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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Packet for 12/04/2017 AGENDA Committee of the Whole Meeting 5:30 PM - Monday, December 4, 2017 7th Floor, Conferencing Center, 7th Floor, City Hall – 1055 S. Grady Way 1. PUGET SOUND ACCESS UPDATE 2. SOUTHPORT STREET NAME CHANGE a) Revised Issue Paper b) Fact Sheet c) Presentation 3. SOURCE OF INCOME DISCRIMINATION DISCUSSION a) Memo b) Staff Report DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT M E M O R A N D U M DATE: December 4, 2017 TO: Armondo Pavone, Council President Members of Renton City Council VIA: Denis Law, Mayor FROM: C. E. “Chip” Vincent, CED Administrator (x6588) STAFF CONTACT: Cliff Long, Economic Development Director (x6591) SUBJECT: Revised Issue Paper: N Southport Drive – Street Name Change ISSUE: Should City Council approve a street name change for the portion of N Park Drive situated between the termination of Logan Ave N and Interstate-405 (I-405) to “N Southport Drive”? RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends Council approve the street name change from N Park Drive to N Southport Drive and NE Park Drive to NE Sunset Blvd respectively. BACKGROUND SUMMARY: In December 2016, the City received an informal request from SECO Development, developer for the Southport Master Planned project, to change the N Park Drive street name to N Southport Drive west of I-405. Pursuant to RMC 9-11, the street grid system addressing standards facilitate consistent response by emergency services and provide uniform application guidelines which include naming conventions. However, a written process to request street name changes within the City does not exist. Historically, City Council initiates such requests, holds a public hearing, and if approved adopts a Resolution to finalize the street name change. The proposed street name change is for the segment of N Park Drive, situated between I-405 and the eastern termination of Logan Ave N. The subject street is an east/west primary arterial road with several names beginning with Logan Ave N transitioning to N Park Drive as it travels east towards I-405. Just east of I-405 the street name changes to NE Park Drive and then again to NE Sunset Blvd. Wayfinding along and in the vicinity of this street is complex due to confusion caused by identical street names with different suffixes and multiple street names over the length of the street. AGENDA ITEM #2. a) Armondo Pavone, Council President Page 2 of 3 December 4, 2017 Municipalities have an obligation to establish and maintain clear identification and provide effective wayfinding to promote commerce and public safety. The requested street name change would eliminate identical street names with different suffixes and allow for the street to be distinguished from the north/south segment of Park Ave N which extends northward from Bronson Way N, where it meets up with N Park Drive and how it transitions to NE Sunset Blvd. “N Southport Drive” would be named after the Southport waterfront development, a 2.4 million square foot mixed-use development on the shores of Lake Washington and within 500 feet of the subject street segment. The development includes three, 9-story buildings consisting of 728,769 square feet of Class A office space. Construction on the office campus began in January 2016, with occupancy scheduled for July 2018. The campus will join the 383 units of multi-family housing completed in 2008 and the 347- room Hyatt Regency Lake Washington and 43,000 square foot Conference Center completed July 2017. Upon completion of all three phases of Southport, it is expected 7,000 - 9,000 residents, tenants, patrons, and employees will visit the Southport development every day, likely making it one of the busiest areas of the City. Renaming the street segment, west of I-405, to “N Southport Drive” would serve to reduce the likelihood of motorist confusion for the anticipated increases in first time visitors to the area generated by the new Southport development. Abutting this approximate 1,910 foot (0.36 mile) segment requested to be changed, land uses such as multi-family residential, industrial manufacturing, and utility switchyards can be found amongst vacant/underdeveloped land. The street name change does not affect any current civic addresses. The name change could impact future addressing depending on how abutting properties redevelop and where access points would be located. Staff investigated whether the portion of NE Park Drive that extends east beyond I-405 should be changed to further clarify wayfinding into the Sunset Highlands. Given the Southport project and subsequently related traffic does not extend to that portion of NE Park Drive, a change to N Southport Drive wouldn’t improve wayfinding for what is the Sunset Community Planning Area. However, the name change to the west presents an opportunity for the Sunset Highlands to establish a sense of place east of I-405 through a street name change. Therefore, staff is recommending a street name change, for the NE Park Drive segment, to “NE Sunset Blvd”. Similar to N Southport Drive, renaming the street segment east of I-405 to NE Sunset Blvd would serve to reduce the likelihood of motorist confusion for the Sunset community planning area and the street name change also doesn’t affect current civic addresses. This segment will be differentiated from the north/south segment between AGENDA ITEM #2. a) Armondo Pavone, Council President