HomeMy WebLinkAbout3740Ordinance No. 3740
(Amending or Repealing Ordinances)
CFN=462 - Downtown Strategic Action Plan
Passed - 4/19/2005
Comprehensive Plan Amendment - Downtown Strategic Action Plan Update
ORDINANCE NO.371f 0
AN ORDINANCE of the City Council of the City
of Kent, Washington, updating the City of Kent
Downtown Strategic Action Plan (CPA -2004-1).
RECITALS
A. The Downtown Strategic Action Plan (DSAP) was initially adopted as a
subarea plan in April 1998 to recognize the role of downtown Kent as a designated Urban
Center. The DSAP is a visioning document for the Urban Center and is intended to
provide the framework for further project -level analysis and planning. After seven (7)
years, it is appropriate to update the DSAP to reflect changes in existing conditions,
planned capital projects, and citizen interests.
B. As currently adopted, the DSAP contains outdated information such as
policy recommendations that have been incorporated into the Kent City Code (KCC); and
capital improvement projects that have been completed, delayed, or removed from the
six-year Capital Improvement Program and the six-year Transportation Improvement
Program. The update of the DSAP also provides an opportunity for the incorporation by
reference of relevant documents such as the Commuter Rail Station Area Study (2000),
the Kent Station Planned Action Supplemental Environmental hnpact Statement (2002),
and the Economic Development Strategic Plan (2003). The DSAP also provides for
needed area wide land use and zoning map designation amendments, development
standards text amendments, wider application of Downtown Design Review, and changes
to parking space requirements.
Comprehensive Plan Amendment -
Downtown Strategic Action Plan Update
C. The SEPA Responsible official issued an Addendum and Adoption Notice
on October 18, 2004 determining that the proposed DSAP update and implementing
regulations are consistent with the range, types and magnitude of impacts and
corresponding mitigation outlined in the April 1998 integrated SEPA-GMA document
for the DSAP; a separate threshold determination is not required.
D. To facilitate the process of updating the DSAP, City staff facilitated two
public participation workshop sessions on May 17, 2004, and two sessions on June 14,
2004. These sessions were used to identify the challenges, opportunities, strengths and
weaknesses of downtown Kent and to provide opportunity and strategies to address these
issues in the update of the DSAP. Citizen input from these workshop sessions as well as
responses from a general interest survey of City employees were summarized and
provided to the Land Use and Planning Board at its July 12, 2004, workshop. The Land
Use and Planning Board held four (4) public hearings on the proposed amendments to the
DSAP on August 23, 2004; September 27, 2004; October 25, 2004; and November 8,
2004. The Planning and Economic Development Committee considered the update to
the DSAP on December 6, 2004.
E. On February 9, 2005, the City provided the required sixty (60) day
notification under RCW 36.70A.106 to the state of Washington of the City's proposed
update to the DSAP. The sixty (60) day notice period has lapsed.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENT,
WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
2 Comprehensive Plan Amendment -
Downtown Strategic Action Plan Update
ORDINANCE
SECTION]. -Amendments. The City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
adopted by Ordinance 3398 is updated as shown in Exhibit A, attached and incorporated
here (CPA -2004-1).
SECTION 2. - Severabiltty. If any one or more sections, sub -sections, 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. - Efective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force
thirty (30) days from and after the date of passage as provided by law.
2 aa
J14 f. 4404
MAY PRD TEM
ATTEST:
CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
tt'—
TO
BRUBAKER, CITY ATTORNEY
PASSED: _? day of April, 2005.
APPROVED: day of April, 2005.
PUBLISHED: a3 day of April, 2005.
3
Comprehensive Plan Amendment -
Downtown Strategic Action Plan Update
I hereby certify that this is a true copy of Ordinance No. _,-?7Y-0, passed
by the City Council of the City of Kent, Washington, and approved by the Mayor of the
City of Kent as hereon indicated.
P1CmTORDAIANCE\DowntowrLStratgpcAcbouMmiUplo, 2004 dm
EAL)
BRENDA JACOBER, t1ITY CLERK
4 Comprehensive Plan Amendment -
Downtown Strategic Action Plan Update
CITY OF KENT
DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC
ACTION PLAN
INTEGRATED WITH
THE FINAL SUPPLEMENTAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Originally prepared for the City of Kent by
MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design, BRW, Property Counselors,
Langlow Associates and the City of Kent Planning Services Office
With the Assistance of a Washington State Planning
And Environmental Review Fund Grant
UPDATE ADOPTED
APRIL 1912005
MAYOR
Jim White
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER-
Mike
FFICERMike Martin
CITY CLERK
Brenda Jacober
CITY COUNCIL
Julie Peterson, President
Tim Clark
Ron Harmon
Deborah Ranniger
Debbie Raplee
Les Thomas
Bruce White
LAND USE AND PLANNING BOARD
Jon Johnson, Chair
Greg Worthing, Vice Chair
Steve Dowell
Theresa Ferguson
David Malik
Elizabeth Watson
Kenneth Wendling
1998 DOWNTOWN STAKEHOLDERS TASK FORCE
Brad Bell
Merrily Manthey
Pat Curran
Steve Mariotti
Connie Epperly
June McEleran
Tim Giminez
Dee Moschel
Beverly Hawk
Leona Orr
Jon Johnson
Bill Stewart
Jerry Kauth
Bob Whalen
Stephanie Klappenbaugh
Howard Montoure
Doug Klappenbaugh
Rico Yingling
Dick Lackey
Charles Turner
2004 DOWNTOWN VISIONING WORKSHOPS ATTENDEES
Alice Alcorn
William T. Miller
Jacquie Alexander
Diana Olsen
Jack Becvar
Walter Olsen
Mary Lou Becvar
Ben Porter
Sharon Bersaas
Lee Porter
Owen Bing
Fergus Prestbye
Cass Brotherton
Jane Prestbye
Joseph Buckman
Deborah Ranniger
Suzanne Reeder Cameron
Melvin Roberts
Walter Flue
Cheri Sayer
Ron Harmon
Frank Scarsella
Mike Heinisch
Doug Scharnhorst
Michael Johnson
Elizabeth Scharnhorst
Frankie Keyes
Don B. Shaffer
Mike Keyes
Becky Silvestri
Dick Lowe
Dan Silvestri
Jan Lowe
Leon Thomas
Nancy Martin
Peggy Vargas
John B. Merz
Judith Zelter
Introduction
1. introduction
A. Purpose
Since the days when Kent was a valley agricultural community, downtown -Downtown
Kent has served as the town's civic and commercial focus. In recent decades, the City has
supported t1w de*ffl-tewn 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 -The City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan pursues Kent's r the citizens'
vision for its urban center, as described in the City of Kent Comprehensive Plan, and
expressed in this document;: byBy translating the Comprehensive Plan's general
objectives into a redevelopment strategy consisting of an integrated set of civic actions-,
This -the Downtown Strateig_e Action Plan serves as a basis for developing the urban
center and implementing the Keat-Comprehensive Plan. It will provide a basis for future
market analysis, environmental analysis, and community participation processes,,—_i-The
Downtown Strategic Action Plan outlines methods for encouraging infill and
redevelopment compatible with the economic, environmental, and community goals of
the citizens of Kent.
The Downtown Strategic Action Plan alsoprovides a framework for project -level
planning appropriate for each Downtown district defined in this document. Subsequent
project -level planning could be specified in Planned Action Ordinances. "Planned
Actions" are discussed in Section C. of this introductory chapter.
This Year 2004 update to the Downtown Strategic Action Plan intends to strengthen the
connection between this goliaftum,ent and the recently updated Comprehensive Plan,
as well as acknowled eg chance in Downtown Kent that have occurred since April 1998.
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 dowate
Downtown has retained it's its position as the center of City civic and cultural life. The
City and dowxteva-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
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 1-1
Introduction
designation of dewatewn K@nQQQMmt-q-wn Kent as an urban center through the King
County Countywide Planning Policies processes.
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.
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, the 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 -Downtown subarea plan. The team consisted of
MAKERS architecture and urban design, BRW, Inc., The Langlow Associates, Property
Counselors, and Sierra Media.
After the April 1998 adoption of the original Downtown Strategic Action Plan document,
the Regional Transit Authority (since reconstituted as Sound Transit) determined the
preferred South Station Site to be impracticable to service the full length of its trains, and
selected the North Station Site. Since February 5, 2001, Sound Transit Commuter Rail
trains riding the Burlington Nortdiern/Sante Fe railroad have been loading and unloading
passengers between James and Smith Streets — approximating the North Station Site
alignment. Several revisions to the Downtown Strategic Action Plan acknowledge this
fact. The Commuter Rail Station Areg Study, coWleted in 2000, updated the market
analysis of the DSAP, and identified a number of parcels in Downtown with development
and redevelopment I otential in proximity to the Sound Transit rail station.
While some things have not changed in Downtown Kent, other circumstances have
changed since the 1998 adoption of the DSAP. The Borden Chemical Company sold
their p perty and their operations to the City of Kent in 2001, significantly shortening
the timefi-ame for potential redevelopment of the 20 -acre site. Some of the recommended
actions listed in Chapter IV and Chapter V have been completed, yet others are in
progress or have since been deemed infeasible,
Still other interested parties in Downtown Kent seek to expand existing business uses or
obtain site improvement variances non -conforming to Downtown Commercial Enterprise
(PCE) Zoning =particularly on Central Avenue. Some of Central Avenue within the
boundaries of Downtown is currently zoned General Commercial (GC). The replacement
of DCE Zoning with a zoning district more favorable to auto oriented uses should be
carefully mitigated by the application of Downtown Design Review. Interest in
development opportunities along the James and Smith arterial streets adjacent to Kent
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 1-2
Introduction
Station exist, although the aha north of James is constrained by the current single-family
residential Comprehensive Plan Map and Zoning District Map designations.
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 SAP
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. !
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 held in 1996. Prior to adopting the DSAP, the City subsequently conducted six
additional public workshops and seven Downtown Stakeholders Task Force meetings.
City staff responded to numerous letters, telephone calls, and Planning Department
visitor's questions.
The Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) for the DSAP was
issued on February 4, 1997. The DSETS: contained three land use and urban design
alternatives, and was distributed at a workshop to gather public opinion regardinga
preferred alternative. An additional environmental document: authorized by the
Washington State Department of Ecology, entitled the Draft Downtown Strategic Action
Plan and Preliminary Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement was issued
on May 19, 1997 to provide additional information and allow additional time for public
comment and discussion prior to integrated plan adoption. The PrelimiM Final
Supplemental Impact Statement contained 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 Citly
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 fbr establishing development goals and policies for the whole of Downtown
Kent.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 1-3
Introduction
As the process chart (Figure I-1) in the Appendix indicates, planning, evaluation, and
public involvement were coordiga
ted throughout the project. Public involvement
occurred at three key points: setting of objectives, development of alternatives, and
evaluation of alternatives.
In 2004, the City of Kent is updating the Downtown Strategic Action Plan (DSAP) to
reflect the changes in existing conditions and development opportunities, as well as
address concerns among some in the community about the negative impact of regulations
on expansion of existing non -conforming uses. In late 2003, the City Council Planning
Committee directed staff to analvze issues relating to zoning and development standards
in the Central Avenue District of Downtown. Consideration of other issues, including the
guidance of the Downtown Strategic Action Plan were identified as part of the work
program.
Be ig ening in March 2004, staffprepaared background information contained in the
Downtown Strategic Action Plan, as adopted in April 1998, for comment and suggested
revision in public participation woftshras. Morning and evening workshop sessions
were held on May 17, 2004 and June 14, 2004 at the Kent Senior Activity Center to
identify present conditions, challenges and opportunities in Downtown Kent. Public
participation at these sessions included facilitated discussion of Downtown issues and the
DSAP as well as opportunities for the pJtblic to self -record issues concerns and ideas on
34"x 44" maps. These maps depicted DSAP districts with 1998 recommended actions at
the May sessions, and the maps at the June sessions included commentary carried over
from the May sessions.
