HomeMy WebLinkAbout3398ORDINANCE NO. 23qg
AN ORDINANCE of the City Council of the City
of Kent, Washington, adopting the City of Kent Downtown
Strategic Action Plan and Integrated Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement as a subarea plan of the
Kent Comprehensive Plan to serve as a guide for public and
private development and infrastructure decisions in
downtown Kent.
WHEREAS, downtown Kent has served as the City's civic and commercial
focus since the late 1800's when Kent was a valley agricultural community; and
WHEREAS, in recent decades the City has developed the downtown as al
civic and commercial center through proactive planning and public improvements; and
WHEREAS, the City adopted the Downtown Plan in 1989 and Kent
Comprehensive Plan in 1995, each of which contain goals and policies for planning and
development of downtown; and
WHEREAS, in 1992, the City elected to declare downtown a Regional
Urban Center, and in 1993, the King County Planning Council awarded the designation
with the goal of developing an intense mix of residential and employment uses directly
served by a local and regional public transportation system; and
1996; and
WHEREAS, the City Council listed downtown as a priority target issue in
Kent Downtown
WHEREAS, in 1996, the State of Washington awarded the City a $150,OOC
Planning and Environmental Review Fund Grant which the City matched with the
previously appropriated amount of $25,000 for the market analysis and in-kind services
for the purpose of making a subarea plan and integrated environmental impact statement;
and
WHEREAS, The mayor appointed a Downtown Stakeholders Committee
composed of persons who share a common interest in a positive future for downtown; and
WHEREAS, the research, analysis, public participation, planning and design
which led to the subarea plan titled "Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan and Integrated
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement" commenced in July, 1996 and resulted in
a draft plan in June, 1997; and
WHEREAS, the plan contains land use, transportation, and urban design
recommendations in accordance with the goals and policies of the 1989 Downtown Plan
and the Kent Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the process included environmental issue scoping, issuance
draft and preliminary final environmental impact statements, public workshops, meetings
and forums and two public hearings; and
WHEREAS, on June 2, 1997, the Land Use & Planning Board voted
unanimously to recommend adoption of the Plan with eight amendments; and
WHEREAS, the Kent City Council considered the recommendation of thel
Land Use & Planning Board at a regularly scheduled meeting on March 3, 1997, asi
amended by the actions of the City Council Planning Committee on August 6th, August
19th, September 16th, and December 9th, 1997, and as further amended by the Cityl
2 Kent Downtown
Council Committee of the Whole on March 3, 1998, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 36.70A.130(2)(a)(i), a subarea plan to the
Comprehensive Plan may be initially adopted without declaring an emergency to authorize
the amendment of the Comprehensive Plan; NOW, THEREFORE,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENT, WASHINGTON, DOES
HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. The City of Kent Comprehensive Plan is hereby amended to
include the City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan and Integrated Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (attached hereto as Exhibit A) as a subarea plan.
SECTION 2. Severability. If any one or more sections, subsections, or
sentences of this ordinance are held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall
not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this ordinance and the same shall remain
in full force and effect.
SECTION 3. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect and be in
force five (5) days from the date of its publication, as provided by law.
ATTEST:
BRENDA JACOBER, CITY CLERK
JIM WHITE, MAYOR
�c-1 siGNEO 3Y MAY0R`
3 Kent Downtown SAP
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ROGER A. LUBOVICH, CITY ATTORNEY
PASSED: 7 tg— day of , 1998.
APPROVED: day of , 1998.
c�
PUBLISHED: 10 day of , 1998.
I hereby certify that this is a true copy of Ordinance No. .33` 9' , passed
by the City Council of the City of Kent, Washington, and approved by the Mayor of the
City of Kent as hereon indicated.
(SEAL)
BRENDA J OB R, CITY CLERK
P'�LA W\ORDINANCDSAP. ORD
4 Kent Downtown
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Downtown
Strategic
Action Plan
and
Integrated
Environmental
Impact Statement
ung a Hometown
For the Future
Downtown
Action
p
Downtown
Strategic
Action Plan
and
Integrated
Environmental
Impact Statement
ung a Hometown
For the Future
City of Kent
_ Downtown Strategic Action Plan
Integrated With
-- The Final Supplemental
- Environmental Impact Statement
Prepared for the City of Kent by
Makers Architecture and Urban Design, BRW, Property Counselors,
Langlow Associates and the Kent Planning Department
With the Assistance of a Washington State Planning
And Environmental Review Fund Grant
April 7. 1998
arm
W Cover design: The stylized hop flower on the cover was chosen because in the late 1800's
the hops industry was the first catalyst for prosperity and growth in the Green River Valley.
Table of Contents
Contents
Contents
Table of Contents
.;-
I. INTRODUCTION................................................................................... I-2
- A. PURPOSE ......................................... ........I-2
.......................................................
B. BACKGROUND................................................................................................. 1-2
C. PROCESS........................................................................................................1-3
D. ORGANIZATION OF REPORT.............................................................................. 1-5
II. VISION: GROWING A HOME TOWN ................................................. II -1
AVisit to the Future......................................................................................................... II -1
From the Present to the Future....................................................................................... II -1
III. PLANNING CONCEPT.......................................................................III-1
A. MARKET ANALYSIS........................................................................................ 111-1
Market OpportunitMies and Development Potential ......................................................111-1
1997 Market Analysis Update........................................................................................III-3
B. DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY............................................................................... 111-4
Connect and Unify Downtown Features........................................................................III-6
Enhance the Periphery of Downtown.............................................................................111-6
Define Special Activity Districts ........... .......... ................................................................. III -6
SelectTarget Areas ...................................... ................................................................. 111-6
EnhanceCivic Identity....................................................................................................III-6
- IV -SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTIONS.
PHASING, AND ESTIMATED COSTS .................................................... IV -1
A. RECOMMENDED ACTIONS ................................... ............IV -1
................................
B. OUTLINE OF PHASING STRATEGY.................................................................... IV -5
C. PRELIMINARY CAPITAL PROJECT COST ESTIMATES..........................................IV-8
V. DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS.................................................................. V-1
A. NORTH FRAME DISTRICT.................................................................................V-1
PublicImprovements...................................................................................................... V-3
Development Target Area Actions................................................................................. V-5
B. CENTRAL AVENUE CORRIDOR DISTRICT...........................................................V-8
PublicImprovements...................................................................................................... V-8
DesignGuidelines........................................................................................................V-10
C. EAST FRAME DISTRICT..................................................................................V-15
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
Contents
W.11,13011
VI. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION.................................................VI-41
A. FACT SHEET.................................................................................................VI-1
B. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................... ...........VI -3
..............................................
C. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION.....................................................VI-7
D. MONITORING SYSTEM..................................................................................VI-21
APPENDICES
A. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES ........................................ VI -23
B. GLOSSARY.................................................................................................. VI -25
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
PublicImprovements....................................................................................................
V-15
DesignGuidelines........................................................................................................
V-15
D.
WEST FRAME DISTRICT.................................................................................V-18
Public Improvements....................................................................................................
V-18
DesignGuidelines........................................................................................................V-19
E.
SOUTH CORE DISTRICT.................................................................................V-22
PublicImprovements....................................................................................................
V-22
DesignGuidelines........................................................................................................V-25
Other Redevelopment Incentives.................................................................................
V-27
F.
NORTH CORE DISTRICT.................................................................................V-29
PublicImprovements....................................................................................................
V-31
DesignGuidelines........................................................................................................
V-34
.Redevelopment Opportunities....................................................................................
V-34
G.
HISTORIC CORE DISTRICT.............................................................................V-37
PublicImprovements....................................................................................................
V-39
Design Guidelines and Historic Preservation Activities ...............................................
V-39
Redevelopment Target Areas.....................................................................................
V-42
W.11,13011
VI. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION.................................................VI-41
A. FACT SHEET.................................................................................................VI-1
B. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................... ...........VI -3
..............................................
C. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION.....................................................VI-7
D. MONITORING SYSTEM..................................................................................VI-21
APPENDICES
A. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES ........................................ VI -23
B. GLOSSARY.................................................................................................. VI -25
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
Contents
List of Figures
FIGURE 1-1: THE PROCESS USED TO PREPARE THE KENT DOWNTOWN
FIGURE IV -5
STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN......................................................................... 1-5
FIGURE 11-2
DOWNTOWN KENT 20 YEAR VISION.........................................................
11-4
FIGURE III -1:
THE MARKET AREA FOR DOWNTOWN KENT ...............................................
111-2
FIGURE III -2:
CHALLENGES FACING DOWNTOWN KENT ..................................................
III -2
FIGURE III -3:
THE STRATEGIC REDEVELOPMENT CONCEPT ...........................................
111-7
FIGURE IV -1:
ACTIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE KENT DOWNTOWN
JAMES STREET. ......V-5
................................................................................
STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN.......................................................................
IV -4
FIGURE IV -2:
PHASING OF KENT DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC ACTION
DEVELOPMENT ENVISIONED FOR THE N. FOURTH/FIFTH
V-19
PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS......................................................................IV-7
AVENUE TARGET AREA............................................................................
FIGURE IV -3
PRELIMINARY CAPITAL COST ESTIMATES .................................................
IV -9
FIGURE IV -4
RECOMMENDED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS...............................IV-10
CENTRAL AVENUE CORRIDOR AND WEST FRAME
FIGURE IV -5
RECOMMENDED PUBLIC FACILITIES.......................................................
IV -11
FIGURE IV -6
LAND USE RECOMMENDATIONS..............................................................
IV -6
FIGURE V-1:
THE KENT DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS............................................................
V-2
FIGUREIV-2:
PROPOSED ELEMENTS OF THE NORTH FRAME DISTRICT ............................
V-4
FIGUREV-3:
THE SUGGESTED CONCEPT FOR FOURTH AVENUE AND
V-14
-
JAMES STREET. ......V-5
................................................................................
FIGURE V-4:
THE TYPE OF OFFICE/RESIDENTIAL MIXED-USE
V-17
FIGURE V-14
DEVELOPMENT ENVISIONED FOR THE N. FOURTH/FIFTH
V-19
FIGURE V-15
AVENUE TARGET AREA............................................................................
V-6
FIGURE V-5
NORTH FRAME DISTRICT 20 YEAR VISION................................................V-7
9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
FIGURE V-6:
CENTRAL AVENUE CORRIDOR AND WEST FRAME
DISTRICTS.............................................................................................
V-9
- FIGUREV-7:
DESIGN ISSUES THAT NEW DEVELOPMENT SHOULD
ADDRESS IN THE CENTRAL AVENUE DISTRICT IV- ....................................
V-11
FIGURE V-8:
DESIGN ISSUES THAT EXISTING DEVELOPMENT IN THE
-
CENTRAL AVENUE DISTRICT SHOULD ADDRESS.......................................V-12
FIGURE V-9:
CENTRAL AVENUE AS IT EXISTS TODAY ...................................................
V-13
FIGURE V-10:
HOW CENTRAL AVENUE COULD LOOK . ....................................................
V-13
FIGURE V-11
CENTRAL AVENUE CORRIDOR 20 YEAR VISION .......................................
V-14
FIGURE V-12:
PROPOSED ELEMENTS OF THE EAST FRAME DISTRICT...............................V-16
FIGURE V-13
EAST FRAME DISTRICT 20 YEAR VISION .................................................
V-17
FIGURE V-14
VIEW ON WILLIS STREET NEAR UNION PACIFIC RR TRACKS .........................
V-19
FIGURE V-15
PROPOSED ELEMENTS OF THE WEST FRAME DISTRICT .............................
V-15
- Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
Contents
FIGURE V-16 WEST FRAME 20 YEAR VISION...............................................................V-21
FIGURE V-17: PROPOSED ELEMENTS OF THE SOUTH CORE DISTRICT . ........................... V-24
FIGURE V-18: ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS APPROPRIATE IN THE SOUTH
FRAMEDISTRICT.................................................................................. V-26
FIGURE V-19: HOW LANDSCAPING CAN DEFINE OPEN SPACE AND ADD
TEXTURE TO A BUILDING........................................................................ V-26
FIGUREV-20 SOUTH CORE DISTRICT 20 YEAR VISION .................................................. v-28
FIGURE V-21: PROPOSED ELEMENTS OF THE NORTH CORE DISTRICT............................V-30
FIGURE V-22: EXISTING CONDITIONS ALONG RAILROAD AVENUE .................................... v-32
FIGURE V -23:A CANOPY ALONG THE INTERNATIONAL PARKS............................................V-32
FIGUREV-24:
AN "ALL CROSS" OR "SCRAMBLE" INTERSECTION AT
FOURTH AND SMITH STREETS................................................................V-33
FIGURE V-25:
PROPOSED PERFORMING ARTS/CIVIC CENTER..........................................V-35
FIGURE V-26:
THE PROPOSED KENT PUBLIC MARKET BUILDING,
COURTESY OF THE KENT DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP...............................V-35
FIGURE V-27
NORTH CORE DISTRICT........................................................................V-36
FIGURE V-28:
PROPOSED ELEMENTS OF THE HISTORIC CORE DISTRICT .......................
V-38
FIGURE V-30:
FACADE AND INFILL DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS . ......................................
V-40
FIGURE V-31
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN FOR COMMUTER RAIIL STATION ..............................
V-41
FIGURE v-32
HISTORIC CORE DISTRICT 20 YEAR VISION...................................V-43
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
Part
- I. Introduction
0
0
0
Introduction
I. Introduction
Purpose
Since the days when Kent was a valley agricultural community, downtown Kent has
served as the town's civic and commercial focus. In recent decades, the City has
supported the downtown through proactive planning and public improvements. Faced
with the challenges of regional growth management, Kent citizens responded by
requesting a regional urban center designation for downtown. The designation calls for a
more intensive mix of uses and a wide spectrum of civic activities well served by the
local and regional transportation system.
This Downtown Strategic Action Plan pursues Kent's citizens' vision for its urban center,
as described in the Kent Comprehensive Plan and expressed in this document, by
translating the Plan's general objectives into a redevelopment strategy consisting of an
integrated set of civic actions. This Action Plan will serve as a basis for developing the
- urban center and implementing the Kent Comprehensive Plan. It will provide a basis for
City decisions on future public and private development proposals. Based on a thorough
market analysis, environmental analysis, and community participation process, it outlines
methods for encouraging infill and redevelopment compatible with the economic,
environmental, and community goals of the citizens of Kent.
B. Background
„- Downtown Kent was established as the commercial center of Kent in the early 1900's
when it served as a market town for a thriving agricultural valley. The pattern of retail
trade and office development has changed in Kent since that time, but downtown has
„µ retained it's position as the center of City civic and cultural life. The City and downtown
merchants have worked diligently to maintain the vitality of the historic commercial core.
Prior to this plan, the City of Kent had undertaken several downtown planning efforts:
the 1966 John Graham Plan for Downtown, the 1974 Central Business District Plan, the
1983 L.I.D. 313 and Urban Design Plan, the 1986 Downtown Revitalization Task Force
Report, the 1989 Downtown Plan, the 1992 Downtown zoning revisions, the 1995
Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies, and the designation of downtown Kent as an
urban center through the King County Countywide Planning Policies process.
Both public and private interests initiated this planning process. In 1995, the Kent
Downtown Partnership and other citizens asked the City to fund a comprehensive market
analysis for downtown. The City Council agreed to budget $25,000 in general funds for
the market analysis. In 1995 the City Council set goals for 1996 which included "Kent:
A Home Town for Families - A Friendly Small Town - A Place to Work - A Place to
Live," and "Downtown - A Community Focal Point." Downtown goals were first
-- priority for 1996.
nent uowntown Strategic Action Plan 1-2
9633RPT5DOC - 4/7/98
Introduction
In early 1996, the State of Washington awarded the City a $150,000 Planning and
Environmental Review Fund (PERF) grant, which the City matched with the previously
appropriated $25,000 for the market analysis and $25,000 of in-kind services. The Mayor
appointed an executive staff Downtown Strategic Planning Team, which assisted the
Mayor in appointing a Downtown Stakeholders Task Force. The Strategic Planning Team
and the Planning Department hired an interdisciplinary consultant team to assist the City
and the citizens to formulate a downtown subarea plan. The team consisted of MAKERS
architecture and urban design, BRW, Inc., The Langlow Associates, Property Counselors,
and Sierra Media.
C. Process
As a subarea plan and a supplement to the Kent Comprehensive Plan, the Downtown
Strategic Action Plan and Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement were
prepared under new State provisions in ESHB 1724, which allows the integration of State
Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and Growth Management Act (GMA) processes. It is
a programmatic EIS and supplements the Kent Comprehensive Plan EIS issued in
January 1995. It is also prepared as a "Planned Action" Final Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement which supplements the EIS by addressing the probable
significant environmental impacts of the Comprehensive Plan in greater detail related to
the specific recommended actions contained in the Downtown Strategic Action Plan.
This level of detail provides predictability and may reduce or eleminate the necessity for
environmental review prior to project permit submittals.
The Planned Action EIS process is a new component of environmental law in
Washington State. Under the ESHB 1724 provisions, local jurisdictions with an adopted
comprehensive plan can opt to develop a 20 -year vision for a subarea or neighborhood
and create a Subarea Plan integrated with a Planned Action EIS. The Planned Action EIS
evaluates the significant adverse impacts and reasonable mitigation measures associated
with the development proposed in the Subarea Plan. If a Planned Action ordinance is
adopted by the jurisdiction, an agency reviewing any subsequent project proposal in the
planning area must first determine that the project is consistent with the earlier Subarea
Plan Planned Action EIS. The agency must also determine that the Planned Action EIS
has adequately addressed the significant impacts of the development and identified
mitigation measures. Consistency is determined by a review of four areas: (1) type of
land use allowed, (2) level of development allowed, (3) infrastructure, and (4) character
of the proposed development. The benefit of this approach is that subsequent project -
level development proposals may have a reduced amount of environmental review, if the
development proposal is consistent with the adopted Subarea Plan. The purpose of
creating an integrated plan/environmental assessment, consistent with PERF grant
requirements, was to adopt a Planned Action ordinance if such an action was appropriate.
