as very shortsighted in the not too distant future. Please do NOT approve the Tobin Street vacation, or the continuing forced taking of properties from rightful owners, (RSD expansion and use of eminent domain) Thank you for your impartial and fair decision for the Renton Community. CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. 2 Respectfully, Marcie Palmer Renton City Council 2004-2015 425-306-0918 Marcie Palmer 425-306-0918 1 Alex Morganroth From:Alex Morganroth Sent:Tuesday, January 13, 2026 7:45 AM To:'Marcie Palmer' Subject:RE: Renton High School Expansion and Replacement project (LUA25-000343) Hi Marcie – Thanks for sending these comments over. I have added them to the Renton High School project record and they will be included as an exhibit to the staff report, which the Examiner will see. If you have any other comments/questions on the project, please let me know. I’m also happy to discuss any of the comments below in person or via a phone call. Thank you, ALEX MORGANROTH, AICP, Principal Planner City of Renton // Planning Division o*ice (425) 430-7219 // email amorganroth@rentonwa.gov Virtual Permit Center // Online Applications and Inspections NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: This message complies with Washington State’s Public Records Act – RCW 42.56 From: Marcie Palmer <pkplmarcie@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:00 PM To: Alex Morganroth <AMorganroth@Rentonwa.gov> Subject: Renton High School Expansion and Replacement project (LUA25-000343) We oppose the expansion of the Renton High School into property being taken by eminent domain. The government, Renton School District, has the power to take land for public use, but the current plan to install baseball fields is NOT in the best interest of the greater public. The use of all this land for a few elite teenagers is not for the greater good of the Renton Community. Especially with the RSD owned Memorial Stadium a short distance from the high school. Other Renton high schools do not have such an expensive stadium to call home. There are so many reasons this project is wrong, and negatively impacts our community for generations. The taking of homes and businesses for minimal amounts of money will affect the property owners for years. The loss of a neighborhood when our state, county and local elected officials tout affordable housing - which is being removed here in Renton with this project - is against all reason and claimed commitment. CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. 2 It is particularly concerning to me that the current Administration views the codified Comprehensive Plan as a "suggestion", as City Staff have stated. Of course Administrative Variances happen all the time, but not on a project that has such enormous negative impacts on the current community. As a former Renton City Council Member, 2004-2015, I spent hours reviewing each segment of the 2015 Comp Plan, beginning several years prior to adoption, as a member of the Planning and Development Committee. My name is found on the first page and I'm proud of the hard work previous council members and staff put in to ensure good decisions in the years to come. How discouraging to find out it's not of high value any more. The vacation of Tobin Street is not needed. The value and importance of the street is vital to future transportation planning as Renton continues to grow. Recent flooding shows the necessity for emergency options and Tobin Street is essential as an alternative to Airport Way. There is also the issue of the FAA considering whether Renton Airport may need to increase the runway safety zone, to the south as the only alternative, due to increasing jet traffic. As Chair of the Transportation/Aviation Committee most of my 12 years on Council, I have a good understanding of these issues going back to 2001 with the airport. Decisions being made today regarding these expansion plans by RSD and the City, may be seen as very shortsighted in the not too distant future. Please do NOT approve the Tobin Street vacation, or the continuing forced taking of properties from rightful owners, (RSD expansion and use of eminent domain) Thank you for your impartial and fair decision for the Renton Community. Respectfully, Marcie Palmer Renton City Council 2004-2015 425-306-0918 Marcie Palmer 425-306-0918 1 Alex Morganroth From:Alex Morganroth Sent:Tuesday, January 13, 2026 7:45 AM To:'Marcie Palmer' Subject:RE: Renton High School Expansion and Replacement project (LUA25-000343) Hi Marcie – Thanks for sending these comments over. I have added them to the Renton High School project record and they will be included as an exhibit to the staff report, which the Examiner will see. If you have any other comments/questions on the project, please let me know. I’m also happy to discuss any of the comments below in person or via a phone call. Thank you, ALEX MORGANROTH, AICP, Principal Planner City of Renton // Planning Division o*ice (425) 430-7219 // email amorganroth@rentonwa.gov Virtual Permit Center // Online Applications and Inspections NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: This message complies with Washington State’s Public Records Act – RCW 42.56 From: Marcie Palmer <pkplmarcie@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:00 PM To: Alex Morganroth <AMorganroth@Rentonwa.gov> Subject: Renton High School Expansion and Replacement project (LUA25-000343) We oppose the expansion of the Renton High School into property being taken by eminent domain. The government, Renton School District, has the power to take land for public use, but the current plan to install baseball fields is NOT in the best interest of the greater public. The use of all this land for a few elite teenagers is not for the greater good of the Renton Community. Especially with the RSD owned Memorial Stadium a short distance from the high school. Other Renton high schools do not have such an expensive stadium to call home. There are so many reasons this project is wrong, and negatively impacts our community for generations. The taking of homes and businesses for minimal amounts of money will affect the property owners for years. The loss of a neighborhood when our state, county and local elected officials tout affordable housing - which is being removed here in Renton with this project - is against all reason and claimed commitment. CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. 2 It is particularly concerning to me that the current Administration views the codified Comprehensive Plan as a "suggestion", as City Staff have stated. Of course Administrative Variances happen all the time, but not on a project that has such enormous negative impacts on the current community. As a former Renton City Council Member, 2004-2015, I spent hours reviewing each segment of the 2015 Comp Plan, beginning several years prior to adoption, as a member of the Planning and Development Committee. My name is found on the first page and I'm proud of the hard work previous council members and staff put in to ensure good decisions in the years to come. How discouraging to find out it's not of high value any more. The vacation of Tobin Street is not needed. The value and importance of the street is vital to future transportation planning as Renton continues to grow. Recent flooding shows the necessity for emergency options and Tobin Street is essential as an alternative to Airport Way. There is also the issue of the FAA considering whether Renton Airport may need to increase the runway safety zone, to the south as the only alternative, due to increasing jet traffic. As Chair of the Transportation/Aviation Committee most of my 12 years on Council, I have a good understanding of these issues going back to 2001 with the airport. Decisions being made today regarding these expansion plans by RSD and the City, may be seen as very shortsighted in the not too distant future. Please do NOT approve the Tobin Street vacation, or the continuing forced taking of properties from rightful owners, (RSD expansion and use of eminent domain) Thank you for your impartial and fair decision for the Renton Community. Respectfully, Marcie Palmer Renton City Council 2004-2015 425-306-0918 Marcie Palmer 425-306-0918 1 Alex Morganroth From:Alex Morganroth Sent:Tuesday, January 13, 2026 8:04 AM To:Tristan Subject:RE: My public comment for the public hearing January 13th on Renton High School Replacement and Site Expansion, LUA25-000343, CU-H, LC, PUD Hi Tristin – Hi Tristan – Thank you for sending your comment regarding the tree. I’ve added it to the project record, and it will be included as an exhibit in the staff report for the Hearing Examiner’s review. If you have any additional comments or questions about the Renton High School project, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Regarding the specific tree you mentioned, I will take a closer look to ensure that all reasonable options for retention are fully considered. While tree impacts and retention are evaluated at a high level during the land use phase, they continue to be reviewed in greater detail as the project moves into civil and building permit review. Thank you, Alex ALEX MORGANROTH, AICP, Principal Planner City of Renton // Planning Division o+ice (425) 430-7219 // email amorganroth@rentonwa.gov Virtual Permit Center // Online Applications and Inspections NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: This message complies with Washington State’s Public Records Act – RCW 42.56 From: Tristan <tristankochen252001@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 2:39 AM To: Alex Morganroth <AMorganroth@Rentonwa.gov> Subject: My public comment for the public hearing January 13th on Renton High School Replacement and Site Expansion, LUA25-000343, CU-H, LC, PUD I've never submitted an email for a public hearing correspondence so if I did this wrong my apologies. My public comment is in regards to a large London plane sycamore tree not being preserved on the property. As far as I could tell in the planning documents for the new high school, this tree will be cut down for the sake of a lengthened student drop off roadway in front of the high school replacing the existing dropoff area. This tree is the one right next to the gate for the existing staff parking and of the CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. 