Press Alt + R to read the document text or Alt + P to download or print.
This document contains no pages.
HomeMy WebLinkAboutBenson Hill Community Plan - 2013 (ORD 5797)' r R jjljjj�
w
!M,
r
11
rM
ti+ ,
._ �O U
Y
`1 ' :� 4 � � -•` � � - �� r ' � �� •••To- -
- 1
F-IL
J _k
City of 'k
RENTON. AHEAD DE THE CURVE
- Renton
AC:
Community & Economic Development
A
Thank you!
Mayor
Denis Law
City Council
Randy Corman, President
Don Persson, President Pro-tem
Terri Briere
Marcie Palmer
Ed Prince
Greg Taylor
Rich Zwicker
Chief Administrative Officer
Jay Covington
Planning Commission
Michael Drollinger, Chair
Martin Regge, Vice Chair
Kevin Poole, Secretary
Michael Chen
David Fleetwood
Gwendolyn High
Roxanna Johnson
Michael O'Halloran
Nancy Osborn
Parks Commission
Larry Reymann, Chair
Al Dieckman, Past Chair
Cynthia Burns
Michael O'Donin
Tim Searing
Troy Wigestrand
Marlene Winter
Benson Hill Steering Committee
Todd Anderson
Micah Daniel
Chad Dompier
Ann Houser
Yvonne Jenkins
Pam Pollock
Volodymyr Pyatokha
Dean Zinck
Community Stakeholders
MB Anderson and Associates, Cascade Village Shopping Center
Cascade Neighborhood Association
Chinquapin Neighborhood Association
Falcon Ridge Homeowners Association
Huntington Heights Condo Association
Ponderosa Estates
Renton Park Neighborhood Association
Rolling Hills Village Homes Association
Shadow Hawk Homeowners Association
Tiffany Park Neighborhood Association
Victoria Park Homeowners Association
Woodbury Lane Homeowners Association
The many community members who participated in meetings,
sent in comments, took online surveys, and otherwise added to
the making of this Plan.
Community and Economic Development
Chip Vincent, Administrator
Cliff Long, Economic Development Director
Erika Conkling, AICP, Senior Planner
Community Services
Terry Higashiyama, Administrator
Leslie Betlach, Parks Planning and Natural Resources Director
Kelly Beymer, Parks and Golf Course Director
Tim Williams, Recreation Director
Kristine Stimpson, Recreation Manager
Karen Bergsvik, Human Services Manager
Bonnie Rerecich, Neighborhood Resource and Events Manager
Todd Black, Capital Project Coordinator
Norma McQuiller, Neighborhood Program Coordinator
Wendy Kirchner, Neighborhood Program Assistant
Police
Kevin Milosevich, Chief
Cindy Parks, Community Program Coordinator
Terri Vickers, Community Program Coordinator
Public Works
Gregg Zimmerman, Administrator
Jim Seitz, Transportation Planning and Program Supervisor
Consultants
John Owen, MAKERS architecture and urban design
Rachel Miller, MAKERS architecture and urban design
Rob Larsen, Norman Partners
City of Renton
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 1
Purpose.......................................................................................................................................................................1
Current Conditions 2
.......................................................................................................................................
2. Public Engagement......................................................................................................................19
Phase1 Input....................................................................................................................................................19
Phase2 Input.................................................................................................................................................._27
Phase3 Input.................................................................................................................................................._34
3. Vision ......................................................................................................................................................................
37
Benson Hill Goals .......................................................................................................................................
39
4. Plan Elements........................................................................................41
Community and Economic Development..................................................................41
Multi -modal Transportation.........................................................................................................48
Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas...........................................................................58
Strong, Livable, and Safe Community.........................................................................61
5. Action Strategy..................................................................................................................................67
ImplementationTable.........................................................................................................................67
Benson Hill Community Plan Advisory Board......................................................71
Conclusion 72
...........................................................................................................................................................
6. Appendices (Digital files on attached CD)
A. Demographics
B. Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan Benson
Excerpts
C. Walkability Audit Results: Next Steps Memo
D. Community Engagement Materials: Full survey,
workshop, and online interactive map results, and
meeting presentations and flyers
E. Existing Conditions Maps
Benson Hill Community Plan
City of Renton
1. Introduction
Purpose
The Benson Hill Community Plan guides the direction of future growth and change in Benson Hill. The
City of Renton and many Benson Hill residents, businesses, and community stakeholders partnered to
create this Plan. Their collaborative effort strengthened connections between neighborhoods and the City,
prioritized City investments in services and infrastructure, and supplied a vision for Benson Hill vetted
by participants. As Benson Hill develops and conditions change, this Plan provides a means for the City
and community to address emerging issues and gives power to Benson Hill residents and businesses in
shaping their community's future.
Reflecting participants' priorities for Benson Hill, this plan recommends strategies to:
• Create a focus in the heart of Benson Hill to foster community gathering and keep commercial
destinations close to home,
• Connect the neighborhoods with sidewalks, trails, bike routes, and transit access, and especially
enhance the walking and biking environment on 116th Avenue SE,
• Enrich the community with many small-scale improvements to parks, recreational opportunities,
police -resident relationships, human services, neighborhood clean-up, and development regulations
that encourage safe and quality buildings and landscapes, and
• Coalesce the neighborhoods through a Benson Hill Community Plan Advisory Board to advocate
for equitable treatment of Benson Hill as a whole and among its
diverse neighborhoods.
Chapter 3: Vision describes these in further detail, and Chapter 4: Plan
Elements offers specific steps to achieving the vision.
Planning Process and Timeframe
Steps to creating this plan include:
1. Engage community members to understand values and visions, and study
specific issues, such as economic development (completed).
2. Draft a plan that reflects the community's goals (completed).
3. Refine the plan and incorporate comments through an iterative process
(ongoing).
4. City Council adopts the plan, and it becomes guiding policy for decision -making
(expected 2013).
5. Update Zoning Map, Land Use Regulations, and Capital Improvements Plan to
reflect community priorities and spur implementation of plan (expected 2014-15).
4
PHILLIP L
N
o
ApgRK
CEDAR RIVER
0
NATURALZONE
na3
N
!
6
N S Puget or
TIFFANY -t
PARK
I\
C0 CASCADE
PARK
Q S 164th t
SE 31st St
E 176th S
BENSON
Carr Rd SHOPPING
CENTER
to
I
w
SE 168th St w
CASCADE VILLAGE ¢'
SHOPPING CENTER m RENTO
PARK
SE Petrovitsky Rd II^ , —
SOOSCREEK
PARK AN1D TRAI~
SE 192nd
Throughout the process, there were opportunities to come to events and participate 1 Benson Hill Planning Area
online to provide visions for the area and feedback on draft materials (see Chapter 2: City or Renton
Public Engagement).
3OULE ARD
LANE ARK
Commerciajareas
Parks
Benson Hill Community Plan
Chapter 1
IN! VII�J
"�_i
ciir iaRr
Figure 1-1. Fred Meyer, fast food and
automobile services, and fire station in
Benson Plaza area
p,.IZR.
Figure 1-2. Retail, restaurants, and large
surface parking at Cascade Village
Current Conditions
Land Use
The Benson Hill Community Plan area is over 4 square miles on
the south side of Renton. Much of the area was annexed in 2007.
Benson Hill's 2,960 acres of land is predominately residential with
two major commercial centers.
Commercial Centers
Two major commercial centers serve Benson Hill. Benson Plaza (74
acres) at the southwest boundary houses a Fred Meyer and other
region -serving commercial establishments (Figure 1-1). Cascade
Village (26 acres), in the center of Benson Hill, is an older strip mall
style development with local businesses such as restaurants, ethnic
groceries, and a dollar store (Figure 1-2).
Notably, Benson Plaza and Cascade Village are the only large areas
zoned for commercial uses. They are zoned Commercial Arterial,
along with a stretch of parcels in the northwest corner of the study
area on Benson Road S and S Puget Drive. Two small Commercial
Neighborhood zones exist at 108th Ave SE/SE 31st Street and
southwest of the study area at SE 192"d Street/108th Avenue SE.
With so few commercial centers, many residents do not live within
walking distance of commercial services and amenities.
Twelve recognized Neighborhood Associations exist in Benson Hill:
Renton Hill (partial), Victoria Park (partial), Rolling Hills, Falcon
Ridge, Shadow Hawk, Tiffany Park, Ponderosa Estates, Cascade,
Renton Park, Huntington Heights, Woodbury Lane, and Chinquapin
(Figure 1-3). Cascade covers the largest area and is central to the
planning area. Almost half of Benson Hill homes are located in
neighborhoods without City -recognized neighborhood associations.
Most of the area south of Petrovitsky Road is not currently
organized into a Neighborhood Association. Neighborhoods north
of Petrovitsky Road are better represented by Neighborhood
Associations. The recently annexed areas are relatively new to
Renton's neighborhood program while others have longstanding
relationships with Renton.
City of Renton
Introduction
Sri
Falcon Ridge
Vantage
Glens
Woodbury • .
Lane
Shadow's
Hawk
Ir
City of Renton Neighborhood Program
This map is intended for City display purposes only.
4'
This document is a graphic representation, not guaranteed
to survey accuracy, and is based on the best information
available as of the date shown.
Produced by IT-GIS on 06/13/2013
Chinquapin
Ridge
Figure 1-3. City -recognized neighborhood associations
Benson Hill Community Plan
3
Chapter 1
Benson Community Planning Area
School Site
_ — I City Limits
Shopping Centers
PP 9
PAA Boundary
Parks
Figure 1-4. Parks and schools in the Benson
Hill planning area
Figure 1-5. Utility corridors weave through
Benson Hill
Parks and Recreation
Tiffany Park, Cascade Park, Renton Park, and Phillip Arnold Park
provide walking trails, children's play areas, and recreational
opportunities to residents of the Benson Hill. Phillip Arnold Park is
just north of the planning area, but is accessible to Benson residents
via an unpaved right-of-way owned by Seattle Public Utilities. The
Cedar River Natural Area defines the northern boundary of the
area (although it is not directly accessible from Benson Hill). To the
east, the Soos Creek Corridor and Boulevard Lane Park offer large
natural areas. Several major utility corridors cross the area, providing
informal trails, recreation links, and views (Figure 1-5).
Pan
C ri
Wetl
'HIV Heritagrk
r
Park Maplewood Maplewood
its oadside Park Park
Y�
i
SE 186th
Place Properties.
Mapl'ew
Golf Co
V Area V l
CI
'AR<S,T
E Ar I,ER
VATI_i?AI 2,Ri A.
.
I
RENTON,� {
i *ARK +
I
r" SOOS [REEK
PARK BgTRAII tltltl
kIE192Nosr
0 Community Park - -- Regional Trail
Pedestrian
General Zone
— Freeway
Service Area
- Principal Arterial
- Neighborhood Park - - -- Local Trail
High Density Residential
Major Road
1/4 mile
- Commercial:
Local Street
_ Pedestrian
All Other Parks Roadway Barrier
® 1/2 mile
Urban Center- North 1,
Urban Center - North 2,-_--I
_ River/Creek
Renton City Limits
Community Park
Center Village,
Commercial/Office/Retail,---�
7_--1 Potential
Annexation Area
Neighborhood Park
Commercial Arterial,
Center Downtown
Undeveloped
Other Jurisdiction
Park Land
Water Body
Figure 1-6. Local park access by high density zoning (Renton Parks Plan). Note the
lack of parks serving the high density zones in central Benson Hill.
4
City of Renton
Introduction
While, it would seem that this wide collection of parks and natural
areas provide many opportunities for the community, parts of Benson
Hill are currently underserved (see Figures 1-6 and 1-7). Central
and south Benson Hill are particularly devoid of local parks and
recreation assets. The long term Parks Plan identifies the need for
a large recreational park to serve Benson Hill, especially the area
south of Petrovitsky Road. See the Parks, Recreation and Natural
Areas Plan —Benson in Appendix B for full details on parks planning
for Benson Hill.
rlazza of
Gateway on ar
r e Park Maplewood Maplewood
terans 169 oadside Park 'Park
Trial Park Tonkin Par
S In NARCO
Burnett P rk Property 1
Riverview
Linear Park Maple
Golf G
Philip Cedar Rive.
Arnold Park :r aural Aroa 1
Lake Street`, _
Open Space", _
^� Talbot Hill
Reservoir Park Tiff44ar
Pan, Parkwood South
Crec Div #3 Park
Well Th as
Teasdale Park Cascade
Pa rk
167
I
Native \ ,
Trail Edlund
r
E I76TH ST
.Property
V �}
soc
- PARK
Tiffany Park
Elementary School Existing Parking
Turf Mound Enhance Existing Activity Buildin
/ .{� Relocated Play Area
Relocate Basketball Court
TIFFANY pQf�K Next to Tennis
Improve
Existing -..,,..
Field i
Natural Trail Area
Seating Areas
—'-\ Potential Future Park Expansioi
Improve Trail Linkage, Improv(
/ & Provide Parking
Connection trail 1..
between Tiffany
&Cascade Park \ �—Pedestrian
Access
Off -Leash-\ cAA'SCADE PARK
Dog Park\.\
I_\. Small Picnic
r Planting Area With Area
Y Walking Paths \
Turf Play
V Pedestrian Access J- \ - Mound
L
nyt Group Picnic Area potential F
TRenovate Play Area -� Create a Ft
- Sand + Water Improve V
- Composite Structure for 2-5 & 5-=2
- Play Village i `Jil
Figure 1-8. Tiffany/Cascade Park concept
plan (Renton Parks Plan)
Multi -generational
Center
[2] Gyms
Courtyard with Seating
± & Table Games
S School Age Playy Area
.. 15-=2)
l Sports Court
Basketball or
1 Tennis
W
Panther SODS REEK
ek 4A PARK TRAIL
Parcel
I eland �. 1 SE 186th J
ardso Pla a Properties
operty SE 192V :
TA,
Regional Park
- -- Regional Trail
Pedestrian
0
Community Park
--- Local Trail
Service Area
Pedestrian
1/4 mile
-
Neighborhood Park
_
Roadway Barrier
1/2 mile
Natural Area
Undeveloped
Community Park
Sk Neighborhood Scale
0
Special Use Park
- Undeveloped
7� Programmable Space
0
Renton Property
Neighborhood Park
-
Corridor
Undeveloped
Special Use
Figure 1-7. Indoor programmable space access (Renton Parks Plan). Note the lack of
programmable space serving southern Benson Hill.
Vehicular Entry
Tot Play Area (2-5)
Parking Lot
(40-45 Spaces)
T AA� _J L Z' �� '[— Restroom
iOpen Turf Group Picnic Area With
Skate Area Area ®i Common Grill Between
0:f & i Small Picnic Pavilions
r[21 Baseball
8& 1eoccer Perimeter Walking
(23 kds0') III i Paths
i
L
II i
a new community park in the Benson Hill
planning area like this diagrammatic example.
Automobile
Service Area
1/4 mile
1/2 mile
1 mile
2 mile
Community Scale
Programmable Space
Freeway
Principal Arterial
Major Road
Local Street
_ River/Creek
-_--I Renton City Limits
- - Potential
---= Annexation Area
Other Jurisdiction
Park Land
Undeveloped
Q Other Jurisdiction
Park Land
Water Body
Benson Hill Community Plan 5
Chapter 1
I Benson Hill Planning Area 2 Foot ContoutS 105-162 369-428
City d Rant. Elevation 163-222 429-4]0
6 - 50 223 - 292 471 - 528
51-1u 293-368
'Intl....Mou —q2V
Figure 1-10. Topographic contours map
a
Figure 1-11. Unique topography affords
views to the Cascades and Lake Washington
y�y
Figure 1-12. Soos Creek at 116th Ave SE
Schools
The Renton School District operates seven facilities in the area:
• Lindbergh High School
• Nelsen Middle School
• Cascade Elementary School
• Renton Park Elementary School
• Tiffany Park Elementary School
• Benson Hill Elementary School
• Spring Glen special programs facility
Natural Environment
Benson Hill's high point is near the center of the study area, and the
land slopes down to the Cedar River to the north, Soos Creek to the
east, and descends quickly at Benson Road and Benson Drive to the
west. The southwest side is part of the Green/Duwamish Watershed,
while the northeast side belongs to the Lake Washington/Cedar
River Watershed. Wetlands exist northwest of the SE Petrovitsky
Road/11611 Avenue SE intersection and at the Benson Drive S/
Benson Road S intersection, and are connected by an informal
wildlife corridor. The Cedar River Natural Area, Soos Creek Park,
and Renton Park comprise approximately 300 acres of undeveloped
wooded area.
Renton Comnrehensive Plan
The City of Renton Comprehensive Plan (Comprehensive Plan)
provides policy guidance for the growth and development of the
City as a whole based on a community vision. The Comprehensive
Plan is in compliance with the Growth Management Act (GMA),
which requires that Comprehensive Plans include policy direction
for land use, housing, capital facilities, and transportation. Renton's
Comprehensive Plan is due to be updated in 2015.
The Comprehensive Plan incorporates statewide planning goals,
including provisions that discourage urban sprawl, support affordable
housing, protect the environment, and encourage the provision of
adequate urban services. The Comprehensive Plan is designed
to accommodate 20 year growth forecasts determined by regional
agencies and local jurisdictions. Benson Hill is outside of Renton's
urban centers, so the Comprehensive Plan promotes a lower level of
intensity than in Renton's more urban areas.
City of Renton
Introduction
Commercial Districts
The Commercial land use designations in Benson Hill (Commercial
Corridor and Commercial Neighborhood) are intended to "Support
existing businesses and provide an energetic business environment
for new commercial activity providing a range of service, office,
commercial, and mixed use residential uses that enhance the
City's employment and tax base along arterial boulevards and in
designated development areas" (Comprehensive Plan, Land Use XI:
Commercial Goal, IX-49).