As a result of planning analysis and environmental review, the planning team determined
that, despite the recommended mitigation measures, existing City regulations may not
provide sufficient environmental protection to take the place of the SEPA process at this
time. As a result, the City of Kent has chosen not to propose and adopt a Planned Action
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 1-3
9633RPT5DOC - 4/7/98
Introduction
ordinance with the approved plan. However, project -level mitigation recommendations
,. for actions that would be subject to Environmental review under SEPA are included in
section VI, Additional Environmental Information. The City may consider a Planned
Action ordinance using this FSEIS integrated plan after adoption of adequate downtown
street standards, revised design guidelines, and historic preservation measures. If a
Planned Action ordinance is not adopted, the project -related mitigation measures offered
here serve as a mitigation guide as projects are individually proposed and subjected to
SEPA review.
M Public participation is essential to a subarea plan/environmental review process.The first
opportunity for public participation was a general public workshop and a SEIS scoping
session. The City conducted six additional public workshops and seven Downtown
Stakeholders Taskforce meetings. City staff responded to numerous letters, telephone
calls, and Planning Department visitor's questions.
The Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) was issued on
February 4, 1997. The DSEIS, containing three land use and urban design alternatives,
was distributed at a workshop to gather public opinion regarding a preferred alternative.
An additional environmental document, authorized by the Washington State Department
of Ecology, the Draft Downtown Strategic Action Plan and Preliminary Final
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, was issued on May 19, 1997 to distribute
additional information and allow additional time for public comment and discussion prior
to integrated plan adoption. The Preliminary Final Supplemental Impact Statement
contains additional impact analysis, additional mitigation recommendations, the preferred
alternative, comment letters received by the City in response to the DSEIS, and the City's
responses to the comments.
The Land Use and Planning Board conducted a public hearing before recommending the
Plan to the City Council with revisions. The City Council Planning Committee received
additional public comment within their review process and recommended further
revisions. Typically, the FSEIS would be issued prior to the decision process. In this
instance, the public hearings conducted by the Land Use and Planning Board and the City
Council Planning Committee became part of the environmental review record. The
preferred alternative was revised as a result of the recommendations of the Land Use and
Planning Board and the City Council. This document presents the revised preferred
alternative.
As the process chart on the next page indicates, planning, evaluation, and public
involvement were coordinated throughout the project. Public involvement occurred at
three key points: setting of objectives, development of alternatives, and evaluation of
alternatives.
- Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 1-4
9633RPT5DOC - 4/7/98
4
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Figure l-1: The above process was used to prepare the Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan.
D. Organization of Report
This report is organized to aid both public and private interests in making decisions
concerning development and investment in the downtown. Section I is a summary of
the background, purpose and process of the project, Section II describes the vision for
downtown. Section III describes the plan concept, and Section IV outlines the
recommendations for achieving the community and City's objectives. Section V is the
heart of the plan. This section organizes the recommended actions by areas within the
downtown, showing the interrelationships among actions. Section VI contains the State
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
9633RPT5DOC - 417/98
Pmposed Plan
Make" Bromum
Wo voeo
FSEIS ra1,sI
1-5
Introduction
Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) Fact Sheet and other required environmental
data.
The fact that the subarea plan is integrated with the Final Supplemental Environmental
Impact Statement is consistent with Washington State Planning and Environmental
Review Fund grant requirements. The process provided public participation and
environmental analysis in conjunction with the planning process. As the plan evolved,
Environmental mitigation was often incorporated in problem solving and design
solutions. The format of the integrated plan/FSEIS is different from the typical FEIS
document. The following chart summarizes where typical sections of an FSEIS are
found in this document.
Typical SEPA EIS Section
Location of Information in the Action Plan
Fact Sheet
A Fact Sheet is located at the beginning of Section VI.
Executive Summary
The information typically found in an Executive Summary is
located in Section 1. And Section VI.
Introduction
A summary of the project history, purpose, scope and public
involvement process is included in Section 1.
Alternatives Considered
A description of the alternatives considered is contained in
Section VI. Environmental Information.
Impact Analysis
Impact analysis supplementary to the analysis found in the
Draft SEIS and the Preliminary Final SEIS is included in
Section VI, Environmental Information
Mitigation Measures
A summary of mitigation/implementation measures is
provided in Section VI„ Environmental Information, and in
Section III., Summary of Recommended Actions
Response to Comments
A summary of comments and responses is located in Section
VI, Environmental Information.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
9633RPT5DOC — 4/7/98
II. Vision
_,
J
~~ Vision
II. Vision: Growing a Home Town
Prior to this plan, Kent citizens contributed to a downtown vision expressed in the 1992
Community Forum on Growth Management and Visioning, the 1989 Downtown Plan,
and the Kent Comprehensive Plan goals and policies. The community expanded and
reinforced the vision by participating in the public workshops, focus group discussions,
and Downtown Stakeholders Task Force meetings that help to form this plan.
A Visit to the Future
If this plan is successful, what will downtown Kent be like, say, 10 or 15 years in the
future? What are the character and qualities that the City envisions for its downtown?
- One thing for certain is an early 21 st Century visitor entering downtown Kent will be
presented with a more gracious welcome mat. Not only will key entry points around the
downtown perimeter be well marked with gateway landscaping, artwork, and directional
signage, but the character of development on Central Avenue, James Street, and Willis
Street will be more appealing for motorist and pedestrian alike. Robust automobile -
oriented businesses will still find a home on Central Avenue, but recent streetscape
improvements and incremental business expansions will have transformed the old strip
into a more welcoming, attractive corridor. At the downtown's southern boundary, a
well -landscaped Willis Street will frame a rehabilitated single-family neighborhood to the
south and the emerging mixed-use residential neighborhood to the north. An underpass
will provide passage under the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe railroad right-of-way, and a
trail along Willis will provide local residents safe bicycle access to the Interurban Trail,
., the park-and-ride, and Commons Park.
The west section of the downtown, between the Union Pacific Railroad and SR 167, will
have seen major changes. Better street access will have spurred new commercial
development between Smith and Willis Streets. There may be well -landscaped clusters
of residential development as well.
A newly refurbished Commons Park, the Commons Recreation Center—not to mention
the Regional Justice Center—will form a civic anchor at the downtown's northwest
corner. The Justice Center, by then about 15 years old, will be a still -imposing but more
familiar fixture. Justice Center activities will have increased service businesses in the
core, but vigilant work by the City will have kept undesirable businesses from
proliferating in Kent.
James Street will be the downtown's busiest east -west traffic corridor, and the grade -
separated railroad crossing will eliminate what would otherwise have been a serious
blockage at the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe railroad crossing.
1
„M Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
9633RPT5.DOC.4/7/98
Vision
But, while the future visitor will notice many changes to the downtown's perimeter, the
most striking transformation will have occurred south of Gowe Street. The Regional
Transit Authority commuter rail station will be an important transit hub, with local feeder
buses meeting the trains and regional buses for transfer to locations throughout the
Sound. Although commuter rail service was limited at first, congestion on the freeways
will have led to all -day rail service, making the train the preferred transportation option
for commuters to Tacoma or baseball fans heading for a Mariners game.
The importance of this transportation connection will have given downtown Kent greater
prominence in -the region and spurred development. Smith Street will be one of the
downtown's most attractive corridors, with a new hotel, office, and retail complex on the
north. In particular, the Civic and Performing Arts Center will be a hub of daytime and
evening activity downtown. Walking through the historic Meeker Street core to the
commuter rail station will be a pleasure because of the street trees and pedestrian -
oriented buildings. The first phase of the Borden site redevelopment will be under way,
with an integrated mix of uses and open spaces supported by a street grid and structured
parking.
To the east of the BN&SF tracks, the Public Market and Sister Cities Parks will anchor
another cluster of shops and commercial activities. This Railroad Avenue district will
offer a valuable addition to the unique historic retail core of Downtown Kent. With the
Sister Cities Parks providing an attractive backdrop, the emerging Railroad Avenue
activity center will have joined Meeker Street and First Avenue as places where citizens
from all over Kent can come to spend some time. They will browse in specialty shops,
share a cup of coffee, or enjoy an evening meal.
The South Core area between Titus Street and Willis Street, while not having experienced
the dramatic transformation of the North Core, will have seen slower, incremental
changes. New midrise mixed-use/residential complexes and townhouses will have created
one of south King County's most attractive in -town neighborhoods for those who want the
convenience of local services, easy access to transportation, and a stable, pedestrian -
oriented setting. The commuter rail station will be located on both sides of the railroad,
just south of Gowe Street.
Our visitor will be comforted by the fact that, except for some key infill and building
renovation, the Historic Core, centered along Meeker Street and First Avenue, will
remain much as it did in the late 1990s. The key to the success of the Historic Core will
have been the connections that the City made to the north and south, which added
supporting activity from nearby residents and workers.
From the Present to the Future
From the perspective of our visit to the future, it is clear how the downtown will reach its
goals. By enhancing the historic character of its core, the City will retain its culture and
link to the past—its roots.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 11-2
9633RPT5.DOC.4M98
Vision
By emphasizing its pedestrian qualities with gracious sidewalks, pedestrian -oriented
businesses and a variety of parks, the downtown will remain a comfortable, friendly place
for people to meet and enjoy themselves.
By encouraging a wide mix of commercial, residential, and public uses, the downtown
will generate the activity necessary for a successful urban center.
By fostering high-quality redevelopment through public works improvements and design
guidelines, the downtown will become a source of civic pride for the whole city.
By integrating emerging transportation systems, the downtown will regain its role as a
regional crossroads.
And, through the continued efforts and care of its citizens, the town will continue to be a
"home town for the future."
3
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 11-3
_. 9633RPT5.DOC.4M98
Vision
Masterplanned park and access Fourth Avenue, with gateways. Grade- separated railroad
serves as the downtown's prevents Increased rad
improvements enhance the �n9
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Downtown Kent Strategic Action Plan Vision 0' 200' 400 nww
This graphic is a visualization of types of commercial, office, and residential infill and
redevelopment as they could conceptually develop during the twenty year span of the Draft 6/30/97
Plan. It is intended as a visual aid for discussion purposes. It does not represent
specific development plans for any particular property.
Figure 11-2 Downtown Kent 20 Year Vision
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 11-4
9633RPT5.DOC.4/7/98
III. Planning Concept
Planning Concept
-- III. Planning Concept
A. Market Analysis
The foundation of a successful downtown plan must be an understanding of the realities
of the real estate market. Consequently, the planning team conducted a market analysis
during the first stages of planning in order to determine the potential for growth and the
conditions necessary to foster positive redevelopment. The market area from which
downtown Kent draws 80% to 90% of its sales extends west to Interstate 5, north to the
Kent city limits at 180th, south to 277th, and east and south toward the Cascade foothills.
This area recognizes the existing concentrations of retail development in Tukwila and
Auburn, the natural boundaries of the plateau to the west, and the existing transportation
network extending to the east and south.
Market Opportunities and Development Potential
The market analysis determined that there are several specific opportunities in downtown
Kent.
— Office
Office development is the strongest immediate opportunity. Continuation of historic
levels of office absorption of 16,000 to 18,000 square feet per year in addition to law
offices associated with the Regional Justice Center (RJC) would result in potential
office demand of.
• 1996-2000: 92,000-112,000 square feet
• 2000-2010: 260,000-270,000 square feet
• 2010-2020: 180,000 square feet
— Retail
Projected retail development estimates are based on maintaining downtown's share
of market area spending with increases in shares for specialty food, apparel,
eating/drinking, and miscellaneous retail sales.
• 1995-2000: 46,000-49,000 square feet (including RJC impact)
""" • 2000-2010: 100,000 square feet
• 2010-1020: 79,000 square feet
''- In addition, the area could support a multiscreen theater.
— Civic and Performing Arts Center
A Civic and Performing Arts Center has been proposed for downtown Kent.
Attendees at performances at such a facility would also patronize surrounding
businesses. While the level of spending in itself would only support a few thousand
square feet of development, it would contribute toward extending the hours of the
district into the evening. The committee for the project has investigated the
vent uowntown Strategic Action Plan III -1
9633RPT5DOC - 4 /7198
Planning Concept
feasibility of raising the necessary funds through grants and private contributions.
The result of that study will affect whether the proposal will be pursued in the
immediate future.
Figure NI -1: Market area for downtown Kent.
— Market Rate Residential
One-third of the residential capacity for the City is in the downtown area. In order
for the downtown to approach this capacity over the next 20 years there must be
successful projects that can demonstrate to the development community that there is
demand for market rate housing. The best opportunities are single -use residential
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
9633RPT5DOC - 417/98
Planning Concept
units on the edge of the core, where land costs are lower, and small condominium
projects at high -amenity locations in the core.
— Hotel/Convention Center
A full service hotel with 150 rooms, meeting facilities sized to accommodate groups
of approximately 250, and restaurant could compete with hotels near the airport and
Southcenter and attract over $2 million in spending to the area each year.
- — Health Care and Wellness
Opportunities exist to increase Downtown Kent's stature as a wellness center.
Downtown Kent is the location of an established community of traditional health
._ service providers and providers of alternative health care and natural medicine. King
County has recently constructed a 17,900 square foot facility for the king County
Natural Medicine Clinic at the corner of South State and E. Meeker Streets. In the
future, a downtown facility of several hundred thousand square feet could provide an
opportunity to consolidate various care providers.
— Finally, additional development of all types creates demand for the others and
provides an overall increase in vitality and interest.
Summary of Market Analysis Update —1997
The updated market data supports several conclusions:
■ The underlying demographics of the local market area are extremely strong in terms
of household and income growth.
■ Overall business conditions are good, with strong growth in taxable sales for the City
as a whole and Downtown.
■ The downtown Kent office market is dynamic with new construction, tenant
expansion and relocations, and strong rents.
■ The downtown retail market is stable with net growth expected with completion of
the Anderson Building at the northeast corner of Meeker Street and Fourth Avenue
and renovation of the Dragness Building.
■ The residential rental market is extremely tight in Kent. The recently completed
Stafford Suites is performing well as a market rate assisted living project for seniors
in downtown Kent.
■ Land values reflect an optimistic outlook for Kent.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan III -3
9633RPT5DOC - 417/98
Planning Concept
The development opportunities identified for downtown Kent in the previous market
study continue to be realistic and achievable. In particular.
■ The Regional Justice Center is already generating demand for law firms and
associated service businesses.
■ The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) commuter rail station in downtown Kent will
reinforce the demand for downtown housing and certain types of retail.
■ The medical sector continues to show potential for growth. The completion of the
Community Health Center represents a major new facility in this sector.
Strategy
The major goal of the Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan (the Plan) is to encourage
downtown growth and redevelopment while creating a stronger community identity and
civic/commercial focus through a public and private infill and redevelopment strategy.
The Plan actions are intended to implement the directions provided by the Kent
Comprehensive Plan, the goals and policies of the 1989 Downtown Plan, and the goals
and policies in the downtown and commercial sections of the Land Use Chapter.
Consistent with the requirements of the Washington State Planning and Environmental
Review Fund, the Plan integrates environmental analysis and environmental impact
mitigation measures within the land use, transportation, urban design, problem solving,
and implementation framework of the Plan. The Plan presents a framework that will
maintain Kent's existing physical assets, prepare for projected growth, and support
future development. It recommends that public and private interests work together to
achieve safe, attractive, and convenient transportation systems, improved parks and
open space, and adequate public facilities.
Successful downtown redevelopment plans build on the community's existing physical
assets. Fortunately, downtown Kent contains many resources that will be a foundation
for future growth and development. Vigilant City and business efforts have kept Kent's
historic, pedestrian -oriented core shopping districts along Meeker Street, First Avenue,
and Railroad Avenue vital. The new Regional Justice Center is already a landmark and
growing employment center. The downtown is blessed with a variety of parks, including
the active Commons Park, International Parks, the Rose Garden, and Railroad Park.
Kent's City Hall, Commons Recreation Center, library, Senior Center, and Resource
Center add activity and enhance the downtown's role as the City's focal point. Nearby
residential areas add a built-in consumer and employment base.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan III -4
9633RPT5DOC - 4 M98
Planning Concept
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FigurelN-2: Challenges facing downtown Kent.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan III -5
9633RPT5DOC — 4 /7/98
Planning Concept
The community's optimism regarding future private development opportunity is well
founded. The market analysis conducted early in formulating this plan projects significant
development potential for the downtown based on continuing growth of the Kent
downtown market area. Opportunities include additional retail development, office
development, a full-service hotel, and urban -style housing. In addition, the new Public
Market will bolster businesses on the core's east side, and the new commuter rail transit
station, scheduled to open in 1999, will make Kent a regional transportation hub. The
presence of a commuter rail station is likely to stimulate in -town housing development and
new employment opportunities. Commercial growth should occur as an indirect benefit of
the commuter rail station and a direct benefit of new in -town housing.
While the downtown contains valuable assets that serve as a foundation for a strong
identity and vital economy, there are obstacles to growing a better downtown. The first is
that Kent's assets are scattered and often disconnected. The second is that many of the
commercial corridors and residential areas at the downtown's periphery are
underdeveloped or present a poor visual impression. Because of those assets and
obstacles, the basic strategies at the root of the Downtown Plan are:
• Connect and unify important downtown features.
• Enhance the periphery of the downtown to achieve higher quality development
that supports its central activities.
• Define special activity districts.
• Select "target" areas as a basis for a phased implementation program to accomplish
redevelopment and/or infill consistent with the Plan.
• Enhance civic identity.
Connect and Unify Downtown's Features
Civic improvements, including the Regional Justice Center, Kent Commons, and the
Public Market, are expanding the downtown core. The core business areas along Meeker
Street, First Avenue, and Railroad Avenue will continue to serve as the commercial
downtown's south anchor. To maintain and improve this role, the historic core must be
linked to the northern features by a combination of park, pedestrian, and vehicle
connections along First and Fourth Avenues and Smith Street. In addition, supportive
redevelopment of the Smith Street corridor will strengthen the connection. Development
of the new Public Market site and Burlington Green, Yangzhou, and Kaibara Parks are
high priorities. The parks and the Market link the Historic Core District and the commuter
rail station to the Regional Justice Center and commercial, office, and residential activities
to the north.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 111-6
9633RPT5DOC - 4 /7/98
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Figure 111-3: The strategic redevelopment concept.
- Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 111-7
9633RPT5DOC - 4 /7/98
Planning Concept
During the planning process, several commuter rail station locations were proposed within
a five -block area adjacent to the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe railroad tracks between
Titus and James Streets. This Plan recommends that the new commuter rail station be
located just south of Gowe Street to provide an efficient multimodal regional
transportation hub. The rail station will enhance Kent's role in the region as a "host
community" and accentuate its identity. It will add significantly to the downtown if the
City restores the historic train station located between Gowe and Meeker Streets, develops
parking areas, vehicular circulation systems, and good pedestrian and visual connections
to other downtown features. High-quality redevelopment in the surrounding areas would
also enhance Kent's role as a "host community." For these reasons, pedestrian
connections across Smith Street and traffic improvements in the vicinity are recommended
in addition to the other connecting features described above.
The Borden property between Smith and James Streets represents one of the unique
redevelopment opportunities in the Green River Valley, if not the whole Puget Sound
Basin. The City should prepare to take advantage of this opportunity by ensuring that there
is access to the site (especially along Second Avenue from the south) It should master plan
the site as a whole, and create a desirable development setting around the site.
Enhance the Periphery of Downtown
The second downtown redevelopment strategy involves upgrading the areas directly
around the expanded core. Similarly, allowing office and mixed-use development
between Fourth and Fifth Avenues north of James Street will encourage investment in
this highly impacted area. The single-family neighborhood east of Fourth Avenue and
just north of James Street is an important housing resource
A combination of street improvements and design guidelines will help make the Central
Avenue corridor a more fitting eastern entry into the core. The areas to the south, east,
and west of the core provide an ideal setting for residentially oriented mixed-use
development to support core businesses and add life to the downtown as well as reinforce
Kent's identity as a "home town."
Define Special Activity Districts
The plan identifies and defines existing and emerging special districts within the
downtown area such as the historic business district, civic activity areas, Kent Market
district, and in -town residential areas. Such definition provides the basis to direct growth
in character with each district, and to establish the relationships and connections between
districts. It is important to consider the existing assets of the districts, potential for
improvement, redevelopment and infill, and their context or role within the downtown.
Select Target Areas
Priority development sites have been identified during the planning process. The
commuter rail station site, the Kent Market site, and the civic and performing arts center
site are driven by previously determined plans. Other projects such as priority in -town
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan III -8
9633RPT5DOC - 4 /7/98
Planning Concept
housing sites, essential pedestrian connections to connect existing and emerging activity
districts, and public gathering spaces have emerged during the analysis and public
participation elements of the Plan process. Specific implementation measures to develop
target areas provide a framework for public and private action. Mitigation for
environmental impacts identified during the SEPA review of the proposed plan is
integrated with the implementation program.
Enhance Civic Identity
A major focus of this plan has been to define an identity for downtown Kent. The image
that has continually reoccurred throughout the process is the downtown's role as a "home
town." The intent of the plan is to "Grow a Home Town for the Future." But what does
this mean? What are the characteristics of a "home town" that can be integrated into a
dynamic 21 st Century community? In looking at Kent's sustaining assets and the
downtown's opportunities for the future, the following characteristics stand out.
Variety: A Sum Greater Than Its Parts
Hometowns are where people gather for many different functions and activities. They
bring people together and focus a sense of community. The downtown is home to
many civic and commercial activities and can make a vibrant residential neighborhood
as well. As noted above, the key to the plan's success will be the connections between
the various elements. Physical connections between transportation centers,
government services, businesses, and recreational activities will strengthen the
community's economic, cultural, and social connections as well.
— Quality: A Sense of Caring
A hometown's value to its community is reflected in the quality of its physical
- setting. The actions recommended in this plan are directed at producing higher
quality public improvements and private development. One index of the plan's
success will be the amount of careful, well -considered financial and human
investment the recommended actions attract to the downtown. Equally important
will be the design quality of development.
Friendliness: A setting for personal interaction
A good hometown is a place where people meet, where they come to enjoy
themselves as individuals and to celebrate as a community. Encouraging these
activities means attention to detail. Comfortable, attractive sidewalks, street trees,
cafes and meeting places, bicycle paths, parks, artwork, and public amenities are
important features of a successful downtown. Safety is also an important
consideration. Streets and public spaces must be well lighted. In addition, they must
be designed to support Police and Fire Department efforts.
_.. — Memory and Vision: Remembering the Past, Looking to the Future
During the middle of the Twentieth Century, Kent transformed itself from an active
farming community into a robust, industrial -based suburb. Now, with the
construction of the Regional Justice Center and a new transportation hub, Kent is
again transforming itself; this time into a dynamic, multi -faceted regional center. As
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 111-9
9633RPT5DOC - 4 /7/98
Planning Concept
projected population growth occurs, and as this transformation takes place, it will be
important not to lose the perspective of the past. The historic qualities of the core
and small-town characteristics must be retained and reinterpreted into new
development as the downtown grows to meet the future.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan III -10
9633RPT5DOC - 4 /7/98
IV. Actions, Phasing,
and Costs
C
Summary of Recommended Actions
IV. Summary of Recommended
Actions
A. Recommended Actions
To implement the objectives and ideas presented in Section III, this plan recommends a
series of actions, including regulatory measures, capital investments, and public programs.
Section IVsummarizes the recommended actions, describes the implementation steps.
costs, and environmental impacts, and mitigation measures for actions that require
environmental review.
Figure IV -1 summarizes many of these actions and indicates where each action targets
improvements. Figure IV -2 lists the actions according to their major categories and
outlines their timing. Figure IV -3 provides a list of preliminary capital project costs. The
actions are described in detail and the manner in which they interrelate to upgrade specific
districts is outlined in Section V. To prepare for possible adoption of a Planned Action
Ordinance, as discussed in Section I, the actions that would require environmental analysis
under SEPA regulations, with identification of probable impacts and proposed mitigating
measures are included in this section. If a Planned Action Ordinance is not adopted,
discussion of impacts and mitigating measures will serve as a guide for SEPA review when
projects are proposed.
General actions, which relate to more than one district are discussed below:
■ Promote Infill Housing
To meet the Kent Comprehensive Plan goals to enhance downtown as a place to live,
and to create an attractive, dense mixed-use neighborhood, the City should promote
construction of condominium townhouses, stacked and attached units that resemble
single family design and character, and residential mixed with commercial and office
uses.
■ Promote the construction of new commercial, office, or mixed use development
and redevelopment.
To respond to the potential for additional downtown office and commercial
devleopment identified in the market analysis provide incentives for new development.
Mixed use development will provide a variety of living situations within districts that
require ground floor retail uses.
■ Conduct a study of existing parking requirements related to residential density
regulations downtown.
Revise the parking and density standards to improve the balance of on-site and off-site
parking areas.
- Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV-1
-9633RPT5DOG-4/7/98
Summary of Recommended Actions
■ Survey the impacts of retail uses such as pawnshops, bail bond offices, and tattoo
parlors in downtown locations in other cities.
Revise the zoning code to address the results of the survey, if necessary. Certain uses.
including pawn shops, bail bond offices, and tattoo parlors have been observed in other
cities in the region to require an increased amount of police and social service.
Developable land suitable for retail uses is limited, and some plan participants have
expressed the opinion that a proliferation of such uses would not be appropriate. Land
available and suitable for retail uses is limited, and some plan participants have
expressed the opinion that a proliferation of such uses would not be appropriate.
■ Add bicycle facilities and bicycle lanes or trails in all districts of downtown.
Work with the community and the Bicycle Advisory Board to identify and provide
trails and pathways. The interurban Trail provides a regional north/south
pedestrian/bicycle/equestrian connection. East/west links into downtown will attract
commuters and recreational cyclists.
■ Support the Performing Arts/Civic Center in a downtown location.
Insure that activities at the Center will extend into the evening hours. With facilities
for conferences and other events, a civic and performing arts center can be an important
attraction, extending hours of activity into the night and providing a much-needed
location for meetings, events, parties, catering facilities, and educational programs.
■ Ensure high-quality development on designated signature building sites.
Work with property owners and developers throughout the development.
■ Enhance the City's established public art program.
Reinforce Kent's downtown character and unique traditions through art. Encourage
private and public development interests to provide downtown public art as part of
significant projects.
■ Develop a downtown street tree/vegetation plan.
Provide a guide for creating an attractive pedestrian network of green spaces. Augment
the Kent Street Tree Program to address the entire downtown as defined by this plan.
Associate specific types of street tree plantings to specific streets throughout
downtown. Identify sites for enhanced landscaping, focusing on parks, entry, and
gateway features. Assign responsibilities (public and private) for street tree installation
and maintenance. Integrate references to the Street Tree Program into development
regulations.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV-2
-9633RPT5Doc-4/7/98
Summary of Recommended Actions
■ Adopt street standards for the entire downtown study area.
Currently street improvement requirements are often determined on a case-by-
case basis. Facilitate permit review and enhance street character by matching
street standards to specific areas downtown in order to accentuate the identity of
each area.
■ Enhance gateways into downtown:
Mark entrances to downtown, provide artwork and amenities, and direct visitors
- to special attractions. Where there is very little public land for extensive
landscaping, work with property owners to develop "signature buildings" that
have high quality building and site design that adds character to the streetscape.
- A gateway design and installation program is underway in the City following a
1997 design charette.
■ Actively promote downtown historic preservation and commemorate
historic sites with interpretive signs, art, tours, and educational programs.
To implement the program, the City should update the existing inventory of
historic resources, and develop regulations for preservation. The City has made
several efforts to develop historic preservation programs. The most recent
- effort concluded with a report, An Historic Preservation Program:
Recommendations for the Historic Preservation Committee December, 1990.
The program should be revisited .
■ Explore specific redevelopement opportunities within target areas
- A principal objective of this plan is to attract appropriate, high-quality
development downtown. The plan seeks to (1) attract positive development by
creating a favorable development setting and (2) direct new development to
achieve public objectives such as economic vitality and design quality as well as
individual private interests. This effort is based on the fact that physical
development and land uses that work together to complement one another and
that are supported by appropriate facilities are much more successful than
disjointed development limited by insufficient, unattractive public facilities.
The Plan focuses redevelopment in identified areas in several ways. The land
use recommendations fine tue the City's Comprehensive Plan. The
transportation recommendations will upgrade circulation to and within the
downtown. The public facilities improvements will enhance an already
attractive setting. District -specific design guidelines will increase compatibility
between uses, reinforce the design quality of the districts, and take advantage of
special opportunities.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV-3
-9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
Master Plan and Upgrade(
Commons Park
- Plan For Future Of Borden Site
e Parking & access
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Summary of Recommended Actions
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Summary of Recommended Actions
Figure IV -1: Actions recommended by the Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan are summarized
above.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV-4
-9633RPTSDOC-4/7/98
- Plan For Future Of Borden Site
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Opportunities Improvements
r� Special Districts
L__J with Design Guideline i i �� Bi Links Ped.
ks
-Parks/Open Space OGateways 1— —
!TransitStation
Infill And Reinforce
Historic Character Downtown Kent SubArea Action Plan
Summary of Recommended Actions
Figure IV -1: Actions recommended by the Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan are summarized
above.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV-4
-9633RPTSDOC-4/7/98
Improve Parks
—To Provide Key
North/South
Connection
I`t
Create a Trail
long MITI Creek,
Linking Mill Creek
o Park w/ Kent
n t
Memorial Park
^�}
upport Market
`_
Refine Design
moo.
Guidelines To Build
Quality Residential
Neighborhoods And
Ensure Compatibility
d „ %I l p
With Commercial
& Public Uses
Al
Central Avenue
Streetscape Improvements
Refine Design Guidelines
To Upgrade
Commercial Corridor
® Public FacilitiesRedevelopment 21160 Street
Opportunities Improvements
r� Special Districts
L__J with Design Guideline i i �� Bi Links Ped.
ks
-Parks/Open Space OGateways 1— —
!TransitStation
Infill And Reinforce
Historic Character Downtown Kent SubArea Action Plan
Summary of Recommended Actions
Figure IV -1: Actions recommended by the Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan are summarized
above.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV-4
-9633RPTSDOC-4/7/98
Summary of Recommended Actions
B. Outline of Phasing Strategy
Since the plan is based on projections and changing conditions for the next 20 years, it is
clear that all of the actions will not commence immediately. In fact, civic actions ideally
will be timed to take advantage of special funding opportunities to trigger or encourage
desired development, to respond to emerging market trends, or to integrate related
- activities. The chart titled
Since many of the actions are subject to funding, coordinated with other actions, timed to
emerging trends, or triggered by private investment, the periods shown are estimates
only.
- In general, the schedule sets priorities for action based on needs and opportunities. The
chart suggests that during the next two years the City should concentrate on important
new opportunities associated with current redevelopment, especially the Regional Justice
Center and the RTA commuter rail transit station. Actions that directly respond to these
opportunities: (134) the pedestrian "all cross" at the James and Smith intersection; (B2.c)
Smith Street improvements; (C l .b) Burlington Green, Yanghzou, and Kaibara Parks
- improvements; Gateways at (C2.a) Fourth and James, (C2f) Central and Meeker, and
(C2e) Central and Smith; (C3.a) the civic and performing arts center; (C3.b) the Public
Market; and (C3.c) the rail station structure are recommended for special attention during
the next two years. Likewise, land use measures (A 1 and A2) and design guidelines (D 1)
are given high priority because they represent low public cost activities the City can take
to update zoning and design guidelines to be ready for impending private development
proposals. The redevelopment programs for the Fourth Avenue, historic core, south core,
and Central Avenue target areas could also be initiated during the next two years to spur
redevelopment in these areas. Initiating these actions over the next two years makes for
an ambitious work list and represents the current dynamic times.
The actions recommended for implementation in two to five years are generally high-
priority activities, but they do not have the immediate urgency of those listed above. The
actions scheduled to implement after the first five years generally depend upon decisions
outside the City's control, such as the Borden site redevelopment or the Regional Fast
Corridor project.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV-5
-9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
Summary of Recommended Actions
A i A NTl iTQF
A 1.
Redesignate SF -8 area between Fourth . and
a.
City to revise zoning.
b.
Fifth Avenues N. to limited office/mixed use
c.
Masterplan Commons Park
d.
residential
C2. Enhance Gateways
a.
A2.
Prepare for Borden site master plan proposal
Fourth and Smith
c.
As needed to promote at least
A3. Promote infill housing
Fourth and Willis
e.
Fourth and Meeker
e.
1500 units.
A4.
Encourage mixed-use development
C3. Add public buildings
As needed.
A5.
Study impacts of pawn shops, bail bond
Public Market
c.
Rail station structure
offices, and tattoo parlors
B.
TRANSPORTATION
BE
Develop commuter rail station
RTA working with Citvior timely
service
B2. Construct street improvements
a. Fourth Avenue
b. Second Avenue
Triggered by site development.
c. Smith Street
7
Linked to rail station connections.
d. Central Avenue
High priority.
e. Saar Street
Triggered by private development
f. Meeker Street
High priority-
g. Seventh Avenue
Property owner initiated.
B3.
Plan for underpass at James and Willis
Determined by Regional Fast
Streets/BN&SF tracks
Corridor project.
B4.
Install pedestrian "all cross" at Fourth and
in RJC to core.
Smith
B5.
Adopt street tree standards
C. PUBLIC FACILITIES
Cl. Upgrade downtown parks
a.
Locate a Town Square
b.
Enhance parks along railroad
c.
Masterplan Commons Park
d.
Develop street tree plan
C2. Enhance Gateways
a.
Fourth and James
b.
Fourth and Smith
c.
Fourth and Meeker
d.
Fourth and Willis
e.
Fourth and Meeker
e.
Central and Meeker
f.
Central and Smith
C3. Add public buildings
a.
Performing Arts Center
b.
Public Market
c.
Rail station structure
C4. Provide trails and Paths
Could be incremental effort.
High priority.
Supports rail station
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV-6
-9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
a. Links from Interurban Trail
b. Path along James Street
c. Mill Creek/Kennebeck
C5. Incorporate public art
D. DESIGN GUIDELINES
Dl. Refine design guidelines
a. Historic Core District
b. Central Avenue Corridor District
c. Smith and Fourth corridor
d. East and west of core
e. North James corridor
U TAD!_L'T ADFAC
Summary of Recommended Actions
Continuous effort.
E1. Explore redevelopment opportunities
a. Obtain Smith Street right-of-way
b. Work with property owner on Borden site
Triggered by private development.
c. Fourth Avenue
d. Central core historic streets
Ongoing effort with KDP.
e. South Core District
Begin residential development
incentives.
f. Eastern core
g. Central Avenue Corridor District
Figure IV -2: Phasing of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan recommendations.
-- Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV-7
-9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
Summary of Recommended Actions
C. PRELIMINARY CAPITAL PROJECT COSTS
The preliminary costs in Figure IV -3 provide a more realistic foundation for the vision
and recommendations of the Downtown Strategic Action Plan. Although the costs were
carefully prepared, they are based on preliminary concepts, intended to serve as a general
guide. The plan spans a period of twenty years of potential new development,
redevelopment and infill in downtown Kent. The plan, costs, and infrastructure needs
may change and adjust. Each proposed project should be reevaluated in its own time
based on specific plans.
Please note that the preliminary street improvement costs listed in the chart exceed the
cost of plan recommendations. The cost of full street improvement is included because
sidewalk improvements can most economically be accomplished as part of a regularly
scheduled street overlay project.
Bicycle and pedestrian trails, lanes and paths can be accomplished in a number of
different ways with widely differing costs. Further study is necessary before cost
estimates can be provided.
Additional detail regarding the street improvements and gateways is available at the City
of Kent Planning Department. Additional detail regarding commuter rail station is
available from the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) and
the City of Kent Planning Department.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV-8
-9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
Summary of Recommended Actions
Recommendation
Cost
Suggested Funding
A. TRANSPORTATION
Al. Develop a commuter rail system.
$6,600,000.
Central Puget Sound Regional
Transit Authority. Sound Transit
A2. Street Improvements*
a. Fourth Avenue
$1,172,578.
