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Three-year Plan Community Development (1981-1983)
City of Renton 3 YEAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT : �a ,g_ 2 koi, \,._ _ lit 10 , ill ili --: 0 ----- \:7*‘11 \-V\It;4----,, ) Ate,41,...,- - \--- _____,,„ _.,1.,4yai,:ifg,a, foik ',Of N4T":- il Y IA fw-_,. qt-72.77 - 4#V '''. . kid • .4' ' J , ,. �` law.. -....,,...,_., 1 C1-1-1 pi A. --------_____a •"Iiiiiiiiii."-- 1---_-:5 T• 'vie it r„,:, 111 ,1 >, it.-- " '•. • WWI WI t.? 11 './ 144-11 Ili'l"%ir :t' I d j 0 0 Planning Department September 1980 City of Renton 3 YEAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Prepared by the City of Renton Planning Department in conjunction with the City Council Community Services Committee and the 1981 Block Grant Citizens' Advisory Committee September 1980 1981 HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE VESTA BOLSTAD Senior Citizens' Advisory Committee NSA Resident Member of 1979 and 1980 Citizens Committees DIXON LONG NSA Resident KATHY KEOLKER Renton Hill Residents Association, Member of 1979 and 1980 Citizens Advisory Committees KATIE GILLIGAN NSA Resident, Member of 1980 Citizens Committee A. J. LADNER Executive Director, Housing Authority of Renton MARGARET PROCTOR Past City Council member and member of Human Rights Commission MIKE KELLEY NSA Resident Renton Historical Society TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF LAND USE 1 HOUSING STOCK 1-2 GENERAL POPULATION PROFILE 2 GENERAL COMMUNITY ISSUES 3 EXISTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - PLAN CONCEPTS A. NEIGHBORHOOD STRATEGY AREA 3 B. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES 4 C . HOUSING OBJECTIVES 4 D. SOCIAL OBJECTIVES 4 E. ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES 4 THE BLOCK GRANT STATEMENT OF NEEDS 5-6 FUNDING STRATEGIES/PRIORITIES 7 HOUSING 7 PUBLIC/NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS 8 PARKS, COMMUNITY CENTERS, AND OPEN SPACE 8 PUBLIC SERVICES 9 OTHER 9 CITIZEN PARITIPATION 9 OTHER FUNDS 10 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF LAND USE Renton was incorporated in 1901, as one of the oldest cities in the Puget Sound region. The economic life of Renton rises and falls in direct relationship to the market for products produced by a few very large industries located within the city. In the early decades of the century, coal mining and logging dominated the economy; more recently, aerospace and heavy metal product fabrication have been the major industrial activities. The City of Renton is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington and contains 15.3 square miles of land area. Residential land use within the city is characterized by rapidly expanding low density developments, which radiate from the older, central core of town. Business and commercial use is concentrated in the city center, along major arterials and in small neighborhood centers. The City of Renton Airport dominates the northwest area of the city, and the Cedar River cuts through the city diagonally from northwest to southeast. Industrial uses, which include the large Boeing and Pacific Car and Foundry operations, are concentrated in the north-central portion of the city and in the rapidly developing Green River Valley. In recent years, the conversion of land from agricultural and undeveloped to industrial use has accelerated in the 2,000 acre portion of the Green River Valley that lies within the city. Neighborhood Strategy Area Renton's Neighborhood Strategy Area encompasses the central core of the city. It is bordered by I-405 on the east, Rainier Avenue on the west, the airport and major industries on the north, and a commercial and arterial corridor on the south. The NSA comprises about 60 blocks, including the older central business district, as well as the surrounding residential neighborhoods, North Renton and South Renton. Although the NSA is strongly residential, with 26% of the land area devoted to single or multiple family dwellings, commercial, industrial and right-of-way uses cover much of the NSA. Specifically, commercial, industrial and right-of-way uses account for 50% of the land use by area, with right-of-way being the largest single category of land use. In spite of the large number of public rights-of-way, the NSA still experiences severe traffic problems, related to the large industrial employers located to the north. Although non-residential land uses form a major portion of the NSA, the residential areas to the north and south of the central business district are still well defined. The residential areas closest to the CBD are experiencing transitional impacts, however. This transitional character, and a corresponding lack of amenities, is reflected in South Renton, where only 1% of land uses are devoted to recreation, while North Renton has 3.1% of the land devoted to recreational uses. HOUSING STOCK There are approximately 13,900 housing units in the City of Renton, according to the preliminary figures from the 1980 Census. The majority of these units