As a substantially -large population who work, eat and shop in Downtown Kent, all Cit
employees were offered an 2RpgMMfty to respond to an all -users electronic message
about their vision of Downtown as a place to live play or shop The responses were
summarized and included in a may reviewed by the Land Use and Planning Board in a
July 12 2004 workshop The Land Use and Plannine Board offered some of their own
comments, and reinforced some of the comments provided by citizens and Cit
employees.
PLANNED ACTIONS
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 1-4
Introduction
The Planned Action EIS process is a relatively 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. Using this tool, the City would
evaluates several detailed subarea project development scenarios prior to receiving and
reviewingdevelopment applications for the Planned Action subarea. -If-Whenever a
Planned Action ordinance is adopted by the jur-isdietienCity, 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. Typically. this means that a
submitted development prMsal. or proposals, are consistent with and do not exceed the
thresholds of uses and use intensities established in the Planned Action Ordinance. 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 Seberea-F}anPlanned Action Ordinance. The purpose of
creating an integrated plan and /environmental assessment document, consistent with
PERF grant requirements, was to adopt a Planned Action ordinance if such an action was
appropriate.
In 1998,As-as a result of planning analysis and environmental review conducted, the
planning team determined that, despite the recommended mitigation measures, existing
City regulations may not have provided sufficient environmental protection to take the
place of the SEPA process at that time. As a result, the City of Kent has -chosen not to
propose and adopt a Planned Action ordinance with the approved plan.
However, the Downtown Strategic Action Plan provides development goals and policies
for several districts within Downtown Kent. As such, the DSAP is a framework for
future developmentpians of a more detailed nature, including Planned Actions.
KENT STATION
In 2001, however, with the City purchase of the Borden Chemical property, the
opportunity to develop at higher intensities of mixed -uses in close proximity to the
recently operational Sound Transit Commuter Rail Station was both real and immediate.
AThe City initiated a Planned Action process for the property formerly owned by Borden
Chemical-, iden 'fin sg, ite-specific environmental conditions and anticipated impacts and
mitigation measures for development of three (3) development scenarios within the North
Core District Subarea The City Council selected Alternative 2(Kent Station ProposaD as
the Preferred Alternative in July 2002 and a private sector developer has be -gun the
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 1-5
Introduction
rocess to develop Kent Station. Groundbreaking occurred on June 30. 2004. Eventuall
other districts within Downtown Kent may similarly present significant
opportunities for planned ackipns ,
SEF•A Feviiew.
Me. I-1: 1996-1997 DSAP Process Diagram]
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 1-6
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Me. I-1: 1996-1997 DSAP Process Diagram]
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 1-6
Introduction
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
dewateYmDowntown. 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 -districts
within the del% a Downtown, showing the interrelationships among actions. Section
VI contains the State 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,
EwAfeameatak-qviroarnental 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 I.
And Section VI.
Introduction
A summary of the project history, purpose,
scope and public involvement process is
included in Section I.
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 V1, 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.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 1-7
Introduction
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 1-8
Vision
II. Vision: Growing a Home Town
Prior to this plae Downtown Stratepc Action Plan (DSAP), Kent citizens contributed to
downtown vision expressed in the 1992 Community Forum on Growth Management and
Visioning, the 1989 Downtown Plan, and the Kent Comprehensive Plan goals -Goals and
pelieiesPolicies. The community expanded and reinforced the vision by participating in
the public workshops, focus group discussions, and Downtown Stakeholders Task Force
meetings that helped to form this plan as it was adopted in 1998.
A Visit to the Future
If this plan is successful, what will devmtewa-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$` Century visitor entering devvntewn-Downtown Kent
will be presented with a more gracious welcome mat. Not only will key entry points
around the dwF 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 dewnte%%'s
Downtown's southern boundary, a well -landscaped Willis Street will fame 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/Sante 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, the Historic
Core. Kent Statim and the Commons Recreation Center & Pex4PLayfields.
The -In addition to the above-mentioned Interurban Trail access, the west section of the
dew%towel)owntown, 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 Par-lePla elds the Commons Recreation Center — not to
mention the Regional Justice Center — will form a civic anchor at the devvetevv%'-s
Downtown's northwest corner. The Regional Justice Center, by then about 15 years old,
will be a still -imposing but more familiar fixture. Regional 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.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 11-1
Vision
StFeet be dewatow%'s busiest
tFaffie the
james wiI4 the east west
s"areited milread eressing wi4 eliminate what would
eeMdeF, and grade
ethefwise have been a sefieus
But, while the future visitor will notice many changes to the dewntewa's-Downtown's
perimeter, the most striking transformation will have occurred seu&north of 6ewe
Smith Street. The ound Transit eennwaef ommuter r-ai4
Rail sfatiert Station, or Kent Transit Center, located between James and Smith Streets on
either side of the railroad tracks, will be an important transit hub, with local feeder buses
meeting the trains and regional buses for transfer to locations throughout the Puget
Sound. Although commuter rail service was limited at first to two early morning
northbound trips a ddttwo early evening southbound trips,
lmwe-led tall -day rail service; will g -make the train the preferred transportation
option for commuters to Seattle,, Averett or Tacoma or baseball fans heading for a
Mariners game.
The importance of this transportation connection will have given downtown -Downtown
Kent greater prominence in the region and spurred development in Downtown. Smith
Street will be one of the dewntewn's-powntown's most attractive corridors, with a now
hetel, effise, and f"! eemple* on the pedestrian -oriented businesses and open
Maces located on either side of the street. In pwtietde&,
Walking through the
lister -is -Meeker Street Historic eaFe-C re to the een ter -Commuter rail -Rail station
Station will be a pleasure because of the street trees. Sister Cities Parks, and pedestrian -
oriented buildings. The Kent Station project
will be anderwaycompleted, 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 Pubhe Moket ister Cities Parks will wwher
support another cluster of shops and commercial activities. This -Railroad Avenue distr-iet
will offer a valuable addition to the unique historic retail core of Downtown Kent. With
the Sister Cities Parks providing an attractive backdrop as well as a pedestrian connection
to the Kent Transit Centerthe 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 District, will have seen slower,
incremental changes. New midrise mixed-use/residential complexes and townhouses,
developed with sensit vitKto well-maintained single-family homes of historic character.
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. Uve e-a-m-WHutey r-ai! station wig be leeated on both sides
.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan II -2
Vision
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 success of the Historic Core will have
been the connections that the City made to the north and south, as well as those
connections made to the east and west, 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 dewatewn-Downtown
will reach its goals. By enhancing the historic character of its eereCore Districts, the City
will retain its ee hums& link to the past — its roots.
By emphasizing its pedestrian qualities with gracious sidewalks, pedestrian -oriented
businesses and a variety of parks, the dewfttewn-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 dewntewn
Downtown will generate the activity necessary for a successful urban center.
By fostering high-quality redevelopment through public works improvements and design
guidelines, the dewat wt+ -Downtown will become a source of civic pride for the whole
city.
By integrating emerging transportation systems, the dewatewn-Downtown will regain its
role as a regional crossroads.
And, through the continued efforts and care of its citizens, the Downtown town -will
continue to be a "home town for the future."
Wig. II -2: May - Downtown Kent 20 Year Vision (1998)1
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 11-3
Planning Concept
III, Planning Concept
A. Market Analysis
The foundation of a successful dewateva•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 dewatewe Downtown Kent draws 80% to 90% of its sales extends west to
Interstate 5, north to the Kent city limits at 180x, south to 277x', and east and south
toward the Cascade foothills (see Fig. III -1). 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
There are several specific opportunities in
do awe -Downtown Kent.
— Office/Education
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), and the development of a
branch of the Green River Community College at Kent Station would result in
potential office demand of:
• 1996-2000: 92,000-112,000 square feet
• 2000-2010: 268,088-278;888100.000 square feet
• 2010-2020: 498•,88880.000 square feet
— Retail
Projected retail development estimates are based on maintairAngdLamatically
increasing Vis -Downtown's share of market area spending, with-inereases ii
which maybe facilitated. by the development of Kent Station and adiacent properties
and other large parcels Downtown. Kent Station will include a fourteen (14) screen
a
Cineplex, which may gUIM additional spin-offretail activity.
• 1995-2000: 46,000-49,000 square feet (including RJC impact)
• 2000-2010: 489,088300.000 square feet
• 2010-2020: ;9;888100.,000 square feet
— Civic and Performing Arts Center
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan III -1
Planning Concept
A Civic and Performing Arts Center has been proposed :for dewatewa-Downtown
Kent. Attendees at perfonnwos, 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
die#ietDowntown into the evening. AHowever, a bond issue election held in 2000 to
provide public funding for the Civic and Performing. Arts Center failed to gain
sufficient support, and development of this element would require significant private
investment.
flesessaFy 14
LiUL, HI -1: Map — Market area for downtown Rent (199811
— Market Rate Residential
One-third of the residential capacity for the City is in the dewf4ewn-Downtown area.
In order for the de v tewa-PgM own 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 units on the edge of the eeFeCore Districts, where land costs are
lower, and small condominium and apartment projects at high -amenity locations in
the core.
— Hotel/Conveution Center
A full service hotel with approximately 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 comer of South State and &East Meeker Streets. The
Pediatric Infant Care Center anticipates relocating to a larger facility to be built
before 2006. In the future, a dev m *%-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.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan III -2
Planning Concept
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dewnl:e:%% KeFA.
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Y. MITI
Strategy
The major goal of the QV of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan (the PI ASAP) is
to encourage dewatewa-Dowlltown growth, infill and redevelopment while creating a
stronger community identity and civic/commercial focus through a -strategic public -and=
private partnerships' The Nan-DSAP actions are
intended to implement the dine6easthe Cfty of Kent Comprehensive Plan
(Comprehensive Plan), the goals and policies of the 1989 Downtown Plan, and the goals
and policies in the dewetewn-Downtown and commercial sections of the Land Use
GhapteffElement. Consistent with the requirements of the Washington State Planning and
Environmental Review Fund, the Plan-DSAP integrates environmental analysis and
environmental impact mitigation measures within the land use, transportation, urban
design, problem solving, and implementation framework of the PlanDSAP. The P4m
DSAP presents a framework that will maintain Kent's existing physical assets of
Downtown, prepare for projected growth, and support future development. It
recommends that public and private interests work together to achieve safe, attractive,
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 111-3
Planning Concept
and convenient transportation systems, improved parks and open space, and adequate
public facilities.
Successful devffAewa-Downtown redevelopment plans build on the community's existing
physical and organizational assets. Fortunately, deva#awn-Downtown Kent eantakwrhas
many resources that will be a foundation for future growth and development. Vigilant
City and business efforts have kept Kent's historic, pedestrian -oriented eere-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
dewatewfi-Downtown is blessed with a variety of parks and oven spaces, including the
active Commons Park, 'sten Cities Parks, the Rose Garden, and Railroad
Park. Kent's City Hall, the Commons Recreation Center, library, the Senior Activi
Center, and the Resource Center. add -These Parks and open spaces provide aetivity
activities and enhance the devA#ewa2 -Downtown's role as the City's focal point. Nearby
residential areas add a built-in consumer and employment base.
(Fig III -2. Man — ChaUen es facing downtown Kent (1998)1
The community's optimism regarding future private development opportunity is well
founded. The market analysis conducted early in formulating this plan pfejeets-projected
significant development potential for the dewitew n -Downtown based on continuing
growth of the Kent dewmewa-Downtown market area. While the pace of this
may fluctuate, the growth potential remains. Opportunities include additional retail
development, office development, a full-service hotel, and urban -style housing. In
addition, the news -restored Kent Public Market will bolster businesses e* -in the eero'-s
east -sidecore districts, and as servicg expands. the ,
sehe"ed to open is Sound Transit Commuter Rail Station.