City, federal grants, developers
b. Second Avenue
$883,256.
City, federal grants. developers
C. Smith Street
$1,525,461.
City, federal grants, developers
d. Central Avenue
Undetermined
City, federal grants, developers
Saar Street
$1,110,684.
City, federal grants, developers
e.
f. Meeker & Gowe Streets E.of First
$565.597.
City. federal grants. developers
g. Extend Seventh Avenue S. (Haden
Avenue) north of Willis
Undetermined
Developer
h. Install historic street lights
$166,523. (Meeker St Example)
City, merchants, property owners
A3. RR Underpass of Willis & James Street
$13,000,000. for each underpass
State, Federal, City
A4. Install pedestrian "all cross" at Fourth
$103,000.
City
Avenue and Smith Street
B. PUBLIC FACILITIES
Bl. Upgrade downtown parks
a. Town Square Park
$720,160
City, state grant
b. Enhance railroad parks
$216,300.
City, state grant
c. Master Plan Borden Park
$40,000
$400
,
$35,000
d. Develop Street TreeNeg. Plan
B2. Enhance Gateways
$824,000.
City
a. Fourth Avenue and James Street
b. Fourth Avenue and Smith Street
c. Fourth Avenue and Meeker Street
d. Fourth Avenue and Willis Street
e. Central Avenue and Smith Street
f. Central Avenue and Meeker Street
B3. Three new public buildings
a. Civic and Performing Arts Center
$1 3,800,000.
Public voted bonds, donations
$640,00.
Private/public partnership
b. Public Market
Undetermined
Federal, state. RTA, city
c. Commuter Rail Station Structure
B4. Trails and pathways
Undetermined
State, federal grants, city
a. East/West links - Interurban Trail
b. South side of James Street trail
C. Pedestrianibicycle route from Mill
Creek to Kent Memorial Park
d. Green River Trail to Commuter
Rail Station - Central or First
B5. Public Art
Undetermined
City, annually funded program,
donations, grants
Figure IV -3 Preliminary Capital Cost Estimate
- Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV-9
-9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
Summary of Recommended Actions
L
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Downtown Kent SubArea Action Plan
Transportation Improvements
Figure 1V-4 Recommended Transportation Improvements
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV-10
-9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
Summary of Recommended Actions
ME'
Focus Support I*j —1 Upgrade special
- �improvements proposed public districts and
on connecting facilities to add (, . target areas with
X' downtown wide -spectrum redevelopment
of activity. opportunities
Legend:
Key commercial buildings ••••• Improved streeiscapes
Parks and open space
- Important public attractions
Figure !V-5 Recommended Public Facilities
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV -11
-9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
Summary of Recommended Actions
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Downtown Kent SubArea Action Plan
Land Use Recomendations
Figure IV -6 Land Use Recommendations
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV-12
-9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
-- V. Downtown Districts
C
Kent Downtown Districts
V. Kent Downtown Districts
The planning process identified several downtown districts with distinct characteristics.
It also identified how district redevelopment strategies can be integrated to benefit all
districts. The following district descriptions illustrate more clearly how the
recommended actions listed in Section III focus on individual districts, but also
interconnect throughout downtown. The Districts include:
• North Frame District
-..w • Central Avenue Corridor District
• East Frame District
• West Frame District
• South Core District
• North Core District
• Historic Core District
The plan's land use recommendations are directed toward fine tuning the City's
comprehensive planning framework in response to specific redevelopment opportunities
and neighborhood protection needs. The transportation recommendations will upgrade
circulation to and within the downtown for additional businesses and residents. The
public facilities improvements envisioned in this plan will enhance an already attractive
development setting. District -specific design guidelines will increase compatibility
- between uses, reinforce the design quality of the various districts, and take advantage of
special opportunities. Within each district there are target areas that merit special
attention. It is recommended that the City work with property owners and developers to
ensure that new development on these properties meets its potential.
Each district is described below with recommended actions and target areas where the
City and the Kent Downtown Partnership may take a sustaining role.
A. North Frame District
Located along the north side of James Street, the North Frame District provides a
transition between more intensive uses in the core and the single-family neighborhood to
the north. The district includes the Commons Park, with its ball fields, and several streets
lined with single-family homes. While the overall intent of the plan is to preserve the
single-family character of the North Park neighborhood, east of Fourth Avenue, two busy
arterial streets -N. Fourth Avenue and James Street -intrude on residential qualities to the
extent that homes north James Street and west of districsFourth Avenue are difficult to
maintain.
" Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-1
9633RPTSDOC - 4!7/98
Kent Downtown Districts
L
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Kent Downtown Districts
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Figure V-1: The Kent downtown districts.
East
Frame
pnI � O
`- 79i. L.P. o _
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0
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_ e tw• xw• M, wrae
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Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-2
9633RPT5DOC - 4!7/98
Kent Downtown Districts
Commons Park brings mixed blessings. While being a much -loved open space and active
recreation area that enhances single-family living conditions in the vicinity, it also draws
people and traffic that impact adjacent single-family
uses. Therefore, the plan seeks to create a strong edge of high-quality development along
the north side of James Street west of N. Fourth Avenue. The area is a designated
redevelopment target area. Upgrading the streets and Commons Park to benefit the local
neighborhood and the city at large are also high priority actions.
The actions presented below include public improvements, land use zoning, and design
guidelines specific to the North Frame District and supportive of the overall plan. The
actions are coordinated specifically to encourage target area redevelopment.
Public Improvements
— Upgrade Commons Park
The Commons Park is an important resource for downtown Kent in many ways. For
one thing, it is such an important attraction that shop owners have opened their stores
in the evening during baseball season to take advantage of the increased traffic.
However, there are numerous problems, including parking, access, drainage, and
impacts to neighboring residents. A master plan should explore a variety of solutions
to these problems. Participants in the Downtown Plan voiced many creative ideas for
park improvement. The ideas included: (1) an on-site parking lot that could retain
stormwater in the winter; (2) pedestrian overpasses; (3) use of the Regional Justice
Center's parking; (4) incorporating shared parking with redevelopment between N.
Fourth and N. Fifth Avenues; and (5) the addition of a play structure.
— Improve James Street
Ultimately, James street will be an important pedestrian and bicycle route connecting
the Commons Park and the Interurban Trail to the Borden site redevelopment, the
Regional Justice Center, and schools and businesses in the Central Avenue corridor.
Long-term planning should encourage bicycle and pedestrian uses. As development
and redevelopment occurs, the City should require that James Street be enhanced with
- landscaping and sidewalks at least 12 feet wide. In addition, the City and developers
should consider the possible grade separation at the BN&SF Railroad tracks when
planning public improvements.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-3
9633RPT5DOC - 4!7198
Institute Design Guidelines
For Residential and Office Areas
*Achieve high quality -
smaller scale development
I
Master Plan and Upgrade �j
Commons Park ,
• Parking &access
•Drainage/
. Layout / use
ra
` E
Rezone To Allow
Office With Mixed
Use Overlay
Construct Gateway Elements
• Screen Parking Lot
Kent Downtown Districts
Improve Local Circulation & Reduce
Impacts of Through Traffic
;.. ... • Open Cloudy Street
— -i ;;---i --- i • Open ENV commercial street
�- -- -- • Cul de sac 1 st, 2nd & 3rd
Z' "9��- I�1 O _ Ijr�
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Possible
Rail Grade
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30
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a� -
Legena: -
® Public FacilitiesRedevelopment I I 15 11 Street
Opportunities Improvements
r ---I Special Districts -
I ---I with Design Guideline Bike/ Ped.
s i ; Links
Gateways -Parks/Open Space O y -Transit Station
Downtown Kent SubArea Action Plan
North of James Street Area
Figure V-2: Proposed elements of the !North Frame District
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-4
9633RPT5DOC - 4/7/98
Kent Downtown Districts
— Provide Gateway Improvements at Fourth Avenue and James Street.
This high traffic intersection close to the Commons and the Regional Justice Center is
an important downtown entry point. The unimproved Borden -owned parking lot at
the southeast corner could be greatly enhanced by a sign and landscaping that
complement the architecture and plantings of the public facility. A wall could
incorporate the buff color scheme of the Commons and Regional Justice Center and
perhaps echo some of the building materials and detailing. A design team that
included members of the business community, an architect, a landscape architect,
artists and planners recommended a distinctive crosswalk pavement design and
w distinguished streetlights.
DOWN
TOWN STREET
KENT SIGNAGE
-1-4 . 97 SIGNAGE
IDENTIFICATION DETAILS
SIGNAGE 2'X 2'
INTERSECTION
CROSSWALK
DESIGN
GATEWAY
LIGHT
Figure V-3: The suggested concept for Fourth Avenue and James Street.
Development Target Area Actions
— Encourage Office/Residential Mixed -Use Development at the N. Fourth
Avenue/N. Fifth Avenue Target Area
As noted above, the plan promotes the conversion of the single-family area between N.
Fourth and N. Fifth Avenues to mixed-use office and multifamily residential
development. These uses will benefit from proximity to the park and the visibility
along Fourth Avenue. Also, they will be less adversely impacted by the park activity
and traffic) Figure V-4 illustrates the type of development that is envisioned.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-5
9633RPT5DOC - 417198
Kent Downtown Districts
Figure V-4: The type of office/residential mixed-use development envisioned for the
N. Fourth/Fifth Avenue target area.
Finally, the City should administer district -specific design guidelines to ensure that:
• Development presents an attractive building face and/or landscaping to James and
Fourth Streets.
• Site improvements do not negatively impact projects to the north in terms of
noise, traffic, air quality, sun/share, or visual intrusion.
• Development does not result in houses converted to marginal offices without
substantial redevelopment.
Although on the periphery of the downtown, the North Frame area merits special
attention. A master plan for the Commons Park could begin to address important
issues. Redevelopment of land along the N. Fourth/Fifth Avenue corridors north of
James Street will provide opportunities for additional housing in a convenient
downtown location near recreation resources. It will also provide opportunities for
office/housing mixed use or housing near offices.
Finally, as one of the downtown's most important entries, the Fourth and James
gateway merits high priority in the proposed gateway enhancement program.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-6
9633RPT5DOC - 4!7198
James
Upgraded Commons Park
with improved access,
drainage and parking • - • ;
Kent Downtown Districts
a1 a ill lu>fl
� U
Commons
a
o Pedestrian connections
C
C �
F I 4
0 0y r 2
--Gateway feature
Q LL
James Street landscaping • 05
o and sidewalk improvements m
LL
Grade -separated railroad .
crossing as part of the regional-
Fast Corridor project
Downtown Kent Strategic Action Plan
North Frame District
Please Note: This visualization is a conceptual interpretation of growth management policies
and Downtown Kent Strategic Action Plan recommendations. It does not represent a specific
recommendation for any one parcel. Its purpose is to provide an example of possible building
infill, including height, location, use, density, and site amenities.
Figure V-5 North Frame District 20 year vision
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-7
9633RPTSDOC - 4/7/98
Kent Downtown Districts
B. Central Avenue Corridor District
Central Avenue comprises the downtown's auto -oriented strip. As such, it provides a
setting for auto -oriented businesses, convenience stores, large -lot enterprises, and fast
food vendors. On the other hand, the district's collage of billboards and under -
maintained structures does not provide an attractive entrance into the downtown. For this
reason, the plan identifies the entire district as a redevelopment target area although there
are some solid businesses. The target area and recommendations include Railroad
Avenue in relation to the proposed commuter rail station. Upgrading the corridor will
require a two-pronged effort involving public streetscape improvements and incremental
private investment. This type of major arterial redevelopment has proven effective in
areas such as Lake City Way in Seattle and Central Way in Kirkland.
Public Improvements
— Upgrade Streetscape Along Central Avenue
The width of the street right-of-way width limits the extent of streetscape improvements
on Central Avenue. Nevertheless, public and private investment could substantially
improve the sidewalks and upgrade the utilities. The high-level transmission lines will
undoubtedly remain, but numerous service lines and cable should be placed underground
to remove visual clutter. Public and private property owners could augment existing
street trees with additional plantings on both public and private property.
The intersections of Central Avenue with Smith and Meeker Streets represent important
entry points into the downtown, and gateways are recommended at these locations. Public
right-of-way is limited on Central Avenue. The gateways should make use of basic
streetscape elements. In 1997, a design charette resulted in a recommendation for special
crosswalk designs, signs directing visitors to the Regional Justice Center, the commuter
rail station, and the business core. The recommendation included special lighting to call
attention to the gateways. Participants in the charette included a landscape architect, an
artist, an urban designer, downtown merchants, and City representatives.
The plan recommends upgrading the sidewalks along Meeker and Gowe Streets between
First and Kennebeck Avenues with street trees and lighting. Where these streets intersect
Central Avenue, the City should emphasize improvements to integrate the corridor with
the downtown core and the commuter rail station.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-8
9633RPT5DOC - 4!7/96
0
Commuter -
Rail Station
Kent Downtown Districts
Possible
_
Rail Grade Separation
��{ -
rac,
Improve Smith Street
_._�;
----=--'---
At Railroad
13
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Improve Parks
-'
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=� 4
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Create a Trail
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%; _ --•-
$
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Park Kent
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!
_- Refine Design
1 -
Guidelines To Build
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T
Neighborhoods And
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' o c
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Gowe Street
�a, % �'
Improvements
gyp, Q ' 4
To The East
_n
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New Parking Garage
1 4..
Between Titus &
-' I !I_ -L
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i a, loo• IN- Ma- low,
jj
Gowe Streets
' I' °'` i
Improve Central
Avenue Streetscape
\-----To
Refine Design Guidelines
Upgrade Commercial Corridor
Legend:
® Public FacilitiesRedevelopment III III III III ii Street
Opportunities Improvements
i --i Special Districts JL Special
with Design Guideline
OGateways "ir Intersection
i
Parks/Open Space
Transit Station
II —�
Downtown Kent SubArea Action Plan
Central Avenue Corridor District
Figure V-6: Central Avenue Corridor and West Frame Districts are illustrated above.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-9
9633RPT5DOC — 417198
Kent Downtown Districts
Design Guidelines
The City should add specific standards to the Downtown Design Guidelines to direct
development toward higher quality building and site design. The design guidelines
should complement streetscape improvements. For example, while it is desirable to place
buildings near the public right-of-way, it may be preferable to set buildings back a few
feet to allow wider sidewalks and utility placement. The following issues that the
guidelines should address.
• Designate Central Avenue as a Class B pedestrian street from Willis to James
Streets to provide a better setting for new development arising from the commuter
rail station and core area investment.
• Screen parking areas adjacent to the street right-of-way with low shrubs or walls
and trees.
• When development occurs, set back buildings to allow for at least a 12 -foot -wide
sidewalk.
• Provide a pedestrian link between the public sidewalk and all business entrances,
even if parking is in front of the building.
• Control existing signs and remove existing billboards over time.
• Provide pedestrian -oriented building facades and integrate signs into the
architecture.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-10 -
9633RPTSDOC - 417198
Kent Downtown Districts
Figure V-7 Design Issues That New Development Should Address in the Central Avenue District.
-� Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan v-1 1
9633RPT5DOC - 4/7/98
Kent Downtown Districts
Figure V-8.Design Issues That Existing Development in the Central Avenue district Should Address.
Because Central Avenue is many people's first impression of downtown appearance and
development quality, the corridor is important to the whole downtown image. For this
reason, corridor improvements should be given priority. Successful arterial improvements
in other cities in the region have demonstrated that upgrading Central Avenue is possible
if the City and property owners work together.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V"12
9633RPT5DOC — 4/7/98
Commercial properties must be set
back and buffered from residential
areas
kew buildings must feature pedesklan
oriented facades with display windows,
weather protection or other elements —
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required to lncprde landscape
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screen and walkway to entrance
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Figure V-8.Design Issues That Existing Development in the Central Avenue district Should Address.
Because Central Avenue is many people's first impression of downtown appearance and
development quality, the corridor is important to the whole downtown image. For this
reason, corridor improvements should be given priority. Successful arterial improvements
in other cities in the region have demonstrated that upgrading Central Avenue is possible
if the City and property owners work together.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V"12
9633RPT5DOC — 4/7/98
Kent Downtown Districts
�� pig
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Figure V-9: Central Avenue as it exists today.
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Figure V -10.A Visualization of How Central Avenue could look.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
9633RPT5DOC - 4!7M
V-13
Kent Downtown Districts
Grade -separated railroad crossing ........ .
James St.
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i
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Redevelopment on Central Ave. 3 -
T Smith St.
supporting Commuter Rail Station • • • • • • -
a_
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Gateways on Smith and AM r-,--
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Meeker Streets •••••••••••••••••••••••..
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improvements at Meeker and Gowe
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Incremental redevelopment according
to Central Avenue Corridor guidelines •
Street trees where space permits • • • • • • •
Meeker St.
IJ �
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I47
77,
Downtown Kent Strategic Action Plan
Central Avenue Corridor District
Please Note: This visualization is a conceptual interpretation of growth management policies
and Downtown Kent Strategic Action Plan recommendations. It does not represent a specific
recommendation for any one parcel. Its purpose is to provide an example of possible building
infill, including height, location, use, density, and site amenities.
Figure
Figure V-11 Central Avenue Corridor 20 Year Vision
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-14
9633RPT5DOC — d/7/98
Kent Downtown Districts
C. East Frame District
Lying immediately east of the Central Avenue corridor, the East Frame District includes
a diverse mix of commercial activities interspersed among single and multiple -family
residences. Participants at a summer 1996 workshop to identify issues in this district
emphasized the need for a more stable residential neighborhood, with access to services
and relief from traffic and other impacts. Since the City Resource Center, Senior Center,
and Kent Junior High School are located in the district, it is rich in public services.
However, better connections to the downtown core would improve access to shopping,
professional services, restaurants, and City and County offices. The actions
recommended for the East Frame District focus on urban design improvements which
could, over time, upgrade the area's livability. The planning team explored traffic
revision proposals to reduce through traffic in the district, but no workable options were
identified.
Public Improvements
— Construct a Pedestrian Trail Along Mill Creek
The proposed trail and landscaping connecting Mill Creek Park and Memorial Park
will improve access to open space.