are single family residences, with a median value, according to the 1970 Census, slightly lower than the county-wide figure. At the time of the 1970 Census, the owner/renter ratio was 1:4. Preliminary 1980 Census information indicates an average vacancy rate of 6.7% for the city as a whole. -1- The condition of the housing stock varies considerably. Most are considered in good condition. However, as of 1975, some 12% of the total stock in Renton was in need of rehabilitation or repair. Adequate plumbing was lacking in 1.5% of the homes, and 4.4% were considered overcrowded. About 16% of Renton's homes were built before 1940, a figure which supports the 1978 assessment of housing condition. Some areas of the city contain as many as 43% pre-1940 homes. Neighborhood Strategy Area Renton's Neighborhood Strategy Area, according to preliminary 1980 Census figures, contains 2281 dwelling units. A recent land use survey completed by the City indicates that 75% of these units are single-family residences, the remainder being located in low, medium, or high density multi-family structures. The 1980 Census also indicates a vacancy rate of 5.8%, which is slightly less than that for Renton overall, and less than previous surveys. This decrease in vacancies may be attributed to population growth, as well, perhaps, as the region-wide trend toward smaller, older households. In 1978, it was reported that 27.3% of the housing stock inside the NSA was in need of repair. This figure correlates with income and age statistics, which provide an indicator of owner/tenant ability to maintain their homes. In Renton's COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN (1976), the area was shown to contain 46+% lower income families, and from 11% to 30% elderly persons (depending on the area within the NSA). Maintenance of homes is sometimes deferred, or neglected, because the owner does not possess the financial resources, or physical ability to perform the tasks. GENERAL POPULATION PROFILE According to the 1970 Census reports, Renton had a population of about 25,250 persons. Preliminary 1980 census figures indicate a population total of 28,500 for the city. In 1970, 9.5% of the population was 62 years of age, or older. Less 3% of the total population was non-white. The median income level was slightly below the county-wide median, while 8.5% of the population had incomes below the poverty level. Female heads of household occurred in 10.2% of all households. The unemployment rate was approximately 9.7%. Neighborhood Strategy Area Renton's Neighborhood Strategy Area, according to early 1980 Census returns, has a population of 4321 persons. The 1970 Census reported that 20.2% of the NSA's population was 62 years of age or older, which far exceeded the county-wide average. By contrast, 21.6% of the population was under age 18, compared to the King County average of 39%. Approximately 43% of the households were classified as lower income, with incomes less than 80% of the county-wide median. Further, 6.3% of households in the NSA had incomes below the poverty level. In Polk's PROFILES OF CHANGE, 1974-75, 31.4% of the population was listed as one person households, 8% of the households had female heads, and 52.1% were rented. It may be concluded the population of the NSA was less affluent, older, and contained more minority persons than the rest of the city, or King County as a whole. -2- GENERAL COMMUNITY ISSUES Because of its physical location, Renton serves as a hub of commercial, industrial and transportation activity. Although this activity has benefited the city, it has also created some general problems. The City's large day-time employment population has resulted in major traffic congestion. Moreover, Renton's location at the south end of Lake Washington funnels regional traffic routes through the city. This traffic, along with commercial and industrial expansion within the city, has threatened some of the older residential areas. Renton is one of the oldest cities in the Puget Sound Region. Many of its homes, particularly those in the North Renton, South Renton, Highlands, Kennydale, Honeydew/President Park and Maplewood neighborhoods, were constructed prior to or during World War II. Housing surveys have indicated a high percentage of these are in substandard condition. Other areas in the developing fringe of the City experience similar problems. Residential development within Renton and in nearby unincoporated King County is taxing City services, utilities and recreational facilities. Large residential developments and industrial expansion in the Green River Valley are rapidly converting wetlands and natural wildlife habitat to urban uses. Based upon these problems, the preservation of residential neighborhoods, provision of adequate urban services, and protection of the natural environmental character are the primary issues affecting the city over the next three years. EXISTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - PLAN CONCEPTS Following a concentrated citizen participation and planning process, the