Febawy 09}, will make Downtown Kent a regional transportation hub. The e_panding
presence of athe setefCommuter r -Rail statiea-Station is also likely to stimulate
in -town housing development and new employment opportunities. Commercial growth
should occur as an indirect benefit of the eemnmitff ommuter Rail swAien Station
and a direct benefit of new in -town housing. Housing development, at densities
consistent with the Regional Growth Center designation of Downtown Kent, should be
encouraged throughout Downtown to stimulate an increase in demand for retail and
commercial services.
While the dewa4ewn-p2wntown contains valuable assets that serve as a foundation for a
strong identity and vital economy, there are obstacles to growing a better
dewatewnDowrltown Kent. 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 dew ntew n!Qgwntown periphery are underdeveloped or present a poor visual
impression. Because of those assets and obstacles, the basic strategies at the root of the
SAP are:
• Connect and unify important de%%tev#%-Downtown features:;
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan III -4
Planning Concept
• Enhance the periphery of the dewatewn-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:;
• Encourage housing development throughout Downtown,
• Enhance civic identity.
Connect and Unify Downtown's Features
Civic improvements, including the Regional Justice Center, and the Kent Commons
are expanding the Downtown eefeCore. The core business
areas along Meeker Street, First Avenue, and Railroad Avenue will continue to serve as
the Downtown's commercial dewatew%'-s south anchor. To maintain and improve this
role, the histerie-Historic eero-Core must be linked to the northern €eatum&-districts by a
combination of park, pedestrian, and vehicle connections along First, Second and Fourth
Avenues and Smith Street. In addition, supportive redevelopment of the Smith Street
corridor will strengthen the connection.
The parks and the
Public Market link the Historic Core District and the ee tter-Commuter fail -Rail
sWien-Station to the Regional Justice Center and1p armed commercial, office, and
residential activities to the north.
[Ne 111--3: May — The strategic redevelopment concent (1998)1
During the planning process, several commuter rail station locations were proposed
within a five -block area adjacent to the Burlington Northern/Sante Fe railroad tracks
between Titus and James Streets. This -The SAP acknowledges
that the new ee ter --Commuter Fail -Rail st"iowStation located just sere€
6ewenorthof Smith Street to provides an efficient multi -modal regional transportation
hub. The Commuter mil—Ra steno*-SJabon will enhance Kent's role in the region as
"host community" and accentuate its identity. It will add significantly to the connectivity
of northern and southern do wa-ppwntown districts 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 deevn
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, purchased by the City of Kent, located 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-pfepaFe tobas taken
advantage of this opportunity by ensuring that there is access to the site (especially along
Second Avenue from the south), l-sheuldThe City is collaborating with a private
developer to master plan the Kent Station site as a whole, and create a desirable
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 111-5
Planning Concept
development setting around the site as described in the Kent Station Planned Action
SEIS. The subdivision of Kent SlatLon allows for the sale of parcels to developers in
phases.
Enhance the Periphery of Downtown
The second dewnt�Downtown redevelopment strategy involves upgrading the areas
directly around the expanded core. Similarly, allowing office and mixed-use development
between First and Fifth Avenues north of Kent Station alone James Street will
accommodate and encourage investment in this highly impacted area. The single-family
neighborhood east of Fourth Avenue ead4u -north of Samos r 11oudv Street is-im
impef teat he i ll be buffered from the intensive develgpment along James
Street by a lower intensitmulti�fa fly residential district.
A combination of pedestrian -oriented street improvements and site design guidelines will
help make the Central Avenue corridor a more fitting eastern entry into the eereCore
Districts. The areas to the south, east, and west of the eere-Core Districts provide an ideal
setting for residentially oriented mixed-use development to support eere-Core District
businesses and add life to the dewmewn-Downtown as well as reinforce Kent's identity
as a "home town."
Define Special Activity Districts
The DSAP identifies and defines existing and emerging special districts within the
dewatewn-Downtown area such as the l ane -Historic Core business district, civic
activity areas, Kent Public 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. Planned Action Ordinances for each
district could adopt subarea or subdistrict development plans with detailed environmental
analysis of potential development scenarios. The preferred alternative of each subarea
plan would then provide guidance for future dis#ieWeveWment of the whole district
subarea, or a discrete parcel of significant development capacity within the district. It is
important to consider the existing assets of the districts, potential for improvement,
redevelopment and infill, and their context or role within the d watowntown.
Select Target Areas
Priority development sites have4wawere identified during ast planning processes.
The een 4w -Commuter feil-Rail stafien-Station site, Kent Station, the Kent Public
Market site, and the eWie-Civic and pinWPerforming ats-Arts center site-afe-were
driven by previously determined plans. The Civic and Performing Arts Center did not
receive the necesna bonds to locate and build at the Municipal Parking Lot as planned,
and the Kent Public Market has since relocated there after a few challenging years at the
Railroad Avenue site. Other projects such as priority in -town housing sites, essential
pedestrian connections to connect existing and emerging activity districts, and public
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan III -6
Planning Concept
gathering spaces have emerged during the analysis and public participation elements of
the laa-DSAP 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. Specific development scenarios may require additional
consideration of site conditions, impacts on environmental conditions, and potential
mitigation measures.
Enhance Civic Identity
A major focus of this plan has been to define an identity for dewnDowntown Kent.
The image that has continually reoccurred throughout the process is the dewntewn's
Downtown's role as a "home town." The intent of the plan-DSAP 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$` Century community? In looking at
Kent's sustaining assets and the Vis -Downtown's opportunities for the future,
the following characteristics stand out
— Variety: A Sam 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 dewatewn
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
pkA+!sDSAP 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
plimleRSAP success will be the amount of careful, well -considered financial and
human investment the recommended actions attract to the dewntewnDowntown.
Equally important will be the design quality of development — embodied in the
durability of architectural styles, features and building materials.
— 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 downt&vmDowntown. 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.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan 111-7
Planning Concept
— Memory and Vision: Remembering the Past, Looking to the Future
During the middle of the T4ma6s&twentieth frycenturv, 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 urban center. As 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 dev#%�Downtown
grows to meet the future.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan III -8
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 N summarizes the recommended actions, describes the
implementation steps, costs, and environmental impacts, and mitigation measures for
actions that require environmental review.
Figure N-1 summarizes many of these actions and indicates where each action targets
improvements. Figure N-2 lists the actions according to their major categories and
outlines their timing. Figure N-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, significant, adverse
environmental impacts and proposed mitigating measures are included in this section. If
When a Planned Action Ordinance is netQroposed for adoptioned, diseussien
e€dentification and analysis of existing environmental site/district subarea conditions,
impacts and mitigating measures will serve as-&-guide-€ekproject-level SEPA reviewto
be used as guidance when projects are proposed within the district subarea.
The purpose of a Planned Action Ordinance is to conduct SEPA review for a number of
development alternatives, one of which is determined to be most consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan, the DSAP, and anv auulicable District Subarea Plan. This
"Preferred Action," when adopted by City Council, becomes the development blueprint
for the District Subarea, with SEPA completed for the amount and character of
development. Proposals meeting the identified requirements of the Preferred Action are
generally exempt from additional SEPA review.
General actions, which relate to more than one district are discussed below:
■ Continue to support the Kent Downtown Partnership, Kent's Main Street
Program non-profit oreanization. as an aeent of Downtown revitalization.
Assist the Kent Downtown Partngrft KDP) in its efforts to identify and promote
community interest and economic health in Downtown.
■ Promote Infill Housing.
To meet the C& of Kent Comprehensive Plan goals to enhance dewatevv
Downtown as a place to live, and to create an attractive, dense mixed-use
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Ptan N-1
Summary of Recommended Actions
neighborhood, the City should promote construction of housing units. A mix of
housing Wes including condominium townhouses, stacked and attached units that
resemble sthgle-single-family design and character, and residential mixed with
commercial and office uses are desirable. In order to enable development of multi-
family residential units in Downtown, it would be advisable to waive the minimum
lot size requirement (KCC 15.04.170) for multifamily residential unit development
occurring_ within the DSAP planning area, where many redevelopable lots are not of
sufficient size to feasibly develop multi -family residential use, even if so zoned.
■ Encourage the development of at least two hundred (200) units of new market
rate housing in Downtown by 2008.
Consider incentives such as reducing or waivingdeveloRmment permit fees for
residential construction in Downtown, and extending the existing Downtown multi-
family residential tax exemption program to include market rate rental housing.
Developers of condominiums are challenged by two factors in Downtown —
condominium owners are still having difficulty acquiring home insurance and the
developers do not receive the tax exemption for developing condos in Downtown.
Consider also allowing development of buildings with five (5) stories of wood frame
construction above a concrete bases consistent with Downtown Commercial
Enterprise (]CE) zoning.
■ Promote the construction of high quality new commercial, office, or mixed—use
development and redevelopment. Also encourage the development of a
hotel/conference center to serve as an attractor for commercial activity
To respond to the potential for additional dewntewtirDowntown office and
commercial devieepmeftWevolgpmot identified in the market analysis provide
incentives for new development. wed -Mixed-use development and a
hotel/conference center will provide a variety of activities and living situations within
districts that require ground floor retail uses. In order to be competitive in the
marketplace, new office space in Downtown Kent should provide Class A -type
amenities found in other regional centers. "Class A" office space, as described in
CB -Richard Ellis Commercial Real Estate quarterly reports. "...have high guuality
standard finishes, state of the art syftems. exceptional accessibility and a definite
market presence."
■ Assist the Kent Downtown Partnership in increasing the variety and vitality of
businesses located in Downtown.
The KDP is leading the effort to attract two (2) new businesses to Downtown each
Year while retaining existing businesses, and is also seeking to increase the number of
existing retail businesses with evening and weekend operating hours. The
development of office space, a hotel/conference center and market rate housing in
Downtown should increase the demand for variety in retail and restaurant choices
available throughout the daytime and evening hours. Public comments received
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV -2
Summary of Recommended Actions
during the 2004 workshops indicae a strong�interest in increasing the variety of
stores and restaprants in`Downtown. with operating hours extending past 5 p.m. On
the other hand many cowere received about reducing the number of second-
hand merchandise stores andthrift stores in Downtown.
Conduct a study of existing parking requirements related to residential and
commercial density regulations dew#ew$Downtown.
Revise the parking and density standards to improve the balance of on-site and off-
site parking areas. Some property owners in Downtown have indicated difficulty in
attracting redevelopment interest slue to the maximum of 3 surface parkingsaaces per
1,000 square feet of commercial space for Downtown Commercial Enterprise (DCE)
Zoning_ This on-site parking M10rement for commercial use is intended to
encourage the use of on -street parking and the development of structured parking_
Residential use has a minimum of one (1) gpace per dwelling unit, which should be an
incentive for inclusion of residential units in commercial developments seeking to
address parking needs.
Survey the impacts of retail uses such as pawnshops, bail bond offices, day labor
offices, casinos,,Mult entertaluMent businesses, gas stations and tattoo parlors in
dewntewn-Dowjtowu locations in other cities. Restrict or prohibit specific
commercial uses in Downtown that are known to generate negative impacts on
the larger communi
Revise the genthgZoning eede-Code to consider assigning conditional use permit
status for such uses to address the results of the survey, if necessary. Certain uses,
including pawn shops, bail bond offices, casinos, adult entertainment businesses and
tattoo parlors have been observed in other cities in the region to require an increased
amount of police and social services. Developable land suitable for- Fetail uses is
limited, and s ome plan participants have expressed in the past and present the
opinion that a proliferation of such uses would not be appropriate. hand available
aR4 saitA 1 e fef f "I uses ie limited, aad some p lea p "ej-Pir ants hav e e"r-essed the
■ Work with social services providers, public safety officers, temporary labor
agencies, and educational fastitations to address homelessness issues in
Downtown.