— Improve Meeker and Gowe Streetscapes
Upgrading sidewalks with lighting and landscaping on Meeker and Gowe Streets
from First Avenue to Kennebeck Avenue would improve pedestrian conditions in the
w. East Frame. The improvements would connect the First Avenue to Kennebeck
Avenue sections to the Historic core and the commuter rail station and create a more
attractive setting.
Design Guidelines
Design guidelines are recommended to:
• Increase compatibility between commercial and residential uses through screening,
site design and building bulk regulations or guidelines.
• Increase security and safety in the area by providing lighting and pathways,
reducing hazardous areas, and providing visible entries.
• Provide useful open space and pedestrian -oriented streetscapes.
While there are few specific recommendations for the East Frame in this plan, the City
should continue to monitor residential neighborhood conditions and act if special
problems or opportunities arise.
- Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-15
9633RPT5DOC - V7198
t- r.1i b,; r k E MJF L u a� I
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Figure V-12 Proposed Elements of the East Frame District
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-16
9633RPT5DOC - V7/9B
Kent Downtown Districts
James St.
)19 �C • • Mill Creek/Memorial Park Trail
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• • -• Central Avenue Corridor
improvements and redevelopment
Downtown Kent Strategic Action Plan
East Frame District
Please Note: This visualization is a conceptual interpretation of growth management policies
and Downtown Kent Strategic Action Plan recommendations. It does not represent a specific
recommendation for any one parcel. Its purpose is to provide an example of possible building
infill, including height. location, use, density, and site amenities.
Figure V-13 East Frame District 20 Year Vision
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-17
9633RPT5DOC - 417/98
Kent Downtown Districts
D. West Frame District
The area between the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and SR 167 includes a large Metro
park-and-ride lot with regional bus service, a skateboard park and sports fields, the
remains of a historical residential neighborhood, industrial shops, and vacant lands. The
Interurban Regional Bicycle Trail runs north and south through the district. Metro plans
to phase out the park and ride lot located between Smith and James Streets when the
Commuter Rail Station is built, and incorporate the functions of the park and ride lot into
the rail station area design. However, the area south of Smith Street may experience
dynamic redevelopment. A mix of retail, office, and residential uses is consistent with
current zoning. This plan recommends street construction and design guidelines to
support development efforts.
Public Improvements
— Review Proposal for a New Access Street
Major redevelopment south of Smith Street will depend on a new street connection
northbound through the area from Willis Street. The Washington State Department
of Transportation is currently reviewing a proposal to upgrade the intersection of the
northbound ramp off SR 167. If such a north -south route connecting Meeker Street
with Willis Street is determined to be feasible, the City should carefully evaluate its
impacts on the downtown's traffic system.
— Connect Interurban Trail to Core Districts
Besides the proposed access, the most important transportation improvements
recommended by this plan are bicycle and pedestrian connections from the Interurban
Trail eastward along or near James, Meeker, and Willis Streets. The James Street
pedestrian connection is especially important because some Commons Park users
park at the park-and-ride and then walk to the ball fields. Crossing James Street is
often difficult, so providing better parking and access for park users will be an
important consideration in the recommended Commons Park Master Plan.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan v-16
9633RPT5DOC - VV98
Kent Downtown Districts
"O�;til i9i• � � � ,� 1]r- � h 5 �f��� �.
i
Figure V-14 Existing view and the view with the proposed improvements along Willis Street near the
Union Pacific Railroad tracks. Note the bicycle pedestrian trail connecting downtown to the Interurban Trail,
greensward improvements, and new mixed-use residential development along Saar Street.
Design Guidelines
Design guidelines are recommended to ensure that the new development comprises a
unified whole with compatible uses, integrated circulation, adequate capital facilities, and
attractive amenities. The design guidelines should reflect the type of uses proposed by
the property owners. This particular district would also benefit from large site master
planning so that project review might involve a phased site master plan concept.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-19
9633RPT5DOC - 417/98
Master Plan and Upgrade
Commons Park
• Parking & access
. Drainage
. Layout/ use
Improve
Connections
To Park
interurban
Trail
Park & Ride
will be phased out
and parking transferred
to Rail Station. Area
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Bike/Ped.Links To
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By Developer—
Kent Downtown Districts
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Cul-de-sac -.-,Transit Station
n Kent SubArea Action Plan
Downtow
- - West Frame District
Figure V-15: Proposed elements of the West Frame District are illustrated above.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-20
9633R"SDOC - 47/98
Kent Downtown Districts
•-Union Pacific Railroad
0James St.
""" Interurban Bicycle Trail
Metro Park -and -Ride
Smith St.
I
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the park
Meeker St.
ti
New office, retail, residential.
-�and commercial activities in a
acara masterplanned development
- -New access road off Willis Street
• • •Trail connection from Interurban Trail
to Downtown
Willis St.
Downtown Kent Strategic Action Plan
West Frame District
Please Note: This visualization is a conceptual interpretation of growth management policies
and Downtown Kent Strategic Action Plan recommendations. It does not represent a specific
recommendation for any one parcel. Its purpose is to provide an example of possible building
infill, including height, location, use, density, and site amenities.
Figure V-16 West Frame District 20 Year Vision
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
9633RPT5DOC - 417!98
V-21
Kent Downtown Districts
E. South Core District
The area immediately south and west of the Meeker Street historic core consists mainly
of single-family houses, apartments, senior housing, and churches, with some small
businesses and an elementary school. The attractive setting includes tree -lined streets
and numerous older, but still viable, buildings. Willis Street provides a pleasant
greenbelt on the south and the civic campus and Meeker Street provide the north
boundary. The railroad effects both the eastern and western margins, and development
along these edges is less substantial. However, the City proposes to locate the commuter
rail station south of Gowe Street with platforms on both sides of the Burlington
Northern/Santa Fe railroad tracks. The preliminary station area plan calls for a four-story
parking garage with retail on the first floor east of Railroad Avenue and south of Gowe
Street.
The Plan encourages residential mixed use in this area to help achieve the
Comprehensive Plan's housing goals, and to provide a built-in market for downtown
businesses. The area is already an attractive in -town neighborhood because of good
automobile and transit access, public services, and pleasant streets. For this reason,
vacant and underdeveloped properties in the entire district, except the BN&SF Railroad
corridor, form a mixed-use redevelopment target area. The blocks directly west of the
BN&SF Railroad tracks are appropriate for parking and commercial redevelopment.
The South Core District could become one of the most attractive in -town neighborhoods
in south King County. Looking at the district map, the South Core District seems to
cradle the historic commercial area. Similarly, a strong mixed-use residential
neighborhood would provide economic support for a more viable downtown. Therefore,
the City should assign high priority to the actions recommended for this district. The
impetus for the recommendations below is to facilitate redevelopment that strengthens
this emerging mixed-use neighborhood.
Commuter rail connections will make downtown a regional transportation hub, elevating
its role and image in southwest King County. Experience in other communities has
shown that such increased visibility can benefit a downtown economically if the image
presented by the station is positive and the connections throughout the downtown are
clear. Therefore, stimulating the economic and physical vitality of the downtown
depends on in a series of actions to connect the station to the businesses, offices, and
residences throughout downtown, and improving the area surrounding the station.
Public Improvements
Provide Quality Commuter Rail Station Infrastructure
The design of the station should complement and enhance the character of the South
Core and Historic Core Districts. The station design calls for a platform on each side
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-22
9633RPT5DOC - 4!7/98
Kent Downtown Districts
of the tracks and at least 800 commuter -parking spaces. It also calls for a "kiss and
ride" drop off area and eight bus -bays so that both local feeder buses and regional
busses can meet the train when it arrives. The plan recommends a well-designed,
distinctive station to provide downtown with a strong identity and indicate a
commitment to high quality.
■ Reduce Station Impacts
Carefully coordinate rail station design to reduce the impacts of the intermodal
transportation facility on existing and future mixed-use development.
■ Restore the Historic Train Station
The historic Burlington Northern station located between Gowe and Titus Streets is
an expression of Kent's history and character. The City should research opportunities
to coordinate with the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad to restore the station.
■ Construct traffic and pedestrian improvements to downtown streets as necessary
to provide access.
During station design, a comprehensive analysis of potential traffic and transit
requirements may dictate new improvements to Railroad and Central/Avenues, and
Smith, Meeker, Gowe and Willis Streets.
• Improve connecting pedestrian corridors.
Improve or install new sidewalks, streetlights, and tree grates along connecting
pedestrian corridors. Use the design elements previously selected by the community
and installed on First Avenue to establish a consistent pedestrian character throughout
the core.
■ Consider the impacts of the potential Willis Street railroad underpass.
The Willis Street and Burlington Northern/Santa Fe underpass and the Willis
Street/Union Pacific underpass are two Kent underpasses included in the Seattle
project of the Freight Action Strategy (FAST). Member agencies are seeking funding
within the next six years.
■ Extend Angled Parking Along Saar Street to the Union Pacific Railroad
Installing angled parking would define the edge of the street and provide public
parking. Both these improvements would help attract higher quality development to
the area. The City could use the additional parking to provide required on-site
parking as an incentive to developers.
■ Extend Pedestrian/Bicycle Paths from the Interurban Trail to the Core
Connections to the regional trail will provide an amenity for local residents and bring
visitors and commuters into the downtown.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-23
9633RPT5DOC - 4/7/98
Kent Downtown Districts
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Opportunities Improvements
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-
Parks/Open Space i Cul-de-sac iTransit Station
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Downtown Kent SubArea Action Plan
South Core District
Figure V-17: Proposed Elements of the South Core District.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-24
9633RPT5DOC - 4/7!98
Kent Downtown Districts
Design Guidelines
The Downtown Design Review Criteria should be refined to address specific issues in the
South Core District, including:
• Enhancement of the historic character of the core and rehabilitation of historically
significant structures. Portions of the South Core District may be eligible for
historic district status.
• Maximum compatibility between adjacent uses. Locate buildings to achieve privacy
for residents, separate noisy activities and integrate parking.
• Strong building relationship to the street, with entries visible from the sidewalk.
• Useable open space on site, as required in the Downtown Design Criteria, or require
a contribution to acquire new or upgrade existing open space in the neighborhood.
• Reduction of the impact of parking on the streetscape.
• Minimizing the impact of service areas.
• Unified architectural concept consistent with the character and orientation of
surrounding buildings.
• "Pedestrian scale" in buildings.
• Building massing, details, and articulation to achieve an "architectural scale"
consistent with surrounding buildings.
• Building forms (such as row houses or courtyard apartments), elements (such as
roofs, porches, or bay windows), details (such as building trim or decoration), and
materials consistent with the surrounding neighborhood.
• Hardy landscaping to enhance building forms, articulate and enhance open space,
and reinforce visual continuity with adjacent sites. Figure V- and Figure V -
illustrate design guideline recommendations for this district.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-25
9633RPT5DOC - 4/7/98
M-M!,Bill InmI Ir MM"
Kent Downtown Districts
Other Redevelopment Incentives
The City should undertake the following actions as the opportunity arises to enhance
development opportunities in the South Core District.
• Consider designating a historic district and/or historic sites. (See recommendations
under Historic Core District.)
- • Consider a housing demonstration project in this area.
• To increase potential for downtown housing, explore means to reuse older homes
more effectively. Several of these old homes are important resources. In the past,
this type of housing has been successfully moved, clustered on more appropriate
sites, remodeled to provide more than one unit, or adapted to another appropriate
use.
• Construct parking on the properties immediately west of the BN&SF Railroad
between Willis and Titus Streets. Parking in this location would reduce conflict
between railroad operations and existing residences, provide downtown parking and
potentially allow redevelopment of the public parking lot at the southwest corner of
First Avenue and Titus Street for housing. Reconfiguring First Avenue would add
more parking and upgrade the development setting.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-27
9633RPTSDOC - 4!7/98
Kent Downtown Districts
Fourth Avenue signature
improvements--• • •- >
• • • • • Infill along core streets � o
-• Realignment of = supports historic character ad-
street a Z m
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upgraded Redevelopment coordinated
along
alongwith new parking along railroad • -
streetscapes
Parking and
street improvements
along railroad . • • - • • • • - • • • • .
Commuter Rail Station ................
Parking
• Bus center
• Station structure
• Platform and site imorovements
Downtown Kent Strategic Action Plan
South Core District
Please Note: This visualization is a conceptual interpretation of growth management policies
and Downtown Kent Strategic Action Plan recommendations. It does not represent a specific
recommendation for any one parcel. Its purpose is to provide an example of possible building
infill, including height, location, use, density, and site amenities.
Figure V-20 South Core District 20 Year Vision
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-28
9633FPT5DOC - 417/96
Kent Downtown Districts
F. North Core District
With the Regional Justice Center, the Kent Public Market, and the proposed civic and
performing arts center, the North Core District includes some of the most important new
urban development in south King County. These facilities and the future redevelopment
potential of the property located between Smith and James Streets east of S. Fourth
Avenue make the North Core District unique within the region.
Because of these dynamic opportunities, the plan designates the entire district as a
redevelopment area. Some vacant and underdeveloped properties will not redevelop
immediately. The North Core District links the Historic Core District and the commuter
rail station with the Regional Justice Center, Kent Commons, and residences north of
James Street. It is especially important that new public and private investment be
coordinated to provide improved connections between these activity areas. The
recommendations below call for the City to take assertive action to realize the
opportunities within the North Core District.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-29
9633RPT5DOC - 07!98
Rezone To Allow
Office With Mixed
Use Overlay
Master Plan and Upgrade
Commons Park
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Kent Downtown Districts
Plan For Future Of Borden Site
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Downtown Kent SUbA1=0 Action Plan
North Core District
Figure V-21: Proposed elements of the North Core District are illustrated above.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-30
9633RPT5DOC - 417198
*Create high quality
development nearby
• Retain street access
• Institute design guidelines
Focus High Quality
— Development
North of Smith
• Streetscape improvements
• Guidelines to make
compatible with Borden site
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Downtown Kent SUbA1=0 Action Plan
North Core District
Figure V-21: Proposed elements of the North Core District are illustrated above.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-30
9633RPT5DOC - 417198
Kent Downtown Districts
Public Improvements
— Construct Traffic and Pedestrian Improvements to Downtown Streets as
Necessary to Provide Safe, Convenient Connections.
Connecting the North Core district with the commuter rail station south of Gowe
Street will place new demands on Smith Street. Construct Traffic and Pedestrian
Safety Improvements on Smith Street between First Avenue and Central Avenue.
New street improvements may include a traffic signal at Railroad Avenue and Smith
Street, straightening, a new center through lane on Smith Street, new crosswalks,
pedestrian improvements, and directional signs.
Improve or install new sidewalks, streetlights, and tree grates along connecting
pedestrian corridors. Use the design elements previously selected by the community
and installed on First Avenue and Meeker Street to establish a consistent pedestrian
character throughout the core.
— Enhance Parks Along the Railroad to Provide Linkages Between the Station and
". the Core
Upgrade Burlington Green, Yanghzou and Kaibara parks as connecting open space
and as a kind of gateway. A canopy along the east side of the parks would provide
pedestrian protection, serve as outdoor stalls for the market, and visually tie the Sister
Cities Parks together. Not only will the parks be an important pedestrian link and
open space resource, they will be highly visible to thousands of commuters taking the
train from Tacoma to Seattle and be an important part of Kent's image.
— Locate a Town Square Park near the Smith Street/Meeker Street spine of the
" Core
A Town Square Park would provide a downtown open space for large public
,.., . gatherings and performances. It might consist of a small plaza constructed as part of
or near the civic and performing arts center that could expand to accommodate
concerts or celebrations by closing Second Avenue and the east portion of Harrison
... Street. Coordinate closely with the Performing Arts Center Committee and other
interested parties to ensure that the park and civic and performing arts center
complement and enhance one another.
— Support the Public Market as a connecting activity between the core and the
area north of Smith Street.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-31
9633RPT5DOC - 4!7198
Kent Downtown Districts
Figure V-22: The above illustration shows existing conditions along Railroad Avenue.
Figure V-23: A canopy along Railroad Avenue will provide pedestrian protection and market space
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan v"jL
9633RPTSDOC -,V7/98
Kent Downtown Districts
— Construct Pedestrian "All Cross" or Scramble System at the Corner of Fourth
Avenue and Smith Street
The King County Regional Justice Center (RJC) brings many new employers and
visitors to downtown. The RJC can be a boon to the downtown if it is linked to the
core area shops, restaurants, and services. An "all cross" pedestrian connection,
which provides for pedestrians to move diagonally through the intersection in the
signal sequence while all automobiles wait, would facilitate pedestrian linkage. It is
recommended that the Public Works Department explore the feasibility of such a
design and the intersection be upgraded with gateway landscaping and signs. If an
"all cross" or scramble system is not feasible, then, at a minimum, signals can be
sequenced to encourage pedestrian crossing, especially during non -peak traffic
periods.
Figure V-24: "All cross" or "scramble" intersection at Fourth and Smith Streets to allow 4 -way crossing at a signal
sequence. Decorative pavement, canopy or trellis,and enhanced private landscaping are possibilities.
- Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-33
9633RPT5DOC - 417198
Kent Downtown Districts
Design Guidelines
Refinement of the existing design guidelines is recommended to:
Ensure quality development in the North Core District, especially along Fourth
Avenue and Smith Street.
Classify Smith Street between Central and Fourth Avenues and Fourth Avenue
between Titus and James Streets as Class A, pedestrian -oriented streets.
Ensure that development along these streets addresses the Borden site issues outlined
below.
Redevelopment Opportunities
The plan supports and integrates other development activities, including those described
below.
— Establish Design Parameters and Review Process for Redevelopment of the
Borden Site
Because of its large size, central location, and transportation access, the Borden site is
one of the premier downtown redevelopment opportunities in south King County.
Although the Borden Company has indicated no immediate plans to move, the City
should take steps to ensure that when redevelopment occurs, it is carefully
coordinated, Therefore, it is recommended that the City establish a master plan
process for this site, with standards to guide any future redevelopment proposal. The
standards should include:
• Guidelines for streets and sidewalks.
• Provision for extension of Second Avenue into the site.
• A mix of uses.
• Convenient access to transit facilities.