city formally adopted a Community Development Plan in October 1976. This document set forth objectives to guide the City in designing new projects and programs under the Housing and Community Development Block Grant Program. With minor modifications that have been made, these plan concepts should be valuable in guiding the City in its use of block grant funds over the next three years. A. NEIGHBORHOOD STRATEGY AREA: The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) encourages applicants for block grant funds to designate appropriate areas in which various programs can be carried out in a concentrated and coordinated manner. HUD defines this Neighborhood Strategy Area (NSA) as 'an area selected by the applicant and designated in its 3-Year Community Development Plan for a program of concentrated community development activities'. Block Grant funds then provide funds for a 'combination of physical improvements, necessary public facilities and services, housing programs, private investment and citizen self-help activities appropriate to the needs of the area.' In 1975 the City identified a community development target area. This area was defined as the older downtown portion of the City. The City further defined this area in 1978 when it was designated a national NSA by HUD. 1. Continue to concentrate revilatization projects and housing preservation efforts within the present boundaries of the NSA over the next three years. 2. Identify other potential NSA's throughout the City. A secondary NSA may be designated over the next three years. The secondary NSA may receive block grant funds for initial revitalization projects. -3- B. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES: 1. Encourage and assist citizens to obtain information on available housing and public service programs. 2. Design projects and programs which directly benefit low and moderate income citizens or eliminate blighted conditions. 3. Assure an open housing market and equal opportunity for all irrespective of sex, marital status, race, color or national origin. 4. Provide opportunities for citizens to participate in an advisory role in all phases of the program. 5. Plan for and evaluate both intended and unintended social, economic, and environmental impacts of major program actions to assure the achievement of the overall goals of the Housing and Community Development Program. C. HOUSING OBJECTIVES: 1. Conserve and expand the housing stock in order to provide a decent home and suitable living environment for all persons, but principally those of low and moderate income. 2. Assure adequate housing supply to low and moderate income persons through: (1) rehabilitation of existing single family units, (2) rehabilitation of multi-family units for lower-income households, and (3) assisting in the construction of new subsidized multi-family units for both families and elderly persons. D. SOCIAL OBJECTIVES: 1. Expand and improve the quantity and quality of community services, principally for persons of low and moderate income, which are essential for sound community development and for the development of viable urban communities. 2. Improve the personal well being, health, safety of those residents who need additional social services because of age, handicaps or economic conditions. 3. Encourage personal development and self-sufficiency of persons of low and moderate income, the elderly, and the handicapped. E. ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES: 1. Provide open space and recreational facilities located and designed to improve neighborhoods and to serve low and moderate income persons. 2. Minimize and mitigate adverse industrial, commercial, and residential blighting influences. 3. Assure desirable environmental quality in residential areas. -4- THE BLOCK GRANT STATEMENT OF NEEDS In 1975 the City recognized that the older residential neighborhoods surrounding the central business district were in a gradual state of decline. The residential character of the two neighborhoods bordering the downtown, North Renton and South Renton, were seriously threatened by competing land use demands from expanding commercial and industrial development. Census information revealed that the area had the highest percentage of both low income and elderly households. A housing inventory conducted by the City also indicated that the area had the highest concentration of houses in substandard condition. With the initiation of the block grant program in 1975, the City designated this central area as a target area for revitalization and rehabitation. Through an extensive citizen participation process, specific needs for the area were identified. Among these were: (1) the need for better pedestrian access to and from employment areas, parks, civic centers, and commercial districts, (2) the lack of permanent facilities available for senior citizens for information, recreation, and health services, (3) the need for recreational and park facilities for the handicapped and elderly, (4) the need for improved and permanent health care