Address the causes and consequences of homelessness, and the impacts on
community livability.
■ Make Downtown Kent the transportation hub of South King County.
Ensure that Sound Transit co=letes the Phase Id Sounder rail service expansion to
eighteen (18) train trips daily by 2008. This increase in service will encourage a
commensurate increase in connecting bus and shuttle service located in Downtown —
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV -3
Summary of Recommended Actions
making living" working, shopping or dining in Downtown Kent convenient as well as
attractive.
■ Add pedestrian and bicycle facilities in all distr-iets e€
downtew$Dow�,ntown.
Work with the community and the Bicycle Advisory Board to identify and pfwAde
plan the provision of sidewalk improvements planting strips traffic calming
measures, wide curb lanes, trails and pathways. Utilize the Neighborhood Traffic
Control Program as appropriate to identify safer}+ -related improvements. The
i�Interurban Trail provides a regional north/south
pedestrian/bicycle/equestrian connection. Improved east EeWwest links into
dewntev#%Downtown will attract commutersLhoppers, students and recreational
cyclists.
■ Support thea Performing Arts/Civic Center or a hotel/conference center in a
dem%tem%-Downtown location.
lhF@-Ensure that activities at in the Urban 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.
■ Support live performance arts in appropriate public places, and encourage live
performance arts in retail and restaurant businesses.
The Citv of Kent has sponsored the well -attended Summer Concerts in the Park
series, often held at Kherson Park at the northwest corner of Gowe Street and 2"d
Avenue. Such events draw the community together to enjoy live music during lunch
in a famil fri dly atmosphere. Encourage the interest of retail and restaurant
business members of the KDP and Kent Chamber of Commerce in providing space
for live music, voetry readings. and other forms of artistic expression that contribute
to the vitality of Downtown.
■ Ensure high-quality development on designated signature building sites.
Work with property owners and developers throughout the development -process.
offering incentives as appropriate for compliance with the Downtown Design
Guidelines.
■ Enhance the City's established public art program.
Reinforce Kent's dewntem%Qowntown character and unique traditions through art.
Encourage private and public development interests to provide de%%tevm-Downtown
public art as part of significant projects.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV -4
Summary of Recommended Actions
■ Develop a dewatewe-Daw2,t9wn 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 dewetewa-Downtown as
defined by tltis-the1_SAP. Associate specific types of street tree plantings to
specific streets throughout dewateAe owntown. 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.
■ Allow underground stormwater detention vaults where appropriate for
development sites larger than one acre in Downtown to encourage attractive site
development and maximum build -out of revenue-generatine land uses.
The use of above -ground detention ponds can deter from the attractiveness of
Downtown, Rarticularly when the detention ponds are large and poorly landscaped.
Such ponds also limit the economic utility of land zoned for much more intensive
activities.
■ Adopt street standards for the entire downtewa-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 dewm wo.-Downtown in order to accentuate the identity
of each area. Include rNuirements for undergrounding utilities in order to improve
the attractiveness of the visual environment, and to provide more sidewalk space for
walking or outdoor seating where appropriate.
■ Enhance gateways into dewat m%Rowntown.
Mark entrances to dewmewnDowntown from streets, trails and rails, 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. Special attention to the pedestrian and
visual connection between the Historic Core and North Core (Kent Station) along
Second Avenue will be critical. hnprovements along Smith Street to connect the
West Frame and East Frame will also be important.
■ Actively promote dewatewn-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 historic preservation. The City has made
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV -5
Summary of Recommended Actions
several efforts to develop historic preservation programs. The most recent effort
concluded with a report, An historic Preservation Prog=: Recommendations for the
Historic Preservation Committee—,December, 1990. The program should be
revisited. as menu Kent residents and businesses have voiced continuing concern and
interest in historic preservation, in Downtown and throughout Kent. Collaboration
with the Greater Kent Historical Society and Kent Downtown Partnership may be
necessary to clarify the value and g2tential scope of this action item.
■ Explore specific redevelopment opportunities within target areas.
A principal objective of this plan is to attract appropriate, high-quality development
to wn wn. 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 seek to fine tuge the City's City of bent Comprehensive Plan. The
transportation recommendations will upgrade connectivity and circulation to and
within the deww vA3P9MqLtown. 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.
[Fie. IV -1: Map - Actions reeommended- by the Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
are summarized above. j199S
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 eiaA tided.....M?
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
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV -6
Summary of Recommended Actions
Center and the Kent Transit Center. Actions that
directly respond to these opportunities: " at the james and
Smith ; 2.c) Smith Street improvements; (Cl.b) Burlington Green,
Yanghzou, and Kaibara Parks improvements; Gateways at (C2.a) Fourth and James,
(C2J) Central and Meeker, and (C2,e) Central and Smith; (C3.a) the civic and
performing arts center; (C3.b) the Kent Public Market; and (C3.c) the historic rail statim
depot structure are recommended for special attention during the next two years.
Likewise, land use measures (Al and A2) are given high
priority because they represent low public cost activities the City can take to update
zoning to be ready for impending private development proposals.
The redevelopment programs for the Fourth Avenue, histerie-•Historic eereCore District,
sem South eenCore District, and Central Avenue District target areas could also be
initiated during the next twe-few_years to spur redevelopment in these areas. Initiating
these actions over the next twe-few ears 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
GarfiderpFejee6the use of incentives for redevelopment of private property consistent
with the goals and volicies of the Comprehensive Plan, the Downtown Strategic Action
Plan, and where applicable, a district subarea development plan.
thk IV -2: Table — Phasine of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
recommendations. (1998)1
C. Preliminary Capital Project Costs
The preliminary costs in Figure N-3 provide a more realistic foundation for the vision
and recommendations of the Downtown Strategic Action PlanD( SAP). Although the
costs were carefully prepared, they are based on preliminary concepts, intended to serve
as a general guide. The plea-DSAP spans a period of twenty years of potential new
development, redevelopment and infill in downtown -Downtown Kent. The planDSAP,
costs, and infrastructure needs may change and adjust. Each proposed project should be
reevaluated in its own time based on specific plans, including district subarea
developmentplans.
Please note that the preliminary street improvement costs listed in the chart exceed the
cost of plan-DSAP 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.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV -7
Summary of Recommended Actions
Bicycle and pedestrian trails, lags and paths can be accomplished in a number of
different ways with widely differing costs. Further study of preferred locations and
materials selection would is -necessary before cost estimates can be provided.
Additional detail regarding the street improvements and gateways is available at the City
of Kent Planning meat Services Office. Additional detail regarding the eete�
r -ail statienK_gnt Transit Center is available from the
T+msit Am&994y-(Sound Transit) and the City of Kent Planning Dep Services
Office.
[Fie. IV -3: Table — Preliminary Capital Cost Estimate (1998)1
[F- IV -4: Man - Recommended Transportation Improvements (1998)1
/Fig¢. IV -5: Map — Recommended Public Facilities 0998)1
[FIE, IV -6: Map —Land Use Recommendations (1998)1
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan IV -8
Kent Downtown Districts
V. Kent Downtown Districts
The planning process identified several dem%tewn-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 dewate*%Downtown. The Diskiets-districts include:
• North Frame District
• Central Avenue Corridor District
• East Frame District
• West Frame District
• South Core District
• North Core District
• Historic Core District
The plane -Downtown Strategic Action Plan(DSAPand use recommendations are
directed toward fine tuning the City's comprehensive planning framework in response to
specific redevelopment opportunities and ommunity
interests. The transportation recommendations ware intended to upgrade connectivity
and circulation to and within the Downtown for additional businesses and
residents. The public facilities improvements envisioned in this -the �DSAP will
enhance an already attractive development setting. Desien
guidelines will increase compatibility between uses, reinforce the design quality of the
various districts, and take advantage of special opportunities. Within eaeh-most districts
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. The formulation of detailed district subarea development plans, to be
adopted within a number of Planned Action ordinances, couldprovide specific guidance
regarding environmental conditions, development potential, and impacts of such
development.
Each district is described below with recommended actions and target areas where the
City, the Kent Downtown Partnership, the Chamber of Commerce, property owners,
business owners, and volunteers 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 North eefe-Core and the single-family
neighborhood to the north. The North Frame dishiet-District includes the Commons
IPlayfields, with its baH fieW&,-and several streets lined with single-family homes.
While the overall intent of the plan-DSAP is to preserve the peaceful, insulatedsiagle
single-family character of the North Paxk neighborhood; east of Fourth Avenue, two busy
arterial streets - IAF -Fourth Avenue and James Street offer significant challenges to
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-1
Kent Downtown Districts
preservation of this character. Traffic along these streets, thc Regional Justice Center, the
Kent Transit Center, and the&v ment of Kent Station to the south intrude on
reside 4e4 -the desirable qualities associated with single-family residential neighborhoods
[FiP. K-1: Map_ The Kent downtown districts. 1( 99811
The Commons 1Pla fiel s brings mixed blessings. While being a much -loved open
space and active recreation area that enhances diving conditions in the
vicinity, it also draws people and traffic that impact single-family residential uses.
Therefore, the DSAP seeks to create a strong edge of high-quality mixed-use
development along the north side of James Street west ebetween N:North 1First
and Fifth Avenues, transitioning to multi -family residential development primarily along
the south side of Cloudy Street. The area is a designated redevelopment target area.
Relieving congestion on James Street maybe achieved to some measure by connecting
Cloudy Street to Fourth Avenue from Third Avenue for pedestrians and vehicles.
Upgrading the streets and Commons Pwk-PLayfields to benefit the local neighborhood
and the city at -at --large are also high priority actions.
The actions presented below include public improvements, land use zoning, and design
guidelines and supportive of the overall plan. The
actions are coordinated specifically to encourage target area redevelopment.
Public Improvements
— Upgrade Commons Par-k.Pjayfields
The Commons Park is an important resource for dewetewn owntown 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 planLor district subarea
development plan should explore a variety of solutions to these problems. Participants in
the Downtown Plea Downtown Strategic Action Planningprocess 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 North
Fourth and X North Fifth Avenues; and (5) the addition of a play structure. The City will
explore the opportunity of shared public Barking arrangements with the Regional Justice
Center for evening use of the parking garage located across the street from the Commons
Playfields.
— Improve James Street
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Pian V-2
Kent Downtown Districts
I31tim kAy; James street-S�r et will-eis an important arterial, as well
and in the future should include improved pedestrian and bicycle routes connecting the
Commons Pwk-RLaAplds and the Interurban Trail to ent
Station, the Kent Transit Center. 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 have sidewalks at least 12 feet wide be -e eed-with landscaping -end
hnpfevement¢
[Fig V-2: Map - Proposed elements of the North Frame District (1998)]
— Provide Gateway Improvements at Fourth Avenue and James Street:
This high traffic intersection close to the Kent Commons and the Regional Justice
Center is an important dewn#ewx-Downtown entry point.
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 distinguished
streetlights. As redevelopment of Kent Station occurs, this intersection will likely see
increased pedestrian activity. Pedestrian -oriented desk, including _safety features, will
need to be considered in designing this gateway.
[Fig. V-3: Drawings - The suggested concept for Fourth Avenue and James
street.1( 998)1
— Open Cloudy Street to connect Third and Fourth Avenues
In order to alleviate traffic congestion along James Street, residents of North Park
would be able to exit onto Fourth Avenue. All streets intersecting James Street directly
north of Kent Station will be restricted to right -in, right -out turns onto and off of James
Street. The opening of Cloudy Street between Third and Fourth Avenues is already
considered a mitigating action for the Kent Station development.