�MD�
�I. C—
R D
LD
r.sus. F e. �x RSF
RMDI s
RSF
8 m ,
RMD :RMD
_RMD RMD _ RL
se„
F .......
...... _ F
bz01 — s —;RSF
RMD
RMD — s I
GAD
RM R
ez.ari RLD-
1
_ as s ,e RLD
\ ,e
RMD
RSF RLD RM c _
V` w n r� F i -I 1�
1_.._ i Benson Hill Planning Area
Residential Designations
......2 City of Renton
- RMF - Residential MultiFamily
Land Use
0 RMD - Residential Medium Density
Commercial Designations
RLD - Residential Low Density
CC - Commercial Corridor
0 RSF - Residential Single Family
CN - Commercial Neighborhood
Parks
COR - Commercial -Office -Residential
Figure 1-13. Comprehensive Plan land use designations map
RM_U
CD ea a�§s5m s, s Js,,,�J ` se ain RC
�'�.,'
�, S
§off y4��•"--"'T
„w•''
d
RM-F
��� ^�'�
,,..
�•'` sE
ram......';
p<'ay mw
���
�
kse,e.matg
.................. —
Q �Ed1 , isnn s,
sssmas `� s s' R-14
s' psxmn s3sms� sF,rz.a sE,1abs k ss,mr %se,�s,n s, Oyu R-10
sssun �\sy se l�sm st`� _ ;$E P,trhnyRd
,R Ca Rd - a a g _ ss n.l _..-.I ✓�
CA� L
R
sa,MH ni, a as R 1
,a.usi R-4aP / m
sE,em ,esnw � € �1�PB6e1 _ mw.0 xu ss,esu>i § _ � ssm s, a su P�.,es dE, — sE,eeum se,eems, °� — ss,nmri
1 £ a a
ss,ss. neee�t�ma�.-�...--�.�__�•-..�....:.....- i� 11111
a. A
Benson Hill Planning Area
Residential Multi -Family Urban Center
d City of Renton
Center Village
Zoning
- Center Downtown
- Resource Conservation
Urban Center - North 1
Residential 1 du/ac
Urban Center - North 2
Residential 4 du/ac
- Commercial Office/Residential
Residential 8 du/ac
Commercial Arterial
Residential Manufactured Homes
_ Commercial Office
Residential 10 du/ac
- Commercial Neighborhood
- Residential 14 du/ac
Industrial - Light
Residential Multi -Family
i Industrial - Medium
Residential Multi -Family Traditional
_ Industrial - Heavy
Figure 1-14. Zoning map (implements the Comprehensive Plan)
Benson Hill Community Plan
Chapter 1
Figure 1-15. Multifamily housing
Figure 1-16. Low density housing
The Comprehensive Plan encourages Commercial Corridor (CC)
districts (Benson Plaza and Cascade Village) to "evolve from `strip
commercial' linear business district to business areas characterized
by enhanced site planning incorporating efficient parking lot design,
coordinated access, amenities, and boulevard treatment" (IX-49).
Although anticipated to accommodate medium -intensity levels of
activity now, the Comprehensive Plan recognizes that the intensity
and efficiency of land use will likely rise over time as conditions
change. Pedestrian amenities and linking to adjacent neighborhoods
are encouraged. These land uses are implemented through the
Commercial Arterial zone in Benson Hill.
The Commercial Neighborhood (CN) designation advocates "small
scale, low -intensity commercial areas located within neighborhoods
primarily for the convenience of residents who live nearby"
(Comprehensive Plan, IX-54).
Residential Districts
The Residential Multi -Family (RMF) and Residential Medium
Density (RMD) land use designations support cost-efficient housing
options, encourage infill development, and are implemented through
the Residential Multi -family (RM-F), Residential 14 dwelling units per
net acre (R-14), and Residential 10 dwelling units per net acre (R-10)
zones in Benson Hill.
The Residential Low Density (RLD) and Residential Single
Family (RSF) designations support small-scale, quality homes
in existing single-family neighborhoods on lands that are not
appropriate for urban levels of development. The Residential Low
Density districts are near Soos Creek Park, Renton Park, and Cedar
River Natural Zone to limit impacts on sensitive natural areas. The
Residential 8 dwelling units per net acre (R-8) and Residential 4
dwelling units per net acre (R-4) implement these districts, with the
R-8 zone covering the largest land area in Benson Hill.
City of Renton
Introduction
Environment
The current Comprehensive Plan Environment Element addresses
the protection of natural and sensitive areas and overall ecological
functions in the City. The 2015 Comprehensive Plan update will
incorporate environmental policies throughout the Plan rather than
as a separate element. Because much of Benson Hill remains in a
natural state or drains toward natural areas, policies relating to water
quality, low -impact development, and protecting and enhancing
wildlife habitat may be considered.
Transportation
Benson Hill's roads are primarily designed for motor vehicles.
Benson Drive/Highway 515/Talbot Road and Benson Road/1081h
Avenue are major north -south routes that cross Interstate 405 to
connect Benson Hill with downtown Renton. Major east -west
routes include Puget Drive S, 1681h Avenue SE, SE 176th Street/SE
Petrovitsky Road, and SE 192"d Street.
Walking, Biking, and Transit
Sidewalk links are missing within some neighborhoods and along
some major roads, such as on 116th Avenue SE near Petrovitsky.
Bike lanes are not marked, except as shoulders on some stretches
of 116th Avenue SE. Speed bumps and landscaped medians are
used in some places to calm traffic, but some residents complain
of automobiles travelling at unsafe speeds in their neighborhoods.
The intersection of 1161h Avenue SE and Petrovitsky Road poses
a particular barrier to walkability with fast traffic, a lack of visibility,
and inadequate pedestrian space. See the "Walking and bicycling
improvements map" on page 55 for the locations of these and
other community -identified improvements.
Figure 1-17. Soos Creek at 116th Ave SE
Figure 1-18. Invasive plants in undeveloped
area south of Phillip Arnold Park
Figure 1-19. Youth walk home from school;
missing sidewalk link
Benson Hill Community Plan
Chapter 1
Figure 1-20. Cyclist using sidewalk
Figure 1-21. Bus stops on 116th Ave SE
near Petrovitsky Road
As noted in the Commercial Centers section above, many residences
are not within walking distance of commercial amenities. See the
Walkability Audit Results: Next Steps Memo in Appendix C for more
information on the walkability of Benson Hill.
Five Metro bus routes serve Benson Hill: 155, 161, 169, 102, and
148. These connect Benson Hill to Southcenter, downtown Renton,
Fairwood, Tukwila, Seattle, and Kent. People in the Cascade
neighborhood area use bicycles and carpools more frequently than
other neighborhoods in Renton (see commute trip mode map in
Appendix E). Southeastern Benson Hill residents have to walk
between five and 20 minutes to reach a bus stop.
See Appendix E for a comparison of Benson Hill and Renton
commute trip times and commute trip modes of people in poverty.
Figure 1-22. Transit routes map (Google Maps). Note
the lack of routes in the southeastern planning area.
10
City of Renton
Introduction
d
-
1 rrkll (tl
� 1 0
d pll
z..:,I
t. _ -_.
-�
.. -
••
....�..
Windsor
- Hllls ParkTe[7,niCal
� Renton
c
1 [ I�i
i -
�F INS 4th Sr �nnr7r NE I I h SI
y { I�j Iry7- • faI F[ Not; In 1#Flnif RUT ii n rn fir IFi r IiI Iir In gF In.larir�r�l
RU -
h
N
4,
1
rii' rij
�.. ~
Irlemorial
4 Office
G�fni•
i ■ Park
$ *
lien
r1.rl:. • :;:: �'.�
.=
"�
ty f
r plt�Bt
Para
HGrlteg�
iparik Q
NE 2nd St
t
i1
s �entnn
[Fi t
�cl:n:i
harry CBmBIBN
G
ww r ww r-
�i ■I� ri
p N z
!
��a 6
wSchwi
cr r_.7ar P,:ra,
•
,ver Park
Ni
= Ma rind
SE 1361h 5j F hl !
Ark
jrvH . •
C
FA INN INN INN 1
7y Maplrwmn !
Y
Fred:'•. Z.
{;,.
_ark u
1r�__I I u-
o
��_
:
MByer•�� b 3 "' F �I�
enlrq�,•,
_
R
-' �y! MaPle�voorl RoadsidF
1lrk
5Z 14 ! }
sr
r y
P.Ivrrvy,4Pnrk
klaplewoodr�7w�J
_
MINEg
041,4 rF.tt�
.•�
.i
F� I
P
` r
•/ N - ®
I x1�
Ham, radV� GiIY '
a
„_.. rrWld
Cedar River
. Aroa
MaplewoodNatural
aplewaod
GDK Course
I
�
CIIIh Jw
w % r
6thSt s rww� r
¢l Tdlany
'C[Ingbro°k r Parr _ 'S:.. 4 • ��
Talw a{
Hill J� rvoir . `:� * ♦� Soot Cr
�1 Slark ! Tlnany Par{. an,i Tr I�
-� Park
41s1 for lot
r
, at a -' r
n f'iif [itI FiI I. : 3� a �
407 : ;ab
Id.s r Paldh968Ih $r r
Creekur • �. f�rr w� I ww-FINS _EN �—w •••♦
No
1^rrt4irnls � y �# s8allrwd ::.P ' RBMPn Fal%
3W Vil; Sl i i f E ; Park Lihl
IC �•�q �.5. Ii Eli G
7 �� ■�'�: ,C H11n 10i 1i
`♦ °,let 1 lrl iFir llrlfl III Ir lot For let lot lei All In � ��*! I i1++� r r�
SW4i5 5�1.._ w Valley �yi ��'`EdlunJ '00 7;�
•Mad-47 r-arl]I,�� N �• Legend
Clr SE C:.i'I 1 Benswi L: Sons crrsek
i 1801h S! '� 1* In l�'
11 it
S�.
•� P�J
KI �+ I �►
c '
ram.♦
r+
. _ 9 • i SF 17rih c1
I■1 [y m [al I. ,�
�*
.�
- Freeway
�♦
Arterial Street
Local Street
�s
T
-M
EXISTING ROUTES
V7
ff
"`■ Multi -use trail, Regional
w� s
w�
N=
ben an HI'
Elenwniar
a
-� Multi -use trail, Local
ag
_„;,
1. Bicycle Lane
"IhL
• Signed shared roadway
SE tsa[id sl
i ni III IrI In lot I� INN m lot ql In I
in,
�� Pedestrian -only trail
y
rlavrdandr'
_ -!
!
PROPOSED ROUTES
Rlchards°rl
'I
�--. G
i
Sons
PropCrtl•
i. c:_h��k !
r�.ri �.r
�
i
Creek Park
'0*0- Multi -use trail, Re ionaI
g
and 7raY
r
Multi -use trail, Local
LE
'6*1jltN, Bicycle Lane
ID IN, raI 1Rl IRI IrI fiL1Fl IFV IFI IFI
!y v
'
• "'NON Signed shared roadway
�-
'rFr+►+�
o+i,r,. Pedestrian -only trail
Future rails -trails corridor
• I " a
-
r!r:dTn
Y:nn S-h l All
Figure 1-23. Trails and bicycle improvements map (Trails and Bicycle Master Plan, 2009)
Interstate Fwy 'x State Hwy
Park School
Amenity Opportunity Location
■ Water Trail Launch/Landing Site
Benson Hill Community Plan
Chapter 1
QBenson Hill Planning Area Housing units per acre
F3City of Renton 0 no data
0 0.6 - 1.0
0 1.1 - 2.0
2.1 - 3.0
EM 3.1 - 4.0
- 4.1 - 8.0
Figure 1-24. Housing unit density, 2000 and
2010 (Census 2000 and 2010 SF1 Table DP-
1, census tract level)
Demographics and Regional Equity
For detailed demographic information, see Appendix A.
Population and Housing Densitx
Benson Hill grew from 8,438 households in 2000 to 9,808
households in 2010, and is expected to gain another 700 units
by 2015.1 It is home to almost 22,000 residents and almost 400
businesses. Benson Hill houses about 24 percent of Renton's
population and 27 percent of its households (and is about 20 percent
of its land area).
Population Households
Benson Hill 21,942 9,808
Renton 90,927 36,009
Source: U.S. Census 2010
The area is primarily composed of single-family homes, with denser
clusters of residences centered on Cascade Village and Benson
Plaza. The western half of Benson Hill has grown more dramatically
than the eastern half in the last ten years (Figure 1-24).
2010 - Age
■ Under 18 ■ 18-24 25-44
■ 45-64 ■ 65 & Over
Figure 1-25. Age in Benson Hill
O Benson Hill Planning Area Percentage of households
with children under 18 years
City of Renton 1 25
0 26%-32%l�
- 33%- 36%
- 37%- 40%
- 41%-45%
O no data
Figure 1-26. Households with children map
(Census 2010 SF1, Table DP-1, tract level)
1 ESRI forecasts for 2010 and 2015; U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000 Census of
Population and Housing.
12 City of Renton
Introduction
89.E
Benson Hill has a high proportion of households with children as
compared to the region, particularly east of 116lh Avenue SE (Figure
1-26). Seniors are a very small portion of the population in central
Benson Hill (Figure 1-27).
Race/Ethnicity
Residents are racially/ethnically diverse, with a large portion
speaking languages other than English (Figure 1-29). The
population of people born outside the U.S. grew from 15 percent to
23 percent in the last 10 years, which follows the trend experienced
by Renton as a whole. About seven percent of the population lives in
families where the adults are not proficient in speaking English.
2000 and 2010 - Race, Ethnicity, and
Hispanic Origin
— 2s.ao% M
10.696
8.99E 0-7%
9.9% 20.00%
IIIL5.7% M
2000 2000 2M:) 2010
■ White ■Asian or Pacific Islander
■ Black ■ American Indian
■Other Race or Multiple Races f Hispanic/Latino Origin
Figure 1-28. 2000 and 2010 Race, ethnicity,
and Hispanic origin
Benson Hill Community Plan
15.00%
10.00%
5.00%
0.00%
M Benson Hill Planning Area Percent of population who
are 65 years or older
City of Renton
�6%-8%
9% - 10%
O 11%- 12%
_ 13% - 140/6
- 15% - 19%
Figure 1-27. Seniors in Benson Hill map
(Census 2010 SF1, Table DP-1, tract level)
Linguistic Isolation and Foreign Born
Residents
15.95%
4.66%
0
mnn
2009
22,97%
■ Percentage of Population Linguistically Isolated - defined
by the US Census if no member of the household 14 years
or older speaks English
■ Percentage of Population Born Outside the United States
Figure 1-29. Linguistic isolation and foreign born residents
11
,,iiiiiiiiiiiiiiAj
13
Chapter 1
F' -s
Race and Ethnicity Density, 2000
r 'tom o+.
-. r�r
Race and Ethnicity Density, 2010
QBenson Hill Planning Area
4 :1 City of Renton
1 Dot = 10 people
White
• Black/African American
• American Indian and Alaska Native
• Asian
• Other
• Two or more races
• Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
Figure 1-30. Race and ethnicity density map, 2000
and 2010 (Census 2000 and 2010 SF1, Table DP-1,
census tract level)
77
ri
Population born outside U.S, 2000
Population born outside U.S, 2010
OBenson Hill Planning Area
LF:1 City of Renton
Percentage of population
born outside the U.S.
F-1 1% - 15%
— 16% - 22%
- 23% - 28%
— 29% - 33%
- 34% - 38%
Figure 1-31. Population born outside the U.S., 2000
and 2010 (Census 2000 and 2010 SF1, Table DP-1,
census tract level)
14
City of Renton
Introduction
Regional Equity
Regionally, Benson Hill has lower "opportunity" than northern
Renton, Seattle, and Bellevue (see PSRC's Comprehensive
Opportunity Map for Puget Sound below). This index is based on
factors such as access to education, jobs, transportation alternatives,
healthy food, social networks.
Benson Hill's median household income, $70,089, is slightly above
Renton's average of $67,639. The level of poverty is similar to all
of Renton, which is slightly less than the poverty level of Seattle or
Washington state.2 However, a closer look at central Benson Hill
shows more people in poverty than Renton's average. Figures 1-34
Zoom -in: Comprehensive Opportunity Map M Kirwan Institute
Puget Sound Urbanized Area Many Oifferemc One Deiti nT
Sources: Puget S.— Regional Council, 2011', Environmental Protection Agency, 2010; Washington Dept. 01 Ecology, 2011; ESRI Business Analyst, 2010; American Community Survey,
2006-2010', U.S. Census, 2010: Tetrad, Inc. PCensus Dbx, 2010', Washington State Report Card, 2010-2011
Figure 1-32. Comprehensive opportunity map:
Puget Sound urbanized area (PSRC, 2011)
2 "In poverty" used here to mean population below 150% of the poverty threshold
(American Community Survey 2010).
Percentage of Population Below
the Poverty Level
r
G.36`1.