Page 3 of 3 December 4, 2017 Bronson Way NE and NE Sunset Blvd, known as Sunset Blvd NE with the use of a NE prefix as opposed to the NE suffix. Abutting this approximate 2,600 foot (0.5 mile) segment requested to be changed, multi-family residential land use can be found amongst vacant/underdeveloped land. City staff also solicited comments from Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) given a portion of the street segment is located within WSDOT right-of-way. WSDOT indicated there was no opposition to the street name/exit signage change as long as WSDOT bears no cost. SECO Development would be required to apply to the WSDOT King and Snohomish Development Services Division for changes to Interstate- 405, Exit-5 signage necessitated by the new street name and bear all cost associated with sign replacement. The date of implementation is proposed for January 1, 2018, so as to allow sufficient time for coordination with WSDOT for changes in exit signage on the interstate. To accommodate the required street name changes, it will also be necessary to replace affected local street signs. A review of the affected intersections by the Transportation Department has revealed that seven signs will be required to be replaced on local streets. SECO Development would be required to coordinate with the Transportation Department for the replacement of all street signage and bear all costs associated with sign replacement. CONCLUSION: The N Southport Drive street name change has been reviewed by the City staff and is found to be in conformance with the intent of RMC 9-11, Street Grid System. The change to N Southport Drive would provide for a unique identity reflecting the waterfront character of the neighboring developments and Gene Coulon Memorial Park as well as improve wayfinding. Similarly, the change to NE Sunset Blvd would reduce the likelihood of motorist confusion for the Sunset Community Planning Area. Therefore, staff recommends approval of the renaming of N Park Drive to N Southport Drive and NE Park Drive to NE Sunset Blvd respectively. cc: Jay Covington, CAO Jason Seth, City Clerk Jan Hawn, Administrative Services Administrator Gregg Zimmerman, Public Works Administrator Kelly Beymer, Community Services Administrator AGENDA ITEM #2. a) FACT SHEET + ACCESS Southport Office Campus can be accessed via Lake Washington Boulevard near the Northeast corner of the project and by Water Taxi beginning in 2019. I-405 on- and off-ramps are 2 minutes away. The Park Avenue expansion will create an additional ingress/ egress near the Southend of the project, connecting the Future Renton Transit Center, The Landing and the Southport campus. LOADING 14-16% (single tenant) 16-22% (multi tenant) STRUCTURAL FRAMING Post-tension concrete; structural load: dead load 10 PSF with live load 80 PSF FLOOR TO FLOOR HEIGHTS Floors 1-4: 12’6” Floors 5-9: 12’4” WINDOWS 9’0” high with 1,111 operable windows HVAC SYSTEM Designed with Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) and Dedicated Outside Air System (DOAS) air handlers which provide energy efficiency and over 25% savings to Tenants, while providing a no- noise mechanical system. System designed based on a occupancy of 120 feet / person. POWER Overall power to the project is 12,000 amps (each tower has 3,000 amp service). 1,500 KW emergency generator with three additional bays with conduit pathways for tenant generator(s). 3 BUILDINGS, 9 FLOORS EACH Building 1: 241,798 RSF Building 2: 244,492 RSF Building 3: 197,474 RSF BUILDING AREA Approximately 683,764 RSF of office space YEAR BUILT Under construction; slated delivery for late Q4 2018 SECURITY Card readers provided at all main entry points, all other exterior doors will be provided with door contacts and prep for card readers.  Additionally, the main entry points in and throughout the development have been provided with security cameras.  Parking garage elevators are separate from the main office tower elevators to provide additional security points. COMMUNICATION Fiber Optic Signal Service provided by Cogent. Dark Fiber provided by Zayo. ELEVATORS: Parking Garage Elevators: Five dedicated parking garage elevators. Office Building 1 elevators:  One entry ADA & Podium Elevator Lift, five dedicated passenger elevators and one dedicated service elevator with access to garage, office & roof.* Office Building 2 elevators:  One entry ADA & Podium Elevator Lift, five dedicated passenger elevators and one dedicated service elevator with access to garage, office & roof.* Office Building 3 elevators:  Four dedicated passenger elevators and one dedicated service elevator with access to garage, office & roof.* *Service elevators also provide passenger service PARKING:2.4/1,000 stalls onsite 26 electric car stalls Visitor parking is located throughout the Southport campus ADDITIONAL AMENITIES Secured storage for 197 bikes, with bike repair station, and exterior racks for 35 bikes. Secure storage for kayaks and paddle boards Three sets of showers and locker rooms Multiple exterior tenant signage opportunities A G E N D A I T E M # 2 . b ) STREET NAME CHANGE Wate r T a x i Futur e Trans i t C e n t e r The Landing HISTORIC DOWNTOWN 1 2 3 N 8th St Gene Coulon Memorial Beach ParkLake W a s h i n g t o n N So u t h p o r t D r P a r k A v e N P a r k A v e N 75th A v e L o g a n A v e N G a r d e n A v e N N 10th Pl N 10th St H o u s e r W a y N L a k e W a s h i n g t o n B l v d N N S o u t h p o r t D r Airport Way S 2nd St Sun s