— Implement trgf8c-calmin_ g measures on Cloudy Street to reduce vehicular speeds-
if
peedsif Neighborhood Traffic Control Program analysis concludes such measures are
necessary
If findings of any Neighborhood Traffic Control Program (NTCP) studYindicate
necessity, design for reduced vehicular speeds in the vicinity of the Kiwanis Tot Lot,
applying appropriate traffic -calming measures in order to improve safe vehicular and
pedestrian travel behavior.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-3
Kent Downtown Districts
Development Target Area Actions
— Encourage Office/Residential Mixed -Use Development at the N. Fou
in the First -Fifth Avenues/James-Cloudy Streets Target
Area by amending the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning District designations
As noted above, the plan -Downtown Strategic Action Plan (DSAP) promotes the
conversion of the single-family area between N -.North Feaf&First and N North Fifth
Avenues, and be_tveen James and Cloudy Streets to include a ed-usemix of uses
cg=lementary to Kent Station, the RReuional Justice Center, and the Kent Transit Center.
e€f eeOffice, retail and multifamily residential development would be encouraged along
James Street to a death ofa�promately 300 feet by designating the area for Downtown
Commerciai_Enterprise CE) Zoning - consistent with Kent Station development south
of James Street. Further north of the pEWsed DCE district expansion, to the south side
of Cloudy Street, a designation of low-density multi -family residential (LDMF)
Comprehensive Plan Land Use would encourage a transition between the intensive
mixed-use development along.James Street and the single-family residential housing to
the north. Extension of low-densi y multi -family residential zoning to include the five (5)
Single -Family R ' ential;zoned parcels (SR -8) north of Cloudy Street between Fourth
and Fifth Ave
pu would in gart reaffirm a Council recommendation to rezone this area
as adopted in the 1998 DSAR. Ei ftr a Multi -Family Residential - Garden Density (MR -
9) Zoning District to allow Market rate rental, or a Multi -F zXgly Residential -
Townhouse. 16 units per acro (MR -Tl Zoning District to allow only purchased units
would be appropriate.
These uses will benefit from proximity to the perk -Commons Plavfields and the visibility
along Fourth Avenue and James Street. Also, they will be less adversely impacted by the
pa&Comrnons activity and traffic) -,.-Figure V-4 illustrates the type of development that
is envisioned.
IF& V-4: Drawing! - The tie of g,fficP/residenthd mixed-use development envisioned
or the N. FourthlFi th Avenue tore( area. 0998)1
Design Guidelines
Finally, the City should expand the Downtown Design Guidelines area of applicability to
include the North Frame District. and administer disWet speeifiethe design guidelines to
ensure that:
• Development presents an attractive building face and/or landscaping particularly to
James and Fourth Streets.
• Site improvements do not negatively impact existing developmentereieets 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.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-4
Kent Downtown Districts
Although on the periphery of the dewatemmpgwntown, the North Frame area -District
merits special attention. A master plan for the Commons Pwk-pLayfields could begin to
address important issues. Redevelopment of the area i and gong the N. Feurdi�Fi
Aveme etween First and Fifth Avenues north of James Street will provide
opportunities for additional housing in a convenient devwatevwn-Downtown location near
recreation resources and a regional transportation center. It will also provide
opportunities for office/housing mixed use or housing near offices.
Finally, as one of the devwatevwa-s-Downtown's most important entries, the Fourth and
James gateway merits high priority in the proposed gateway enhancement program.
[Fig. V -S: Man - North Frame Dbidet 20 year vision (1998)1
B. Central Avenue Corridor District
Central Avenue comprises the deep's -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 dis4iet's-District's collage of billboards
and under -maintained structures does not provide an attractive entrance into the
dewatesvaDowntown. For this reason, the plaa-Downtown Strategic Action Plan
identifies the entire Central Avenue Corridor distri District as a redevelopment target
area although there are some solid businesses. The target area and recommendations
include Railroad Avenue in relation to the ent Transit
Center. 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 deymAewnDowntown, and gateways are recommended at these
locations. Public right-of-way is limited on Central Avenue, as it is with all Downtown
streets. 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 Kent Transit Center and
the business core. The recommendation included special lighting to call attention to the
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-5
Kent Downtown Districts
gateways. Participants in the charette included a landscape architect, an artist, an urban
designer, dewstown-Downtown merchants, and City representatives.
The plan Downtown Strategic Action 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 dew atewn-Downtown core and the
ent Transit Center.
M2 V=6: Man — Central Avenue Corridor and West Frame (sic) Districts are
illustrated above. (1998)1
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 are some 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 eeffmmer- 41 "a
KentTransit Center 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.
[Fig V-7: Drawing — Design Issues That New Development Should Address in the
Central Avenue District. (1998)1
[Fir, V-8: Drawing — Design Issues That Existing Development in the Central Avenue
district Should Address. (1998)1
Because Central Avenue is many people's fust impression of dewatewaDowntown
appearance and development quality, the -this corridor is important to the whole
devA#ewn-Downtown image. For this reason, corridor improvements should be given
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-6
Kent Downtown Districts
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.
Development Target Area Actions
— Rezone properties alone Central Avenue currently zoned DCE to General
P%peries adjacent to Central Avenue within the DCE Zoning District have operating
businesses that are non -conforming uses, and have non -conforming site characteristics.
A rezone would allow for the existing uses to be deemed conformingfor r the purposes of
obtaining financing for improvements. However, the %Wlicant for any redevelopment or
use expansion in Downtown, regardless of zoning, is not exempted from Downtown
Design Review rNuirements.
[Ne V-9: Drawing – Central Avenue as it exists today, (1998)1
[Ne V-10: Drawing – A Visualization of How Central Avenue could look (1998)1
/Fig V-11: Mao – Central Avenue Corridor 20 Year Vision (1998)1
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 MiddlSchool are located in the district, it is rich in public services.
However, better connections to the dewntevffi-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 diskietDistrict, 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.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Pian V-7
Kent Downtown Districts
— 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
East Frame. The improvements would connect the First Avenue to Kennebeck Avenue
sections to the Historic eere-Core and reate a more attractive
setting.
— hggt2ye-Enhance or replace pedestrian bridge over Mill Creek at Temperance
Connectivity between the residential neighborhood at the foot of East Hill and the
Kent Middle School (formerly Kent Jr. High School), and Downtown destinations
including the Kent Transit Center, and Kent Station would be significantly improved by
enhancing or replacing -the existing* pedestrian bridge over Mill Creek at Temperance
Street. Aside from ensuring the attractiveness of the improvement, a particularly
important consideration would be an increase in the width of this bridge to allow more
than one person at a time to comfortably make passage. Ensure also that any
improvement to the pgdestrian bridge does not adversely impact Mill Creek salmonid
habitat.
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 areas by providing lighting and pathways, reducing
hazardous areas, and providing visible entries.
• Provide useful open space and pedestrian -oriented streetscapes.
—Consider options for flexibility in general parking standards for Downtown
Commercial Enterprise (I)CE) Z pft in the East Frame District with the economic
development goals of the City
The pr__opertv owners in the East Frame District are not provosins intensive, mixed-use
projects — and interest ig developing such projects in the East Frame is limited at this
time. Four (4) options to consider:
1. Allow outright 4.5 surface parking spaces per 1,000 gross square feet
of commercial floor area:
2. Allow 4.5 surface parking spaces per 1,000 y,.s.f. of commercial floor
area, provided that 25% of the overall gross floor area of the project is
multi -family residential:
3. No change – the existing_3 surface parking spaces per 1,000g s_f.
2g=ercial in the DCE zone is counterbalanced with a minimum of
one -and -one half (1.5) parking spaces per multi -family residential unit
east of the Burlington Northern tracks (KCC 15.05.070(C)). This
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-8
Kent Downtown Districts
could be seen as an incentive to include housing units in commercial
development inn DCE.
4. Add two (2) year "Sunset Clause" from date of adoption for any DCE
narking standards revision to evaluate the effectiveness of the revision.
While there are few specific recommendations for the East Frame District in this plan, the
City should continue to monitor residential neighborhood conditions and act if special
problems or opportunities arise.
Mz. V-12: May - Proposed Elements of the East Frame District (1998)1
[Fir. V-13: May - East Frame District 20 Year Vision (1998)1
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 West Frame
dis4ietDistrict. In 2005. Metro plans to phase out the perk -park -an& and -ride lot located
between Smith and James Streets when the Kent Transit Cente is
ready to accommodate ex o bus service connections. b4l; The parking demand from
th path-park-aa&and-ride lot will be served bvinte
the Kent Transit Center However, the area south of Smith
Street may experience dynamic redevelopment. A mix of retail, office, and residential
uses is consistent with current zoning. 4bis-The Downtown Strategic Action Plan
recommends street construction and design guidelines to support development efforts.
Public Improvements
— Review Proposal for a New Access Street to West Frame from Willis Street
Major redevelopment opportunities in the West Frame Districts -14-h- € lith
Stfeet will depend on a new street connection northbound through the area from Willis
Street. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reviewed an
August 2001 is a proposal to upgrade the intersection of the
northbound ramp off SR 167, and issued a response in March 2002 indicating denial. If
such a north -south route connecting Meeker Street with Willis Street is determined to be
feasible in the future, the City should carefully evaluate the economic development
benefits an" impacts on theew s -Downtown's traffic system. A traffic signal
.........-1.......7 ..a aL- -O^ Ath A n- 1- ---A t1 TH' _ n._ _ . • ^^^A , r •1•.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-9
Kent Downtown Districts
— 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.
Redevelopment Opportunities
— Encourage redevelopment of King County -Metro Park & Ride lot
King County -Metro is m1rketi4g for sale an 8 acre portion of the 9.5 acre Lincoln
Park & Ride lot located between Smith and James Streets. The entire lot is zoned
Downtown Commercial Enterprise (DCE). Much of the parking is anticipated to shift to
the Kent Transit Center garage as most express bus service trips are replaced by Sounder
Commuter Rail service trips to Seattle. The remaining 1.5 acres will continue to provide
one hundred (100) surface parking stalls for the reduced service park and ride.
— Encourage redevelopment of the area between State Route 167, the Union -Pacific
Railroad,, Willis and Meeker Streets
The access road and Interurban Trail improvements could be key factors in this
redevelopment opportunity. Revising the West Frame District surface parking standards
to allow for more surface parking stalls per thousand square feet of commercial gross
floor area (see West Frame District Dgrign Guidelines Recommended Actions).
[Fie. V-14: Drawinzs – Exhdpw view and the view with the proposed improvements
alans Willis Street near the UWw Pacific Railroad tracks. Note the bicycle pedestrian
trail connectins downtown to the Interurban Trail, greensward improvements, and new
mixed-use residential development glens Saar Street (1998)7
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. A West
Frame District Subarea Development Plan, adopted within a Planned Action Ordinance,
could accomplish this goal as well.
— Consider options for fleaibillty in general parking standards for Downtown
Commercial Enterprise (DCE) Zoning in the West FrlMe District with the
economic development eoals of the City
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-10
Kent Downtown Districts
The nronerty owners in the West Frame District are not urovosing intensive
mixed-useproj_ects —and interest in developin sg uch projects in the West Frame is
limited at this time. North -south access to this district has long been problematic,
especially for vehicular traffic. Four (4) options to consider:
1. Allow ouftht 4.5 surface parking spacesper 1,000 gross square feet
of commercial floor area:
2. Allow 4.5 surfaceparking spaces per 1,000 g.s.f. of commercial floor
area, provided that 25% of the overall gross floor area of the project is
multi -family residential:
3. No change — the existing 3 surface parking —spaces per 1,000 g.s.f
commercial in the DCE zone is counterbalanced with a minimum of
one (1) parking —space per multi -family residential unit west of the
Burlington Northern tracks (KCC 15.05.070B1). This could be seen
as an incentive to include housing units in commercial development in
DCE:
4. Add two (2) year "Sunset Clause" from date of adoption for anyDDCE
parking standards revision to evaluate the effectiveness of the revision.
