HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_City Response to Elliot Comment_260213.pdf1
Alex Morganroth
From:Alex Morganroth
Sent:Friday, February 13, 2026 2:34 PM
To:Rebecca Elliott
Subject:RE: PROJECT# LUA25-000364
Hi Becky –
I know we talked about a lot of this at our in person meeting, but I wanted to make to confirm that your
comments regarding project LUA25-000364 (4108 Jones Ave NE) have been added to the official project
file.
I understand that you have significant concerns related to environmental impacts, stormwater and
drainage, traffic and road safety, wildlife habitat, tree removal, and overall neighborhood impacts. As we
discussed at the in-person meeting, these are all areas that fall within the scope of the City’s review.
As part of the application review, the project is being evaluated for compliance with the City’s critical
areas regulations, including wetlands and buffers, tree retention standards, stormwater management
requirements under the Surface Water Design Manual, and transportation standards. The applicant was
required to submit technical studies including such as a wetland assessment, arborist report, drainage
analysis, and traffic study, which are reviewed by City staff and subject-matter experts. If mitigation or
improvements are warranted, they will be required as conditions of approval. All studies submitted by
the applicant can be reviewed on the City’s project portal -
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?id=11744792&dbid=0&repo=CityofRenton.
With respect to tree removal on adjacent properties, that would be addressed separately through Code
Compliance if unpermitted activity occurred. There are a number of different ways to contact our Code
Compliance team, all of which can be found here - https://www.rentonwa.gov/City-Services/Code-
Compliance.
Regarding notification, the project remains on hold at this time while additional information is being
addressed by the applicant. As Parties of Record, you will receive formal notice of any future public
hearing or community meeting. When a hearing is scheduled, that information will be distributed in
advance and included in the public notice.
I appreciate you sharing your concerns and understand that this is an issue that affects your
neighborhood directly. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions about the review process itself
or have additional comments to submit. I will keep you updated with regards to the project review.
Thank you,
Alex
ALEX MORGANROTH, AICP, Principal Planner
City of Renton // Planning Division
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oBice (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: Rebecca Elliott <beckyelliott76@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2026 12:05 PM
To: Alex Morganroth <AMorganroth@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: PROJECT# LUA25-000364
Re: Saleh Foundation Community Center Development Application: PRE24-000328
Concerns From:
Rebecca & Steve Elliott
3624 Jones Ave NE
Renton, WA 98056
We firmly request a denial of Development of the neighboring property at 4108 Jones Ave NE.
Unsure of how the discussions have gotten this far, but it was brought to our attention that The Zoning
rules on this property must’ve been updated because before the owner of the Salal Org property changed
his personal ownership to a religious center, the owners were denied an application for a daycare /
worship center a couple years prior because of zoning. Yet they run it as one anyway with continual
traffic going in and out of the property.
Below are the main reasons we oppose this development:
Environmental impact:
Drain water & run-off – The city has neglected the drainage issues on Jones Ave for many years. We
consistently have small lakes along the road because of drainage issues; this water has nowhere to go
but into May Creek. The Korean church at the beginning of the Road, about 2 blocks away, is consistently
well over its capacity limitations with its church members and there is already nowhere to park but on
the road, in the road, and in the middle of the road as they do every Sunday. All the contaminants from
their vehicles are already going into the Creek, and no one is doing a thing to prevent them from
continually creating hazards on the road 1 ½ lane road with no shoulders.
Salmon - Not two months ago two containers of Salmon eggs were planted by Dept of Fish & Wildlife in
May creek approx. 1.1 miles upstream from this proposed site. How do the Indians feel about the City
allowing pollution into Salmon bearing creek while dismissing and skipping over the required additional
environmental impact studies. Yes, the change of freeway plans DID get approved without this second
study and very quietly under the noses of residents, I might add!!! So I’m assuming the city will turn a
blind eye again.
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Wildlife: 1.2 miles upstream from Saleh property is home to 5 beavers. I no longer see otters or owls
because of the construction and destruction to their environment. Imagine what impact the addition of
Renton’s planned Park n Ride, AND Saleh Center combined will have. Do you have environmental impact
studies that include the combined projects? Does it matter that OVER 150 vehicles will be leaking
contaminants RIGHT ALONGSIDE MAY CREEK.
Safety: The road cannot handle the traffic. What happens if there is an emergency, there is only 1way off
the road: and the church, mosque & park and ride folk have full access to that one way out and will take
priority FIRST, thus threatening the safety of the residents who live on the road.
When the Park and Ride is complete, vehicles will venture down our little 1.5 lane road,
Guess where the safest first turn around or pullover spot is? Yes, my property. If you put another large
community center on the road, this activity will double. Will the city be repairing and filling in the
potholes on my lower property because of the traffic you have allowed on the road?
The road is already dangerously narrow, with hidden curves and ditches with water flowing on both sides
of the road. I and other neighbors have witnessed and constantly complain about how the foundation
members drive recklessly out of their property and down the road with no regard to walkers or oncoming
cars. Now you want to allow triple the traffic hazard all days of the week.
There is no guarantee that the mosque won’t outgrow itself, like the Korean church, and take up space on
the road alongside of the creek. Our safety and the safety of wildlife should take priority.
Additionally, the residents on the road are on well water, no sewer. This means we are soaking up the
contamination from your so-called Commercial residents in our water supply already.
Property Destruction:
The road is a quiet sanctuary that we pay to live on; the city’s planning, allowance of several large
housing projects nearby, and freeway expansion have already had an impact on our livelihood and
environment. I now get to listen to traffic all night and barely sleep.
The runoff coming down the hill by an improperly inspected housing development above me has already
damaged my property, backed up my septic drainage etc. with no recourse or resolution from the
developers or the city. Neighbors around us are complaining about their homes/condos settling and
cracking because of excessive developments arising along a 44th street and into the neighborhoods as
well as the freeway expansion and removal of trees. Also water running off these projects into
thier garage.
Speaking of removal of trees, did the city permit the neighboring property owner, next to Saleh, to
remove all of the cottonwood and poplar trees and clear their land for this partnership? Was this
environmental issue overlooked so the owners can financially gain from the use of their property to allow
for the so-called 42 UNITS of OFFSITE Salal parking? Take a look at google maps. This property was full
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of trees, now gone and now all the sudden there’s a partnership agreement. These two properties
connect to each other, and the parking is NOT offsite!!! Its adjoining!
The November 14th Dept of Community and Economic Development cited under section 6. p.11,
Significant tree retention rules for Alders and cottonwood of a specific size, a tree inventory and tree
retention plan along with an arborist report are required by RMC 4-8-120. I would like to request copies of
this report for the adjoining property who cleared this land this year to make way for Saleh. If there is
none, I would like to know what the city fined this property owner for illegal removal of trees. This is
corruption at its best if this cannot be provided.
I would also like copies of the Arborist report, traffic impact study, environmental study and wetland
assessment submitted. There is no way the wetlands are not heavily impacted and should take highest
priority over the decision to develop.
Our livelihoods matter and should not be hindered any further by the city’s “quest” for funding. Renton’s
financial gain on allowing this project should not come at the cost of my family and neighbors’ safety.
Unless the city is planning on providing the residents with safety of a 2-lane road, proper emergency
outlets, proper drainage, city water & sewer, this plan should NOT be approved.
The thought of even considering this approval has upset ALL of the neighbors because
RENTON did not think we would be affected but this will be a disaster for us and the
CITY knows it. However, we weren't even notified.
I would appreciate and update as to when the community meeting will be held because
many of us will be there.
Call me if you have any concerns.
425-246-0380
Becky Elliott