2 trees on the campus it is the second largest in canopy size is and is well over 50 years old and is an irreplaceable tree, the student drop off lane can be shifted to preserve this tree. It is not in the way of any buildings that will be built, simply parking and roadway. Things that can be moved. Pictured below is a photograph of the particular London plane sycamore tree. 3 4 From: Alex Morganroth Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 3:52 PM To: 'Meagan Powell' Subject: RE: LUA25-000343 Renton High School Replacement and Site Expansion Hi Meagan – Thank you for sending your comments regarding the Renton High School project. I have added them to the official project record and they will be included as an exhibit to the staff report provided to the Hearing Examiner. If you have any other comments/questions on the project, please let me know. I’m also happy to discuss any of the comments below in person or via a phone call. Thank you, ALEX MORGANROTH, AICP, Principal Planner City of Renton // Planning Division office (425) 430-7219 // email amorganroth@rentonwa.gov Virtual Permit Center // Online Applications and Inspections NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: This message complies with Washington State’s Public Records Act – RCW 42.56 From: Meagan Powell <powellm825@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 10:38 AM To: Alex Morganroth <AMorganroth@Rentonwa.gov> Subject: LUA25-000343 Renton High School Replacement and Site Expansion My name is Meagan Powell, I am a third-generation Renton resident and Renton School District graduate. I am opposed to the Renton High School Replacement and Site Expansion project as proposed. Ball fields are a lesser use for properties that are zoned for residential and commercial use, which is needed to support the downtown core. I cannot understand why a solution that did not necessitate the displacement 0f 32 households and 8 businesses could not be found, particularly during a housing crisis. Where are the students who are meant to be using these ball fields supposed to live? I am further dismayed by the dismal retention rate for significant and landmark trees, per the city's own code and tree retention plan. Retention is about 13%, whereas city code requires 30%. Our summers are getting warmer and drier, and our urban areas increasingly dominated by concrete. Despite planting new trees on other District sites, CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. these established trees and the benefits they provide will be absent where they are most needed, and can never be replaced. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Meagan Powell From: Alex Morganroth Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 3:52 PM To: 'Meagan Powell' Subject: RE: LUA25-000343 Renton High School Replacement and Site Expansion Hi Meagan – Thank you for sending your comments regarding the Renton High School project. I have added them to the official project record and they will be included as an exhibit to the staff report provided to the Hearing Examiner. If you have any other comments/questions on the project, please let me know. I’m also happy to discuss any of the comments below in person or via a phone call. Thank you, ALEX MORGANROTH, AICP, Principal Planner City of Renton // Planning Division office (425) 430-7219 // email amorganroth@rentonwa.gov Virtual Permit Center // Online Applications and Inspections NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: This message complies with Washington State’s Public Records Act – RCW 42.56 From: Meagan Powell <powellm825@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 10:38 AM To: Alex Morganroth <AMorganroth@Rentonwa.gov> Subject: LUA25-000343 Renton High School Replacement and Site Expansion My name is Meagan Powell, I am a third-generation Renton resident and Renton School District graduate. I am opposed to the Renton High School Replacement and Site Expansion project as proposed. Ball fields are a lesser use for properties that are zoned for residential and commercial use, which is needed to support the downtown core. I cannot understand why a solution that did not necessitate the displacement 0f 32 households and 8 businesses could not be found, particularly during a housing crisis. Where are the students who are meant to be using these ball fields supposed to live? I am further dismayed by the dismal retention rate for significant and landmark trees, per the city's own code and tree retention plan. Retention is about 13%, whereas city code requires 30%. Our summers are getting warmer and drier, and our urban areas increasingly dominated by concrete. Despite planting new trees on other District sites, CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. these established trees and the benefits they provide will be absent where they are most needed, and can never be replaced. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Meagan Powell 1 Alex Morganroth From:houston.john@comcast.net Sent:Friday, January 9, 2026 11:22 AM To:Alex Morganroth Cc:sheryl friesz Subject:RSD and Eminent Domain Hi Alex, My name is John Houston and I am writing you as a citizen who is not in favor of RSD and their use of Eminent Domain. My family lost land to RSD for a new school which was never built. So yes I know about their wreckless, uncaring about people whose homes and land is all they have. I know this is a done deal and the uncaring will move on until its decided they want someone elses land or home. Sitting on the land today where my uneducated parents cleared the land by hand and raised food to feed their children are 200 homes. The people who recently lost their homes do not have much but RSD does not care. They might never own another home. There were other options for RSD but they chose to take property for their own interests. I would like to know how you,Damien and board members would react if it were you,your parents or your children were uprooted and have to start over. I know Damien and his family personaly and what RSD did to my family started the breakup of the small black community in The Renton Highlands. Oh and that area was one of the only places black people could buy land and own a home. I have written a book titled,Return To The Sunlight ,where RSD land grabs are mentioned. A state law was passed SB5142 ,The Houston Eminent Domain Fairness Act was written to stop School Districts like Renton from doing what they did to my family to anyone else. Renton School District has been included in articles in USA Today,Seattle Times and several other publications . KING5 Facing Race also did a segment where RSD tactics were revealed. Alex,I am not upset with you about doing the job you were hired to do. My only hope is that you look closely at the body of the work of those who hire you. There is so much more factful information that I would like to share and it is on the internet. Google John Houston + Renton Land loss and you will see lots of factual information. I hope you will read my book,Return To The Sunlight and you will see what RSD did and caused for my family. You can find my book on Amazon. Thank you, John Houston CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. 1 Alex Morganroth From:Alex Morganroth Sent:Tuesday, January 13, 2026 4:22 PM To:houston.john@comcast.net Cc:sheryl friesz Subject:RE: RSD and Eminent Domain Hi John – Thank you for your comment. I’ve added it to the official project record, and it will be included as an exhibit in the staff report. I also want to clarify, respectfully, that I work for the City of Renton, not the Renton School District, and I was not involved in the eminent domain process used to assemble the high school expansion area. That decision was made by the Renton School Board, and the City did not have a role in that process. If you have any questions about the land use review or the Renton High School project more generally, please feel free to reach out at any time. Thank you again for taking the time to share your perspective. Alex ALEX MORGANROTH, AICP, Principal Planner City of Renton // Planning Division o+ice (425) 430-7219 // email amorganroth@rentonwa.gov Virtual Permit Center // Online Applications and Inspections NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: This message complies with Washington State’s Public Records Act – RCW 42.56 From: houston.john@comcast.net <houston.john@comcast.net> Sent: Friday, January 9, 2026 11:22 AM To: Alex Morganroth <AMorganroth@Rentonwa.gov> Cc: sheryl friesz <4abetterrenton@gmail.com> Subject: RSD and Eminent Domain Hi Alex, My name is John Houston and I am writing you as a citizen who is not in favor of RSD and their use of Eminent Domain. My family lost land to RSD for a new school which was never built. So yes I know about their wreckless, uncaring about people whose homes and land is all they have. I know this is a done deal and the uncaring will move on until its decided they want someone elses land or home. Sitting on the CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. 2 land today where my uneducated parents cleared the land by hand and raised food to feed their children are 200 homes. The people who recently lost their homes do not have much but RSD does not care. They might never own another home. There were other options for RSD but they chose to take property for their own interests. I would like to know how you,Damien and board members would react if it were you,your parents or your children were uprooted and have to start over. I know Damien and his family personaly and what RSD did to my family started the breakup of the small black community in The Renton Highlands. Oh and that area was one of the only places black people could buy land and own a home. I have written a book titled,Return To The Sunlight ,where RSD land grabs are mentioned. A state law was passed SB5142 ,The Houston Eminent Domain Fairness Act was written to stop School Districts like Renton from doing what they did to my family to anyone else. Renton School District has been included in articles in USA Today,Seattle Times and several other publications . KING5 Facing Race also did a segment where RSD tactics were revealed. Alex,I am not upset with you about doing the job you were hired to do. My only hope is that you look closely at the body of the work of those who hire you. There is so much more factful information that I would like to share and it is on the internet. Google John Houston + Renton Land loss and you will see lots of factual information. I hope you will read my book,Return To The Sunlight and you will see what RSD did and caused for my family. You can find my book on Amazon. Thank you, John Houston