Mr. V-15. Ma — Proposed elements of the West Frame District are illustrated above.
1( 998)1
[Fig V-16: Map — West Frame District 20 Year Vision (1998)1
E. South Core District
The area immediately south and west of the Meeker Street setion of the hist�Historic
eere-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 railroads effects both the eastern and western margins,
and development along these edges is less substantial. 14ewevef, the City proposes te
leeate the eemn+Mef mil sWien south ef Gewe Sweet NNith platfemis an both sides of the
The Nan -Downtown Strategic Action Plan encourages residential nAxed-mixed-use in
this area to help achieve the Comprehensive Plante heasingHousine Element 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
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-11
Kent Downtown Districts
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 dis4ietDistrict map, the South Core District seems
to cradle the hister-ie-Historic Core District commercial area. Similarly, a strong mixed-
use residential neighborhood would provide economic support for a more viable
dewntew wntown. Therefore, the City should assign high priority to the actions
recommended for Oita the South Core distrietDistngl. The impetus for the
recommendations below is to facilitate redevelopment that strengthens this emerging
mixed-use neighborhood.
Commuter rail connections will make downtown -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 dewotewnDowntown
economically if the image presented by the station is positive and the connections
throughout the do wn-powntown are clear. Therefore, stimulating the economic and
physical vitality of the dewy -Downtown depends on in -a series of actions to connect
the stat3enKent Transit Center to the businesses, offices, and residences throughout
dewntewnDowntO ,
Public Improvements
■ Provide Quality Kent Transit Center 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
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 Downtown Strategic Action Plan
recommends a well-designed, distinctive station to provide dew town -Downtown
with a strong identity and indicate a commitment to high quality development.
Reduce Statics -Kent Transit Center Impacts
Carefully coordinate transit center design to reduce the impacts of the
intermodal transportation facility on existing and future mixed-use development.
Public Works has designed street widening projects to serve the Kent Transit Center
on Pioneer Street between Central and Railroad Avenues. and Smith Street between
Fourth and Railroad Avenues.
■ Restore the Historic Train Station
The historic Burlington Northern station of 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 Northem/Sante Fe Railroad NSF
to restore the station. Recent discussions between the Kent Downtown Partnership
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-12
Kent Downtown Districts
ffpP) and BNSF have included the possible sale of the Doot for a nominal fee
conditional on the builLling�hgWg removed from its current location proximate to the
railroad tracks. The Kent Downtown Partnership has considered the potential use of
the Depot as a tourist information office and the Greater Kent Historical Society and
Museum has expressed interest in the Depot as a history center. Citizens at the 2004
workshops were supportive of these types of reuse of the Depot should it become
feasible for Rurchase and relocation.
Construct traffic and pedestrian improvements to dewetew*Downtown streets
as necessary to provide access:
Des' ,
improvements forte Railroad and Central Avenues, and
Smith, Meeker, Gowe and Willis Streets. Connecting pedestrians living in
neighborhoods east of Central Avenue and west of Fourth Avenue with the
Downtown Core Districts has been voiced as important. No less important will be the
manner in which traffic currently uassing through Downtown is routed in such away
to minimize delays while ensuring pedestrian safety in a pedestrian -friendly
environment throughout Downtown.
Improve connecting pedestrian corridor&
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/Sante Fe underpass and the Willis
Street/Union Pacific underpass are two Kent underpasses included in the Seattle
project of the Freight Action Strategy (FAST).
This project is planned for completion during the next five to
ten years L2009-2014).
Extend Angled Parking Along Saar Street to the Union Pacific Railroad
Installing angled parking with vertical curbs and gutters 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 owntown.
LFip V-17: Man — Proposed Elements of the South Core District. (199811
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan
V-13
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 hister-ie
Historic disaiet-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.
[Fig, Y-18: Drawane —Architectural details appropriate in the South Frame District
1( 998)1
[Fig. V-19: Drawing — This Avstradm demonstrates how landscaping can define open
space and add texture to a building (1998)1
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 devateweDowntown 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.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-14
Kent Downtown Districts
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 devatewnDowntown
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.
/F& V-20: Map - South Core District 20 Year Vision (1998)1
F. North Core District
With the Regional Justice Center, the Kent Public Market, a and -the -proposed eivie-civic
and performing arts center, and a town square park , 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 -Harrison and James Streets east of 8 -.Louth Fourth Avenue make
the North Core District unique within the region.
Because of these dynamic opportunities, the plan-
designates
lan designates the entire distFiet North Core 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 eenmuter-Kent Transit Center rai"tatiewwith the
Regional Justice Center, Kent Commons, and the neishborhoodfesideases north of James
Street (North Park1. 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.
[Re. V-21: Map - Proposed elements of the North Core District are illustrated above.
1998
Public Improvements
— Construct Traffic and Pedestrian Improvements to Downtown Streets as
Necessary to Provide Safe, Convenient Connections.
Connecting the North Core distriet-District wand the eenmwter-Kent Transit
Center ust north of Gewe-Smith 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.
Citizens have voiced interest in a pedestrian bridge across Smith Street between First and
Second Avenues - connecting the Library with the Kent Transit Center garage The
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-15
Kent Downtown Districts
likelihood of such a pe strbrid a being constructed depends on a number of
variables including available Aght-of-way, funding, traffic fi9w and safety issues.
Improve or install new sidewalks, streetlights, and tree grates along connecting pedestrian
corridors to other Downtown districts. 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 North eereCore District.
— Enhance Parks Along the Railroad to Provide Linkages Between the North
Core/StationArea and the ghteric 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 Public madwitMarket'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
e€between the North Core and Historic Core Districts
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 dwu a civic and performing arts center or hotel and conference center that could
expand to accommodate concerts or celebrations by closing Seeend A -venue and the east
adjacent streets. Coordinate closely with the Peffe g Arts
e Kent Downtown Partnership, the Chamber of
Commerce, and other interested parties to ensure that the park
ccs the mix of pedestrian -oriented land uses one
one fand connects adiacent Downtown districts.
— Support the Kent Public Market as a connecting activity between the Historic
erre-Core and the area north of Smith Street,
/Fir, V-22: Drawing – The above illustration shows existing conditions along Railroad
Avenue. (1998)1
(Fir V-23: Drq►fing – A canopy a, hong Railroad Avenue will provide pedestrian
protection and market space (1998)1
Genstruet Pode .a... IiAR Gross" or Ser -amble System t the GeFner- of F kh
Avenue nod SmM Stree
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-16
Kent Downtown Districts
[Fig V-24: Drawing — "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. (1998)1
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 Kent Station$er$en site
issues described below.
Redevelopment Opportunities
The plan -Downtown Strategic Action Plan(DSAPIsupports and integrates other
development activities, including those described below.
— Establish Design Parameters and Review Process for Redevelopment of the
$eFden-Kent Station Site
Because of its large size, central location, and transportation access, the BeEden-Kent
Station site is one of the premier downtewn-Downtown redevelopment opportunities in
south King County.
move, -the City should take steps to ensure that when redevelopment occurs, it is carefully
coordinated -r. Therefore, it is recommended that the City establish a master plan process
for this site, such as a Planned Action, with standards to guide any future redevelopment
proposal. The standards should include:
• Guidelines for streets and sidewalks:;
• Provision for extension of Second Avenue into the site: -realized as Ramsay Way,Z
• A defined, aMrronriate mix of uses and use intensities-,
• Convenient access to transit facilities.;
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-17
"all
„
And- A -le iffilteffiee6ee be upgFaded
with gateway
landseeping
and signs.
if an «all
„
[Fig V-24: Drawing — "All cross" or "scramble" intersection at Fourth and Smith
Streets to allow 4 -way crossing at a signal sequence. Decorative pavement, canopy or
trellis, and enhanced private landscaping are possibilities. (1998)1
Design Guidelines
Refinement of the existing design guidelines is recommended to:
Ensure quality development in the North Core District, especially along Fourth
Avenue and Smith Street.
Classify Smith Street between Central and Fourth Avenues and Fourth Avenue
between Titus and James Streets as Class A, pedestrian -oriented streets.
Ensure that development along these streets addresses the Kent Station$er$en site
issues described below.
Redevelopment Opportunities
The plan -Downtown Strategic Action Plan(DSAPIsupports and integrates other
development activities, including those described below.
— Establish Design Parameters and Review Process for Redevelopment of the
$eFden-Kent Station Site
Because of its large size, central location, and transportation access, the BeEden-Kent
Station site is one of the premier downtewn-Downtown redevelopment opportunities in
south King County.
move, -the City should take steps to ensure that when redevelopment occurs, it is carefully
coordinated -r. Therefore, it is recommended that the City establish a master plan process
for this site, such as a Planned Action, 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: -realized as Ramsay Way,Z
• A defined, aMrronriate mix of uses and use intensities-,
• Convenient access to transit facilities.;
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-17
Kent Downtown Districts
• Orientation to adjacent sitesr;
• Provision of open space and pedestrian amenities-;
• Design guidelines for architectural and site design character-;
• Mitigation measures forprobable, significant, adverse environmental impacts.
— Support residential development in the North Core District:
The North Core District is assuming a more central location and role in dewetevvn
Downtown activities. Vehicle and pedestrian circulation between activities in the North
Core District and die, including the Kent Transit Cent and the
adjacent Downtown districts will become increasingly important. For these reasons, the
North Core District recommendations merit high priority.
(Fig V-25. Drawing – Shown above is the proposed Civic and Performing Arts Center
desien by the Bumgardner Partnership (1998)1
— Support a Civic and Performing Arts Center or hotel and conference center in
Downtown=
A Civic and Performing Arts Center qLhotel with facilities for conferences and other
events, would be an important attraction to the dew atewnDowntown, 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 celebrations.
ffie V-26: Drawing–AM&Uoct's drawing ofthe nranased Kent Public Market
building – courtesy ofthe Kent Downtown Partnership. (1998)1
— Support the nt Public Market
The Kent Public Market
adds an -important weekend activity in Downtown. It %ill aneher- businesses on Rail
serves as a connecting element
between the een ter -North Com and the NeF&Historic Core Districts. TO
sidewalk wM % earepy eask of Sister Gifiee PaFka to provide a shekef fer- outdoor- stadis
— Encourage mixed-use development Projects in Proximity to the Kent Transit
Center
Encourage private sector interest in redeveloping or develop" vacant or underutilized
sites to mixed-use through incentives such as expedited permit review at no additional
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-18
Kent Downtown Districts
cost, Qrovided that pMjrect design meet applicable developmett standards and
oovortunity for mixed-use development featuring structured parking,
IFis, V-27: Mau —North Core District 20 Year Vision (1998)1
G. Historic Core District
The Historic Core District is the traditional and geographic heart of dewfite
Downtown Kent. The Historic pope -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 dieWet-Historic Core 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 eemider-CorriLlor District on the east, and the South Core District
mixed-use residential neighborhood n 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 PlanD( SAPZaddresses the areas immediately
surrounding the Historic Core District as well as the diskiet-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 dietiet's 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.
[Fig, V-28: Mao —Proposed elements oLthe Historic Core District. (1998)1
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Pian V-19
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 eeffHmAerKent Transit
Centel, the King County Regional Justice Center and other offices, businesses
and residences throughout dewmawn-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 Gateways
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.
— Inform HistjoIde Core o aU and business owners of the locations and
functional lifespan of utility facilities, and involve these stakeholders in the planning
and coordination of street improvements
Several buildings in the Historic Core may require utilities uDaradina in order to attract
stable businesses. Some buildings of historic age may be required to upgrade
connections to the public utility system as it is upgraded – and without sufficient
communication and coordination those on-site upgrades may be a factor that
compromises pursuit of historic register status for such buildings.