• Orientation to adjacent sites.
• Provision of open space and pedestrian amenities.
• Design guidelines for architectural and site design character.
— Support residential development in the North Core District.
The North Core District is assuming a more central location and role in downtown
activities. Vehicle and pedestrian circulation between activities in the North Core
District and the Commuter Rail station will become increasingly important. For these
reasons, the North Core District recommendations merit high priority.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-34
9633RPTSDOC - 0719B
Kent Downtown Districts
Figure V-25.• Shown above is the proposed Civic and Performing Arts Center design by the Bumgardner Partnershit
— Support a Civic and Performing Arts Center Downtown.
A Civic and Performing Arts Center with facilities for conferences and other events,
would be an important attraction to the downtown, extending hours of activity into
the night. It would provide a much-needed location for events, performances,
meetings, and educational programs. The center would also be a lively element if
pedestrian -oriented uses, such as small shops, newsstands, flower stalls, coffee bars,
pedestrian spaces, and/or public artwork, are included along Fourth Avenue and
Smith Street. The entry to the site could include a plaza that for outdoor performances
and c,-1phrar,nn-,
Figure V-26 Architect's drawing of the proposed Kent Public Market building - courtesy of the
Kent Downtown Partnership.
— Support the Public Market
The Public Market on Railroad Avenue between Meeker and Smith Streets will add
an important activity. It will anchor businesses on Railroad Avenue, enhance the
Sister Cities Parks complex, and serve as a connecting element between the
- commuter rail station and the North Core. To support the market the plan
recommends additional parking on Railroad Avenue and a sidewalk with a canopy
east of Sister Cities Parks to provide a shelter for outdoor stalls in the summer and
pedestrian weather protection in the winter.
-- Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-35
9633RPTSDOC - 4/7198
Kent Downtown Districts
Potential for masterplanned
mixed-use development*** Mixed-use development
Signature street Office development...
improvements along Smith Street**:
along Fourth Ave. • • Gateway feature • •
Low
UK,
I
Improved ° ¢ Public Q
Sister Citieso Market cc
Parks �
a�
• 023 !Y U
Z ;
-Outdoor performance/ m
celebration area • • • Smith Street
street
improvements
Downtown Kent Strategic Action Plan
North Core District
Please Note: This visualization is a conceptual interpretation of growth management policies
and Downtown Kent Strategic Action Plan recommendations. It does not represent a specific
recommendation for any one parcel. Its purpose is to provide an example of possible building
infill, including height, location, use, density, and site amenities.
Figure V-27 North Core District 20 Year Vision
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-36
9633RPT5DOC - 4!7198
Kent Downtown Districts
G. Historic Core District
The Historic Core District is the traditional and geographic heart of downtown Kent. The
core contains three discrete retail areas: one along Meeker Street, the community's
"main street"; a second, emphasizing restaurants and specialty shops, just to the south
and east along First Avenue (also known as the Old Titusville District); and a third,
stretching along Railroad Avenue opposite Burlington Green and Yanghzou Parks. All
three feature pleasant pedestrian conditions and turn -of -the -century buildings. The
district also includes the Kent City Hall/civic campus just south of Gowe Street.
The Historic Core District is bordered by the public parking lot and library on the north,
the Central Avenue corridor on the east, and the South Core District mixed-use
residential neighborhood commuter rail station on the south and west. Considerable
activity is generated within the Historic Core District by the Regional Justice Center
located within 1,000 feet. All of these activities will support the Historic Core District
economically if they are included in a comprehensive redevelopment strategy.
- The Downtown Strategic Action Plan addresses the areas immediately surrounding the
Historic Core District as well as the district itself because of the dynamic redevelopment
potential of those areas. The surrounding districts will support the Historic Core District
by accommodating residences, transportation facilities, jobs, and improved streetscapes
and parks, directly adjacent to the Historic Core District. This strategy builds on the
district's current strengths, including pedestrian -oriented streets, civic attractions, and a
variety of activities.
Several actions are recommended for the existing Historic Core District that are intended
- to:
• Enhance the historic architectural character and pedestrian amenities.
• Develop vacant or underutilized sites.
• Visually and physically connect the Historic Core District to the surrounding
districts.
- Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-37
9633RPT5DOC - 4/7199
Kent Downtown Districts
Core Area Design Guidelines
To Encourage Mixed-use Infill
And Reinforce Historic Character
Improve Parks
To Provide Key
Potential l North/South
Civic SquareConnection
ED
I y
.
Assure
Pedestrian
Oriented - ;� `i t+ x o ' ,' j Support Market
7—v ilki
Redevelopment i ' �}" + : With Improvements
At This Gateway
S ith Street
Emphasize
j ; I Restoration of
Buildings Which
Support Historic
Character
Meeker Street
Of The Core
Enhance
Railroad
"o South Corridor
4th Ave. !
Corridor
Redevelopment
> c Target Area
I•• Titus Street
: a
Central Avenue
Streetscape
�! . Improvements
Improve ` Saar street
Bike/Ped. L� i��>:
Links To ♦... n °., I
Commuter
Downtown From IAhnis Srreet= - - - --
. r!? r- - ---�, ��,. ` - I Rail Station
InterurbanTrall 4CL .Q1�+aQQp 0
. ' z= ' soar N
Design Guidelines, ,D J
11.1
To Encourage o,
Mixed -Use Infill
Redevelopment
Legend:
Public Facilities Redevelopment ■ g�SO
Opportunities Improvements
— I f r ---I Special Districts --�
with Design Guideline Gateways Bike/ Ped.
O
+ Links.
-Parks/Open Space U '
Cul-de-sac ;- _;Transit Station
Downtown Kent SubArea Action Plan
Historic Core District
Figure V-28: Proposed elements of the Historic Core District.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-38
9633RPT5DOC - 417198
Kent Downtown Districts
Public Improvements
— Make Pedestrian Improvements
While the downtown benefited from recent improvements, including those to Rose
Garden Park, First Avenue (Titusville business district), Meeker Street, and Kherson
Park, further improvements are recommended to make connections with neighboring
districts. Safe and attractive streets between the commuter rail station, the King
County Regional Justice Center and other offices, businesses and residences
throughout downtown will encourage pedestrian use. Pedestrian lighting and street
furniture should be installed in the Historic Core District along Fourth Avenue when
pedestrian systems are upgraded in the North Core and South Core Districts. As
development occurs, 12 -foot -wide sidewalks should be required on the east side of
South Fourth Avenue. Meeker Street and Gowe Street pedestrian improvements
should also be extended eastward from First Avenue to Kennebeck Avenue.
— Enhance Gateway
The intersection of Fourth Avenue and Meeker Street is identified as a gateway and
should be enhanced with special street lighting, signage, distinctive intersection
paving, artwork, and/or landscaping. The most effective way to upgrade the image of
this intersection is additional good quality infill development with corner entries,
architectural features, or plazas.
Design Guidelines and Historic Preservation Activities
Meeker Street retains much of the character of an early twentieth-century small town.
Preserving this traditional quality is an important aspect of the community's desire for a
"home town" identity. Therefore, revised design guidelines for the Historic Core District
should emphasize traditional building forms, materials, and details. All of the streets in
the Historic Core District are Class A pedestrian -oriented streets according to City design
guidelines. New buildings in the core should adhere to the guidelines so that the
buildings provide continuous building frontage along the street. In general, exterior
remodeling to existing buildings should be directed toward restoring the original
character. However, there are some cases where the building is significantly altered or is
not historically significant. The City should update the existing inventory of historic
commercial buildings and encourage redevelopment in the Historic Core where
appropriate.
A facade restoration project was initiated by the Kent Downtown Partnership in 1997.
The program should be continued, and should include educational materials that
demonstrate restoration techniques that conform with the Landmarks and Historic District
Preservation Program. The program could also include low-interest loans and tax
abatements to encourage fagade restoration
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-39
9633RPTSDOC - 07198
Kent Downtown Districts
BEN FRANKLIN BUILDING
1. Meeker Street -Before
_ Repaint the building exterior.
r— With the exception of this building and the Ben
Franklin building, all the buildings along the south side
Replace the canopy with a larger more traditional 7— These two buildings can be tied together with a similar of Meeker Street are two stories tall. This one story
canopy and install below transom windows. Remove I painting scheme and cornice line. building is somewhat of a "missing tooth" along the "
projecting and wall signs and replace with pedestrian Meeker Street elevation. This drawing suggests the
addition of a second story for residential use.
oriented signs that hang below the canopy -
i
W
Remove sign and paint a new sign. with amore 1. Meeker Street - After
traditional font stvle. onto the building facade. The
Ben Franklin building has a large amount of wall
surface. This large area can be decorated with a varien
of painted patterns. It is also an ideal location for a — Increase the storefront glazing to the maximum height
downtown mural. possible and install transom windows.
Figure V-30 Fagade Improvement and Infill Development Concepts
Rim k2111 1M
Add awnings over each bay. Replace the oCfSCt
projecting signs with signs that hang from the awm
below.
by Armin Quilici
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-40
9633RPT5DOC - 4f7l98
Kent Downtown Districts
D
Figure 39 -Conceptual Design for the Commuter Rail Station
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
9633RPTSDOC - 07/98
V-41
Kent Downtown Districts
Redevelopment Target Areas
Because there are several different opportunities in the Historic Core District for the City
to encourage private redevelopment, the whole district is identified as a redevelopment
target area. One opportunity that merits further exploration is the district's designation as
a historic landmark district.
A very different set of opportunities lies east of the BN&SF Railroad corridor. Several
properties are underutilized and could be rehabilitated to provide space for start-up
businesses if the surrounding streetscape, access, and parking conditions can be
upgraded.
Recent efforts by the City and the Kent Downtown Partnership have kept the Historic
Core District viable. New initiatives should build on this work by focusing on
redevelopment opportunities as they arise. Continued infill and connections to the
Historic Core District will benefit the downtown as a whole.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-42
9633RPTSDOC - 417/98
Kent Downtown Districts
Infill development Library
in historic core which and park become civic focus
reinforces historic in the North Core District
character ••••
• . • • • Sister Cities Parks
improvements
Mixed-use/residential : Q Street improvements on
development • • • • • • • • • Meeker and Gowe Streets
extended to east of
Fourth Avenue LZ
U- Central Avenue • • • . • • • • • •'
improvements • • • . • .
: • • Public Market
O C
U
�
Downtown Kent Strategic Action Plan
Historic Core District
Please Note: This visualization is a conceptual interpretation of growth management policies
and Downtown Kent Strategic Action Plan recommendations. It does not represent a specific
recommendation for any one parcel. Its purpose is to provide an example of possible building
infill, including height, location, use, density, and site amenities.
Figure V-32 Historic Core District 20 Year Vision
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
9633RPT5DOC - 417198
V-43
Part II
VI. Environmental Information
Additional Environmental Information
VI. Additional Environmental
Information
A. Fact Sheet
Description of Proposal
The City of Kent is supplementing its existing downtown plan with a Downtown Strategic
Action Plan that focuses on future actions and implementation measures. The plan will identify
the main features of the City's downtown form for the next several decades, including what type
of development should occur where and how it should be served. The environmental analysis
focuses on the screening of plan alternatives as prepared with contributions by advisory
committees, Downtown Stakeholders Task Force, City staff, downtown property owners and
merchants, and the public at -large.
Location of Proposal
. The Downtown Strategic Action Plan and Integrated Preliminary Final Supplemental Environ-
mental Impact Statement (SEI S) addresses the downtown area as indicated in Figure III -1, Study
Area. The approximate limits of downtown Kent are SR 167 on the west, Cloudy and James
- Streets on the north, Woodford Avenue and Titus Street, and Willis Street/SR 516 on the south.
Proponent and Lead Agency
City of Kent
Planning Department
- 400 West Gowe Street
(Mailing Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.)
Kent, WA 98032-5895
206/859-3390
Proposed Implementation Date
The Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan is scheduled to be adopted on April 7,1998
Responsible Official
James Harris
Planning Director
City of Kent
"- 400 West Gowe Street
(Mailing Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.)
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -1
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Additional Environmental Information
Kent, WA 98032-5895
206/859-3390
Contact Person
Linda Phillips, Planner
City of Kent
400 West Gowe Street
(Mailing Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.)
Kent, WA 98032-5895
206/859-3390
Principal Contributors
City of Kent
Kent Downtown Partnership
MAKERS architecture and urban design
BRW, Inc.
Property Counselors
The Langlow Associates
Kent Citizens and Property Owners
Draft SEIS Issue Date
February 4, 1997
Preliminary FSEIS Issue Date
May 19, 1997
Public Meetings
A public workshop on the proposed plan alternatives and Draft SEIS was held February 5, 1997
at the Kent Commons. Comments on the Draft SEIS were accepted until March 6, 1997. The
Kent Planning Department hosted an Open House on May 19 to display current modifications to
the plan based on public input and comment. The Kent Land Use and Planning Board met
April 14 and May 19 to review the plan and preliminary final SEIS. A public hearing was held
May 27 and was continued to June 2. The City Council Planning Board included public comment
on August 6, 1997.
Nature and Date of Final Action
The adoption of the Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan is scheduled for April 7, 1998.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -2
9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
Additional Environmental Information
Type and Timing of Subsequent Environmental Review
The programmatic Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS), preliminary
Final SEIS and subsequent Final SEIS constitute the required environmental review for the City
of Kent Downtown Strategic Action -Plan. The Final SEIS will serve to supplement the City of
Kent Comprehensive Plan Final EIS which was issued January 30, 1995. Any subsequent
- environmental review will occur on a project -by -project basis. The draft and final SEIS seek to
adequately address the anticipated impacts of certain types of subsequent implementation actions
consistent with the Downtown Strategic Action Plan. In the future, the City may decide to adopt
a planned action ordinance which meets the requirements of RCW 43.21 C.240.2.
If such an ordinance is adopted, the City, while reviewing a subsequent project action that is
consistent with the recommendations of the Downtown Strategic Action Plan, may determine
that the requirements for environmental analysis, protection, and mitigation measures in the
City's development regulations and the Kent Comprehensive Plan provide adequate analysis of
and mitigation for the specific adverse environmental impacts of the subsequent project. As a
result, project -level development proposals may have a reduced amount of environmental review.
if any.
Location of SEIS Background Data
City of Kent
Planning Department
400 West Gowe Street
(Mailing Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.)
Kent, WA 98032-5895
206/859-3390
Cost of a Copy of the Preliminary Final SETS
This document is available for a fifteen dollar fee to interested citizens and groups. Copies may
be obtained at the address above or by mail. One copy will be provided to each individual or
group upon request.
B Executive Summary
Alternatives and Selection Process
During November and December of 1996, the consulting team formulated three alternatives. The
alternatives were based on the issues identified in public meetings, the environmental and
technical analysis, and the redevelopment options outlined in the market report. All three
alternatives were consistent with, and refinements of, the adopted Comprehensive Plan.
Community members evaluated and commented on the alternatives at public meetings in
January. The City published a Draft Supplementary EIS (DSEIS) in February of 1997 evaluating
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -3
9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
Additional Environmental Information
the environmental impacts of the alternatives. Additional public meetings were conducted in
February and March to review the DSEIS and to discuss the components of a preferred
alternative with citizens.
The three alternatives were:
Alternative 1
Alternative 1 described growth and development downtown with limited guidance. It
emphasized current trends, such as capturing business from motorists, enhancing the historic
core, and encouraging commercial development on Central Avenue. It recommended
maintaining existing zoning, improving streetscapes, and improving access to all sections of
downtown. This alternative proposed a commuter rail station at Smith Street with a Smith
Street railroad underpass.
— Alternative 2
Alternative 2 focused on attracting regional trade based on further development of the
compact historic commercial/civic core of downtown. It emphasized encouraging investors
to assemble land, identifying redevelopable sites, and increasing park and street
improvements. This alternative described a master plan process to develop the existing
industrial property between Smith and James Streets east of S. Fourth Avenue. It also
described commercial redevelopment of the north side of James Street. It proposed locating
the proposed commuter rail station between Gowe and Meeker Streets and closing Gowe
Street to vehicle traffic at the railroad grade. This alternative included railroad underpasses at
James and Willis Streets.
— Alternative 3
Alternative 3 focused on attracting regional trade based on a business/ hotel/performing arts
complex located in the north area of downtown. It proposed relocation of the industrial use
located on the Borden site. The relocation would be followed by a dramatic redevelopment
of the property as an active link between the historic commercial core and the King County
Regional Justice- Center. This alternative suggested expansion of Second Avenue as a visual
and pedestrian link to the historic commercial core. It placed the rail station between Smith
and James Streets. James and Willis Streets railroad underpasses were also part of this
alternative.
The Downtown Strategic Action Plan Draft Supplemental Enviromnental The Impact Statement
contains complete descriptions, maps, and analysis of all three alternatives.
The Preferred Alternative and the Recommendation Process
The preferred alternative is presented as the Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan in Part I of
this document The actions recommended in the Downtown Strategic Action Plan are generally
based on the concepts expressed in Alternative 2.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -4
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Additional Environmental Information
During the Land Use and Planning Board and City Council review of the preliminary FSEIS.
which contained a recommendation for the alternative 3 (north), rather than the alternative 2
(south) rail station location, more citizens testified in favor of the alternative 2 commuter rail
station location (south site) than in favor of the alternative 3 location (north site). Business
owners from both the north and the south sites did not approve of relocation proposals. Retail
business owners located east of the railroad right-of-way believed that rail station activity would
generate additional business, others viewed businesses east of Railroad Avenue and south of
Gowe Street as urban blight, to be replaced by a parking garage. Relative costs and vehicle and
pedestrian circulation were debated. The City Council voted to recommend alternative 2 (the
south site) and passed a resolution to approve the plan with the alternative 2 (south) station site in
a location south of Gowe Street.
The recommendations made by The Land Use and Planning Board, the City Council Planning
Committee, the City Council Committee of the Whole, and the final City Council approval
action items have been incorporated in the plan. The recommendations and actions include:
Land Use and Planning Board Recommendations
1. Additional study of the north and south depot locations.
2. Do not revise the Comprehensive Plan and zoning designation of the north edge
of the North Park neighborhood east of James Street from single family
residential to limited office/mixed use multifamily residential overlay.