services for senior citizens, and (5) the need for housing rehabilitation assistance and increased housing supply for low income families and individuals. During the first five years of the program, the city utilized block grant funds in an attempt to meet these needs. A 1.3 mile pedestrian trail/linear park connecting various parks, governmental facilities and commercial activities was constructed along the Cedar River. The Senior Center along with an adjacent park specifically designed for the elderly was constructed along the trail system. A health care program was initiated which continues to offer free health care to elderly and low income citizens. A housing rehabilitation program was begun in 1978 which has resulted in over 70 houses (36 within the NSA) to date receiving substantial rehabilitation. In conjunction with completion of the above noted projects, the City is attempting to address other needs of the NSA and to continue revitalization of the area. These needs have been identified through an extensive citizen participation process. Over the past two years an active citizen committee consisting of 23 different residents has had 30 meetings dealing with the needs of the area. In addition to the required public hearings, two general neighborhood meetings have been held attended by over 60 residents. The following needs of the NSA are a result of this citizen input plus input received from the City Council and various City departments: ■ The need for new sidewalks or repair to existing sidewalks in both neighborhoods ■ The need for additional walkways between various activity centers, specifically along the Burlington Northern Right-of-way between downtown and the Cedar River ■ The need for general public improvements in both neighborhoods, particularly South Renton -5- ■ The need for various alley improvements ■ The need for improved crosswalks, traffic signs and road maintenance in South Renton ■ The need for replacement of the Wells Street Bridge • The need for improvement of the Shattuck Bridge Underpass ■ The need for better traffic control, particularly in North Renton • The need for fencing and other improvements along the railroad tracks in South Renton and the need for landscape buffering along the railroad rights-of-way ■ The need for trees along neighborhood streets and other landscape buffers to help soften the impact of other development in the neighborhoods ■ The need for additional code enforcement in the area, particularly for old appliances and inoperable cars stored on front lawns and along public rights-of-way ■ The need for general yard cleanup • The need for neighborhood educational programs to promote neighborhood pride and cleanup activities ■ The need for an on-going housing repair program . The need for an on-going minor home repair/chore service program for elderly and disabled persons ■ The need for a weatherization program and a self-help (tool bank) program ■ The need for a land banking program to acquire land in the downtown area for future senior housing ■ The need for redevelopment of the City's present shop site ■ The need for additional parking at the Senior Center ■ The need for additional parking at Cedar River Terrace ■ The need to acquire open space adjacent to the NSA ■ The need to continue development of the Cedar River Trail System ■ The need for bicycle routes throughout the City ■ The need for a community center for the central area which is available for neighborhood meetings ■ The need for refurbishment of Mothers Park ■ The need for convenient health care services and youth activities ■ The need to assist social service agencies in locating and securing permanent office space ■ The need to preserve historic structures in the downtown area, particularly the Old Fire Station and Old Holmes Electric Building ■ The need for opticom units throughout the NSA, particularly on North Park Street -b- FUNDING STRATEGIES/PRIORITIES In order to meet the many needs of its central area, the City of Renton will continue to concentrate Block Grant resources over the next three years in the presently designated Neighborhood Strategy Area (NSA). The City recognizes that no one solution exists for solving all of the identified needs of this area. An attempt will be made, therefore, to design a concentrated and coordinated program which over the next three years will provide funds for a combination of physical improvements, necessary public facilities and services, housing programs, and citizen self-help activities appropriate to the needs of the area. At the same time, the City recognizes that other neighborhoods experience problems similar to those of the central area. An attempt will be made, therefore, to identify other potential NSA's throughout the City. A secondary NSA may be designated within the next three years, and may receive Block Grant funds for initial revitalization projects. The City will then be in a position to turn its full attention to this area when revitalization efforts are completed in the present NSA. Over the next three years the City will utilize the following strategies and priorities to direct the expenditure of its Block Grant funds: Housing: Programs intended to conserve or expand the housing stock and to provide a suitable living environment for low and moderate income citizens should receive the highest priority over the next three years. Specific strategies are: 1. Maintain or increase the level of past Block Grant funding for the following City efforts: Housing Repair Program, Minor Home Repair/Yard Cleanup Program, Fire Prevention/Smoke Detector Program, and Emergency Repair Program. 