— Plan for eventual undereroundiug of all utilities in the Historic Core to improve
the attractiveness of the visual environment and increase available sidewalk space
for walking and gther appropriate activities
Design Guidelines and Historic Preservation Activities
Meeker Street and First Avenue 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
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-20
Kent Downtown Districts
details. All of the streets in the Historic Core District are Class A pedestrian -oriented
streets according to City desig-Downtown Desip SaidehaesGuidelines. New buildings
in the Historic eere-Core should adhere to the Downtown Desi uidelines
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 context -sensitive restoration and renovation
redevelepmeaWn the Historic Core where appropriate.
A fKade 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.
/Fig. V-30: Drawings — Facade Improvement and Inirll Development Concepts (1998)1
[FiQ V-31: May — Conceptual Design for the Commuter Rail Station (1998)1
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 fiuther exploration is the district's designation as
an histerie-Historic k dis#ietDistrict.
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 dewakewaDowntown as a whole.
[Fig V-32: Mao — Historic Core District 20 Year Vision (1998)1
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan V-21
Additional Environmental Information
VI, Additional_ Environmental
Information
A. Fact Sheet
Description of Proposal
The City of Kent is supplementing its existing dewetewi+-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 dewxx Downtown
form for the next several decades, including what type of development should occur
where and how it should be served. In 1998. the T4wenvironmental analysis €eeeses
focgLe4 on the screening of plan alternatives as prepared with contributions by advisory
committees, Downtown Stakeholders Task Force, City staff, dewetewn-Downtown
property owners and merchants, and the public at -large.
Location of Proposal
The Downtown Strategic Action Plan and Integrated Preliminary Final Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) addresses the dewatewi -Downtown area as
indicated in Figure III -1, Study Area. The approximate limits of dewatewn-Downtown
Kent are SR 167 on the west, Cloudy and James Streets on the north, Woodford Avenue
and Titus Street on a east and Willis Street/SR 516 on the south.
Proponent and Lead Agency
City of Kent
Planning Dep extServices Office
400 West Gowe Street
(Mailing Address: 220 Fourth Avenue South)
Kent, WA 98032-5895
206459 2 856-5454
Proposed Implementation Date
The Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan (DSAP) js sehedWed te as adopted on
April 7, 1998. The first update of the DSAP is anticipated to be adopted on...., 2005.
Responsible official
3ames He Kim Marousek
Naming Difeeter-R& ipal Planner
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -1
Additional Environmental Information
City of Kent
400 West Gowe Street
(Mailing Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.)
Kent, WA 98032-5895
-206459 3390(2 53) 856-5454
Contact Person
bimia Phil4ipsWilliam D. Osborne, Planner
City of Kent
400 West Gowe Street
(Mailing Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.)
Kent, WA 98032-5895
206/859 2 3 856-5454
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 SETS Issue Date
February 4, 1997
Preliminary FSEIS Issue Date
May 19, 1997
Final FSEIS Issue Date
April 8, 1998
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
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Pian VI -2
Additional Environmental Information
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 Kent
City Council Planning Committee included public comment on August 6, 1997.
Nature and Date of Final Action
The adoption of the Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan is sehedaled-anticinated
April :7, 1998early in 2005.
Type and Timing of Subsequent Environmental Review
The programmatic Draft Supplemental Environmental hnpact 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 SEIS which was issued
January30, 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 ped Planned
ae4en-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 Keet-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 ces Office
400 West Gowe Street
(Mailing Address: 220 Fourth Avenue S.)
Kent, WA 98032-5895
206459 253 856-5454
Cost of a Copy of the Preliminary Fina! SEIS
This document is available for a fifteen dollar fee to interested citizens and groups.
Copies may be obtained in person at the above address, or by mail. One copy will be
provided to each individual or group upon request.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -3
Additional Environmental Information
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 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 demmtewn-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 de%%tewaDowntown. 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 devntewaDowntown. 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 devµatew$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.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -4
Additional Environmental Information
The Downtown Strategic Action Plant Draft Supplemental Environmental 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.
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 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 1998
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.
5. Develop realistic costs in relation to the Plan.
6. Consider an additional Gateway location at Central and SR -167.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -5
Additional Environmental Information
7. Add a safe place for a drop-off/pick-up location at Commons Per-kPlayfields.
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 (1998):
1. Change the plan sections that refer to the Performing Arts/Civic Center located in
a specific location to a general location dewntev*%Downtown.
2. Include additional support for bicycle lanes and paths.
3. Include additional support for historic preservation and commemoration.
4. a ure 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 afemwere incorporated with the planas adopted in 1998.
Incorporation of the Uudate Process &
Recommendations
As the Downtown Strategic Action Plan (DSAP) is updated. as in 2004, additional
recommendations may be considered and some recommendations previously adopted
may be deemed completed or may be removed. Text maybe revised to reflect changing
conditions, and amendments to the goals, policies and recommended actions of the
DSAP, and any consequent map designation changes may be Rronosed as part of the
annual Comprehensive Plan Amendment process (KCC Chapter 12.02).
Additional Environmental Analysis
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -6
Additional Environmental Information
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 (Sound Transit) issued a Kent
der M ywfj-Downtown related 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 tum 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 be no difference — rather, that it is below
the model's significance threshold.
In Sgptember 2000. the Commuter Rail Station Area Study (CRSAS) was published with
the intention of samokmenting the Cortlprehensive Plan and DSAP, providing a
framework for economic policies, redevelopment opportunities,landuses and streetscape
improvements in t1Je vicinity of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) -selected Kent
Transit Center (formerly known as Sounder Commuter Rail & Bus Station) site, located
along the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad tracks between Smith and James
Streets. A traffic study was completed as part of the CRSAS. The CRSAS is
incorporated by reference into this EIS.
In Julv 2002, the Citv Council adopted the Kent Station Planned Action Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (Kent Station SEIS), which established a range of
environmental impact thresholds for the redevelopment of the site formerly occupied by
the Borden Chemical ComQanL apd the City municipal parking lots located between
Smith and Harrison Streets. A number of impact studies were completed during the SEIS
process. The Kent Station SEIS is i%20orated by eference into this EIS.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -7
Additional Environmental Information
In October 2003 the City CgVpq l adokted the Economic Development Strategic Plan
which includes implementation actions for Downtown Kent. This document is
incorporated by reference into this EIS.
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 measures
were discussed 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 hsted
below.
Proposed planned actions are discussed below:
Land Use
area
Avenue
Discussion:
N. and Fifth
Revise the Comprehensive Plan map and adopt a new zoning designation for the area
between FetFtk-Fust Avenue N. and Fifth Avenue N., north of James Street to Cloudy
Street. Revi For the area extending three hundred feet (300') north from James Street
between First and Fifth Avenues, revise the existing Comprehensive Plan Map
designation, SF -5F-8 (Single Family residential, 8 dwelling units maximum per acre) to
6e a ia}Urban Center C). The zoning eede-district designation shall allow limited
be changed to Downtown Commercial Enterprise
WE). consistent with the adjacent zoning along the south side of James. Institute new
site develepmwA guide4ines-Anly Downtown Design Guidelines to ensure high-quality,
substantial development. hikiate zerAft use and develepmeat standards to require
,
emeeptiexs:
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -8
Additional Environmental Information
For the area between First and Fifth Avenues, and between Cloudy Street and the
proposed DCE zone north of James Street, change the Comprehensive Plan Map
designation from SF -8 to Low Density Multi -family Residential (LDMF) to provide a
buffer between the residential neighborhood north of Cloudy and the mixed-use
development along James Street. Between Fourth and Fifth Avenues, extend low-density
multi -family residential designations north of Cloudy Street to include the five (5) SF-
8/SR-8 designatgd„parcels immediately south of the existing adjacent LDMF/MR-G
district along the We side of Fourth Avenue. Change the zoning district designation to
either Multi -Family Residential, Townhouse 16 units per acre (MR -T16). or Multi -
Family Residential Garden Density (MR-G)which also allows 16 units ger acre — the
only difference is whether units are owner -occupied or rented. Notably, condominium
insurance problems still exist statewide, and the City of Kent Downtown Multi -Family
Residential Development Tax Exemption =lies at this time only to owner -occupied
units. Developers therefore have at least two reasons not to develgR condominium units
in Kent.
Environmental impact Evaluation:
The proposed Comprehensive Plan Land Use Mapand Zoning District MaRGede
revisions ifadQnte
will result in the eventuala conversionless of single family
housing units within the area of change — to a mix of multi-familX residential and
commercial uses.
• The proposed bulk and scale ofed-use development as well as
the placement of buildings on the site may create impacts to homes in the existing
Mk -G, 6ardea-low density multifamily residential district although MR -G or MR -
T16 zoning is prouosed for extension south of Cloudy from the original 1998
rp oposal. The MRG disWet is iee&Wd ne#h ef the pmpesed effiee4esideafial afea-.
• Replacement of single family homes with effiesi4esidmfiala mix of 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. Multi -family residential development would restore some of the Qpen
space in more concentrated areas.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -9
Additional Environmental Information
During the weekday peak hours, office uses will create additional traffic and turning
movements onto Fourth Avenue N.
• The increased 'intensity of mixed-use development allowed for an estimated 8.4 acres
under Downtown Commercial Enterorise (DCE) Zoningdensity ef effise use and
in
will result in Wroximatel�four hundred -ten (410)ereate
additional peak hour trips above the number of trigs anticipated for Single -Family
Residential, Ei t Units per Acre SR -8 Zoningto and ffem the Kent Valley,
• The increased intensity of development allowed under low density multi -family
residential zoningfor an estimated 10.6 acres (either MR -G or MR -T 16 — each with a
maximum of sixteen (16) units ger acre) will result in aparoximately eighty-one (81)
additional PM peak hour trips to and from the Kent Valley.
Mixed-use 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. DQE zoning encourages inclusion of
residential units, and MR -T16 or MR -G both provides for appropriate develoment of
housing close to the Downtown Core.
• Incorpgrate the North Frame District into the Downtown design
guideliaesDesiM Review Area, and recognize the specific to -context north of the
proposed rezone area, to ensure high quality, substantial e#ftee%esideotialmixed-use
and multi -family residential development compatible with the adjacent residential
neighborhood.
To make better use of existing open space, improve Commons Parkplayfields, 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 page 20).
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -10
Additional Environmental Information
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 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.
Responsibilities:
• The City of Kent Planning Services Office is responsible for revisia�-mendins the
Comprehensive Plan and Zoning District designation maw ursuant to the
legislative review process before the Land Use and Planning Board, which then
forwards a recolntnendation through the Mayor to the City Council for final action.
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.
Avenue, to General Commercial, Mixed -Use Overlay (GC -MU)
Discussion:
Revise the Zoning Districts map designation for the area between Smith and Gowe
Streets at one parcel depth on either side of Central Avenue. to General Commercial,
Mixed -Use Overlay (GC -MU). Continue to apply Downtown Design Guidelines to
ensure higL-quality, substantial development that respects and improves pedestrian
connectivity to Core Downtown districts.
Environmental Impact Evaluation:
• In the short-term. Central Avenu,may continue to provide a visual, noise, and
physical health (concentrated pollution) barrier for pedestrians seeking access to and
from the Core Downtown districts.
• Ingress and egress from small parcels with auto -oriented commercial uses onto
Central Avenue will continue to be problematic for pedestrians and other vehicles
Mitieation Measures:
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VIA 1
Additional Environmental Information
• Ensure that vermit applications for GC and GC -MLT zQged properties within
Downtown are subiectoo Downtown Desian Review.
• Ensure that pedestrian amenities are included as part of Central Avenue street
improvements.
Responsibility:
• The Planning Services Office is responsible for area -wide rezone proposals that are
presented to the Land Use and Planning Board as part of the legislative review
process The Land Use and Planning Board then forwards a recommendation through
the Mayor to the City Council for final action..