10 59%
2009
Figure 1-33. Percentage of population below
the poverty level, 2000 and 2009
Benson Hill Community Plan
15
Chapter 1
L Ai
Poverty (2010)
Benson Hill Planning Area
City of Renton
Percent of population below
150% of the poverty threshold
1% - 2%
3% 5%
6% 9%
_ 10% - 11%
- 12% - 22%
no data
Figure 1-34. Portion of population below
150% of the poverty threshold map
(American Community Survey 2010, 5 Year
Estimate, Table B08122, census tract level)
and 1-35 show that central Benson Hill, particularly east of 1161h
Avenue SE north of Petrovitsky Road have lower median incomes
and a higher proportion of people in poverty. It is important to note
that the geographic areas associated with lower incomes are not the
same as those areas associated with increased racial, ethnic, and
place of origin diversity.
am. Hcemaia—2010 Median Household Income by Block Group
Community & Economic Development
MEDHINC_CY
= $0.00 - $35,000.00 0 $75,000.01 - $95,000.00 O BHCPA North Petrovisky Bdry
$35,000.01 - $42,000.00 $95,000.01 - $120,000.00 BHCPA South Petrovisky Bdry
$42,000.01 - $56,000.00 + $120,000.01-$150,000.00 �City Limits
$56,000.01 - $75,000.00 - $150,000.01-$225,369.00
Figure 1-35. 2010 median household income by block group map
16 City of Renton
Introduction
Summary
Benson Hill is a set of suburban neighborhoods loosely tied together
because of surrounding barriers: natural (i.e., Cedar River, Soos
Creek Park, Renton Park, Boulevard Lane Park) and created (i.e.,
Interstate 405, Highway 167, and the Renton -Kent boundary at SE
192nd Street). Although Benson Hill has many positive qualities —
such as active neighborhood associations that spur community
events, great schools, beautiful views, rolling topography, large
natural areas, excellent driving access to downtown and the region,
and the start of an extensive trail network —this analysis shows
that some areas could improve. The following are some aspects of
Benson Hill that should be addressed in this plan:
Social equity. Average income in Benson Hill is on par with
Renton, but people with lower incomes are concentrated in
central and northern Benson Hill (Figure 1-35). Benson Hill
as a whole may have less "opportunity" than much of Puget
Sound (Figure 1-32). Thus, to work toward social equity,
this plan should promote the addition or improvement of
resources in those areas. Homeownership and business
retention programs may also be key to ensuring that future
improvements benefit current residents and businesses as
opposed to merely attracting newcomers.
• Benson Hill unity. Benson Hill is segmented and lacks a
unified identity. Some neighborhoods have neighborhood
associations and long-standing relationships with the City, but
others have only been annexed to Renton for a few years, and
many households are not part of any organized neighborhood.
Community residents are diverse in terms of race, ethnicity,
country of birth, and household income. In addition, some
neighborhoods are physically disconnected from each other.
Benson Hill's social and geographic diversity itself could be a
unifying element if social and physical connections between
neighborhoods are improved. In this way, Benson Hill could
truly become a community of neighborhoods.
• Community heart. The combination of commercial attractions
and public space in a central location is important to creating a
cohesive community. Most great communities have a central
"town square" and/or "main street," usually within walking
or bicycling distance, where people go to run errands, dine,
shop, and recreate. The attractions may be mostly private
enterprises, but an attached public gathering space, or at least
public sidewalks, allows for social get-togethers, community
activities, and chance meetings. The central location and
concentration of attractions bring diverse neighbors together,
the pleasant pedestrian environment invites people to walk
between destinations, and the resulting accidental meetings
Benson Hill Community Plan
17
Chapter 1
and planned community events build stronger ties among
community members. For example, Kent Station attracts people
for shopping and dining, while outdoor plazas allow for gathering.
In Seattle's U-District, shops along The Ave bring pedestrians for
food and errands, and the sidewalks become a place for many
chance meetings. When additional public space is needed for
events, the street is closed to traffic.
However, in Benson Hill, Cascade Village and Benson Plaza
are the only major commercial centers, and neither support
community gathering or easy walking or bicycling. Area parks
provide amenities to the households that live nearby, but
recreation opportunities alone do not create comprehensive
neighborhood centers. Because Benson Hill is such a large
area, it is important that this plan create at least one focused
area of community activity.
• Park and community center. The Parks Plan states the need
to strategically locate a park and community center in central
or southern Benson Hill, which currently lacks access to parks
(Figures 1-6 and 1-7).
Non -motorized mobility. Neighborhoods are physically
disconnected from each other, as well as from retail and
restaurant services. People cannot easily walk or bicycle to
commercial destinations, and in the southeast, public transit
can be over a mile away from residences. However, the
existing informal network pedestrian paths and the planned
Soos Creek Trail expansion offer the opportunity to build a more
comprehensive trail system.
Benson Hill could become a stronger community if the above
themes are addressed. These, combined with the community's input
represented in the Chapter 2: Public Engagement, provide the basis
and underlying assumptions for this plan.
18 City of Renton
2. Public Engagement
Phase 1 Input
Beyond Conventional Outreach
In June 2011, Renton held a walking audit of the Cascade neighborhood. Although the City advertised
the event with posters, postcard mailouts, and media releases, attendance was poor. From this
experience, the planning team learned that they would need to employ additional or unconventional
outreach strategies to garner ideas and feedback for this plan. So in addition to the traditional mailers,
posters, and press releases, an online strategy, informal conversation at neighborhood events, and
outreach to specific individuals and groups became important to this process. Notably, it was the
combination of techniques, and the replication of efforts into multiple formats, that reached the broad
audience used to develop the plan. Mailings, posters, workshops, interactive online tools, social media,
and personal outreach all target different groups of people. These techniques were part of the public
process for this plan, but also resulted in the outcome of creating additional communication between the
neighborhoods and the City.
Conversations
Prior to the start of the project, City staff met with residents at the 2011 neighborhood picnics in Tiffany
Park, Rolling Hills, Talbot Park/Victoria Park, and Cascade. People talked about what they liked and
would like to see improved in Benson Hill, and these informal interviews were videotaped and later posted
on the Benson Plan website.
Su—t 2011 NdghLorhood Plcnt
nwmmn.wearn.._.�wxi ewawnenwt ran�rrw aan.memweeu.e.. mw.r
orc wry na em.nam ren. oenet n wmmr mii enn....e aw eean u. iwn.en i.
>+u. vrnww. rw.e..r. w.. wv.w w�rw wr.wmwn ...w.n+w.mr..e
,— ueew�wwaae�wsr.onv ,rm
..�anr mw.vn
SHAREYOUROPfNlOAiS
What's your vision for you•-m>•u:nrty-
o.i haw reached the Re nson IhU Cnntn—iM Plan ow!
oryv •.nw mmn.xy o��+m wvv .m e.mm w n..ann dni.a. owrrs. se
wr �. w.�rw .rt eM •.« ���.�..w
c•v . w �.r w... rows �...,.'+¢� m, r a• ::.r.-m i
rm�=.n n�aM naw.�
wvr.c em..
.w*n .n...w. �M..+wn •..ww w
Figure 2-1. Website screen shots, including videos from 2011 picnics
Benson Hill Community Plan
19
Chapter 2
Figure 2-2. Steering Committee driving tour
Figure 2-3. Steering Committee direction on
major concepts
I:P ConAinp
1 woad w m1.•n1.dduv crf .no. wmn,unm ynd.n., nr po.n1
Fryn"i 11 i(:unsn
I wiii A 4ds Wia as lung as M alpa[an Be fL Ylin din 21AM re.s an aWIA
oval1aaN iigoe. �mpraM onod Wsao 1. kaa[ d x Id no-Ic Df n711m"I
Where wwdd tlw funds mnw hum on an on wnv e.xia to numWn air :n n.r �uilu lrn
Riu[I nf[raa .r c.naweoepmrtf ann nd manvan.a
AW.„mea
Un .r nb ft. Vw
A. nr., Cp — c.G p—, s ory remw W.nd rere
Figure 2-4. Interactive map used to collect
comments and facilitate discussion
Planning staff reached out to individuals they met at the
neighborhood picnics, or heard about through the Neighborhood
Program, to form the Benson Hill Steering Committee (BHSC). The
BHSC, comprised of residents, business owners, and community
leaders, met three times during the initial phase of the project.
In the first meeting, members were introduced to the planning
process and discussed their priorities for Benson Hill. The second
meeting focused on the best means of engaging more people in the
process and helped to develop the outreach strategy for the plan.
It also solidified the agenda for the February Open House, where
Steering Committee members led small group discussions. In
the third meeting, members responded to the open house results
and provided further input to staff on the draft vision statement for
the plan.
Online Presence
BensonPlan.org was launched in early 2012 to provide information
about community planning in general and this project specifically,
announce updates and events, and solicit input and feedback at
various stages of the planning process. The website received almost
2,000 "hits," and 1,220 people visited the site between its inception
and August 2013. Almost 500 people returned to the site multiple
times. People tended to arrive at the site via the City of Renton's
page, the Benson Plan Facebook page, the Renton Reporter, the
Renton Patch, reddit, or by directly typing in the page address.
Spikes in usage occurred when we coupled our efforts with other
methods, such as when people were asked to vote on the summer
2012 Midnight Movie at Cascade Village, after updates sent by email
or post, upon announcing an online survey, and around the day of
the Moonlight Movie itself.
Interactive Mai
An interactive map on the website provided a forum for
geographically specific comments and discussions (Figure 2-4). It
allowed users to post unique comments and provided locations
for sidewalk and intersection improvements, speeding traffic, and
input on other issues, such as an off -leash dog -park, community
garden, panhandlers, and preserving natural areas. One of the
great features of the interactive map was that is also allowed other
members of the public to respond and vote on suggestions, opening
a dialogue not just with the City but within the community as well.
News Bloa
Also featured on the website was a blog where meeting
i
20
City of Renton
Public Engagement
announcements and other information could be posted (Figure
2-5). Community members asked for information to be presented
in this format where they could make comments and ask clarifying
questions. One of the most popular blog entries was an update from
the owners of the Cascade Shopping Center.
Social Media
The City maintained a Benson Plan Facebook page, providing
updates and announcements and sparking conversation about
plan topics (Figure 2-6). Most visitors reached the Facebook page
through the Benson Plan website, but also from Renton Patch,
Renton Reporter, and the City of Renton Facebook page.
Email Updates
Email updates were sent to interested people every few months
throughout the process. People were able to sign up for the email
list through the Benson Plan website and at the neighborhood
picnics and open house. Interested parties without an email address
were sent the same updates by post.
Email was also used to do targeted outreach to community
groups and organizations. Benson Hill is home to multiple youth
organizations, businesses, churches and religious groups, sports
clubs, ethnic clubs, school groups, and neighborhood organizations.
Flyers, notices, and survey links sent specifically to these groups,
helped to reach parts of the community who might not ordinarily
participate in planning projects.
Survey # 1
Staff prepared a survey to help identify priorities and assets for the
Benson Hill Community. This survey was available by paper and
online from February to May 2012. Paper copies were distributed
at the February workshop and to interested parties. The results are
summarized in the Summary of Phase 1 Input section below.
February 29, 2012 Public Workshop
The Public Workshop filled the gymnasium at Renton Park
Elementary School. After a short presentation on background
information about Benson Hill and the purpose of community
planning, participants discussed their values and visions. Bicycle
routes, infrastructure, speeding cars, wetlands and green space,
connections across roads, a community center, crime, and the
economics of planning were some of the topics raised.
Participants then broke into topic groups —Cascade Village/
Business Services, Parks and Open Space, Community Well -Being
(safety, security, youth, seniors, schools, health), and Streets and
Benson Hill Community Plan
-�n,M.r zoia ce�,a��,,,�ty ouueacb Sc.rcingNawl
whare kuppenmp at Cascade Vdlape? A note liom Todd Anderson.
-1 r. III 1LF.NnIa aivmu 1neenson-1
o cowKrts r,i
New Summer Pimlc Video
e��et,t.�n�nY,eeo....ee�
ro«K•n
ed th. - : d+See the preeenw L ion here.
Figure 2-5. Blog announcements
�r
Figure 2-6. Facebook status updates
Figure 2-7. February Open House
AA
21
Chapter 2
Open House #1 Mapping Exercise Compilation
Notes compiled from 4 groups at the February 29, 2012 open house. Colored squares
at the end of each note indicate which group made the comment (see legend below).
0 Make access road bike w s, 0 Open this road is
friendly at gate • & ae,�"s
<°y
0 Power lines trail . ®No through .
0 Create a more safe, 5<_ ,'PHILUP pee"q "^, „ 0 Unsafe intersection ismulti-modal, & a s a4RNOL sEa°
aesthetic gateway [o to PARK "s'
Phillip Arnold Park . 'o CEDAR RIVER 0 Shortcut 40 mph+
K NATURALZONE o" speed•
0 Sidewalk .
0 Place to fly model electric
0 Needs sidewalks & , ,® �'" airplanes (no[ necessarily
bike lane . this location) .
0 Needs pe lestdan/bike 6 ese
access; work terrain . " w wP1 a rv.s, w,rsF Ti ark
In 0 Needs sidewalks .
E,e Elementary School
O Community safely o a F q� 6 I 4) Extend Sees Creek Trail
0 concerns abouty _ s,ems se,a, a m sms'se �`+,,� along power lines &
unsupervised kids/teens sc„," +s - pipelines, & conned to
in these areas. % q.•'E,s E s e.. TIFF c' J Cascade&Tiffany
w 's` PARK sam"n 5 Parks.
Y
0Improve sidewalk. � c5E�16$ _ ,^em�,e�� ••'"'"'�:.. ®Speeding .
G Needs sidewalks..ss,so,a s, se,osm s,
r SE60"s' ca ade °e°•• err +ssmR sE ss•n 0 Needs sidewalks&
OD Sign • SR° ' sw� - P P tary Ti s„ se sW, street lights .
Nelsen Mlddla ool WSE,a a1$ CASCADE
®Kids walk here & a� School c� a s < _ r y" 0 Cascade Park
it's wooded, but s L s sE,es^a s, PARK h '� Crime .
private property. g� s rin oGlen _ ® ® s s aP -Add parking.
s ^
®Crime zone • Visibility -remove ems, w
x� ® � fence?.
® Clean up area - sE spa s, y ^� p� ^_ ^Delinquents & graffiti isimproe ve.. exs' _ s s ❑ndbergh
® Security at C.V. • smsss,.,a s„n ' nigh Schaal ® Preserve
ph Renton
school district to
® Turn lane needed for sE s operate pool is
post office• sv^a s, a"s eN AS C C;�Il I i I � 'ys Elementary School
SHOP IG CEN - '�850 Needs street lights .
0 Create park . RENTON
ss s, E Ill. s,®.PARK
® Preserve wetlands and sse -�, ,2 5E 1•°s' _ s Cascade Village
wildlife corridor . • •s Existing traffic
scn 3 SF;g m ss _ flow -make use of it to
G Needs a lane each s $ g = ® s - _ capture people at C.VI .
way. s® sE ns•, - EBB Something prominent.
0 Disconnect between - - - f 5Etskly Rd
sa _ - - ©" Swap ball field &
Section 8 residents & m `s shopping center .
neighborhood • o a _ q - _ , 0 Fountain, tables,
BENS N o - s a I greenery.
SHOPPI G` SOOSCREEK-
® Community park at E Carr Rd g - 5E IS Landscapingto attract
176th & 11 sth or CENT R E e,�s,n s, - PARKAN TRAIL
Cascade Village. _ _ eo,"s, I18 s se, _ ® sE people.
c �, - 11
® - Reopen access .
® Needs a stop sign . SE szros a ®` 0 - Communiycenter &
® Needs signal &
®=Skate park crosswalk or - - "
pedestrian refuge is s.rn s, - ss,m s, ®"Soccer/ball park
•
0 Post office is major
0116th Ave SE ss,n P e z - 6 w� a attraction (no P.O. in
"Better walking s, § z Fairwood)is
environment . s s - s"as'"" -. m a ® Pea patch & dog park
"Needs sidewalks& E1" - P BOULEy D s,asu o, (off leash).
street lighting . - h ♦ SE,aa,ns, LANE P K °' sr,a„n P� ® Old Bally's swimming
Benson Hi
" More & better transit . $ 5 6 sE ssm s, g Elementary S ool "" pool to bring into C.V.
Improve 116th sidewalk sE,so,n s, ® § w = (?)center.
to schools with ^' 5 ��°P, s = N
landscaping & "green P1
s Sees Creek Trail
infrastructure" . ee alignments .
®Upgrade sidewalks & s < o sop tzoo r 0 Soos Creek Trail
maintain vegetation. a - sE Ill. P, \ �� alignments.
= Benson Hill Planning Area
r 1 *--)i New/improved connections * • General area to be • Park. and o
1 J City of Renton Potential location preserved, protected, or Pen space group
OthTraer improviamnments ofimprovement fully utilized . Streetsandwalkabilitygni
Commercial areas —Other imoprovemenls along #
streets (often sidewalks) 'Y is Community wall being group
Parks Other improvements in • General are with problem
general areas (usually speeding or crime) . Cascade Village group
Additional General Comments
Streets and Walkability
Community Well Being
for40-50 people
Traveling carnival
• Better pedestrian and bike
• Community sign!
• Multiple rooms for different size
• Arts & crafts
connections between parks
• Covenants enforced to clean up
groups
Use power line land
• Cycling accessibility does not
neighborhoods and promote pride
• Affordable grocery store or Trader
• Mixed -use — Live upper level, work
erode accessibility that's already
• Community picnics!
Joe's
lower level (graphic)
there
• Partner with local churches!