3. Eliminate the Commons Park parking as shown on the Plan maps and recommend
angled parking with a wider and improved Fifth Avenue. Locate the angled
parking on the west side of Fifth Avenue next to the Park.
4. Study the parking for the park on Meeker near Union Pacific railroad.
Develop realistic costs in relation to the Plan.
6. Consider an additional Gateway location at Central and SR -167.
7. Add a safe place for a drop-off/pick-up location at Commons park. This should
be located on Fifth Avenue within the angled parking.
8. Study traffic patterns in the North Park area to consider safety and access.
These recommendations were carried out and/or incorporated in the plan, and referred to the City
Council for final action. The Commons Park recommendations were incorporated in an action to
provide a master plan for the park.
City Council final Action:
Change the plan sections that refer to the Performing Arts /Civic Center located
in a specific location to a general location downtown.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -5
9633RPT5DOC-4/7/98
Additional Environmental Information
2. Include additional support for bicycle lanes and paths.
3. Include additional support for historic preservation and commemoration.
4. Insure pedestrian and bicycle safety on the recommended trail linking Mill Creek
Park with Kent Memorial Park.
5. Extend the Office/mixed use multifamily residential overlay that is recommended
between Fourth and Fifth Avenues north of James Street and south of Cloudy
Street north beyond Cloudy Street to the edge of the existing multi -family zone.
6. Refer only to a south commuter rail station location in the final plan document.
The above recommendations are incorporated with the plan.
Additional Environmental Analysis
The environmental impacts of adopting and implementing the Kent Downtown Strategic Action
Plan were identified and analyzed in the DSEIS and the Preliminary FSEIS. Since May 19,
1997, when the Preliminary FSEIS was issued, the City has received additional traffic and
commuter rail station environmental information that is summarized below.
In December, 1997, the Regional Transit Authority issued a Kent downtown elated document,
the Tacoma to Seattle Commuter Rail Draft Environmental Analysis and the Technical Report in
Support of Environmental Assessment. The environmental assessment includes proposed
mitigation for traffic impacts during peak park-and-ride trips, including turn lanes in several
locations, and signalization on Railroad Avenue. It includes assessments of potential impacts to
socioeconomic factors, transportation, noise and vibration, hazardous materials, biological
resources/ecology, historical, park, and recreation resources, archaeological and cultural
resources, visual quality, safety and security, air quality, water quality, hydrology, and earth.
Both documents, incorporated with this EIS by reference, are available for public review in the
City of Kent Planning Department.
A later assessment of 2010 PM Peak Transit Station Traffic Impacts, dated January 20, 1998,
by HT Associates, a transportation consulting firm, is also incorporated by reference. It is
available for public review in the City of Kent Planning Department. The findings stated:
"The impacts of traffic at either location are rather subtle ... There would be a slight, but
perceptible, degradation of intersection LOS in the CBD by station traffic at either location.
However, the even more subtle differences in impact between the two locations probably
cannot be regarded as significant, in light of the travel models inherent limits of precision.
This is not to say that there would actually be no difference --rather, that it is below the model's
significance threshold.
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Additional Environmental Information
Environmental Impacts and Mitigation
The DSEIS contains environmental analysis of the environmental impacts three proposed
alternatives and recommended impact mitigation measures. The actions proposed in the
preferred alternative, together with an analysis of preliminary project related environmental
impacts and recommended mitigation measures were discussed in the Preliminary FSEIS. The
project related analysis and recommended mitigation in the preliminary FSEIS should be
considered advisory - used as a guide as projects are initiated. If the City adopts a Planned
Action ordinance in the future, some of the recommended actions are potentially eligible for a
reduced amount of environmental review, if any. Those actions, impacts and mitigation
measures are listed below.
Proposed planned actions are discussed below:
Land Use
Rezone the SF -8 area between Fourth Avenue N. and Fifth Avenue N.
Discussion:
Revise the Comprehensive Plan map and adopt a new zoning designation for the area between
Fourth Avenue N. and Fifth Avenue N., north of James Street. Revise the existing
Comprehensive Map designation, SF 8 (Single Family residential, 8 dwelling units maximum per
acre) to Commercial. The zoning code designation shall allow limited office development, and
include residential development combined with office development as a conditional use.
Institute new site development guidelines to ensure high-quality, substantial development.
Initiate zoning use and development standards to require aggregation of lots and to prevent lot -
by -lot conversion of single family homes to office commercial use. The new zoning designation
should be consistent with the existing O, Professional Office, designation (Zoning Code Section
15.04.150) with the following exceptions:
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -7
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Additional Environmental Information
Suggested revisions to the existing development standards are as follows:
Current I Revised
Permitted Uses Blueprinting and photocopying
services would be prohibited.
Multifamily uses would be a
conditional use.
Front YardI 25 feet I Reduce to 10 feet to be the
same as residential district.
Environmental Impact Evaluation:
• The proposed Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code revisions will result in a loss of single
family housing units within the area of change.
• The proposed bulk and scale of office/residential development as well as the placement of
buildings on the site may create impacts to homes in the existing MRG, Garden density
multifamily residential district. The MRG district is located north of the proposed
office/residential area.
• Replacement of single family homes with office/residential uses will eliminate the private
open space created by the typical single family yard. However, because of the potential
increase in population in the area, the need for open space may increase.
• During the weekday peak hours, office uses will create additional traffic and turning
movements onto Fourth Avenue N.
• The increased density of office use and increased residential density will create additional
peak hour trips to and from the Kent Valley.
• Office/residential development will increase the area surfaced with impervious surfaces.
• An increased number of occupants will work and live in the proposed rezone area. Due to
the proximity of jobs, services, shopping, and recreation, pedestrian activity will increase.
• The soil in the proposed rezone area may not support multi -story buildings on conventional
foundations.
Mitigation Measures:
• Ensure that the new zoning designation permits adequate housing to replace the existing
housing units as development occurs.
• Adopt design guidelines, specific to the proposed rezone area, to ensure high quality,
substantial office/residential development compatible with the adjacent residential
neighborhood.
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Additional Environmental Information
• To make better use of existing open space, improve Commons Park, located directly west of
the recommended rezone area, by instituting a master plan based on neighborhood
involvement and participation.
• Prior to issuance of development permits, the owner and/or developer shall construct street
and vehicle access improvements consistent with the adopted City of Kent Construction
Standards or as modified and approved by the Public Works Director.
• The developer shall provide a traffic impact study (see page20).
• The developer shall construct stormwater facilities consistent with City of Kent Construction
Standards and source control best management practices, or as modified and approved by the
Public Works Director.
• Construct pedestrian improvements as set forth in Section Vof this plan.
• If required by the building official, prior to or in conjunction with a building permit
application, submit a soils report stamped by a licensed geotechnical engineer. The soils
report must identify soil classification, bearing qualities and include foundation
recommendations.
Responsibilities:
The City is responsible for revising the Comprehensive Plan designation and zoning. The
City also is responsible for developing new design guidelines and the Parks Master Plan.
• The property owners and/or the developer proponents are responsible for on and off-site
analysis, corridor mitigation, public facilities and other improvements.
Develop Master planning requirements to apply to any redevelopment proposal
for the Borden Site
Discussion:
Because of its central location and large area, the Borden industrial property presents a great future
opportunity for mixed-use (office, retail and residential) development. However, the owners have
no immediate plans to relocate or redevelop the site. If, in the future, the owners of the Borden site
propose a redesignation to allow mixed use development, coordinate with the owners to create a
development master plan. The plan must be consistent with the recommendations of the
Downtown Strategic Action Plan.
Environmental Impacts:
• No adverse environmental impacts are expected to result from this action. The master plan
- requirements should result in an improved development proposal consistent with the City's
adopted plans.
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Additional Environmental Information
Mitigation Measures:
• None are required.
Responsibility:
• The Kent Planning Department would be responsible for developing the master plan
requirements and submitting it to City Council for action.
Promote infill housing
Discussion:
In order to meet the Comprehensive Plan's intent to enhance the downtown as a place to live, the
City should promote the construction of new urban -style infill housing. Housing types should
include condominium townhouses, stacked and attached units that resemble single-family design
and character, and residential mixed with commercial and office uses.
Environmental Impact Evaluation:
• Development of additional residential units will increase the need for open space.
• The bulk and scale of residential development as well as the placement of buildings on the
site, may create impacts to adjacent homes and/or businesses.
• During the weekday peak hours, residential uses will create additional traffic and turning
movements adjacent streets.
• The increased residential density will create additional peak hour trips to and from the Kent
Valley.
• Residential development will increase the area surfaced with impervious surfaces.
• An increased number of occupants will live in the downtown. Due to the proximity of jobs,
services, shopping, and recreation, pedestrian activity will increase.
• The soil in the specific site may not support multi -story buildings on conventional
foundations.
• Recent development of high-density multifamily residential uses appears to have created a
demand for parking beyond what is required by code.
Mitigation Measures:
• As residential units increase downtown, assess the amount of available park and recreation
facilities in relation to the number of households.
Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -10
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Additional Environmental Information
• Adopt design guidelines, specific to the individual districts, to ensure high-quality.
substantial residential development.
• Construct street and vehicle access improvements consistent with the adopted City of Kent
Construction Standards or as modified and approved by the Public Works Director.
• The developer shall provide a traffic impact study (see page VI -20).
• Construct storm water facilities consistent with City of Kent Construction Standards and
source control best management practices, or as revised and approved by the Public
Works Director.
• Construct pedestrian improvements as set forth in Section V of this plan.
• If required by the building official, prior to or in conjunction with a building permit
- application, submit a soils report stamped by a licensed geo-technical engineer. The soils
report must identify soil classification, bearing qualities and include foundation
recommendations.
• The City should conduct a study of the relationship of on-site and off-site parking and
residential density to determine whether existing parking requirements are adequate to
- provide sufficient on-site parking.
Responsibilities:
• The City is responsible for design guidelines, park master planning and zoning code analysis.
• The property owner and/or developer is responsible for required on- and off-site analysis,
public facilities, and other improvements.
Action A5: Promote the construction of new commercial, office, or mixed use
development and redevelopment.
Discussion:
To respond to the potential for additional downtown office and commercial development
identified in the market analysis the City should encourage the construction of commercial,
office, and mixed-use developments within the downtown. provide a variety of living situations
,,.._ within districts that require ground floor retail uses,
Environmental Impact Evaluation:
• Development of mixed-use development that includes residential units will increase the need
for open space.
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Additional Environmental Information
• The proposed bulk and scale of commercial, office or mixed-use, development as well as the
placement of buildings on the site, may create impacts to adjacent homes and/or businesses.
• During the weekday peak hours, commercial, office or mixed-use uses will create additional
traffic and turning movements adjacent streets.
• The increased commercial, office or mixed-use density will create additional peak hour trips
to and from the Kent Valley.
• Commercial, office or mixed-use development will increase the area surfaced with
impervious surfaces.
• An increased number of occupants will work and live in the downtown. Due to the proximity
of jobs, services, shopping, and recreation, pedestrian activity will increase.
The soil in the specific site may not support multi -story buildings on conventional foundations.
Mitigation Measures:
• As residential units within mixed-use development increase downtown, assess the amount of
available park and recreation facilities in relation to the number of households.
• Adopt design guidelines, specific to the proposed area, to ensure high-quality, substantial
office, commercial, and mixed-use residential development. The guidelines should require
development that is compatible with adjacent uses and that maintains the pedestrian quality
of the downtown.
• Prior to issuance of development permits, the owner and/or developer shall construct street
and vehicle access improvements consistent with the adopted City of Kent Construction
Standards or as modified and approved by the Public Works Director.
• The developer shall provide a traffic impact study (see pageVI-20).
• The developer shall construct storm water facilities consistent with City of Kent Construction
Standards and source control best management practices, or as revised and approved by the
Public Works Director.
• Construct pedestrian improvements as set forth in Section V of this plan.
• If required by the building official, prior to or in conjunction with a building permit
application, the developer shall submit a soils report stamped by a licensed geotechnical
engineer. The soils report must identify soil classification, bearing qualities and include
foundation recommendations.
Responsibilities:
• The City is responsible for park master planning and design guidelines.
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Additional Environmental Information
• The development proponents shall be responsible for conducting the soils and traffic
analyses. They are responsible for constructing the improvements listed in the mitigation
measures.
Public Facilities
Masterplan the Commons Park.
Discussion:
Masterplan and improve the Commons Park. The Commons Park is an important resource for
downtown Kent in many ways. A master plan should explore a variety of solutions to parking,
access, drainage, and traffic problems, as well as the potentials for more efficient use.
Environmental Impact Evaluation:
• Currently the Commons Park typically hosts six softball games or nine soccer games at one
time. It hosts assorted other activities when soccer is not under way. The high rate of
utilization for ball fields is partly due to the lack of physical improvements, such as
restrooms and bleachers that would typically support a play field of this size. Master
planning the park to add physical support facilities may result in less space available for
active and passive recreation.
• The increase in facilities may result in an increased need for on-site or off-site parking. The
addition of parking on site would reduce the open space usable for recreation, but would
create safer access to the park.
• Automobiles entering and exiting a Commons Park parking area entrance could create
increased traffic congestion.
• The increased park usage may create additional peak hour trips to and from the Kent Valley.
• The development of a parking lot, restroom, bleachers, or paved paths would result in
increased impervious surface.
• Increased park usage and traffic circulation may result in adverse impacts to pedestrian
safety.
• The soil in the specific site may not support buildings on conventional foundations.
• The use of the park at night and required lighting could create adverse light impacts to
adjacent areas if not installed and managed carefully.
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Additional Environmental Information
Mitigation Measures:
• If needed, develop additional play fields in other areas in the City.
• Review available parking for Commons Park use.. Consider restricting the number of
parking spaces provided on site to drop off, loading, and handicapped spaces.
• Construct street and vehicle access improvements consistent with the adopted City of Kent
Construction Standards or as modified and approved by the Public Works Director.
• The developer shall provide storm water facilities consistent with City of Kent Construction
Standards and source control best management practices, or as revised and approved by the
Public Works Director.
• Investigate ways to construct safe pedestrian crossings between the Commons Park and the
RJC parking lot.
• If a building is constructed, prior to or in conjunction with application, submit a soils report
stamped by a licensed geotechnical engineer. The soils report must identify soil
classification, bearing qualities and include foundation recommendations.
• Shield lights so that off-site impacts are minimized. Schedule events in order to minimize
night time use and restrict night time hours.
Responsibility:
• The City shall masterplan the park and mitigate redevelopment, if any.
Site a Town Square Park in the area between Smith Street and Meeker Street to
provide a downtown open space for large public gatherings.
Discussion:
A Town Square is a traditional community gathering place. It should be large enough to hold
community celebrations, performances, and ceremonies. It should be located near civic and
historic places shared by the community.
Environmental Impacts:
No adverse environmental impacts are expected to result from this action. The Town Square will
provide a safe, well -organized space for public gatherings.
Mitigation Measures:
None are required.
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Additional Environmental Information
Responsibility:
• The City shall be responsible for identifying appropriate sites, working with land owners.
master planning and developing the facility.
Masterplan Burlington Green, Kaibara, Rosebed and other parks along the
railroad to enhance open space and park facilities and strengthen connections
between the proposed commuter rail station and the core.
Discussion:
Enhance parks along the railroad to provide linkages between the station and the core. A canopy
along the east side of the Burlington Northern/Yanghzou Paarks would provide pedestrian
protection, serve as outdoor stalls for the market, and visually tie the Sister Cities Parks together.
Environmental Impacts:
No adverse environmental impacts are expected to result from this action. The plan should result
in improved pedestrian connections.
Mitigation Measures:
• None are required.
Responsibility:
• The City shall be responsible for master planning and developing the facility improvements.
• The City or, in some instances, a property owner and/or developer may be responsible for
construction of the improvements.
• Owners and/or developers whose buildings occupied portions of downtown gateways would
be responsible for incorporating building designs compatible with the gateway.
Support development of Civic and Performing Arts Center.
Discussion:
Support a civic and performing arts center between Meeker and Smith Streets. A civic and
performing arts center at this location, with facilities for conferences and other events, would be
an important attraction to the downtown, extending hours of activity into the night. It would
provide a much-needed location for meetings, events, parties, catering facilities, and educational
programs.
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Additional Environmental Information
Environmental Impact Evaluation:
• The Civic/Performing Arts Center may use space presently providing parking.
• Before and after the performance hours, patrons uses will create additional traffic.
• The proposed Civic and Performing Arts Center may create additional peak hour trips to and
from the Kent Valley.
• The proposed Civic and Performing Arts Center could increase the area surfaced with
impervious surfaces.
• The patrons attending events at the proposed Civic and Performing Arts Center and persons
using the additional retail and retail service shops will increase pedestrian activity in the
surrounding area.
• The soil in the specific site may not support multi -story buildings on conventional
foundations.
Mitigation Measures:
• Allow joint use of Civic and Performing Arts Center parking for public parking.
• Construct street and vehicle access improvements consistent with the adopted City of Kent
Construction Standards or as modified and approved by the Public Works Director.
• The developer shall provide a traffic impact study (see page VI -20).
• Construct stormwater facilities consistent with City of Kent Construction Standards and
source control best management practices, or as revised and approved by the Public Works
Director.
• Construct pedestrian improvements as set forth in Section V. of this plan.
• If required by the building official, prior to or in conjunction with a building permit
application, submit a soils report stamped by a licensed geo-technical engineer. The soils
report must identify soil classification, bearing qualities and include foundation
recommendations.
Responsibility:
The Civic and Performing Arts Center developer would be responsible for conducting the
necessary studies and implementing the required mitigation.
Support development of the Public Market: Reconfigure Railroad Avenue as
needed between Smith and Harrison Street to include angled parking and to limit
traffic to one way.
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Additional Environmental Information
Discussion:
The Kent Public Market been a successful community attraction in it's present location between
Smith and Harrison Streets. Markets in other Cities have operated successfully in permanent
structures, extending business hours and offering a wider variety of goods and services. The Citv
can take several actions to support this important activity, including providing angled parking on
Railroad Avenue and outdoor vending space in the Sister Cities Parks.