2. Initiate the following new programs (if determined feasible): Self-help workshops, a tool-bank, an independent weatherization program, an independent low interest housing repair program and a self-help housing construction program. 3. Undertake efforts to link the private sector with present and future housing programs. 4. Continue support of the Neighborhood Strategy Area Program, under which HUD provides assistance to tenants in rental buildings. Block Grant funds will be used to pay for administration and relocation costs associated with upgrading the apartments. 5. Continue support of King County programs, such as the 312 Low Interest Loan Program, Unified Weatherization Program, Senior Housing Program, and new Lender Low Interest Program. Information on these three programs and referral services should be made available to Renton citizens. 6. Cooperate with the Housing Authority of Renton on ways to provide more affordable rental housing units for senior citizens. A land banking program for purchasing land for future senior housing should be initiated. -7- Public/Neighborhood Improvements: Projects and programs intended to replace or upgrade public improvements and to enrich the environmental and aesthetic quality of targeted residential neighborhoods should receive high priority. Specific strategies are: 1. In order to make funds for public improvements more effective from a community development standpoint, concentrate new projects in a small geographical area as well as relate them to past projects. 2. Through each new project, specifically attempt to meet the needs established in the Statement of Needs section. 3. Give higher priority to sidewalks, pathways and removal of architectural barriers than to other public improvements, such as street improvements, storm drainage, etc. Sidewalks in the NSA which are judged to be in substandard or unsafe condition should be replaced. 4. Accord special consideration to pathway or walkway projects which link activity areas. Through acquisition of the Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way, provide a pedestrian corridor linking the downtown business district to the Cedar River Trail. 5. Utilize Block Grant funds as a catalyst for re-development of the City's old shop site. 6. Encourage neighborhood projects such as the new Neighborhood Cleanup Program. Initiate a neighborhood educational program to promote neighborhood pride and cleanup activities. 7. Implement special beautification projects which help soften the impact of commercial and industrial development and which compliment other physical improvements. Parks, Community Centers, and Open Space: The City recognizes the significant amount of resources which have been invested in parks and recreational facilities for the central area since 1975. The City plans to complete certain unfinished projects over the next three years. Specific strategies are: 1. Complete the renovation of Liberty Park Community Center. When completed this facility will serve as a community center for the central area. 2. Provide additional parking at the Renton Senior Center. 3. Continue development of the Cedar River Trail System. Ensure the preservation of open space along the river between FAI-405 and the King County Cedar River Regional Park. 4. Utilize Block Grant funds as a catalyst to preserve threatened wildlife habitat, specifically the Panther Creek Wetlands. 5. Complete designated bicycle routes connecting the central area to other activity and employment areas. 6. If determined appropriate, initiate efforts to renovate the Highlands Administration Building. This renovation could serve as a focal point for designation of a future NSA. -8- Public Services: Public service programs should be provided as part of a program of concentrated community development activity. Specific strategies are: 1. Support local service programs which directly benefit low income and elderly households. 2. Encourage local service program agencies to concentrate resources within the NSA (Federal regulations require that Block Grant funds be provided for public services only in an NSA). 3. Allocate up to fifteen percent (15%) of the total amount of City Block Grant funds to public services. 4. Afford planning and financial assistance to local agencies in finding permanent office space. Acquisition and renovation of a downtown structure or renovation of the Highlands Administration Building should be considered. 