HomeMy WebLinkAboutSingla3 Attachment 2December 1, 2020
VIA EMAIL
City Council
City of Renton
1055 S. Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
Re: Proposed Interim Zoning Controls
Public Comment and Objection
Dear Honorable Council and Planning Department:
WILLIAMS KASTN ER'"
1119
City Clerk
City of Renton
1055 S. Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
My clients, Renton Hotel Investors, LLC, were invited to provide input regarding the attached Draft
ordinance currently under the Council's consideration.
As I have previously outlined in my written objection, which was followed by my public comments on
November 23, 2020, my clients remain opposed to this legislation and the Council's approach.
Since November 23, 2020, my clients have been subject to additional harassment and concerning
behavior. As you are aware, there was a recent incident at Renton Red Lion Inn, which required
assistance from the Renton Fire Department and Renton Police Department. During this incident, a
Renton Police Officer was heard (loudly enough for several people to hear) saying that he wished the
entire Renton Red Lion Inn would burn to the ground or flood so he would not have to deal with
"those people." This is the same attitude and approach my clients have previously experienced, and
now it is reaching a dangerous level where the same people who are dutybound to "protect and serve"
my clients are wishing harm upon them and their business.
The Council is considering passing this legislation during this same time where the pervasive and
explicit attitude from City of Renton officials, personnel, and business leaders are all designed to wish
harm upon my clients, either personally or on their livelihood.
My clients have agreed to provide a "redline" version of our comments to avoid being accused of or
dismissed for not being involved in the process. They are fully aware that their plea to not revise the
definition of "Hotel" or "Extended Stay" will fall on deaf ears, since this legislation seems to have been
predetermined to pass by the Council. After all, the City Council had initially considered this
legislation "by consent" without much (or any) prior notice, and is now deciding to delay consideration
7288611.1
for a bit because it heard overwhelming opposition to the proposed legislation during the public
comment period.
The United States, Washington State, and King County are experiencing record number of COVID-19
cases. The City of Renton, specifically, is experiencing a disproportionate increase in COVID-19 cases.
At the same time, the Council is considering limiting access to sustainable housing for the most
vulnerable who are almost certainly going to be susceptible to COVID-19 and increase the spread of the
disease just at the point when the Pandemic is peaking at a frighteningly alarming level. We hope the
collective conscience of the Council will force them to look to their better angels and be sympathetic to
the most vulnerable in our society.
We thank the Council for its time and attention to our input. We hope you reconsider the proposed
action, which is burdensome, procedurally improper, and unlawful under both state and federal law.
Very truly yours,
Sumeer Singla
206-233-2924
ssingla@williamskastner.com
7288611.1