• Coffee shop with wifi, baked goods,
• Lighting after dark
and great coffee (visible from
Parks & Open Spaces
• Radar speed signals
Cascade Village
street)
Health clinic
•Soccer complex, maybe at
• Improving vehicular access and
traffic flow
• Attract people to existing
• Vet
Cascade Center or under power/
• Controlling density
businesses
• Farmers market
transmission lines; or maybe use
• Safety signals at crosswalks
•Tax breaks for businesses moving
.Fruit stand
existing pool
PSE sports field — partner
• Planted medians — landscape strips
• Traffic circles on main
into Cascade Village
• Nucleus for small home-grown
• Swap meet
• Rest -family
is Add a bench area for teens — "save
thoroughfares
businesses, especially ethnic
• Bakery
the playground for kids"
• Need safety flashers, lighting at
businesses
Make use of the space available
• Fast food
• Bowling alley / activity center
g y Ty
Build Soos Creek Trail
o Maintain green space for
shelters and transit stops
• Within every square mile zoning
•Community Center should include:
.Renovate —rebuild center—
stormwater
to accommodate small scale
• A variety of recreation activities,
updated architecture
p
• Teen skate park to help with
Cascade Park
neighborhood commercial for better
including yoga, indoor
basketball, exercise
.Keep small scale
• Unique
• Move Cascade Picnic to a park not
pedestrian access
• Library
• Community garden
a parking lot
• Community room/event space
• Electric vehicle plug in
Figure 2-8. February Open House mapping exercise compilation
22 City of Renton
Public Engagement
n0np '$IG'fC.2.E YDUTES
c�us
DVm-C,iC.T
�iF ��
CAW VlUNt
HCAt.-ry
-Ct'P��
cow O
J3,
Figure 2-9. E,.... v, N, -jruary Open House values and visions discussion
P�c[un Ytur Xelprborhord Pitture Your Xel¢hharhood PGnurc Your Nrighyprhoad P:r[ure Tour Nel¢hhorhood
-- -Y'
%cturc Your Xelghborhoed PGcxurc four Ne1�.gorhpW Aicrure Ypp No�ghhaAreed PiClure■ern Xelglrj,pr�,rpd
I,
1
Figure 2-10. Kids `picture your neighborhood" activity
Walkability—to map their ideas (Figure 2-8). Topic groups were led
by members of the Benson Hill Steering Committee. Figure 2-9
shows the compilation of their comments. Many ideas centered
on Cascade Village, with street, sidewalk, and trail improvements
woven throughout.
Finally, participants prioritized the ideas recorded during the mapping
exercise by placing dots on the items they cared most about (Figure
2-10). A grocery store was the number one priority, followed by a
community recreation center for a range of events and activities and
improvements to 116I" Avenue SE.
During the meeting, children also sketched their ideas on what was
important in their neighborhood (Figure 2-10).
Benson Hill Community Plan
Figure 2-11. February Open House mapping
exercise
er
rW14's .
Figure 2-12. February Open House
prioritization activity
Chapter 2
Figure 2-13. Views from Cascade Village,
Spring Glen Elementary School, Renton Park
Elementary/Lindbergh High School, and local
roads
People like views from:
• Phillip Arnold Park (and road to it)
• 7-11/Little League baseball fields on 116th
and 168th — view of Mt. Rainier
• Cascade Village — view of Mt. Rainier
• Nelsen Middle School
• Falcon Ridge
• Cascade Elementary playground
• Above Tiffany Park — view to foothills
• 108th and Petrovitsky/Carr— looking west
at sunset
• Vantage Glen — looking west to Olympics
and sunsets
• Driving south on 116th — views of Mt.
Rainier
• Benson Way (Talbot Rd) — looking west
Some other places people like
include:
• CVAC baseball fields
• Renton Pool at Lindbergh High School
• Forest behind Benson Hill Elementary
• Teasdale Park and surrounding
neighborhoods
Stakeholder Meetings
City Departments
The planning team met with the City's Interdepartmental Team (IDT)
at key points. Topics discussed with the IDT included: assisting
community groups in building amenities like an off -leash dog -park
or community garden; improving a sense of safety at Cascade
Village; opportunities for parks and recreation in the Benson Hill, and
public safety improvements for streets and sidewalks. Some of the
meetings included field visits to evaluate sites and conditions. One
of the important outcomes of the IDT meetings was an understanding
that the City already has resources and programs in place that
could be used to assist the community with some of their identified
issues. Neighborhood Program Grants, Block Watch, Crime
Prevention training, the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan,
and Renton's Complete Streets Ordinance are all resources that are
already in place. There are also many Human Services needs in
the Benson Hill, which will be addressed in a city-wide Community
Needs Analysis conducted as part of the Housing and Human
Services Element update of the Comprehensive Plan in 2014-2015.
. - • T- • t -
The planning team met with the Cascade Village property owners
several times in the process to understand their needs, plans,
and what they had already tried at the shopping center. Cascade
Village's owners were willing to allow temporary community uses of
their property such as an off -leash dog -park or community garden.
They described their attempts to attract a grocery store,' a YMCA
or similar community center, and other business tenants to fill
the center.
Summary of Phase 1 Input
How people feel about Benson Hill
Overall, participants ranked Benson Hill's attributes as fairly neutral.
Benson Hill scored high as a good place to live and raise a family
and people enjoy its automobile access. People really like some
places in Benson Hill. The Benson Plaza Shopping Center, the trails
under the powerlines, parks, schools, and some particularly great
views are especially liked.
1 In the second meeting, planning team members, the property owners, and a
market operator interested in opening a "community marketplace" at Cascade
Village, came together to discuss any ways the City could assist in catalyzing the
market. All parties were on board, but the market operator later pulled out due to
the "hard -to -find" location of Cascade Village.
i
24
City of Renton
Public Engagement
M
People's favorite places are:
Benson Plaza Shopping Center (Fred Meyer area)
Trails under the power lines
Restaurant or coffee shop
Tiffany Park
Renton Park
School
Cascade Park
Views
Other
Cascade Village Shopping Center
0 20 40 60 80 100
Figure 2-14. Benson Hill assets from Survey #1
However, people do not think it is a visually attractive place, do not
like its pedestrian and bicycle environments, and do not think it does
well as a "green" or environmentally -conscious place. Comments
reflected an interest in more pet -friendly places, more activities for
kids, a greater focus on safety and crime reduction, building a feeling
of community, improving parks and recreation opportunities, and
making a better environment for businesses.
How Benson Hill ranks in the following areas:
Parks and recreation
Pedestrian environment (safe, convenient, and pleasant places to walk)
Bicycle environment (safe, convenient, and pleasant places to bike)
Automobile transportation
Public transportation
As a place to live
As a place to raise a family
As a welcoming/friendly community
Businesses serve daily needs
Convenient access to healthy food
As a place to do business
Safety and security
As a visually attractive place
As a green and environmentally responsible place
Other
Awful
Figure 2-16. How people feel about different aspects of Benson Hill from Survey #1
Benson Hill Community Plan
Figure 2-15. Valued trails and views under
the power lines
Poor Neutral Decent Great
Chapter 2
People's priorities:
co)w.4&Locu)u c:cn
o
E °12�o»>aQOa�'i��
c
3 o:°•a'c � 0)a
0=5=
-0CU
L a) � O 'X�
C M L —O
o)n�wo0W,a~°�
�EO0
E8
CO
i U) C L o U N
°
)am°
0�a0L)f
In
m��
U) o �E
o w
a
o
�L m
m9
° --
Y
w
o
uJ
U
N U O
>
3 O
C U
O �
E
(6
U
+� _-
U
O
Q
O O
OMn L
s
0
`o
o
2
Figure 2-17. Priorities from Survey #1
g The ideas from the Open House, survey, Steering Committee, online
CIJ
interactive map, and 2011 neighborhood picnics were compressed
into a few major concepts:
o
• Cascade Village enhancements. Geographi-
r_
cally, the Cascade Village is in the center of
0-
the Benson Hill and many long-time residents
remember this area as the heart of the com-
munity. Most of the shopping center is currently
o
vacant and ideas for enhancing it ran the gamut
from attracting a new grocery store, to short-
term improvements like walking paths or swap
meet site, to building a community/ethnic market
o
place, to using the land as a park, to using the
"'
area for housing.
• Parks and Recreation improvements. Consis-
tent with the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Ar-
eas plan adopted in 2011, Benson Hill residents
identified the great need for additional parks and
recreation service. A community center to sup-
port families and youth programs, sports fields,
safe playgrounds, community gardens, and
improvements to connect informal trails into a
comprehensive network are all key elements.
• Street upgrades. 116th Avenue SE should be
transformed into a "jewel' pathway, tying north
and south Benson Hill together with nice side-
walks, bike lanes, street lights, landscaping, na-
tive plants and natural drainage, and improved
transit. While that is an especially important
corridor, many other areas were identified for
pedestrian and bicycling improvements such as
completing sidewalk connections, traffic calm-
ing, and improving intersection safety.
The Planning Team built on these priorities and concepts to set the
stage for public input during Phase 2, where major concepts were
vetted with the public.
26
City of Renton
Public Engagement
Phase 2 Input
The Planning Team, in consultation with the IDT, built on the priorities
identified during Phase 1 to present a set of planning concepts
(Figure 2-18) to the public for input during Phase 2.
• Cascade Village enhancements. Short-term opportunities
included utilizing the outdoor areas for community health
and enjoyment and establishing a community market in the
old grocery building. Long-term alternatives included the
opportunity to establish a community park on the site.
• 1161' Avenue SE upgrades. Make 116th a "jewel' pathway,
tying north and south Benson Hill together with nice sidewalks,
bike lanes, street lights, landscaping, native plants and natural
drainage, and improved transit, and
• Walking and bicycling improvements. Identification of
specific areas in the community that need safety improvements
to connect sidewalks, reduce speeding, and improve
intersection safety.
Overall vision 1
Take a ballo[ and
let know what
you Mink!
Benson Hill. `
Mra. rl
A
21
E
"zir, s•4
THIS WILL REQUIRE LOLL VOLUNTEERS _ 1
III. � IIIIII�
momf'�c h
Figure 2-18. Ideas brought to 2012 Neighborhood Picnics, Moonlight Movie
and online Survey #2
THESE ARE LONG
TERM AND BUILD
ON THE SHORT-
TERM DOG
PARK, GARDEN,
AND MARKET
IDEAS. THEY
WILL REQUIRE
FUTURE FUNDING,
CONSISTENT
WITH THE CITY-
WIDE PRIORITIES
NATURAL
RESOURCES,AND
OPEN SPACE -
(PRO PLAN).
;3 A
Figure 2-19. Phase 2 participants were
asked to mark specific places needing
sidewalk, intersection, lighting, or traffic
calming improvements.
J
Benson Hill Community Plan
i
27
Chapter 2
Example comments from
surveys 40
Community Building and Lasting
Relationship with Renton
Government
• "More opportunities for gathering casually
with neighbors."
• "far more places where the community can
gather in a peaceful and relaxed manner"
• "Unity in diversity."
• "Continue this process of community
involvement in the planning process."
• A community identity that people can get
behind and start working together with."
• "Strengthen a coalition of neighborhoods
or HOAs to provide a more unified voice
for the area."
Cascade Village
• "We so wish there was something to draw
us to Cascade Center, as we live blocks
from it, but unfortunately there is nothing."
• "There is so much potential [at Cascade
Village] but the layout there is terrible and
needs to be changed."
• "Let's attract businesses to Cascade
Village. "
• "Cascade Village needs to be revitalized
with a neighborhood friendly grocery store
and recreational alternatives for teens/
youth."
• "Open the back entrance to the Cascade
shopping center; remove the chain across
the adjacent apartment driveway, also, to
allow better access and minimize feelings
of being second rate citizens among those
affected by those closures."
Parks and Recreation
• "Recreation programs are needed for all
ages up here."
• "Community gardens, rain gardens, a
community center, more parks..."
• A community garden combined with a
community center space."
• "Off -leash areas for pets." "Pet -friendly."
• "We need safe activities for the youth."
• `Allow the park buildings to be rented
again. "
• "The Lindbergh Pool is a gem for
Benson Hill and a very large surrounding
community. Very few public aquatic
facilities exist that provide year round
recreation, swimming lessons, and a
venue for swim team practices and meets.
The Renton Pools Community is ready
to partner with government officials in
ensuring the ongoing financial viability of
the Lindbergh Pool."
Vetting the Major Concepts
In addition to using the communication channels already established
in Phase I, in Phase II the planning team used some additional
outreach methods to get feedback on the major concepts above.
Benson Plan Mobile Workshops
Instead of holding a single planning workshop and inviting the public
to attend, the Benson Plan Mobile Workshop attended community
events and neighborhood picnics in the Benson Hill Community
throughout the summer of 2012. Participants learned about the
Benson Plan and how the major concepts evolved from community
input. They were given ballots (Figure 2-16) to vote on the major
concepts, provide suggestions on a draft Vision for the plan, and
make general comments. Those interested in working toward
community efforts for an off -leash dog -park or community garden
were able to sign up for a mailing list. Neighborhood picnics were
held at Renton Park Elementary (July), Tiffany Park (August), and
Rolling Hills (August).
Another mobile workshop stop was the Moonlight Movie event at
Cascade Village in August 2012. In partnership with Community
Services, this event was cross promoted with the Benson Plan,
which drew people to the Benson Plan website and got community
•fir .•- � -
Figure 2-20. 2012 Neighborhood Picnics and Moonlight Movie
i
28 City of Renton
Public Engagement
residents interested the in the popular City program. Special flyers
promoting the movie and the Benson Plan were also distributed
through summer lunch program, allowing outreach to a community of
people that is traditionally underrepresented.
As a companion to the mobile workshops an online survey presented
the same concepts and questions in a different format. The
survey was available from July to September 2012 and provided a
convenient way to gather input from those who did not attend any of
the summer community events.
The ballots from the picnics, movie, and online survey showed
• An overwhelming support for improvements to 116tn
Avenue SE.
• People liked the overall vision, but wanted it to be
more specific.
• A great majority of people liked the idea of parks and
recreation at Cascade Village. The people who voted against it
expressed concerns over eliminating commercial, residential,
and mixed land uses from the property.
• The international community market was not quite as
popular as the above, but still with a vast majority voting
for it. Concerns regarded a lack of demand for this type of
market and the desire for a more permanent and drastic
redevelopment of Cascade Village with new restaurants
and shops.
Most people approved of the off -leash dog -park and
community garden, but some people expressed concern over
proximity to homes, noise and smell, and potential issues
with maintenance. At all of the events and online survey,
people interested in volunteering for the off -leash dog -park or
community garden joined email lists for each.
Pedestrian/Bicycle/Transit Riders
Accessibility
• A walkable community."
• "Renton should keep its commitment to
complete streets. This includes roads that
are bicycle friendly so that a person can go
from anywhere to anywhere by bicycle."
• "Walking around seems to be quite the
challenge in this area; 1 would do it more
often but really feel I am a target for cars!"
• `It would be great to have better bus
service, as 1 have to walk 2 miles from my
house to catch a bus!"
Environment
• "Need to interact more with water ecology
for our neighborhoods. "
• "Greenbelts preserved for wildlife."
Crime and Safety
• "We need assistance with rousing
neighborhoods into becoming more
involved with block watch programs and
what they can do to protect themselves
and their property."
• "Pedestrian/bike friendly neighborhoods
with less crime (our quiet, crime free
area has had a sudden rash of home
burglaries). Neighbors knowing neighbors
and watching out for each other."
Neighborhood Aesthetics
• `9 would like to see the community do a
better job with keeping up the appearance
of their homes and their neighborhood."
• "We need to try and instill a sense of pride
in our neighborhoods."
Figure 2-21. Renton Pool at Lindbergh High
School
�J
Benson Hill Community Plan 29
Chapter 2
Figure 2-22. The CVAC baseball fields are a
recreational asset for Benson Hill.
Figure 2-23. The Post Office draws many
people to central Benson Hill.
Figure 2-24. The view from Cascade Village
is an amenity to build on.
ndnmu9: ark
ana
mry saraen
"m+s require volunteereRort.
Sig. uP [o help btlaY!
RenWn Utll iphas offeretl` ..d
labor ana egwsmem ro me Neishdordoed
m Cascade mren� Program
' Vlllage,lo [M1e garden. � ay M1ave matching
da avaiid
p bo^h
p build
Figure 2-25. An off -leash dog -park and
community garden under the power lines
behind Cascade Village were popular ideas in
Phase 1 and 2. Phase 2 and 3 work showed
that walking paths would be more feasible
than an off -leash dog -park.
Summary of Input through Phase 2
Cascade Village enhancement is the single -most desired
improvement. At the center of Benson Hill, it has the potential to
offer recreational and commercial amenities within walking and
biking distance of much of the community. The existing CVAC
baseball fields draw people for recreational events, the neighboring
post office draws many users, and the views under the power lines
are valued by community members. Cascade Village is challenged
by retail vacancies and a perception of crime related to a neighboring
apartment complex.2
Community heart. Participants expressed a strong desire to
revitalize and/or redevelop the shopping center to re-create
the "heart" of Benson Hill and foster a sense of community. A
great majority of people liked the idea of parks and recreation at
Cascade Village. There was also a desire for a grocery store or
other neighborhood shops and restaurants and building community
recreation center (especially for youth activities). More important
than any specific concept, participants favored transforming the
Cascade Village back into a community amenity, either as a
commercial center, community facility, or some combination.
They have particular interest in establishing a grocery store and
community recreation center (especially for youth activities) and
brought up the examples of Third Place Books in Lake Forest
Park and Crossroads Mall in Bellevue. They offered many ideas,
including attracting people to existing businesses, creating a nucleus
for small, especially ethnic, businesses, adding a pea patch and
an off -leash dog -park, and razing the entire site to make way for a
large park (see Open House #1 Mapping Exercise Compilation in
Appendix D for additional ideas).
Create a community amenity in the short term. Developing a
community amenity at Cascade Village may be done as a short
term project by a community group willing to step forward and plan,
build, and manage the area. Ideas such as a walking trail, picnic
area, or garden could expand the use of this area by the community
and were supported by the property owner, local organizations, the
steering committee, the Cascade Neighborhood Association, and
other Benson Plan participants. Although the off -leash dog -park is a
popular idea for this area, several barriers arose during preliminary
feasibility work done by the Cascade Neighborhood Association,
including the proximity to homes, pet health and safety, insurance
2 Emerald Heights and Stonebrook apartment complexes have below average
crime rates with only one 911 call per unit per month (Renton Police).