e t B l v d N E Brons o n W a y N Sun s e t B l v d N E 169 C e d a r R i v e r C e d a r R i v e r Ced a r R i v e r Cedar River Ra i n i e r A v e S S 3rd St NE Sunset Blvd. N E S u n s e t B l v d . A G E N D A I T E M # 2 . b ) c:\users\jmedzegian\appdata\local\microsoft\windows\temporary internet files\content.outlook\36mwjbc5\memo  to cc ‐ soid.docx  DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY  & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT    M   E   M   O   R   A   N   D   U   M     DATE: December 4, 2017    TO: Armondo Pavone, Council President  Members of Renton City Council     VIA: Denis Law, Mayor     FROM: C. E. “Chip” Vincent, CED Administrator     STAFF CONTACT: Paul Hintz, Senior Planner     SUBJECT: Source of Income Discrimination – Answers to Council  Questions     On September 11, 2017, staff presented information regarding Source of Income Discrimination  (SOID) [see attachment], specifically, a comparison of Washington jurisdictions known to have  regulations that prohibit SOID. During the presentation staff was asked several questions; this  memo serves to answer those questions.    1. Are those jurisdictions with regulatory protection for only Section 8 vouchers  considering expanding the protected sources of income?  A. Bellevue: Not at this time.  B. King County: Not at this time.  C. Kirkland: Not at this time.  D. Redmond: Not at this time.  2. When did each jurisdiction adopt their regulatory protections?  E. Auburn: 2017 (January)   F. Bellevue: 2014  G. Kent: 2017 (January)   H. King County: 2008  I. Kirkland: 2013  J. Redmond: 2012  K. Tumwater: 2010  L. Vancouver, WA: 2015  3. Other than Section 8 vouchers, what are these other income sources that some  jurisdictions protect?  AGENDA ITEM #3. a) Members of Renton City Council  Page 2 of 3  December 4, 2017      c:\users\jmedzegian\appdata\local\microsoft\windows\temporary internet files\content.outlook\36mwjbc5\memo  to cc ‐ soid.docx  A. Supplemental Security Income: The Supplemental Security Income (SSI)  program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income  and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without  disabilities who meet the financial limits.  B. Other Retirement Programs: Any private or employer‐provided retirement  program (e.g., 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, etc.)  C. Any federal, state, local, or nonprofit‐administered benefit or subsidy  programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known  as the Food Stamp Program), Unemployment Benefits, student loans, etc.   D. Veteran’s benefits: The Veterans Benefits Administration offers a wide‐variety  of benefits and services to Veterans. Examples include: Disability Compensation;  Special Monthly Compensation; the HUD‐Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing  (HUD‐VASH) program; and Veterans’ Pension.    E. Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF): TANF is a federal assistance  program that provides cash assistance to indigent American families through  the United States Department of Health and Human Services. This cash benefit  is often referred to simply as "welfare." The Act provides temporary financial  assistance while aiming to get people off of that assistance, primarily through  employment. There is a maximum of 60 months of benefits within one's  lifetime, but some states have instituted shorter periods.   F. Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) Benefits: The ABD program provides cash  assistance to eligible low‐income adults who are age 65 or older, blind, or  determined likely to meet Supplemental Security Income disability criteria  based on a physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least 12  consecutive months.  G. Housing and Essential Needs (HEN): The program provides access to essential  needs items and potential housing assistance for low‐income adults who are  unable to work for at least 90 days due to a physical or mental incapacity and  are ineligible for Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance.  H. Housing Assistance: A general term referencing any benefit or subsidy offered  specifically for rent (e.g., Section 8 vouchers, HUD‐VASH vouchers, Non‐Elderly  Disabled (NED) vouchers, etc.). Generally, broad terminology such as this is used  to capture any program that may be developed after legislation is adopted.  I. Public Assistance: A general term describing programs, financed from Federal,  State, and in some instances, local funds, providing aid to families on the basis  of need and usually also of other eligibility requirements. The assistance may be  in the form of money (debit card or check) or vendor payments for goods and  services (e.g., SNAP, TANF).   J. General Assistance Programs: General Assistance programs share two defining  characteristics. They are funded and administered entirely by the state, county,  and/or locality in which the program operates. And they provide benefits to  low‐income people who are not eligible for federal assistance. General  AGENDA ITEM #3. a) Members of Renton City Council  Page 3 of 3  December 4, 2017      c:\users\jmedzegian\appdata\local\microsoft\windows\temporary internet files\content.outlook\36mwjbc5\memo  to cc ‐ soid.docx  Assistance in Washington State: Washington provides general assistance—cash  grants and medical benefits—to three groups of adults without dependents:  those temporarily unable to work due to a physical or mental incapacity;  individuals awaiting approval for federal SSI benefits; and other low‐income  populations not eligible for other forms of public assistance.  