HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Public_Comment_52_191211.msgSEATTLE
2 KING COUNTY
",44 -
REALTORS®
December 11, 2019
Hearing Examiner
c/o City Clerk's Office
Renton City Hall
1055 S Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
Re: Energize Eastside permit application # LUA18-000055
Dear Hearing Examiner:
The Seattle King County Realtors appreciate the opportunity to comment on the conditional use permit
application for Energize Eastside.
Realtors are keenly aware of both the importance and fragility of a robust economy. It must not be
taken for granted.
The Eastside is the fastest growing region in Washington. The area has established itself as a hub for
world-class businesses, and employment growth has created a rising demand for housing. Residents and
businesses are enjoying this economic prosperity, but it has taken a toll on our infrastructure, including
the local electric grid.
The existing electric grid serving PSE's Eastside area customers, including those in the city of Renton, had
its last major upgrade in the 1960's. Since then, the Eastside population has grown nearly eight times —
and this growth is projected to continue.
PSE's Eastside -area customers need the Energize Eastside project to ensure electric reliability to sustain
growing business, population and housing growth. Reliable power is not optional — PSE must plan to
federal reliability standards that protect customers from widespread power outages. East King County
needs this project to ensure that the community continues to be strong and thriving — which cannot
happen with the risk of rolling blackouts or major power outages.
A robust economy and strong neighborhoods are key ingredients to the high quality of life enjoyed by
the residents of Renton and throughout the Eastside. Over time, the economy and neighborhoods will
suffer absent a modernization in electrical infrastructure as envisioned by the Energize Eastside project.
Additionally, we are supportive of the project using the existing utility corridor as this minimizes costs as
well as impacts to the environment, residents and businesses.
We urge approval of the permit so the project can move forward as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
David Crowell
Director of Government and Public Affairs