30
City of Renton
Public Engagement
requirements, and maintenance issues. However, creating a space
for community gathering or recreation could make a significant
difference in the feeling of safety at Cascade Village and draw users
to the site, perhaps spurring additional use and investment there.
Large park and community center. Community members have a
strong need for park spaces and recreational activities within their
neighborhood. The Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas plan
shows that the top priority among the Benson Hill community is to
see a large (at least 15 acres), centrally -located, multi -purpose park,
that includes programmable space, such as a community recreation
center. Cascade Village offers the only large piece of land currently
available in Benson Hill, and at the present time, the buildings are
mostly vacant. Since developing a new park and community center
takes substantial City resources, this option should be considered
a long term idea. It received immense support during Phase 2
outreach, with a few people expressing concerns over eliminating
commercial uses from the property.
Commercial services. The lack of commercially -zoned properties
and retail amenities within walking distance of central Benson
Hill suggests that part of Cascade Village or nearby commercial
properties should continue to offer commercial spaces. Furthermore:
the space at Cascade Village currently offers small business owners
a valuable opportunity to establish and build their businesses.
Phase 2 specifically tested the idea of a community market place in
Cascade Village, and it was favorably received by the community,
but not quite as popular as the other ideas for the shopping center.
Concerns regarded a lack of demand for this type of market and
the desire for a more permanent and drastic redevelopment of
Cascade Village with new restaurants and shops or parks and
recreation opportunities.
1� .
Public
parks,
v and recreation •y 4
Approximately 14 acres cpultl
po[en[iallr support: ���fffaaa
11 0 sq. R. re til n•baseball-1 soccer Re105, '
• poargrouna, -
mlmu i cp ma gamen, ane
placing facilities under Me power
Privat rona r
commercial
development
65,000 sq. R. new commercial I
space, 360 png arki
Figure 2-26. The favored long-term option
at the neighborhood picnics includes a
large park and recreation area with some
commercial uses. Note: Phase 3 input
requires an amendment to this diagram
because of the powerline's limitations on park
development.
Benson Hill Community Plan 31
Chapter 2
fC sC.Fae&5
inn
Remove fence
and landscape
corner near CVAC
baseball fields
Stripe bicycle
lanes from Puget
f€tcsu,si Dr S to SE 192nd
St
IInstall landscaped
medians where
left turn lanes not
needed to slow
traffic
I
`eL
Provide left turn
lane if possible to
access the post
office
Where space is
available, buffer
the sidewalk with
I a landscaping that
accommodates
natural drainage
L'
L
Construct
I sidewalk on east
side of 116th
IBike lane
Landscaping (includes natural
=.I drainage where space is available)
1�_ Sidewalk
Landscaped median
a
•
116th as the central spine. 1161h Avenue SE is the central spine of
Benson Hill, connecting neighbors to Cascade Village, Cascade and
Benson Hill Elementary Schools, and several informal trail networks.
"Make 1161h the `jewel' pathway" was ranked a top priority in both
Phases of outreach, and improving this central connection would
tie the community together, especially across SE Petrovitsky Road.
Participants want to see a better walking and bicycling environment
with nice sidewalks, street lights, landscaping, "green infrastructure
[callout]," and improved transit. The City is already seeking funds to
construct a "complete street" (accommodates walkers, cyclists, and
motorists) on 116'h Avenue SE.
Trail network. Benson Hill also has the start of a great trail network
with the existing pedestrian paths along utility corridors that traverse
Tiffany and Cascade Parks, the informal mountain biking trails under
the power lines near Philip Arnold Park, the planned Soos Creek Trail
extension, and potential connections to the Cedar River Trail. A key
missing link is below the powerlines that run behind Cascade Village.
This path could connect Soos Creek Park and Trail, Cascade Village,
Nelsen Middle and Spring Glen Schools, and the existing pedestrian
walk along SE 1601h Street.
Bus stop
Overhead utility pole
Figure 2-27. 116th
Ave SE conceptual
plan
Neighborhood streets. Many streets in the Benson Hill were built
to a lower standard and lack adequate and safe space for people
to walk to their destinations. Throughout the planning process,
participants mapped places and routes where they feel unsafe (see
Walking and Bicycling Improvements map). They would like to see
a complete sidewalk network with pedestrian -scale lighting on major
connections to schools, parks, and commercial amenities. Along
with physical space to walk and cycle, speeding traffic and unsafe
intersections need to be addressed to make streets usable for all
modes of travel.
32 City of Renton
Public Engagement
Crime and Safety
Many community members perceived rising crime in the
neighborhoods and expressed concern over past shoplifting at
Cascade Village. Residents would like to see crime reduced in
the neighborhoods and a safe environment at Cascade Village.
Renton saw a drastic increase in burglaries in late 2011, and Renton
Police have worked hard to reduce burglaries with the help of block
watch programs.'
Survey and open house participants were interested in a range of
community recreational facilities. They ranked a community center
for youth activities as a very high priority. Addressing this through
redevelopment plans for Cascade Village is one alternative, due
to the size and location of the land on which the shopping center
sits. Yet, advancing the improvements and priorities for the Benson
Hill identified in the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas plan is
extremely important to the community, whether or not it happens
on the Cascade Village site. Benson Hill's southern area does not
meet adopted standards in terms of number of parks and recreation
facilities, and improvements to existing parks are ranked as a
high priority.
Participants wanted to see a general sense of community building
through activities that bring people together. Some services were
suggested to ease immigrants' transitions to a new life in Benson
Hill and to address the transient population near Benson Plaza. In
a physical aspect, as well, community members noted that some
places —residential, commercial, and public —reflect a lack of
physical maintenance or high -quality design.
3 98% of burglaries take place in non -block watch neighborhoods (Renton Police).
Crime in the Benson Hill
According to NeighborhoodScout,
Renton's violent crime (e.g., armed
robbery) rate is slightly above
Washington's, and its property crime
(e.g., burglary) rate is higher. South of
Petrovitsky Road is one of the safest
neighborhoods in Renton, while central
and northwest Benson Hill are seeing
some higher crime rates. However, the
Police noted that Emerald Heights and
Stonebrook apartments have below
average crime rates, with only one 911
call per unit per month. The Police
encouraged raising activity levels at
Cascade Village to improve the sense
of safety.
In addition, a meeting with the Renton
Police in April 2012 confirmed that
burglaries were on the rise in late
2011, but block watch programs have
played an important role in reducing
the number of incidents. 98 % of
burglaries take place in non -block
watch neighborhoods, so the Police
regularly attend neighborhood events
to educate residents on block watches
and 911 usage.
Figure 2-28. Cascade Park, Tiffany Park,
and other existing parks are valued Benson
Hill amenities.
Benson Hill Community Plan
33
Chapter 2
Figure 2-29. May 1 public workshop opening
presentation
F„.& m..
Figure 2-30. Dot votes on plan policies
Phase 3 Input
May 1, 2013 Public Workshop
Following a presentation summarizing the draft Benson Plan,
participants broke into groups focused on the four Plan areas. City
staff and consultants answered questions about the draft and noted
comments. Suggestions included:
• Emphasize the totality of the Benson Hill community so that
the Plan does not overly focus on Cascade.
• Educate neighbors on the City's existing graffiti clean-up and
prevention program.
• Increase personal interactions between neighbors and police
to make officers seem more accessible and "friendly," while
growing their familiarity with Benson Hill.
• Add the strategy to re -open park buildings back into the plan
with a focus on ongoing community use, especially after -
school programs (not just one-time summer camps with
outside organizations).
• Encourage public -private partnerships to increase the
feasibility of community amenities and commercial uses
development at Cascade Village.
• Consider attracting an emergent or urgent care center, a
technical or vocational school, and other facilities that fill
Renton and Benson Hill services gaps.
• Consider Spring Glen's developable property.
Participants also voted on their top priority strategies in the Plan and
some volunteered to form advocacy groups to implement various
Plan elements. These results are combined with Survey #3 below.
Targeted Outreach
City of Renton staff contacted all Benson Hill churches, schools,
PTAs, neighborhoods, and community groups, including the Somali
Youth and Family Club and the Ukrainian Community Center
because of their strong membership in the Benson. Staff posted
fliers in the business areas before Workshop #2. In addition, the
Ukrainian Community Center noted that they would advertise the
workshop within their community.
3�
City of Renton
Public Engagement
Survey #3
The online Survey #3 was open throughout May 2013 to collect
people's top implementation priorities and provide a way for people
to organize community -led advocacy groups. The summary below
shows the combined results from the survey and May 1 workshop.
Participants top implementation priorities are to invest in
recreational opportunities in the center of Benson Hill, encourage
a healthy business environment, and continue to work with Police
to prevent crime. The chart below shows the full list ordered by
participants' votes.
Plan policies
Attract people to the heart of Benson Hill through recreational opportunities
(i.e., short term — dog park and community garden, long term — large park).
Encourage a healthy business environment.
Continue partnering with police to decrease and prevent crime in Benson Hill.
Establish 116th Ave SE as the "jewel pathway" of Benson Hill.
Cultivate a sense of pride by improving the overall aesthetics (e.g., design
guidelines, neighborhood cleanup program, gateway intersections beautification).
Improve neighborhood streets for safe walking.
Increase Parks and Recreation opportunities, especially
to serve neighborhoods south of Petrovitsky Rd.
Expand the trail network.
Foster a sense of community through a new Benson Hill
Community Plan Advisory Board and local activities.
Encourage development types that hinder criminal activities.
Rejuvenate existing parks and recreation.
Build capacity of residents through social services
and infrastructure improvements.
Improve access to transit.
Improve the driving experience.
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Weighted score
Figure 2-31. Top implementation priorities from workshop and survey #3
Benson Hill Community Plan
35
Chapter 2
Benson Hill residents appeared eager to organize around issues
they care about. People volunteered to join advocacy groups on all
plan topic areas, and to lead all but three of the groups. The most
popular groups included attracting people to central Benson Hill
through recreational opportunities, improving the overall aesthetics,
and establishing 1161h Ave SE as the "jewel pathway."
In addition, over one-third of people were interested in hearing more
about the Benson Hill Community Plan Advisory Board, implying that
participants are willing to stay involved in plan implementation.
Phase 3 Summary
Phase 3 demonstrated community members' general approval of
the draft plan with the addition of some details to a few strategies.
It appears community members are willing to advocate for topics
they care about and remain engaged. In general, the priorities for
implementation reflect the major issues and desires raised early in
the planning process.
36 City of Renton
3. Vision
Benson Hill has a strong community
foundation with its neighborhoods, schools,
parks, viewpoints, trails, and commercial
areas, but it has the potential to grow
stronger into a well-connected, dynamic
community that serves diverse populations.
The vision for Benson Hill fits within the
larger Citywide vision: "Renton —The center
of opportunity in the Puget Sound Region
where families and businesses thrive."
In the year 203Z Benson Hill is...
socially and physically rich, with ethnically,
generationally, and economically diverse
residents who enjoy neighborhoods that
are welcoming places to live and raise
families. Beautiful views of Mount Rainier,
the Cascades, the Olympics, and city
skylines visually connect Benson Hill to
the region and enhance the aesthetic
experience. Parks, green spaces, and
trails provide recreational opportunities,
adding to a healthy community and
ecology. Schools and public facilities
serve all sectors of the community. The
business environment is thriving and
diverse, with daily needs served in walking
distance of residents. Streets and paths
are inviting for walking, biking, and
riding transit and reflect pride in a well -
maintained and safe community. A range
of housing options meets the needs of
Benson Hill's diverse households.
1 Thank you to Benson Hill residents Jason and
Amy Jones for suggesting this winning entry in
the May 2013 tagline contest.
L..
,r
J
E Carr Rd
—+J Y N
Benson Hill . Create focus in the heart Improve sidewalks, bike
Planning Area of Benson Hill routes, existing parks, and
other small-scale amenities
City of Renton Connect neighborhoods, throughout the planning area
especially along 116th Ave SE
Commercial areas — Build on existing trail network to
Parks connect neighborhoods and
provide recreational opportunities
Figure 3-1. Major plan goals ■
Benson Hill Community Plan
37
Chapter 3
mry saraen
require volunteer e
Sign u[obelpbd.y tlayl
Renan Utllitles has offeretl ` TM1e NeigM1 r
runowantl equipment to mrant Program
ter from Cascade r ey M1avematohing
vmase m me gamaa rwaa a,auadle ror
* neighood
a help build
Figure 3-2. Off -leash dog -park and
community garden under the power lines
behind Cascade Village
Figure 3-3. Long-term parks and recreation
at Cascade Village
This plan pinpoints strategies that build on existing assets and fill
gaps to make Benson Hill an outstanding community. The three
recommended strategies are aimed at connecting and unifying the
Benson Hill community in order to serve all members equitably and
create better communication between Benson Hill and the City.
Create focus. Benson Hill currently lacks a "heart," a central place
where the community comes together to shop, eat, play, and gather.
The Benson Shopping Center in southwest Benson Hill meets many
of these needs, especially with the Fred Meyer offering groceries
and a wide range of merchandise. In some ways, the grocery serves
as a community meeting place with frequent chance meetings
between neighbors. However, it is not easily accessible from most
of the neighborhoods. Because it is purely auto oriented, it is not
conducive to gathering, walking, and biking. Cascade Village, at the
geographic center of Benson Hill was the heart of the community in
the past, but recent vacancies have limited its ability to draw people
to it, and its layout does not invite patrons to stay or gather.
Benson Hill can feel like a scattered set of separate neighborhoods
lacking a cohesive center and space for community gathering. This
plan suggests ways to create a focus in Benson Hill by strengthening
the Cascade Village area, where healthy activity brings people
together and helps businesses thrive. Recreational opportunities
combined with some neighborhood commercial services, centered in
Benson Hill, may create that heart.
Improve connections. Although individual neighborhoods may be
strong on their own, there is currently little interaction or reason to
connect. Utility line trails, some sidewalks, and some open areas
provide an informal network that partially connects part of the
Benson Hill, but the network could be improved to accommodate
all geographies and populations. In particular, Petrovitsky Road is
a limiting barrier that separates the Benson Hill into two segments.
One of the few connection points is a pedestrian -unfriendly
intersection at 116th Avenue SE that lacks sidewalks and designated
bike routes. 116th Avenue SE can be the "jewel pathway" of Benson
Hill, tying neighborhoods together along a walkable, bikable, "bus -
able," drivable, and beautiful spine. Focused improvements on
important routes between schools, parks, and commercial areas may
create a strong network of trails, pathways, and destinations that
encourage neighborhood connections.
City of Renton
Vision
Build community. The final piece that would connect neighbors
with each other and further Benson Hill as a great place to live is the
totality of:
• Recreational parks and facilities to bring people together and
encourage active living,
• A sense of safety and lack of crime to keep Benson Hill livable
and vibrant, and
• A strong sense of community through improved social and
civic connections.
Together, these add to an environment where people can live without
fear of crime, play and exercise close to home, have access to
healthy, natural environments, meet neighbors, and take part in a
neighborhood that attends to and has pride in itself. Addressing
these dispersed, localized issues can raise the quality of life for all
residents in the area and round out the vision for Benson Hill.
The above three principles —creating focus, improving connections,
and building community —are keys to addressing deficiencies and
strengthening Benson Hill with meaningful and lasting improvements.
These principles are broken down into five major goals, and the Plan
Elements chapter details recommended actions for each.
Benson Hill Goals
1. Create a community focus in the heart of Benson Hill.
2. Build on the existing trail system to create a functional and beautiful
pedestrian and bicycle route network.
3. Improve access to and quality of parks, recreation, and natural areas
in Benson Hill, especially for youth.
4. Improve the sense of safety in Benson Hill.
5. Support a strong and vibrant Benson Hill community.
Benson Hill Community Plan
39
Chapter 3
40 City of Renton
4. Plan Elements
The following sections describe ideas and actions to maintain and improve Benson Hill's character and
vitality over the next twenty years. They are generally listed in order of importance to the community,
starting with the top priority. Although not every action is unanimously supported, the following were
suggested by participants in the process and adhere to the guiding principles and overall vision for
Benson Hill. To accomplish these actions, public, private, and non-profit entities must partner, community
members must advocate for the plan elements and engage their neighbors (through a new Benson Hill
Community Plan Advisory Board), and business and property owners will need to take initiative. How to
implement the following strategies is further described in Chapter 5: Action Strategy.
Community and Economic Development
1.1. Attract additional users to Cascade Village by increasing recreational
opportunities.
Small, neighborhood -initiated parks (e.g., walking path and picnic area), when partnered with
a healthy business environment (Policy 1.2), can help to reinvigorate Cascade Village. This
Plan Elements Structure:
1.1. Policy
1.1.1. Implementation Strategy
Additional details:
Responsible party:
Resources: $: $0420,000
$$: $20,000-$80,000
$$$: $80,000-up
Public Involvement:
Timeframe: Short-term: 1-4 years
Mid-term: 4-10 years
Long-term: 10-20 years
Benson Hill Community Plan 41
Chapter 4
— A
DEL i 'i �� �� - i art. � 7if'r• `
-
o.
picnic 'ter
� ' tables & r
kl� barbecue
i pits
00
i� bench
esf
.' '+�j! walking -' ; A".
tli
path i
benches =r r
pv, .,..__
{ fr r
gi i �ca1 +,
LV'
CASCADE VILLAGE
eet
Benson Hill Community Plan 0 so 100 200 300
0
Figure 4-2. Conceptual site plan for walking path, seating, and picnic areas behind Cascade Village (short-term action)
plan recommends starting with small parks, and the Parks Plan
recognizes the long-term need for a large-scale Community Park in
central and southern Benson Hill. Residents are already organizing
to realize these small parks, and the parks are a natural extension of
the recreational uses in place at the existing ball fields.