4. Which programs deliver payment directly to the landlord?  A. Housing and Essential Needs  B. Housing Assistance (e.g., Section 8 vouchers)    5. What is done to ensure Section 8 vouchers keep up with inflation?  The ability of Section 8 vouchers to keep pace with inflation is dependent on federal  funding of the Housing Choice Voucher program. The U.S. Department of Housing and  Urban Development (HUD) annually estimates Fair Market Rents (FMRs), which are used  to determine payment standard amounts for the program.     In general, the amount of subsidy a household receives is equal to the payment  standard, minus 30 percent of the tenant’s adjusted gross income. Voucher payment  standards are based on several factors, including the HUD’s FMR for the  Seattle/Bellevue area, local vacancy rates and other local market information.     HUD provides funds to allow Public Housing Authorities (PHA) to make housing  assistance payments on behalf of the families. When additional funds become available  to assist new families, HUD invites PHAs to submit applications for funds for additional  housing vouchers. Applications are then reviewed and funds awarded to the selected  PHAs on a competitive basis.     6. What proofs of income do landlords require?  Landlords may require proof of income via, but not limited to, tax returns, bank  statements, 1099’s, proof of government payments, student loan or grant award  documents, and Court Orders for child or spousal support. Landlords may also require  information that demonstrates the reliability of such income or the prospective tenants’  debt to income ratio through such means as employer‐verified employment history or a  credit report.   AGENDA ITEM #3. a) Page 1 of 2 CITY OF RENTON Community and Economic Development Department Source of Income Discrimination Staff: Paul Hintz (presented by C.E. “Chip” Vincent) Date: September 11, 2017 Applicant or Requestor: N/A ______________________________________________________________________________ General Description: Source of Income Discrimination (SOID) refers to landlords refusing to accept legitimate forms of income, such as Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, from existing or potential tenants. Some jurisdictions have adopted SOID provisions that require landlords accept other forms of rental income (refer to chart on next page). This report is intended to provide City Council examples of other sources of income that might warrant protection from discrimination. Background: In 1974, to combat the concentration of poverty and racial segregation in housing, the federal government developed the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program (now known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program), which supplies vouchers to low-income tenants to assist with rental payments. However, despite receiving vouchers to help with rental payments, participants in the program are said to still experience substantial difficulties obtaining housing due to landlords unwilling to accept these legitimate subsidies provided by the federal government. In November of 2016, the Renton City Council declared a public emergency in response to an alarming increase in the number of landlords refusing to accept Section 8 vouchers, and passed Ordinance 5826 to prohibit such action. Ordinance 5826 was only effective until August 1, 2017; however, Ordinance 5847 was approved in June of 2017 and removes the expiration date of this particular tenant protection. While the passage of Ordinance 5826 (and Ordinance 5847) helps low-income Section 8 participants secure housing by eliminating the ability of landlords to not accept this particular source of income, there are other sources of income that might deserve the same protections, such as: Social Security, Veteran’s benefits, retirement programs, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) benefits, or any federal, state, or local subsidy programs. Next Steps: Consider if other forms of rental assistance should be protected from discrimination. See attached matrix showing what is protected in other jurisdictions. AGENDA ITEM #3. b) SOID Page 2 of 2 September 11, 2017 Comparison of Washington Jurisdictions with SOID Protections WA Jurisdictions Protected Source of Income Auburn Social Security, supplemental security income, retirement programs, any federal, state, or local subsidy programs. Bellevue Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Kent Social Security, supplemental security income, other retirement programs, and any federal, state, local, or nonprofit-administered benefit or subsidy programs, including housing assistance, public assistance, and general assistance programs. King County Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Kirkland Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Redmond Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Tumwater "federal housing assistance" Vancouver Federal and state public benefits, such as (but not limited to) Social Security, Veteran’s benefits, retirement, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) benefits. Rent subsidies from federal, state or local housing programs, such as (but not limited to) the Section 8 voucher program, Share Aspire, or the Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) program. AGENDA ITEM #3. b)