Environmental Impact Evaluation:
• Development of the market will create an additional demand for parking.
• During the market hours, patrons will generate additional traffic and additional turning
movements onto the proposed adjacent streets. The restriction of Railroad Avenue to one
way between Smith and Harrison Streets may impact traffic flows and turning movements in
the adjacent area.
• The proposed market may create additional peak hour trips to and from the Kent Valley.
• The development may increase the area surfaced with impervious surfaces.
• The patrons to the proposed market will increase pedestrian activity in the surrounding area.
• The soil in the specific site may not support multi -story buildings on conventional
foundations.
Mitigation Measures:
• Conduct a parking study to assess the amount of public and private parking available and
determine whether sufficient parking can be provided to meet demand.
• Construct street and vehicle access improvements consistent with the City of Kent
Construction Standards or as modified and approved by the Public Works Director.
• The developer shall provide a traffic impact study (see page VI -20)
-.. • Construct storm water facilities consistent with City of Kent Construction Standards and
source control best management practices, or as revised and approved by the Public Works
Director.
• Construct pedestrian improvements as set forth in Section V. of this plan.
• If required by the building official, prior to or in conjunction with a building permit
application, submit a soils report stamped by a licensed geotechnical engineer. The soils
report must identify soil classification, bearing qualities and include foundation
recommendations.
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Additional Environmental Information
Responsibilities:
• The property owner and/or developer is responsible for required on- and off-site analysis,
public facilities, and other improvements.
The Public Works Department will be responsible for restriping and restricting the portion of
Railroad Avenue to one way traffic.
a. Construct pedestrian/bicycle trails from the Interurban Trail into downtown near Saar,
Willis, Meeker, and James Streets.
b. Consider a trail along the south side of James Street when the north Borden (playfield)
site is improved, and ensure that good pedestrian and bicycle routes are established
when the larger Borden site is developed.
c. Establish a pedestrianibicycle route along Kennebeck Avenue and Mill Creek north of
Smith Street connecting Mill Creek Park with Kent Memorial Park, and to other
segments connecting to the rail station.
Urban Design
Revise the Kent Zoning Code and the Downtown Design Review Handbook to
address more specific design guidelines for the districts identified in Section V.
Discussion:
Design guidelines are development review criteria that address the design of the site and
structures of a proposed development. Guidelines provide flexible means to incorporate
community goals and policies concerning aesthetics, character and function into a development.
Effective design guidelines are the most important means that the City can use to achieve the
high-quality, pedestrian -friendly design character called for in the plan concept. They are also
useful in increasing compatibility between different activities in mixed-use zones. It is
recommended that the existing design guidelines be updated, with more specific guidelines for
the different districts, to achieve the objectives defined below.
Institute or refine design guidelines for the following areas. The guidelines should address the
characteristics and uses proposed for each of the following districts. Ensure that the guidelines
address multifamily and mixed use buildings where appropriate.
a. Historic Core: Address historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and small-scale infill to
provide a mixed-use area with pedestrian and commercial emphasis.
b. Central Avenue Corridor: Conduct a corridor study to serve as a basis for improvement
of the Central Avenue corridor. Include Railroad Avenue as related to the proposed
commuter rail station. Address design guidelines, buffers for adjacent residential
neighborhoods, zoning code enforcement, zoning use issues, and streetscape
improvements.
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Additional Environmental Information
c. Smith Street and Fourth Avenue Corridors: Attract high-quality development that adds
to the streetscape and provides an excellent setting for Borden redevelopment.
d. Area East and West of the Core: Encourage small- to medium -scale mixed-use
"- redevelopment the west of Fourth Avenue and East of State Street, emphasizing
residential neighborhood qualities.
e. Area Between Fourth and Fifth Avenues N.: Buffer residential neighborhoods with
fencing and landscaping. Present an attractive streetscape frontage. Prevent conversion
of single-family houses to offices (require a minimum lot size
- f. The guidelines should illustrate and describe the following details for each district:
• Design Intent.
• The guidelines should provide graphic examples of how such uses would achieve the intent
of each district.
• Residential and mixed use buildings where appropriate.
• The City's intent for target areas.
• How development should respond to public investment including streetscape, the proposed
commuter rail station, parks, etc.
• Historic preservation where appropriate.
• Recommended additions or changes to the Pedestrian Plan Overlay
- • Deviations from the general design guidelines.
• Revisions for "problems" identified through prior administration of the core.
Environmental Impact Evaluation:
• No adverse environmental impacts are identified
Mitigation Measures:
None are required.
Responsibility:
• The Planning Department is responsible for reviewing the Design Guidelines and presenting
revision proposals to the City Council for adoption.
Traffic Mitigation
The overall transportation plans for downtown as discussed in the Comprehensive Plan are to
,_.. concentrate growth in the Urban Center and other activity centers in the City to facilitate public
transportation and reduce dependency on the automobile. The City adopted a Level of Service
Standard F for streets and intersections within the Urban Center boundaries which are generally
consistent with the study area defined for the Downtown Strategic Action Plan.
Traffic impacts created by development recommended in this plan will also impact streets and
intersections around the edge of the study area. Traffic mitigating elements of the plan, such as
commuter rail, improved Metro transit circulation, improved pedestrian and bicycle and
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Additional Environmental Information
pedestrian connections, and housing development close to jobs serve to mitigate the probable
adverse environmental impacts in and near the downtown.
The City's Level of Service (LOS) standard allows development without regard to traffic impacts
until the average volume -to -capacity (v/c) ratio downtown reaches 1.0 (LOS F). If the v/c ratio in
2010 exceeds 1.0 without the proposed plan actions, those actions which generate additional traffic
could not be completed without specific mitigating capacity improvements which would prevent
the v/c ratio from increasing. This mitigation (an additional travel lane, for example) would be
separate from the site-specific access, safety and street design improvements required under SEPA.
It could, depending on the spatial extent of the traffic impacts, be required for any of the downtown
intersections used to compute the average v/c ratio.
The existing average intersection v/c ratio for seven (7) key downtown intersections is 0.90 (LOS
D/E), with two intersections exhibiting v/c ratios greater than 1.0 (Central/James and
Central/Gowe). By 2010, traffic volumes in and through downtown Kent are forecasted to grow
approximately 30%, .About two thirds of this growth will be generally attributable to through trips
(those trips for which both ends—the origin and the destination—are outside downtown Kent). The
growth in through trips will be most evident on James Street and Central Avenue, due to trips
between the valley floor industrial area and the East Hill/Kent-Langley area. Willis Street is also
forecasted to experience a high proportion of through trip growth.
Unless the impacts of this growth in overall traffic can be mitigated, the City's LOS threshold
will be exceeded, and severe congestion and delay will result. Possible mitigating improvements
could include, widening for additional turning lanes at several intersections along Willis Street.
It could also include improvements to promote transit use (such as park-and-ride lots in the East
Hill residential area, increased transit service and incentive programs for valley floor employers).
The mitigation process is as follows: The developer shall provide a traffic impact study to
identify all traffic impacts upon the City of Kent road network and traffic signal system caused
by the proposed development. The study shall identify all intersections at level of service "E" or
"F" due to increased traffic volumes the development.
The study shall then identify what improvements are necessary to mitigate the development
impacts thereon. Upon agreement by the City with the findings of the study and mitigation
measures outlined in the study, implementation and/or construction of said mitigation measures
shall be the conditional requirement of the issuance for the respective permits.
In lieu of conducting the above traffic study, constructing and/or implementing the respective
mitigation measures hereby. the owner/ subdivider may agree to the following conditions to
mitigate the traffic impacts of the subject development:
The developer shall execute an environmental mitigation agreement to participate in, and pay a
fair share of, the construction costs of the City's South 272nd/277th Street Corridor Project. The
final benefit value will be determined in 1986 dollars, adjusted for inflation.
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Additional Environmental Information
C. Monitoring System
The monitoring system is intended to identify and monitor system capacities for elements of the
built environment, and to the extent appropriate, the natural environment. The system will
monitor the consequences of growth as it occurs within the downtown area, and provides
ongoing data to update the plan and environmental analysis.
Some systems can be monitored by the City with readily available data. Impacts to other
systems require detailed analysis that is typically undertaken by development proponents.
_m. Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -21
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Additional Environmental Information
The following chart lists the systems, the factors to be monitored and the responsibility for
providing information to update the monitoring program.
Component Unit Baseline Response.
Land Use
Building Permits
Number of Permits
Housing
Dwelling Units
Multifamily Single Family
Retail
Square Feet
Office
Square Feet
Service
Square Feet
Density
Avg. FAR
Vacant/Underdeveloped
Land
Acres
Transportation
Intersections
(per inter. or avg.?)
Peak Hours LOS
Parking
Total Spaces Occupancy
Bus
Ridership
Commuter Rail
# of AM/PM Trains
Ridership
runic racnines
Stormwater
Impervious Surface
Detention Facility
Capacity
Sewer
Gallons/day/customer
Water
Gallons/day/customer
Parks
Acres/1000 population
* Active
* Passive
The City should evaluate the above impacts every three years on a predetermined date. Based on
the evaluation, the City should update the Downtown Strategic Action Plan and the
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to ensure that planned actions and mitigating
measures are adequate to realistically address the impacts of growth and change. Incorporate
public participation into the evaluation and update process.
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Appendices
Additional Environmental Information
Appendices
A. SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND RESPONSES
The City received twenty one written comments from nineteen correspondents during the public
comment period for the Draft Supplemental Environmental impact statement. The City
published the comments and responses in the Preliminary Final Environmental Impact
Statement. The following is a brief summary of the comments.
The proposal to revise the Comprehensive Plan and rezone the property approximately three
parcels deep north of James Street between fourth Avenue and the Burlington Northern /Santa Fe
railroad right-of-way to allow limited office use with a mixed use overlay for office and
multifamily housing received a number of comments. The major concern was the loss of the
single family homes located within the proposal area, and the impacts the office/multifamily use
would have upon the North Park neighborhood generally. Owners of the property directly
adjacent to James Street sent letters in favor of the rezone proposal. The response to the
neighborhood impact issue noted that the mitigation was proposed in the form of cul-de-sac
streets to block office traffic through the adjacent neighborhood, and that expansion of the office
area was not anticipated. On June 2, 1997, the Land Use and Planning Board voted to
recommend revise the plan to eliminate the proposal in response to public comments.
A question regarding the boundaries of the proposed Comprehensive Plan revision and rezone of
property between Fourth and Fifth Avenues north of James Street received a response explaining
the proposed boundaries. After further analysis, the boundaries have since been moved north in
response to comments.
Comments were received regarding a Smith Street Underpass of State Highway 167. The option
was taken under consideration. The cost of such a measure was questioned in another comment
letter. The proposal was not included in the proposed plan after analysis.
The proposed Performing Arts/Civic Center was discussed . One writer inquired about the
- possible donation of a portion of the municiple parking lot for this use. The response was that
the details of the proposed project were beyond the scope of this study and that City Departments
could provide details as the project develops beyond the conceptual stage.
Several urban design suggestions were noted. One suggestion was to extend the downtown
gateway project beyond the plan boundaries. Another was to provide for space at the corners of
blocks for people to gather. Another was to make sure that awnings are provided on new and
refurbished buildings. A trellis structure similar to the trellis on First Avenue was suggested for
Fourth Avenue. Several comments concerned additional pedestrian improvements throughout
the downtown core. The comments were noted and awnings, open corners, and pedestrian
improvements are elements of the plan. The gateway project does not include locations outside
the core, but the City will consider the suggested locations as separate projects.
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Preservation of historic downtown properties was a concern. The plan recommends to resume
the historic properties analysis and preservation process conducted in the early 1990's and
institute regulations and incentives for restoration and preservation.
Several comments were received regarding traffic congestion, and the writer was referred to
traffic analysis contained in the Preliminary Final SEIS. Additional traffic analysis has since
been provided by the Regional Transit Authority's Environmental Analysis of the proposed
Commuter Rail Station, and the analysis of commuter rail traffic included in this document.
Several comments expressed approval of Plan alternative 2, and the south commuter rail station
location.
The response was that the analysis of locations favored the north site because access and
circulation was more problematic for the south site. Since that time, after numerous comments
were received at public hearings, the south site was incorporated in the plan. Other commuter rail
concerns included noise and vibration impacts, parking, circulation. The response noted that
bevond the information offered in the Preliminary Final EIS, the RTA will be required to
perform these evaluations for station improvements.
One correspondent requested public restrooms. Restrooms and telephones are not included in the
plan.
A request for additional detail regarding the proposed James Street Underpass at the Burlington
Northern/Santa Fe railroad was noted. A conceptual diagram of the underpass was provided in
the Preliminary FSEIS, a preliminary cost estimate has been provided The response stated that
the Washington State Department of Transportation and/or the City will perform detailed
evaluations before underpass construction.
Several comments were received regarding costs of proposed projects. The response noted that
costs estimates at the level of detail requested were not available at that time. Preliminary cost
estimates for major proposals in the plan are included in this document.
Questions and comments regarding the SEPA process, notice procedures, public participation,
capital facilities information, and sources of information were answered.
Written Comments were received form the following participants:
Pamela Newcomer February 5, 1997
Perry Woodford February 5, 1997
Joseph Kolodziejczak February 5, 1997
Val Batey, Regional Transit Authority February 7, 1997
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Paul Hammerschmidt
Washington State Dept. of Community,
Trade & Economic Development,
Office of Archaeology & Historic Preservation
Tom V. Harmer
Mr. Gregory Griffith
Carol McPherson, Kent Arts Commission
Gary Kriedt, King County Metro Transit Division
Doug Johnson, King County Metro Transit Division
Howard H. Montoure
Robert Whalen
Dee Moschel
Pat Curran, Kent Downtown Partnership
Don B. Shaffer
Ms. Carol Schwindt
Mr. Melvin L.. Kleweno, Jr.
Robert A. Stevens
B. Glossary
Additional Environmental Information
February 28, 1997
February 26, 1997
February 26, 1997
February 27, 1997
February 27, 1997
March 4, 1997
March 4, 1997
March 6, 1997
March 5, 1997
March 6, 1997
March 4, 1997
March 4. 1997
March 31, 1997
March 5, 1997
March 12, 1997
March 5, 1997
Commuter Rail Station: A station and facilities for boarding and alighting passengers on a
commuter rail line, which operates along existing freight railroad tracks.
Developer: An individual or business entity which buys real estate and prepares it for resale at a
profit. Preparation generally includes assembling or subdividing parcels, obtaining permits and
clearances, constructing utilities and streets and, in some cases, constructing buildings.
Economic Market Study: A study of the market demand for services, goods or housing within
a particular area, and the extent to which that market demand is already being satisfied. For
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Additional Environmental Information
example, a major developer might want to know if the current market demand for multiple
family housing is great enough to justify a project; or if a proposed new shopping center would
generate enough sales for tenants.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): A document which analyzes the significant
environmental impacts of a particular action or proposal, possible alternatives to that action and
mitigation measures for those impacts analyzed.
ESHB 1724: A Washington State law that requires local jurisdictions to consolidate their local
permit review and hearing processes and better integrate environmental regulations with the
Growth Management Act. This 1996 law also mandates faster decision making by requiring
local jurisdictions to implement a 120 -day permit processing period for all land use and building
permits.
Facilities: Capital Improvements. Often, but not always, the term implies capital improvements
which are ancillary to or supportive of the main purposes of an overall project. For example,
"The recreational facilities for this action includes a playground, tennis court, swimming pool
and community center."
Floor Area Ration (FAR): A measure of development density expressed as the amount of
building floor area divided by the total development site area or parcel.
Grade Separated: Rights-of-way that are separated from general purpose rights-of-way by a
level change, often on an elevated structure or in an underpass.
Growth Management Act (GMA): A 1990 Washington State law that mandates managing
population and employment growth through comprehensive plans, regionally coordinated plan
implementation and creation of urban growth areas.
Impacts: The effects or consequences of actions. Environmental impacts are affects upon the
elements of the environment listed by SEPA.
Joint Development: Projects financed and developed jointly by public agencies and private
developers.
Local Improvement District (LID): A special district in which a tax is assessed to pay for a
specific public improvement, such as a new road.
Mitigation: Actions which avoid, minimize, rectify, reduce, eliminate, compensate or correct
otherwise probable significant adverse environmental impacts.
Mixed Uses: Any combination of activities which mix residential, offices, shops and other
related uses. Mixed uses exist in concentrated centers and increase activity and density. Mixed
uses can be single activities in their own buildings but clustered within walking distance; or
buildings containing two or more activities, as in office space located above retail shops.
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Pedestrian -Friendly: Designed to accommodate pedestrians' (and sometimes cyclists')
priorities of safety, minimized walking distance, comfort and pleasant surroundings.
Planned Action: One or more types of project action(s) that: 1) are designated planned actions
by an ordinance or resolution adopted by a city; 2) have had the significant environmental
impacts adequately addressed in an EIS prepared in conjunction with a comprehensive plan or
subarea plan; 3) are subsequent or implementing projects for a comprehensive or subarea plan:
4) are not essential public facilities; or 5) are consistent with a comprehensive plan.
•. Programmatic EIS: The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a "program," consisting of
a policy plan for many inter -related projects. Under Washington's State Environmental Policy
Act (SEPA), an EIS must be prepared for significant public programs or policy documents, as
well as for individual development projects.
Regional Transit Authority (RTA): In the Puget Sound region, the agency responsible for
planning, building and operating the regional transit system. The system includes, regional bus
service, high occupancy vehicles (HOV) lanes and access, light rail transit and commuter rail.
State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA): Chapter 43.21 C of the Revised Code of Washington
(RCW) - the general policies and regulations intended to help lead agencies and citizens make
better environmental decisions.
Station Area: An area with an approximately `/4 mile radius around a rapid rail station
containing transit -related activities and designed to accommodate large numbers of people.
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS): Preparation of a SEIS is appropriate
when a proposal is substantially similar to one covered in an existing EIS. New information
indicating a proposal's probable significant adverse environmental impacts may be provided in
an SEIS. The SEIS should not include analysis of actions, alternatives or impacts that is in the
previously prepared EIS.
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