42
City of Renton
Plan Elements
By quickly stimulating activity at Cascade Village, these actions
can accomplish many of the goals neighbors identified: improve
the sense of safety, create places where neighbors can meet each
other, draw additional customers to existing businesses, encourage
physically active lifestyles and healthy eating, and support small,
especially ethnic, businesses. The recreational and commercial
uses can synergistically build on each other, cause interactions
among different people, and bring life to the heart of the Benson Hill.
1.1.1. Support residents in creating recreational
opportunities in the short term.
Additional details: Possibilities include walking paths,
a picnic area, an off -leash dog -park, and a community
garden. Although the off -leash dog -park is a popular idea
for this area, Cascade Neighborhood Association's early
implementation efforts illuminated some barriers, inlcuding
proximity to homes, pet health and safety, insurance
requirements, and maintenance issues. Neighborhood
groups may apply for public funding to defray the costs of
construction.' Renton Public Works could provide labor
and equipment to run a water line to a garden. Core groups
of volunteers must be willing to construct, manage, and
maintain the recreational areas.
Responsible paq: Neighborhoods (Resources and Events)
may be able to support through their Neighborhood Grant
program, Public Works, Recreation, Planning
Resources: $
Public Involvement: Cascade Village property owner,
Cascade Neighborhood Association, R.U.F.F., community
volunteers, Sustainable Renton, local churches
Timeframe: Short-term
Figure 4-4. Back of Cascade Village panorama
1 Only City -recognized neighborhood associations are eligible for Neighborhood
Grant Program funding. Additionally, the grant must be submitted by the
neighborhood within the area where the project is being conducted or
constructed. All funding is provided as a match —neighborhoods must match or
exceed their request for funding.
Figure 4-3. Cascade Village is important
for providing local small business space.
Strategy 1.1.1 is intended to increase activity
at Cascade Village, thereby supporting
local businesses.
Benson Hill Community Plan
43
Chapter 4
1.1.2. Create recreational opportunities in the long
term.
Additional details: Possibilities include a large
recreational park and community center at Cascade
Village. The Parks Plan recognizes that central and
southern Benson Hill is underserved in terms of large
recreational parks and indoor community space (see
Parks Plan maps in Existing Conditions). Continue
searching for an appropriate site, with an emphasis on
SE 1691h St
` ; Publicly /IanOencuMbE
-I� accessible •� TX
XNpowerlines
F= a, parks and recre ti,9 n
Approximately 9 acres could
i ! potentially support some
1 �: 1� combination of: !!J
SE 170th Ct li . 20,000 sq. ft. recreational
community center,
• baseball and soccer fields,
�• playground,
i • tot lot,
• community garden, and
• other smaller uses, such as
a dog park, basketball
courts, or a skatepark.
i I
CASCADE VILLAGE
Benson Hill Community Plan
Figure 4-5. Long-term redevelopment option for Cascade Village
includes large recreational complex
r �
} ' .� �.
3 0 10 Feet 0
100 300 00
44
City of Renton
Plan Elements
Cascade Village because of its large parcel size. Specific
strategies include:
• Incentivize parks and recreation development through
zoning (in case acquisition of land, easement agreements,
or construction of park become unfeasible).
• Acquire or create agreement for use of land for recreational
fields and community center.
• Explore partnerships with another agency, such as YMCA
or Boys and Girls Clubs, to build, operate, and maintain a
recreation center.
• Maintain the high priority of recreational fields and
community center construction in the Parks Plan.
• If possible, encourage public and private partnerships
to redevelop the site with community amenities and
commercial uses.
Responsible party: Parks Planning and Natural Resources,
Parks Maintenance, Recreation, Facilities, Economic
Development, Planning
Resources: $$$
Public involvement: Cascade Village property owner,
Cascade Vista Athletic Club, Cascade Neighborhood
Association
Timeframe: Long-term
1.2. Encourage a healthy business environment at
Cascade Village, especially by creating a welcoming
atmosphere through attractive development.
The health of Cascade Village's businesses is especially important
for keeping neighborhood commercial services within walking and
bicycling distance, offering business incubator space for diverse
uses, and creating a central meeting place in Benson Hill. Visual
improvements, business retention and expansion, and quality
redevelopment are key strategies to making Cascade Village the
heart of Benson Hill.
1.2.1. Landscape the corner of SE 1681h Street and 116th
Avenue SE to create a more inviting entry to the
Cascade Village area.
Additional details: Place this on the City's Capital
Improvement Plan. Alternatively, neighborhood volunteers
could apply for local funding to complete this improvement
sooner, but they would also need to have a plan for on-
going maintenance. Explore inclusion of public art, natural
drainage, native species, and other low -impact techniques
into improvements.
Figure 4-6. 116th Ave SE at CVAC baseball
fields before and after landscaping (Strategy
1.2.1) and street improvements (Policy 2.1)
Benson Hill Community Plan
i
45
Chapter 4
Figure 4-7. Support renovations and
physical improvements to help keep Cascade
Village occupied.
Figure 4-8. The Cascade Village Shopping
Center serves an important role as a small
business incubator.
Responsible partx: Neighborhoods, Resources and Events
could potentially supply funds for this through a Neighborhood
Matching Grant.
Public involvement: Cascade Vista Athletic Club, Cascade
Village property owner, Cascade Neighborhood Association,
community volunteers
Resources: $
Timeframe: Short-term
1.2.2. Continue supporting renovations and physical
improvements efforts at Cascade Village to ensure a
high -quality environment that attracts businesses and
customers.
Additional details: Work with business owners in addition to
the property owner to accomplish small-scale renovations.
Encourage low -impact techniques in landscaping upgrades.
As noted in Strategy 1.1.3, the Cascade Village property is
the only obvious site that can accommodate a full-fledged
park and community center as identified in the Parks Plan.
Therefore, another long-term option for this site is for the City
to purchase all or a portion of the site for public recreation
uses. When Park acquisition funds become available (or
during the planning of funding packages), the City should
engage the community and evaluate the different options
for various commercial and recreation uses. Until that time,
however, the viability fo the Cascade Village shopping center
should be a priority objective.
Responsible partX: Economic Development, Planning
Public involvement: Cascade Village property owner,
Cascade Village business owners, financial institutions
Resources: $
Timeframe: Short-term
1.2.3. Support existing businesses and attract new ones
to Cascade Village, especially grocery -related
businesses.
Additional details: Although a typical grocery store may not
be feasible, an alternative type of market may be possible.
Some potential strategies include:
• Support a business association.
• Assist businesses with marketing.
• Maintain connections with property and business owners.
• Consider attracting an emergent or urgent care center,
W.
City of Renton
Plan Elements
a technical or vocational school, and other facilities that fill Renton and Benson Hill
services gaps.
Responsible party: Economic Development
Public involvement: Cascade Village property owner, Cascade Village business owners,
Renton Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center
Resources: $$
Timeframe: Short-term and on -going
1.2.4. Require some ground -floor commercial space in any redevelopment of Cascade
Village and ensure a high -quality pedestrian environment through design
guidelines and incentives for redevelopment.
Additional details: Assuring high -quality design and a relationship to streets will help
to keep the area safe, inviting, lively, and attractive to businesses and customers.
Specifically,
• Cascade Village is zoned to support high -density mixed -use development.
Redevelopment may include housing to increase the feasibility of the project and bring
more activity to the center.
• Require commercial ground floors along street fronts, including internal connections.
• Apply design standards. Storefronts and residential entries, where applicable, should
relate to 116'h Avenue SE and internal pedestrian connections.
Encourage ecologically -friendly development and landscaping.
Responsible party: Planning, Economic Development
Public involvement: Cascade Village property owner, Cascade Village businesses
Resources: $
Timeframe: Set zoning and design guidelines in the short term, but redevelopment is likely
long term.
1.2.5. Support existing business owners during construction and assist with
relocation in Cascade Village when redevelopment occurs.
Additional details: Establish a business relocation program to retain existing businesses.
Require affordable business rental spaces in future development.
Responsible party: Economic Development, Planning
Public involvement: Cascade Village property owner, business owners
Resources: $$
Timeframe: Long-term, depends on redevelopment timeframe
Benson Hill Community Plan
47
Chapter 4
Multi -modal Transportation
2.1. Establish 11611 Avenue SE as the central spine,
or "jewel pathway," of Benson Hill.
116` Avenue SE is the central spine of Benson Hill, connecting
neighbors to Cascade Village, Cascade and Benson Hill
Elementary Schools, trails, and King County. Improving this
central connection will tie Benson Hill together, especially
across SE Petrovitsky Road. The following strategies
suggest ways to make 116th Avenue SE a truly multi -modal
street with nice sidewalks, street lights, landscaping, "green
infrastructure," public art, and improved transit.
2.1.1. Improve 116"'Avenue SE to provide a walkable,
bikable, and environmentally -friendly way to
connect to destinations.
Additional details: Complete 116th Avenue SE with
the following:
• Within existing right-of-way, explore the feasibility
of establishing bike lanes and sidewalks to support
walking and biking on this central spine. A central
median may be used as a pedestrian refuge where
a turn lane is not needed. Work with Council
Transportation Committee to prioritize any proposed
street improvements with other projects throughout
the city. (Project is already in the adopted 6 year TIP).
• Include ample space and amenities (e.g., seating,
bike racks, and public art) for pedestrians and cyclists
so that 116th becomes appropriate and comfortable
for all users.
• Install pedestrian -scaled street lighting to create a
safe and welcoming environment.
• Incorporate natural drainage where possible to treat
rainwater in an ecologically sound way.
• Choose appropriate native species to reduce the
maintenance burden, reinforce local ecology, and
encourage healthy plant establishment.
• Continue seeking Complete Streets, Safe Routes to
School, and other grants that may become available
(CPPW, Livable Communities, Healthy/Active Living,
Transportation Alternatives, etc).
0
%�
moo r-
Bike lane
Landscaping (includes natural
drainage where space is available)
Sidewalk
Landscaped median
o Bus stop
• Overhead utility pole
Figure 4-9. 116th Ave SE key map
for cross -sections in Figure 4-10
City of Renton
Plan Elements
side- planting bike drive lane turning lane drive lane bike planting side-
walk strip lane lane strip walk
Cross section looking north between 168th St and SE 172nd St
(Street trees may be in grates where the planting strip is less than 4'.)
4-6' 2.5-4.5' 5' 11' 11' 11' 5' 2.5-4.5' 4-6'
side- planting bike drivelane refuge median drive lane bike planting side-
walk strip lane lane strip walk
Cross section looking north where there are medians
(Street trees may be in grates where the planting strip is less than 4'.)
466-1 U' 6' I ' 11' 6' 6-1U' 4-b'
sidewalk vegetated bike lane drive lane drive lane bike lane vegetated sidewalk
Swale swale
Cross section looking north between Cascade
Village and SE Petrovitsky Rd
Figure 4-10. 116th Ave SE proposed improvements
(cross -sections and visualizations)
South of 168th St, looking south. Fence near CVAC baseball fields is replaced with
landscaping, sidewalk is widened, bike route formalized, and street trees added.
At Cascade Village, looking north. Bike lanes and street trees continue, sidewalk is
widened with Cascade Village redevelopment, and landscaped medians alternate
with a turning lane as needed.
Near Petrovitsky, looking south. Water drains into swales on both sides of the
street, landscaping buffers the sidewalks, and bike lanes continue.
Benson Hill Community Plan 49
Chapter 4
Responsible party: Transportation Systems, Utility Systems, Parks Planning and Natural Resources
Public involvement: Land owners along 116th Avenue SE, (possible LID funded)
Resources: $$$
Timeframe: Mid-term to Long—term dependent on grant funding or LID funding
2.1.2. Require a high -quality pedestrian realm along 116th Avenue SE through design
guidelines with any redevelopment of Cascade Village (also see Strategy 1.2.4).
Additional details: Require ample sidewalk space with amenities (e.g., awnings, seating, bike racks)
and an active street edge (entries facing 1161h Avenue SE) with redevelopment.
Responsible party: Planning
Public involvement: Cascade Village property owner
Resources: $
Timeframe: Short-term (although development would likely happen in the long term)
2.2. Expand the trail network to build on the existing wealth of trails in the area,
increase recreational and active living opportunities, and provide safe connections
for non -motorized travel.
Benson Hill also has the start of a great trail network with the existing pedestrian paths along utility corridors
and through Tiffany and Cascade Parks, the informal mountain biking trails under the power lines near Philip
Arnold Park, the planned Soos Creek Trail (King County), and the Cedar River Trail (Renton). A key missing
link could be provided by the power lines corridor that runs behind Cascade Village. This path connects
Soos Creek Park and Trail, Cascade Village, Nelsen Middle and Spring Glen Schools, and the existing
pedestrian walk along SE 160th Street. Other linkages, described below, would bolster the trail system to
be one of the best in the region, increasing recreational and active living opportunities and providing safe
connections for non -motorized travel.
2.2.1. Complete the Soos Creek Trail and connect to existing paths.
Additional details: Coordinate with and support King County Parks' Capital Improvements Project
for Soos Creek Trail Phase V and VI. Incorporate and prioritize any proposed projects in the next
update of the Trails and Bicycle Master Plan.
Responsible party: King County Parks, Parks Planning and Natural Resources, Transportation
Systems
Public involvement: TBD
Resources: $$$
Timeframe: On -going
5_
City of Renton
Plan Elements
..........
�..................__._..,
=°e�ll' m pipe Gr ��
li m A t.,
e a vn-• ` o
L e`
Informal
tID . o mountain ti„sb,
biking trails
uvrsE
F
st
.ns s. ssro`• �/e -
• psA e a 9F,
..._.._.�..SE 161,11
k[[-777,,V�
- -
j
W,aeEeaa�le�p�
n,. e. s ,pNa re n��y5
""Casca .p�e�•a1°Ae,�a r
Villag f
o ll,e. w sE ,.ae
+ _
i
- sElu -.�, E1so„e1 - _ se,ncl .IIEI
,
sl stuns. ';;��
eE,e
Plaz
�mee sal,n s, I 1E 1.1111
sins, r
Pn raaV
plbal :
N 3
• ss,s eexsox„u u.,vn111161 sE,s7m si
f- - >Ei--,n siSE
sE
_ 1 I sE,sau s,
f fffs _ "s. •
.._ _ sssfnsi '-� �IxscxooE
- T Bellevue
- - -- - Mercer Islandwt
Newcas tfe
Issaq_
.E-1s -
i
h
j g e n R a _ .nnr
K t ,1
a P f
f ENTO
i__. ._.._ _._.-.._._._.._.. f 1— 10A
s, sE, 11 n
y 1E 111s1.,. PenfhsrLaNa pm 1
5P
,� oa•s, FOOkscx00� o ,,. I Kent �
Nsz ti — sEz�Ip�]P
a a
_ sEa: It, Pi
PaM:H:ICEDIPIanninglGISIGIS wjaclslco "'tY planning in,tret,v—xdslb--ps , arealaenson vacant —open and public Spero 24xa6-ApElI1011.mxd
Benson Community Planning Area Renton Trails
Community & Economic Development i ; Date: 04/20/2012 City Limits Oplympic Pipelines
C.E. -UW 1linetr6l. Ad,.OnaGEramevien 0 1,250 2,500 f�Vacant Land ® Parcels intersect Olympic pipeline
lntenm Admmistmm./p1v+•+:r.g N-1- 44 A-gyar Feet »xcc
_ ,:_._� Parks s High Pressure Gas
CuvN a 1:10,000 -
r ~ Existing paths School Site ',' 10� Parcels intersect high pressure gas line
`• "� � Proposed paths -Parcels with improved value less than $10,000 ®Public Land
Figure 4-11. Existing and proposed Benson Hill trails on property ownership map
Benson Hill Community Plan
51
Chapter 4
Figure 4-12. Existing paths on utility corridors
Figure 4-13. Beacon Way S to Phillip Arnold
Park
2.2.2. When possible, acquire property or establish
agreements to extend pipelines, power lines, and other
utility corridor trails as consistent with the Parks,
Recreation and Natural Areas Plan and/or the Bicycles
and Trails Master Plan.
Additional details: Seek grant funding for acquisition or
easements and construction of recreational trails and/
or safe walking/biking routes (Washington Recreation
and Conservation Office Trails Grants, CPPW, Livable
Communities, Healthy/Active Living, Transportation
Alternatives, etc.). Require easement for trails with
redevelopment. Incorporate and prioritize any proposed
projects in the next update of the Trails and Bicycle Master
Plan.
Responsible party: Parks Planning and Natural Resources,
Planning, Community and Economic Development
Public involvement: Property owners on or adjacent to
pipelines and power lines corridors
Resources: $$$
Timeframe: On -going
2.2.3. Work with the utility companies who own Beacon
Way S between Puget Drive S and Philip Arnold Park
to explore the feasibility of paving and landscaping
a path to the park from Benson Hill to amply
accommodate bicycles, pedestrians, and motorists.
Additional details: Clarify ownership of the property.
Incorporate and prioritize any proposed project in the next
update of the Trails and Bicycle Master Plan, prioritize this
project in the Capital Improvements Plan, and seek funding
for multi -modal connections.
Responsible party: Transportation Systems, Parks Planning
and Natural Resources
Public involvement: TBD
Resources: $$
Timeframe: Short-term
2.2.4. Connect paths to the existing trails on Puget Sound
Energy Property under the power lines near Phillip
Arnold Park.
