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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02_Mayors Newsletter_072016This Week from the Mayor JULY 21, 2016 Renton Police, Pastors Continue Partnership Last week I shared information about our partnership with Renton’s African-American pastors. We had originally planned to take some time off and not have our July meeting, but after the senseless violence last week I thought it was important for us to get together and talk about how this has impacted us. We had a great meeting last Monday. We also had a surprise visit from Deborah Horne from KIRO TV, who did a story about our partnership. The annual Renton River Days festival packs a lot of action in just three days, July 22-24. Be there when over 4,000 rubber ducks are released into the Cedar River. Considering the festival is over 25 years old–that is a “specquackular” number! The ducks will launch from the Houser Bridge at 4:00 p.m. on July 24. We have over 40,000 people coming to the festival every year. I hope you’re one of them. KUDOS ARTS COMMISSION TURNS 50; AWARDS GRANTS Congratulations to the residents and organizations that received a total of $7,450 grants from the Renton Municipal Arts Commission. The commission, which has been around 50 years, longer than any other in King County, helps local individuals and organizations fulfill their goals for developing and supporting arts and culture in the City of Renton. A HAPPY RETURN To Officer Wilkinson of the Renton PD and our Animal Control for the return of Shawn Sullivan’s companion dog. In wife Erika’s email to us she praised the RPD’s front office staff for their “understanding, calming and excellent” customer service. Animal Control found little Paco and Officer Wilkinson not only retuned him but suggested they have Paco microchipped, which they did. Thank you for providing both excellent service and useful information. RENTON TECHNICAL COLLEGE IS TOP 10 IN THE NATION Renton Technical College (RTC) was just named the 10th best community college in the nation by SmartAsset. In the state, only Whatcom Community College in Bellingham ranks above RTC. Congratulations to RTC President Dr. Kevin McCarthy, his staff, faculty, and students. Cedar River Dredging on Schedule We have been working on the Cedar River to remove more than 120,000 cubic yards of gravel and sediment from the river to reduce the risk of flooding and protect our airport, companies such as Boeing and homes, roads and bridges. After about five weeks of work, we’re pleased the work is proceeding on time. When complete, the project will stabilize the river bank, storm runoff will be improved and vegetation will be planted on both sides. The dredging must be completed by August 31, with project completion set for November. In total, it will cost $13 million for the dredging and $7.5 million for the construction. The King County Flood Control District is paying the total cost. Exciting Downtown Developments One of my and the City Council’s top priorities continues to be downtown revitalization. We have made lots of progress. The most visible project currently under construction is The Lofts at 2nd and Main. Scheduled for completion this fall, it is six stories with 101 residential units and 4,000 square feet of street front retail space. The new Four Generals Brewery, located on Wells Avenue between South 2nd and South 3rd Street, will open this Friday at 12:01 p.m. and I encourage you to stop in and welcome them. The historic Cortona building is being completely renovated and has signed its first tenant– Urban Sprouts, a retailer of indoor plants, gardening items and gifts. With over 10,000 square feet of retail space, the building will have four commercial tenants. The Cortona building originally housed Woolworth in 1954, and more recently Renton Western Wear. Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance has purchased the building at 332 Burnett Ave South. They are planning a major renovation, and when completed the facility will include workout areas, locker rooms, rehab facility, massage therapy and potentially a smoothie/coffee bar. I will have more to share about their progress in fall. The McLendon’s building has a new tenant, Intermountain Lock & Security Supply. They will be starting with 10-15 employees in the first year, and building up to 18-30. The famous Delancy building, known for its landmark “slanting” roof has a new owner, and the Thrift Store on South 3rd has been sold and will be redeveloped. Stay tuned for more information on these two properties. We have millions of dollars of investment taking place in downtown Renton and we are going to see a lot of exciting new development. URBAN SPROUTS VIGOR GROUND FITNESS & PEFORMANCE DID YOU KNOW?