Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout28_Mayors Newsletter_020217IKEA-Renton opens new store on February 22 The doors of the new IKEA-Renton will open for the first time on February 22, and it is very impressive: 399,000-square- feet of space for over 10,000 items and 1,600 parking spaces. But what is even more impressive is IKEA’s impact and contribution to Renton. IKEA-Renton employs 415 workers and the construction project created 500 jobs. The new store will generate even more sales and property tax revenue that will be used to support city programs and initiatives and fund our schools. The new store takes into account our environment as it features the state’s largest rooftop solar array. The panels, measuring 244,000 square feet, will produce a little over 1.2 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually and remove the equivalent of 187 cars from our roads or provide enough electricity to power 131 homes yearly. My congratulations on the grand opening to the staff of IKEA-Renton as well as the project’s contractor and subcontractors. It’s truly a pleasure to have you as a contributing member of our community. Renton is committed to building an inclusive city Following the most divisive presidential election campaign in recent history, which consumed the airwaves for nearly two years, there was some hope that the country would begin to regroup after the inauguration and the focus would shift to addressing critical issues facing our country. The election was essentially a loss for both democrats and republicans as a divided country hoping for change opted for an outsider. This caused a lot of friction among family members, colleagues and close friends that continues today. Campaign promises and executive orders made by President Trump on his first days in office have created significant fear among minority communities throughout the country, especially with immigrants and refugees. Hate crimes seem to be on the increase. Meanwhile, at the city level, we continue to work on our commitment to serve all of our residents as part of our mission that was adopted by the City Council years ago to be totally inclusive as a city. In hopes to quell some of the local fear in our community brought on by this election, I issued the following statement on Monday: “The recent executive orders by President Trump, especially those related to immigration, have created a lot of fear and concern throughout the country and in our community. Renton’s community members have been asking how our city is dealing with the issue. Our policy is no different than those cities that have made a sanctuary city designation. As part of our business plan, Renton’s mission statement stresses our commitment to build an inclusive city with opportunities for all. Renton employees, including our police officers, do not check on the immigration status or documentation of our residents. We have been meeting with community leaders and members from our immigrant communities to reassure them that we have no plans to check on the status of those doing business with the city or requesting police or any other city assistance, regardless of mandates coming from the White House. We have concerns that some immigrants may hesitate to call for help, fearing they will jeopardize their personal situations. I want to assure all our residents that the City of Renton is committed to their safety and well-being. If you or your family feel unsafe or need help, or if you witness incidents of harassment, bullying or hate crimes please call 9-1-1.” With the exception of Native Americans, we’re all descendants of immigrants. Our country is changing rapidly as the white population in many areas has become the minority. It makes so much sense that we break down the barriers that prevent us from being an inclusive community for all people, of all colors and nationalities and religious beliefs. Our future depends on it! Join me as we celebrate Black History Month when the city and the Renton African- American Pastoral Group present “Empowered by Knowledge” on February 13, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Living Hope Christian Fellowship, 16015 116th Ave. SE. Curator Delbert Richardson has collected artifacts that reflect the African experience in the Americas and Europe, and chronicles their contributions to science, culture and technology. The display will be available for viewing from 6-8:30 p.m. BLACK HISTORY MONTH FEBRUARY 2, 2017 This Week from the Mayor Denis Law, Mayor VOL. II, NO. 5 Feedback Comments, questions or suggestions, or just want to share all the great things that are happening in the city, please e-mail me. Thanks for reading.