Additional details: Sign existing trail heads in the natural zone
with the local trail names. In the long-term as other trails
develop (Strategies 2.2.2-3), connect formal and informal
52
City of Renton
Plan Elements
trails. Incorporate and prioritize any proposed projects
in the next update of the Trails and Bicycle Master Plan.
Responsible party: Seattle Public Utilities, Parks
Planning and Natural Resources
Public involvement: TBD
Resources: $
Timeframe: Mid-term
2.2.5. Study the feasibility for a topographically level
bicycle and pedestrian connection between the
Grant Avenue S/S Puget Dr area to the Benson
Shopping Center.
Additional details: If feasible, incorporate into the next
update of the City's Trails and Bicycle Master Plan and
prioritize for funding.
Responsible party: Transportation Systems, Parks
Planning and Natural Resources
Public involvement: Affected property owners, bicycle
groups (e.g., Cascade Bicycle Alliance)
Resources: $$$
Timeframe: Long-term
2.2.6. Add and improve existing pedestrian crossings
over Interstate 405 and Highway 167.
Additional details: Explore ways to better connect
Benson Hill with Downtown Renton for pedestrians
and cyclists by providing shortcuts where possible
and connecting with new trails (Strategies 2.2.2-4).
Consider lighting, artwork, path width, buffers, and
so on to make the crossings feel safe and inviting.
Incorporate and prioritize any proposed projects into the
City's Trails and Bicycle Master Plan.
Responsible party: Transportation Systems, Planning,
Parks Planning and Natural Resources
Public involvement: TBD
Resources: $$$
Timeframe: Long-term
Benson Hill Community Plan
53
Chapter 4
Figure 4-14. Prioritize missing sidewalk links
on walk -to -school routes
2.3. Improve neighborhood streets to complete
a network of walking routes that connect
destinations and neighborhoods and are safe and
inviting for all users.
Although Benson Hill has the beginnings of a great trail network,
many streets lack adequate and safe space for people to walk
to their destinations. The following strategies recommend
completing the sidewalk network and adding low-level,
pedestrian -scale lighting on major connections to schools, parks,
and commercial amenities. Along with the physical space to walk
and cycle, speeding traffic and unsafe intersections must also be
addressed to make streets usable for all modes of travel.
2.3.1. Complete missing links in sidewalks, add
pedestrian -scaled street lighting, and calm traffic
on routes to schools, parks, and commercial areas.
Additional details: See Walking and Bicycling
Improvements map (Figure 4-15) for location -specific
improvements requested by community members.
Incorporate and prioritize any proposed projects in the
next update of the Trails and Bicycle Master Plan.
Responsible party: Transportation Systems
Public involvement: Affected property owners, bicycle
groups (e.g., Cascade Bicycle Alliance)
Resources: $$
Timeframe: Mid-term
2.3.2. Identify and prioritize high accident locations for
people walking and cycling, especially near bus
stops.
Additional details: Review Walking and Bicycling
Improvements map (Figure 4-15) for location -specific
improvements requested by community members. Place
pertinent projects on Transportation Improvements Plan
and continue or increase Police enforcement where
needed. Incorporate and prioritize any proposed projects
in the next update of the Trails and Bicycle Master Plan.
Responsible party: Transportation Systems, Police
Public involvement: TBD
Resources: $$
Timeframe: Short- to Long-term dependent upon scope
and funding of projects
54
City of Renton
Plan Elements
_I s 1 N64 , I_
m SEs`SES�P, L , - 1 S SE 8th St '
u c 1 s fp �gh'°i O0
`z S9th St� PHILLIP '
ARNOLD • se am or sE1+hP\ rc 1 PARK ' go to , SE 121h St ,
®' CEDAR RIVER
'
m NATURAL ZONE10
Ob P r 9ry,
w 10
1
am ■ ��e 9e SE ROYeI HMIs Dr � 1 6
Vis ility 5 Unsafe
` ineersection
ad ast _ take roony$ " ,
ae T SE 161h PI \ ,t, o W YSe Ti Park
Elementary School I ✓ a
SE 18th LY a
,Collisions; SE 181h
pedestrian
l$
(crossings not 1 Isibdi otsschool IP �E1a
respected h sE 15nn st m cr
p ids on street; TI110
perhaps move tPAR, zotn a
flashing light to o
Crosswalk `� la visible from E �` Asa e se SE 168, S
needed for r 160th Ave when P , ,9s t
bus users i sE22turnIngleftonto SE159thSt
116th Ave El t s
' G de Pe SE 159th PI E 159t
M. ACRd EIe Mary SE 161 st $I \ SE ifiist Sl E161st i60th PI W -
N I5 Nelsen Middles _ °I w v y y
v, a School ' m a v g CAS
PARKS E
We D _ ¢' SE 162nd St _
$ rin , I SE ifi3rd St ¢ - q ^ �y5
T a _ 'P�
Ng S2111St
arG l'ldth St N ,� SE 1651h St-
52
SE 1660h SI
5300P\ SE 166th St h Sl ¢ , 166th
s 3ah c+W SE 16]1h St f - SE 16nn st Lind gh 2
Hi h c o0
S 31st StS 3lst Ct ,,, g
y S SE 168th St
S� N SE 1681h Sf j _
SE 169N PI SE 1691M1 St Q Re 0 ar
s azna St SE nah St CA DEVIL a q w Elem ntf School
SH ING CENT _ %
S 34iM1 PI a SE1➢1,tI f 6E lust 5t `- RE.NTAK
LN
St _q SE 171st Pl K
S 35ih E SE 112nd St :SE 172nd St SE 1)2nd St PR�
.Ms SE 1721d St
m SE 173rd St SE 17 1
S 36th PI <-
E 119M SE 17.In*+ ,
S 37ih Pi o E SE 1' ` SE 175M ¢' f ,
^\ �� `
S 381h Ci - 'SE SE _ , _
SE 1.1,, at
BENSON 5 `s E #
o SHOPPING o N a enam st %SOOS CREEK
E Carr Rd
m CENTER ' PARK AN91 L
SE 179iM1 PI SE 179in St ¢ ' �?
SE 11 t 1
vwiiSE 1801h St SE 1 .Ah i ' rt SE 180th St
SE 1a1si&t sects n Needs signal
sE+aisl s+ _ &crosswalk sE 1Esl st
SE 182nd St SE 182nd St stop sign ¢ or pedestrian d SE 182nd St
SE 182nd PI refuge ¢' ' SE +azna St
SE 1831tl PI • R ,
¢'
S 47th St SE 184tn St , c
SE f 84ih PI SE 184th PI ^�
Needs signal
8E 185ih PI a < & crosswalk, :186th St 5iM1 $ f ' y SE /85th S1
£ esp. for bus . SE 186iM1 St y SE 18PI
^e riders ti SE 1861h PI ' m
SE 187ih St-
E18"/ihLn o p 'BOULEVARD se 18> f SE 186th Pl
L LANE PARK
SE 18d1n 51 fn P1 S SE 181ih PI
5 5 5 Benson , 188th PI SE 1 ��
sE 189m s1 _ Elementary ool • Bath P1 y
s ye w
SE 19 1, St S I,— St �a 5 SE 18WDP • -
S 1901h R -
n w Sr 1B10 91a �
E
s�znst MM ala �j a N _
I0 600 1,200 2,400 Feet
Sc 19 PI
O SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS
Benson Hill Planning Area
Identified by February 2012 open house, online map and surveys, and Summer 2012 neighborhood picnics participants.
r'A City of Renton Add/improve sidewalks 4 M Add paths along utility Calm traffic
corridors
Commercial areas General areas identified for
sidewalk improvements -4aa--,Add a new path Improve intersection
- Parks
Add/improve bike routes � Add /improve human -
Existing pedestrian paths scale street lights
Existing regional trail M I Planned regional trail
R G NI C rI NI I-ITI I �'^'.-- G.:fi^., If`Ai:SiFr"?"fF"f 2:,TM
Walking and Bicycling Improvements
Figure 4-15. Walking and bicycling improvements map
Benson Hill Community Plan
Chapter 4
Figure 4-16. Large residential area needs
better pedestrian connections to Benson
Plaza shopping center
Figure 4-17. Walking paths through parking
lots would make walking safer and more
inviting
2.3.3. Continue improving the pedestrian environment
around the Benson Shopping Center.
Additional details: Work with property owners to provide
or improve walkways through parking areas and ensure
pedestrian connections between lots. For example, providing
walking paths in strategic locations (e.g., along 1091h Ave SE
near the Jiffy Lube and at SE 1791h Place near Arby's) would
increase pedestrian access to commercial areas. When
possible, buffer the sidewalks on 108th Avenue SE and SE
Carr Road/SE 1761h Street from traffic with street trees and
landscaping. Require buffered sidewalks with redevelopment.
(Also see Strategies 5.3.1 and 1.2.4 regarding design
guidelines to accomplish an urban form more conducive to
walking.)
Responsible party: Planning
Public involvement: Property and business owners
Resources: $$$
Timeframe: Ongoing -terms
2.3.4. Repair and maintain SE 164th Street sidewalks.
Additional details: Prioritize SE 164th Street maintenance
because of its importance as a walking route to multiple
schools. Utilize a horticulturist to address the tree roots that
are breaking the sidewalks. If replacing or adding street
trees, choose tree species whose roots are not prone to
surfacing.
Responsible party: Maintenance Services
Public involvement: Property owners along SE 164th Street
Resources: $$$
Timeframe: Short-term
City of Renton
Plan Elements
2.4. Improve access to and usability of transit.
A key component to attracting and keeping people in Benson Hill and reducing Benson Hill's environmental
footprint is quality transit service. The transit experience, from residence to bus stop to arrival at destination,
should be pleasant, as quick as possible, and easy. In turn, a dense population is needed to support transit
services, so housing at Cascade Village (Strategy 1.2.4) and near the 116th Avenue SE and SE Petrovitsky
Road intersection (Strategy 3.2.1) is important.
2.4.1. Work with King County Metro to identify appropriate bus shelter locations and install
when feasible.
Additional details: Coordinate with 116th Avenue SE improvements (Strategy 2.1.1).
Responsible party: Transportation Systems, King County Metro
Public involvement: Benson Hill bus riders
Resources: $
Timeframe: Short-term
2.5. Improve the driving experience in Benson Hill to be safer and more user-friendly.
The following strategies support a multi -modal transportation network and take steps toward
safer streets.
2.5.1. Simplify SE Carr Road/SE 17611 Street/SE Petrovitsky Road to a single name.
Additional details: Consider renaming S 178th Street, S 180th Street, SW 43rd Street, SE Carr Road,
and SE 1761h Street as S and SE Petrovitsky Road.
Responsible party: Community and Economic Development
Public involvement: TBD
Resources: $$$
Timeframe: Short-term
Benson Hill Community Plan
57
Chapter 4
Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas
3.1. Focus efforts on rejuvenating existing parks and recreation facilities.
Both the Parks Plan and this planning process underscored the strong need for maintaining and upgrading
existing parks facilities, especially to provide healthy recreational activities for youth and families.
3.1.1. Continue parks maintenance of existing facilities.
Additional details:
Responsible party: Facilities, Parks Planning and Natural Resources, Parks Maintenance
Public involvement: TBD
Resources: $$
Timeframe: Ongoing
3.1.2. Work with the community to seek solutions for providing youth and community
programming.
Additional details: Continue the existing community programs and the coordination with the YMCA
at Teasdale and Tiffany Park facilities. Establish community partnerships and prioritize funding to re-
open Tiffany, Teasdale, and Philip Arnold Park community buildings for ongoing community use and
neighborhood rentals. Seek additional opportunities as needed.
Responsible party: Recreation, Facilities
Public involvement: Neighborhood Associations, community clubs
Resources: $
Timeframe: On -going
58 City of Renton
Plan Elements
3.1.3. Redesign the Cascade Park entry to allow
parking adjacent to the park and to increase
"eyes on the park."
Additional details: In the short-term, consider relocating
the southeast entrance fence farther from 12611 Ave
SE to allow parking. Also, consider allowing parking
near the western entry at SE 162"d Street. Open
lines of sight by removing some trees where possible.
Purchase houses adjacent to the entrances, consistent
with the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan, to
provide more flexibility in designing inviting park entries.
Provide safe and fun spaces for all ages at the Park.
Responsible party: Parks Planning and Natural
Resources, Parks Maintenance
Public involvement: Cascade neighborhood
Resources: $
Timeframe: Short-term
3.2. Seek opportunities to increase parks and
recreational spaces in Benson Hill, especially to
serve the neighborhoods south of Petrovitsky
Road.
As discussed in Implementation Strategy 1.1.3., the greatest
recreational opportunity and need is for a large park that serves
central and southern Benson Hill. The most likely location for
this is at Cascade Village. Other opportunities might include
northern Kent, which could be a biking distance recreational
amenity for Benson Hill residents; vacant or underutilized
school district properties; or acquisition of a group of private
properties to create a 20 acre area for a park.
Figure 4-18. Fences prevent parking and
trees and fences block views, making the
park feel less safe
Benson Hill Community Plan 59
Chapter 4
3.2.1. Work with Kent to continue the 1161h Avenue SE
improvements to Panther Lake and provide a
recreational setting there.
Additional details: Improve 116th Avenue SE up to
the Renton boundary at 192"d Street (Strategy 2.1.1)
and encourage Kent to continue the improvements
to Panther Lake and Hopkins Open Space. Kent's
Park and Open Space Plan (2010) calls for improved
linkages to Panther Lake and public waterfront access
on the lake. Kent has also received Conservation
Futures funds to acquire property around Panther Lake.
When public access is provided, sign the 116th Avenue
SE route to Panther Lake, especially for bicycles. Work
with Kent to secure funding for future improvements as
Panther Lake would provide recreational opportunities
to underserved areas in both Renton and Kent.
Responsible party: City of Kent, King County, Parks
Planning and Natural Resources
Public involvement: TBD
Resources: $
Timeframe: Short-term
Figure 4-19. 116th Ave SE connection to
Panther Lake in Kent
60 City of Renton
Plan Elements
Strong, Livable, and Safe Community
4.1. Continue partnering with Police to decrease and prevent crime in Benson Hill.
Renton saw a drastic increase in burglaries in late 2011, and Renton Police have worked hard to reduce
burglaries with the help of block watch programs.2 Continuing on this path is integral to keeping Benson
Hill safe from crime.
4.1.1. Support block watch efforts to reduce burglaries and improve the perception of the
neighborhoods.
Additional details: Continue Police representation at neighborhood picnics and other local events
to provide information on block watch programs.
Responsible party: Police; Neighborhood, Resources and Events
Public involvement: Neighborhood Associations, new Community Council, block watch groups
Resources: $
Timeframe: Short- and ongoing -terms
4.1.2. Continue forging personal connections between Renton Police and neighborhood
residents to discourage crime.
Additional details: Increase personal interactions between on -duty officers and neighbors to
build mutual rapport. If possible, locate a small, temporary police office in Cascade Village while
economic activity remains relatively low to more easily connect locals to Police and discourage
crime in the area. With redevelopment, the police office will likely no longer be necessary.
Manage the office in a way that fosters relationships between community members and police.
Another strategy may be bicycle patrols instead of car patrols.
Responsible party: Police
Public involvement: Cascade Village property owner
Resources: $$
Timeframe: Short-term
2 98% of burglaries take place in non -block watch neighborhoods (Renton Police).
Benson Hill Community Plan
61
Chapter 4
Rwf OgCk�_.
Wndow�
Salty Window—
r r
DO TNI5
a, a ._ " .
DON'T YDO THIS
Figure 4-20. Example surveillance and
lighting CPTED principles
4.2. Encourage development types that hinder
criminal activities.
Cascade Village's current layout is not ideal for preventing
crime. Lack of usable connecting streets, activity, and lines of
sight make it feel empty and unsafe. Any redevelopment there
or in other commercial areas should include more people and
design that is not conducive to crime.
4.2.1. Incorporate Crime Prevention through
Environmental Design (CPTED) principles in
commercial and mixed use design guidelines,
particularly for Cascade Village.
Additional details: To discourage crime and create
an attractive place for businesses, apply CPTED
design guidelines and carefully review redevelopment
proposals for Cascade Village and Benson Plaza
commercial areas. Similarly, adjust zoning if necessary
to increase residential "eyes" on commercial and open
areas by locating decks, porches, and/or windows
to provide views into those areas. Ensure that
redevelopment has streets that connect through so that
there is a healthy level of activity on them.
Responsible paq: Planning, Police
Public involvement: affected property owners, business
owners
Resources: $
Timeframe: Short-term
City of Renton
Plan Elements
5.1. Foster a sense of community.
Benson Hill has the start of strong neighborhoods where local
activities bring people together. Creating a focus at Cascade
Village (Goal 1) and improving recreational facilities (Goal 3)
will help to foster a sense of community. The actions below will
also create opportunities to build community.
5.1.1. Create a Benson Hill Community Plan Advisory
Board to take ownership of this plan, advocate
for its implementation, and adjust actions and
priorities as needed over time.
Additional details: See the Advisory Council section in
the Action Strategy on page X.
Responsible party: Planning
Public involvement: Neighborhood Associations
Resources: $
Timeframe: Short-term
5.1.2. Encourage removal of the fence between
Cascade Village and Emerald Heights
Apartments.
Additional details: The fence physically and
symbolically divides the community, but exists because
of concerns over shop -lifting at Cascade Village.
However, as Cascade Village becomes safer, it may no
longer be needed for its original purpose. Coordinate
with Renton Police and Cascade Village to ensure
continued safety (Goal 4). See Goal 1's strategies for
other opportunities to increase activity and a sense of
safety at the shopping center.