5. Examine program results on a yearly basis. Provide data to both City and federal officials to indicate the number of benefitting low and moderate income persons. Other: Although considered as a lower priority, projects and programs which pursue tie following objectives may be considered for Block Grant funding: 1. Economic Development - Projects to strengthen the identity of a business district, to increase the capacity of the local business organization to initiate projects, and to improve the appearance and functioning of a business district will be considered based upon the following criteria: (a) projects must ensure that direct or secondary benefits, such as increased employment opportunities, will accrue to low and moderate income persons and (b) business districts will be expected to make a financial contribution to any proposed project. 2. Historic Preservation - Any proposals involving the preservation of historic structures will be considered (if a clear benefit to low and moderate income persons can be demonstrated). Special consideration will be given to projects which utilize historic structures to house Block Grant funded activities, such as social service agencies, or which provide for the housing needs of low and moderate income persons. 3. Fire Protection - Fire protection programs or acquisition of equipment will be considered if it can be demonstrated that they will principally benefit low and moderate income people and if they relate to an overall package of community development activities. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Over the next three years the City will continue to provide opportunities for citizens to participate in planning, implementing and assessing the Block Grant Program. A Citizens' Advisory Committee made up of both residents of the NSA and general community will annually review needs of the area, help design projects and programs to meet these needs, and formulate and present to the City Council a proposal. A public hearing will be held at the initial stage of planning to solicit additional citizen input. Special neighborhood meetings, similar to those held the past two years, will also be conducted. -9- OTHER FUNDS The City has in the past demonstrated the ability to use local, state and other federal funding sources in conjunction with Block Grant monies. The City is presently utilizing over $140,000 of local monies to supplement Block Grant funds in the Burnett Corridor Project. Extensive additional street improvements using local funds are planned for the South Renton neighborhood. A large commitment of local funds were for construction of the Senior Center. Block Grant funds were also used as a match to attract $192,000 from the IAC for the Cedar River Trail. Over the next three years the City will continue this policy of locating and securing funds from other sources to be used in conjunction with Block Grant funds. H D NEI B RH STRATEGY AREA i i Oj 1 ,._, LAKE — - 1 1 1, WASHINGTON — r _:1 i• Illige f 1 ii I . \\BOEING I , - / I� lo \ Z \c' p N.6 thN 10 • D II PAC. CAR inn _ • ...y ‘ �� , \ ci NTo 1 _ J II II IF/ r \‘ ‘ -± 1111.11r ' ! A IV, ,,,,. • tI_.,vP,\ -4.-1., .,. „I �0 1. 1 i 0t 112!L•AVEIL *y /' ....*. 4*11,i ) t . .'. Hl 'a F 3!! AVF �_ - 9! 7 o. r II ,_ ,,, ,‘\ J i l _ y, r-r-�\ \, 10 7 ; 1 ! s. 7th of GaP ma I i \ 00011,JO I °N W' - �• -- -----1 Wiz, , \ , : 1 -11- o /. ✓WLLi41' "C", AULt rk yJ %$ © THE CITY OF RENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING 200 MILL AVE. SO. RENTON,WASH. 98055 BARBARA Y. SHINPOCH, MAYOR • PLANNING DEPARTMENT 90 235- 2550 q91 SEPTP MEMORANDUM September 18 , 1980 TO: City Council Members FROM: Gordon Y. Ericksen, Planning Director By: Ed Hayduk, Housing & Community Development Coordinator Attached for your review is the proposed 3-YEAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. The Community Services Committee will be making a formal recommendation on adoption of the plan at the September 22nd City Council meeting. The Department of Housing and Urban Development requires that applicants for Housing and Community Development Block Grant funds prepare a Three Year Plan for Community Development . The plan identifies needs and presents a comprehensive strategy for meeting housing and community development goals over the next three program years (1881-1983) . The City does , however, have the option of amending the Plan before each program year . Through two workshops extensive input was received on the plan from the Block Grant Citizens ' Advisory Committee. The Committee officially endorsed the plan at its last meeting . Input received at past year' s committee meetings and neighborhood meetings held the past two years was also considered, particularly in the Statement of Needs section. In addition to the above meetings , two workshops concerning the plan were held with the Community Services Committee. Additional meetings were also held with various City departments . If you have any questions or comments concerning the plan, please contact this department. cc : Mayor Shinpoch Mike Parness All Department Heads Eh; sh