Responsible party: (located on private property)
Public involvement: Cascade Village property owner,
Emerald Heights Apartments owner
Resources: $
Timeframe: Short-term
Figure 4-22. Schools in Benson Hill already
contribute to the sense of community
Figure 4-21. Fence between Cascade
Village and apartments divides community;
closed street also deters higher levels of
street use
Benson Hill Community Plan 63
Chapter 4
5.2. Build capacity of local residents.
A skilled, healthy, and happy population makes a strong workforce and good neighbors. The following
strategies address ways to build the capacity and access to opportunity of Benson Hill permanent and
transient residents.
5.2.1. Provide skills training and support for immigrants at schools or a community center to
welcome new residents and foster a sense of community across diverse neighbors.
Additional details: If Cascade Village redevelops with a community center (Strategy 1.1.3),
ensure that the community center is designed to support skills training.
Responsible party: Human Services, Renton Schools, Economic Development, Planning, Renton
Technical College
Public involvement: Local immigrant services organizations (e.g., Somali Youth and Family Club)
Resources: $$
Timeframe: Ongoing
5.2.2. Provide services and strategize a long-term solution for panhandlers at the SE Carr
Road/SE 1761h Street and 108th Avenue SE intersection and Fred Meyer parking lot
entrances.
Additional details: Providing services to the transient population may increase the sense of safety
in Benson Hill.
Responsible party: Human Services, Police
Public involvement: TBD
Resources: $$
Timeframe: Short-term
5.2.3. Consider power and high-speed internet infrastructure improvements. Investigate
undergrounding powerlines with Puget Sound Energy.
Additional details: Undergrounding powerlines could be possible, but would require residents to
create a special district to tax themselves for the cost of undergrounding.
Responsible party: Utility Systems
Public involvement: Affected Neighborhood Associations
Resources: $$$
Timeframe: Long-term
.1 I
City of Renton
Plan Elements
5.3. Cultivate a sense of pride in Benson Hill by
improving the overall aesthetics.
Some of Benson Hill's places —residential, commercial,
and public —reflect a lack of physical maintenance or high -
quality design. Remedying this and setting up a system for
maintaining a standard of quality is important to cultivating
a sense of pride in Benson Hill. This in turn keeps property
values high and reinforces the sense of a vibrant community
5.3.1. Apply design guidelines to Cascade Village and
Benson Plaza shopping areas.
Additional details: Goal 1, especially Strategy 1.2.4,
provides strategies for creating a community focus in
Cascade Village, and applying design guidelines to both
Cascade Village and Benson Plaza would provide a
long-term aesthetic benefit. Include CPTED principles
(Strategy 4.2.1).
Responsible party: Planning
Public involvement: Property owners
Resources: $
Timeframe: Short-term
5.3.2. Expand support of neighborhood cleanup efforts
to maintain property values and spur a sense of
community pride.
Additional details: Support community groups,
businesses, and neighborhood associations in
organizing work events and provide resources
through department programs such as Public
Works, Neighborhood Program, Police, and Code
Enforcement. The work events increase community -
building opportunities while the cleanup improves the
perception and pride in the area. The neighborhood
cleanup program should address the following:
• Educate neighbors about the City's Wipe Out Graffiti
program, and institute a neighborhood system for
graffiti prevention and cleanup. Continue Police
enforcement.
• Encourage landscaping in front of large expanses of
fence that are frequent targets of graffiti.
• Institute a yearly spring cleanup.
• Work with the owners of the storage containers at
116th Avenue SE and SE 168th Street to change the
use or clean up the area and create a more visually
pleasant place through enhancements such as
16.
Figure 4-23. Benson Plaza Shopping Center
(Fred Meyer area) is community members'
favorite place in the Benson Hill (see Figure
2-14 on page 25). Design guidelines
would encourage future development to be
more walkable, safe -feeling, and aesthetically
pleasant.
Figure 4-24. Storage area on northwest
corner of 116th Ave SE and SE 168th St
Benson Hill Community Plan
65
Chapter 4
landscaping, public art, and design that celebrates
the Cascades view.
Responsible partX: Neighborhoods, Resources and
Events, Police, Graffiti Abatement Program, Public
Works, Code Enforcement
Public involvement: neighborhood associations and
community members
Resources: $
Timeframe: Short and ongoing terms
5.3.3. Beautify the intersection of 10811 Ave SE and SE
Carr Road/SE 176th Street
Additional details: Provide landscaping and pedestrian
lights to create a welcoming gateway into Benson Hill
(coordinate with Strategy 2.3.3). Work with property
owners and perhaps assist with funding to update
business signs. Support the formation of a Business
or Local Improvement District (BID/LID) to fund
improvements. Explore the potential for public art.
Responsible partX: Economic Development, Planning
Public involvement: Property owners
Resources: $$
Timeframe: Mid-term
Figure 4-25. Opportunity to upgrade
108th Ave SE and SE Carr Rd/SE 176th
St pedestrian environment and visual
appearance to create a more inviting entry
into Benson Hill
City of Renton
5. Action Strategy
Benson Hill has the potential to build on its strengths with a series of community improvements identified
in Chapter 4: Plan Elements would improve Benson Hill. In particular, Benson Hill needs a central focus
with civic facilities, greater cohesion and connectivity between neighborhoods, transportation access for
all populations, and community services and improvements tailored to Benson Hill's unique residents.
Implementation Table
The following table lists the actions suggested in the Plan Elements section, assigns them a time -frame
based on public input and a logical order of events, and identifies responsible parties and partners.
Figure 5-1. View to Cascade Mountains from Cascade Village (top left); cyclist on street to Philip Arnold Park (top right);
walking routes to schools (bottom left); Fred Meyer area (bottom right)
Benson Hill Community Plan
67
Chapter 5
Community and Economic DevelopmentW
1.1.1. Support residents in creating recreational
Neighborhoods
$7Cas7adeage
Short-term
opportunities in the short term.
(Resources and
property owner,
Events) may be able to
Cascade Neighborhood
support through their
Association, R.U.F.F.,
Neighborhood Grant
community volunteers,
program, Public Works,
Sustainable Renton,
Recreation, Planning
local churches
1.1.2. Create recreational opportunities in the
Parks Planning and
$$$
Cascade Village
Long-term
long term.
Natural Resources,
property owner,
Parks Maintenance,
Cascade Vista Athletic
Recreation,
Club, Cascade
Facilities, Economic
Neighborhood
Development, Planning
Association
1.2.1. Landscape the corner of SE 168th Street
Neighborhoods,
$
Cascade Vista Athletic
Short-term
and 116th Avenue SE to create a more
Resources and Events
Club, Cascade Village
inviting entry to the Cascade Village
could potentially supply
property owner,
area.
funds for this through a
Cascade Neighborhood
Neighborhood Matching
Association, community
Grant.
volunteers
1.2.2. Continue supporting renovations
Economic
$
Cascade Village
Short-term
and physical improvements efforts at
Development, Planning
property owner,
Cascade Village to ensure a high -quality
Cascade Village
environment that attracts businesses and
business owners,
customers.
financial institutions
1.2.3. Support existing businesses and attract
Economic Development
$$
Cascade Village
Short-term and
new ones to Cascade Village, especially
property owner,
on -going
grocery -related businesses.
Cascade Village
business owners,
Renton Chamber of
Commerce, Small
Business Development
Center
1.2.4. Require some ground -floor commercial
Planning, Economic
$
Cascade Village
Set zoning and
space in any redevelopment of
Development
property owner,
design guidelines
Cascade Village and ensure a high-
Cascade Village
in the short term,
quality pedestrian environment through
businesses
but redevelopment
design guidelines and incentives for
is likely long term.
redevelopment.
1.2.5. Support existing business owners during
Economic
$$
Cascade Village
Long-term,
construction and assist with relocation
Development, Planning
property owner,
depends on
in Cascade Village when redevelopment
business owners
redevelopment
occurs.
timeframe
ulti-Modal Transportation
2.1.1. Improve 116th Avenue SE to provide a
Transportation
$$$
Land owners along 1161h
Mid-term to Long —
walkable, bikable, and environmentally-
Systems, Utility
Avenue SE, (possible
term dependent on
friendly way to connect to destinations.
Systems, Parks
LID funded)
grant funding or
Planning and Natural
LID funding
Resources
2.1.2. Require a high -quality pedestrian realm
Planning
$
Cascade Village
Short-term
along 116th Avenue SE through design
property owner
(although
guidelines with any redevelopment of
development
Cascade Village (also see Strategy
would likely
1.2.4).
happen in the long
term)
City of Renton
Action Strategy
Who
$
Key
StakeholdersStrategy
2.2.1. Complete the Soos Creek Trail and
King County Parks,
$$$
TBD
On -going
connect to existing paths.
Parks Planning and
Natural Resources,
Transportation Systems
2.2.2. When possible, acquire property or
Parks Planning and
$$$
Property owners on or
On -going
establish agreements to extend pipelines,
Natural Resources,
adjacent to pipelines
power lines, and other utility corridor
Planning, Community
and power lines
trails as consistent with the Parks,
and Economic
corridors
Recreation and Natural Areas Plan and/
Development
or the Bicycles and Trails Master Plan.
2.2.3. Work with the utility companies who own
Transportation
$$
TBD
Short-term
Beacon Way S between Puget Drive S
Systems, Parks
and Philip Arnold Park to explore the
Planning and Natural
feasibility of paving and landscaping
Resources
a path to the park from Benson Hill
to amply accommodate bicycles,
pedestrians, and motorists.
2.2.4. Connect paths to the existing trails on
Seattle Public Utilities,
$
TBD
Mid-term
Puget Sound Energy Property under the
Parks Planning and
power lines near Phillip Arnold Park.
Natural Resources
2.2.5. Study the feasibility for a topographically
Transportation
$$$
Affected property
Long-term
level bicycle and pedestrian connection
Systems, Parks
owners, bicycle groups
between the Grant Avenue S/S Puget Dr
Planning and Natural
(e.g., Cascade Bicycle
area to the Benson Shopping Center.
Resources
Alliance)
2.2.6. Add and improve existing pedestrian
Transportation
$$$
TBD
Long-term
crossings over Interstate 405 and
Systems, Planning,
Highway 167.
Parks Planning and
Natural Resources
2.3.1. Complete missing links in sidewalks and
Transportation Systems
$$
Affected property
Mid-term
add pedestrian -scaled street lighting and
owners, bicycle groups
calm traffic on routes to schools, parks,
(e.g., Cascade Bicycle
and commercial areas.
Alliance)
2.3.2. Identify and prioritize high accident
Transportation
$$
TBD
Short- to Long -
locations for people walking and cycling,
Systems, Police
term dependent
especially near bus stops.
upon scope and
funding of projects
2.3.3. Continue improving the pedestrian
Planning
$$$
Property and business
Ongoing -terms
environment around the Benson
owners
Shopping Center.
2.3.4. Repair and maintain SE 164th Street
Maintenance Services,
$$$
Property owners along
Short-term
sidewalks.
Parks
SE 164th Street
2.4.1. Work with King County Metro to identify
Transportation
$
Benson Hill bus riders
Short-term
appropriate bus shelter locations and
Systems, King County
install when feasible.
Metro
2.4.2. Improve transit time for bus routes to
King County Metro,
$$
Benson Hill bus riders
Long-term
Seattle from Benson Hill.
Transportation Systems
2.5.1. Simplify SE Carr Road/SE 176th Street/
Community and
$$$
TBD
Short-term
SE Petrovitsky Road to a single name.
Economic Development
Benson Hill Community Plan
Chapter 5
Parks, Recreation, and Natural Spaces
3.1.1. Continue parks maintenance of existing
Facilities, Parks
$$
TBD
Ongoing
facilities.
Planning and Natural
Resources, Parks
Maintenance
3.1.2. Work with the community to seek
Recreation, Facilities
$
Neighborhood
On -going
solutions for providing youth and
Associations,
community programming.
community clubs
3.1.3. Redesign the Cascade Park entry to
Parks Planning and
$
Cascade neighborhood
Short-term
allow parking adjacent to the park and to
Natural Resources,
increase "eyes on the park."
Parks Maintenance
3.2.1. Work with Kent to continue the 116th
City of Kent, King
$
TBD
Short-term
Avenue SE improvements to Panther
County, Parks Planning
Lake and provide a recreational setting
and Natural Resources
there.
Strong, Livable, and Safe Neighborhoods
4.1.1. Support block watch efforts to reduce
Police; Neighborhoods,
$
Neighborhood
Short- and
burglaries and improve the perception of
Resources and Events
Associations, new
ongoing -terms
the neighborhoods.
Community Council,
block watch groups
4.1.2. Continue forging personal connections
Police
$$
Cascade Village
Short-term
between Renton Police and
property owner
neighborhood residents to discourage
crime.
4.2.1. Incorporate Crime Prevention through
Planning, Police
$
affected property
Short-term
Environmental Design (CPTED)
owners, business
principles in commercial and mixed
owners
use design guidelines, particularly for
Cascade Village.
5.1.1. Create a Benson Hill Community Plan
Planning
$
Neighborhood
Short-term
Advisory Board to take ownership of this
Associations
plan, advocate for its implementation,
and adjust actions and priorities as
needed overtime.
5.1.2. Encourage removal of the fence between
(located on private
$
Cascade Village
Short-term
Cascade Village and Emerald Heights
property)
property owner,
Apartments.
Emerald Heights
Apartments owner
5.2.1. Provide skills training and support for
Human Services,
$$
Local immigrant
Ongoing
immigrants at schools or a community
Renton Schools,
services organizations
center to welcome new residents and
Economic
(e.g., Somali Youth and
foster a sense of community across
Development, Planning,
Family Club)
diverse neighbors.
Renton Technical
College
5.2.2. Provide services and strategize a long-
Human Services, Police
$$
TBD
Short-term
term solution for panhandlers at the SE
Carr Road/SE 176th Street and 108th
Avenue SE intersection and Fred Meyer
parking lot entrances.
5.2.3. Consider power and high-speed internet
Utility Systems
$$$
Affected Neighborhood
Long-term
infrastructure improvements. Investigate
Associations
undergrounding powerlines with Puget
Sound Energy.
70
City of Renton
Action Strategy
Strategy
W
StakeholdersKey
5.3.1. Apply design guidelines to Cascade
Planning
$
Property owners
Short-term
Village and Benson Plaza shopping
areas.
5.3.2. Expand support of neighborhood cleanup
Neighborhoods,
$
neighborhood
Short and ongoing
efforts to maintain property values and
Resources and Events,
associations and
terms
spur a sense of community pride.
Graffiti Abatement
community members
Program, Public Works,
Code Enforcement
5.3.3. Beautify the intersection of 108th Ave SE
Economic
$$
Property owners
Mid-term
and SE Carr Road/SE 176th Street
Development, Planning
Benson Hill Community Plan
Advisory Board
As the City adopts this plan and begins implementation, it will
be important for Benson Hill community members to remain
involved and advocate for strategic items. Ownership of the plan
will be placed with a new Benson Hill Community Plan Advisory
Board (Advisory Board) to represent the interests of Benson Hill's
diverse residents and businesses. The Advisory Board can track
and advocate for individual projects using the Implementation
Table above.
The Advisory Board establishes a formal conduit for communication
between Benson Hill neighbors and the City. Although individual
Neighborhood Associations have a connection to the City through
the Neighborhood Program, there is not currently one group who can
speak for the entire Benson Hill area and directly connect with City
decision -makers. With the creation of an Advisory Board, existing
Neighborhood Associations and non -associated neighborhoods can
bring their concerns and endorsements to the Advisory Board to be
represented at the City. As with other City boards and commissions,
members will be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the
City Council.
Benson Hill Community Plan 71
Chapter 5
O Benson Hill ithe heart
.Create focus n Improve sidewalks, bike
Planning Area MBenson Hill ❑routes, existing perks, entl
r_lCity of Renan , Conned neighborhoods, thh—g-t-planinger
esea
Commercial areas pecially along 111h Ave SE
Beild on existing Vail ne * to
Parks nned neighborhoods and
provide recreational opportunities
Figure 5-2. Major improvements
recommended in this plan (see Chapter 3:
Vision for a full description)
Conclusion
The implementation table above provides a condensed list of actions
for the City and community members to track over time. While many
of the strategies laid out in this plan may take 20 years or longer
to implement, and require resources that do not currently exist, the
plan lays the framework for City and community actions to create a
vibrant, safe, livable, and healthy Benson Hill.
This plan calls for a number of improvements, and a clear and
prioritized action strategy with the backing of community members
will make them doable. Key components to realizing Benson Hill's
vision are:
• Formally recognize a Benson Hill Community Plan Advisory
Board to harbor and advocate for plan elements,
• Enhance Cascade Village with small actions (including a
review of its zoning),
• Seek funding for design of the 1161h Avenue SE improvements,
and
• Develop a program to expand the trail and sidewalk network.
These should be prioritized in the City's funding strategies. Other
smaller improvements may be done over time as funding is available.
In the long term, maintaining Benson Hill as a great neighborhood
for families is highly dependent on obtaining a community center and
a large recreational facility in the area. This is included in the long-
term approach for Cascade Village as it requires more funds than the
City can currently offer. As soon as this becomes feasible, it should
become a top priority for Renton to match the level of service in
Benson Hill with that in other neighborhoods.
With a new Benson Hill Community Plan Advisory Board acting as
a unifying and representative body for the various neighborhoods,
Benson Hill residents and businesses can expect a clearer
communication channel with government decision -making. This
coalition of neighborhoods can address inequities in resources
available to Benson Hill as a whole and within its geographic regions
by advocating for this plan. Over time, the Advisory Board may need
to update the plan to address changing conditions and neighborhood
goals. In the meantime, the collaborative effort that created this
plan will continue through the Advisory Council -City connection, and
as Benson Hill grows and changes, this plan clarifies a community -
supported route forward.
72 City of Renton