Develop Master planning requirements to apply to any redevelopment
proposal for the Darden Kent Station Site
Discussion:
Because of its central location and large area, the former Borden industrial property Kent
Station resents a great future opportunity for mixed-use (office, retail and residential)
development. ,
site. if-, in dw RAuFs, the evmm of the Barden ofte propose a mdesignatien to allew
pla�r.The City of Kent purchased the property in 2001, adopted a Planned Action
Environmental I act Statement (Kent Station SEIS) detailing a range of development
uses and intensities and anticipatedprobable, adverse, significant impacts. The City is
currently reviewing site development permit Wlications under a Master Planned
Development Agreement. The plan-hRDAnwsli-be is 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.
Mitigation Measures:
• None are required.
Responsibility:
• The Kent Planning went -Services Office would be responsible for developing
the master plan requirements and submitting it to City Council for action.
Promote infill housing — encourage the development of at least two
hundred (2001 units of new market rate housing In Downtown by 2008
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -12
Additional Environmental Information
Discussion:
In order to meet the Comprehensive Plan's intent to enhance the dewnt�tDowntown 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. Consider using incentives such as reducing or waiving
development permit fees for residential construction in Downtown, and extending the
existing Downtown multi -family residential tax exemption program to include market
rate rental housing. Developers of condominiums are challenged by two factors in
Downtown — condpminium owners are still having difficulty acguiring home insurance
and the developers do not receive the tax exemption for devel.ing condos in Downtown.
Consider also allowing development of buildings with five (5) stories of wood frame
construction above a concrete base.
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-fgLadjacent homes and/or businesses.
• During the weekday peak hours, residential uses will create additional traffic and
turning movements ono 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 diemate�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.
• Adopt design guidelines, specific to the individual districts, to ensure high-quality,
substantial residential development.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -13
Additional Environmental Information
• 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 the 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.
• 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.
Ashen -AM —Promote the construction of high quality new commercial,
office, or mixed use development and redevelopment. Also
encouraste the development of a hotel/conference center to serve
as an attractor for commercial activity
Discussion:
To respond to the potential for additional dewntewtrpowntown office and commercial
development identified in the market analysis the City should encourage the construction
of commercial, office, and mixed-use developments within" deweteVVf1Downtown1
provide a variety of living situations within districts that require ground floor retail uses,
as well as hotel and conference §Race for business -industry meetings
Environmental Impact Evaluation:
• Development of mixed-use development that includes residential units will increase
the need for open space.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -14
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 onto 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 dev.94ewnDowntown.
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 the number of residential units within mixed-use development increases in
d Llo gown, 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 dw dewetewaxDowntown.
• 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 page VI -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.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -15
Additional Environmental Information
Responsibilities:
• The City is responsible for park master planning and design guidelines.
Public Facilities
Masterplan the Commons laa#Pla elds.
Discussion:
Masterplan and improve the Commons PaEkPla elds. The Commons Pafk-ELayfields is
are an important resource for dewatewn-powntown Kent in many ways. A master plan
should explore a variety of solutions to parking, access, restrooms. seating, drainage, and
traffic problems, as well as the potential for more efficient use.
Environmental Impact Evaluation:
• Currently the Commons Pwk-Pla elds 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 fate of tAil4zatien feT- ball fields is paWy due to the !ask of physieal
Master planning the park to add physical support facilities, such as
restrooms and bleachers 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 Pa&Plavfields parking area entrance
wouldeeuld 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 wouldeauld create adverse light
impacts to adjacent areas if not installed and managed carefully.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -16
Additional Environmental Information
Mitigation Measures:
• If needed, develop additional play fields in other areas in the City.
• Review available parking for Commons Par-k-Pla fields 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 the 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
Playfields 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 dewntewi4-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.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -17
Additional Environmental Information
Responsibilities:
• 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 Kent Transit
Center 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 Pawks would provide a
pedestrian protection,seFve as eutdear. stalls for- the , and visually tie the Sister
Cities Parks together. The expansion of the General Commercial (GC) Zoning District
on Central Avenue parallel to these parks may have lone -term impact on the
attractiveness of using these parks.
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 dewatevvn
Downtown gateways would be responsible for incorporating building designs
compatible with the gateway.
Support development of a Civic and Performing Arts Center or a hotel and
conference center.
Discussion:
Support a civic and performing arts center
r a hotel with facilities for conferences and
other events, would be an important attraction to the dewalevifflDowntown, extending
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -18
Additional Environmental Information
hours of activity into the night. It would provide a much-needed location for meetings,
events, parties, catering facilities, and educational programs.
Environmental Impact Evaluation:
• The -A Civic/Performing Arts Center, or hotel and conference center may be able to
use space presently providing parkingz-_ at least in the interim.
• Before and after the performance hours, patrons yeses -will create additional traffic.
• A pFepese"ivic and Performing Arts Center or hotel and conference center
mil -1 create additional peak trips to and from the Kent Valley.
•Awed Civic and Performance Arts Center, or a hotel and conference center
could increase in area surfaced with impervious surfaces.
• The patrons attending events at theVmpeseda 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, or hotel and conference 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 the 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.
Responsibilities:
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -19
Additional Environmental Information
The -A Civic and Performing Arts Center, or hotel and conference center developer would
be responsible for conducting the necessary studies and implementing the required
mitigation.
Support development4wthe Public Market:
as needed- between SMI*h sand Warrinan Strant to include angled paFking
and to limle traffic to tane
Discussion:
The Kent Public Market has been a successful community attraction inls-it_present
location between Smith and Harrison Streets.
vafiety of goods and The City can take several actions to support this important
activity, including
discussing with the Lions Club and other sponsors how to
increase the viability of the Public Market. Future relocation or restructunn of f the
Public Market may become necessary to meet the mixed use development goals of the
City for this area.
Environmental Impact Evaluation:
• Development of the market will create an additional demand for parking.
PI _.. - .
mopY • -
• The prepese-market may create additional peak hour trips to and from the Kent
Valley.
The patrons to the proposed market will increase pedestrian activity in the
surrounding area.
Mitigation Measures:
Construct street and vehicle access improvements consistent with the City of Kent
Construction Standards or as modified and approved by the Public Works Director.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -20
Additional Environmental Information
• Construct storm water facilities consistent with the 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.
s_
F
Y.
Responsibilities:
• The property owner and/or developer is responsible for required on- and off-site
analysis, public facilities, and other improvements.
*The Publie W-eFka DepartR� will be responsible far- restfiping and resttiefing the
a. Construct pedestrian/bicycle trails from the Interurban Trail into dewfAe
Downtown near Saar, Willis, Meeker, and James Streets.
b. Eris ur
that good pedestrian and bicycle routes are
established when the leges BKent Station site is developed.
c. Establish a pedestrian/bicycle 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 FaAiWdeaKent Transit Center.
Urban Design
Revise the Kent Zoning Code and the Downtown Design Review Handbook
to address more specific design guidelines for all of 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.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -21
Additional Environmental Information
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 pEeposed eenw&a4ff F61 statie ent Transit Center. Address
design guidelines, buffers for adjacent residential neighborhood, zoning code
enforcement, zoning use issues, and streetscape improvements.
c. Smith Street and Fourth Avenue Corridors (North Core. North Frame,
Historic Core, South Core): 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 (South Core. North Frame, West Frame):
Encourage small- to medium -scale mixed-use redevelopment west of Fourth
Avenue and East of State Street, emphasizing residential neighborhood
qualities.
e. Area Between First and Fifth Avenues N. (North Frame): 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. East Frame: Revise DCE surface parking standards in this district, with an
conditional criteria, to increase the number of stalls per thousand square feet
of commercial gross floor area from three (3) to four -and -a ha1f (4.5).
Q. West Frame: Revise BICE su ace parking standards in this district, with any
conditional criteria, to increase the number of stalls per thousand square fe
of commercial Qross floor area from three (3) to four -and -a ha f(4. SL
fih. 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 of public investment including
streetscape, the ent Transit Center, 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
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -22
Additional Environmental Information
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 dew*te;wn-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 as acceptable a Level of Service(LOS) Standard -F for
automobile traffic on streets and intersections within the Urban Center boundaries which
are generally consistent with the study area defined for the Downtown Strategic Action
Plan. The previously adopted LOS Standard used transportation analysis methods which
have since become obsolete. The City is currently in theprocess of revising the City of
Kent Concurrency Ordinance as needed to reflect current transportation analysis
methods. The role of Downtown Kent as a pedestrian -oriented destination for several
transportation modes (including pedestrian, bicycle. and transit) will be recognized in
such analysis.
Traffic impacts created by the development recommended in this plan will also impact
streets and intersections around the study area. Traffic mitigating elements of the plan,
such as commuter rail improved METROMetre transit circulation, improved pedestrian
and bicycle and pedestfien connections, and housing development close to jobs will serve
to hely mitigate the probable adverse environmental impacts in and near the
da%%te�wntown.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -23
Y.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -23
Additional Environmental Information
s10111111110010-111. R. -il
Unless the adverse impacts of this growth in overall traffic can be mitigated, the City's
level -of -service (LOS) thresholds will be exceeded, and more severe congestion and
delay will result. Possible mitigation measuresmVr eels could include —widening
for the creation of addifietW-tuming lanes along 4th Avenue South, Smith Street, James
Street, and Central Avenu . It could also
include improvements to promote transit use (such as park-and-ride lots in the East Hill
resi�leial area, increased transit service and incentive programs for Valley Floor Valley
floor -employers).
The mitigation process is as follows: The developer eithen&all provides a detailed
traffic impact studyT( IS) to identify both existing and future adverseaR traffic impacts
upon the City of Kent street and road network, including_ street capacity, traffic queues,
and traffic signal levels -of -service (LOS). and then constructs those mitigation measures
listed in the approved TIS as a condition of development, or, in lieu of conducting the
above-described TIS, and subsequently constructing or implementing the respective
mitigation measures identifiedin t at TIS, the developer may instead agree to pay
determined using $1,068 (in 1986 U.S. Dollars and adjusted for inflation and rezones) for
each new PM Weak hour trip generated by the developmenland traffle signal syste
eaused by the propesed development. The study shall idwE* all intefseetions at level of
r�es�.:errr!rsirs�.e!�fr+!r_r:�,:res. - .. - -• . .. ... .. . .... _ - -- .. . .
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
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -24
Additional Environmental Information
system will monitor the consequences of growth as it occurs within the dewate
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.
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
Laud 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
intersection or av .?
Peak Hour LOS
Parking
Total Spaces
Occupancy
Bus
Ridershi
Commuter Rail
# of AM/PM Trains
Ridership
Public Facilities
Stormwater
Impervious Surface
Detention Facility
Capacity
Sewer
Gallons/day/customer
Water
Gallons/day/customer
Parks
• Active
• Passive
Acres/1,000
population
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.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -25
Additional Environmental Information
Appendices
A. SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND RESPONSES
1997-1998
The City received twenty-one written comments from nineteen correspondents during the
public comment period for the Draft Supplemental Environmental impact statement in
early 1997. 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 / Sante 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 performing Performing Arts/Civic Center was discussed. One writer inquired about
the possible donation of a portion of the municipal 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
dewntewa-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
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -26
Additional Environmental Information
concerned additional pedestrian improvements throughout the dewiAe:% 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.
Preservation of historic dewatewe-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(Sound Transit) Environmental
Analysis of the pmpesed-Commuter Rail Station (Kent Transit Center), 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 beyond 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 Northem/Sante 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 from the following participants:
Pamela Newcomer February 5, 1997
Perry Woodford February 5, 1997
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -27
Additional Environmental Information
Joseph Kolodziejczak
Val Batey, Regional Transit Authority
Paul Hammerschmidt
Washington State Department 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
February 5, 1997
February 7, 1997
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
B. Glossary
Commuter Rail Station (Kent Transit Center): A statien-a WThe facilities for
boarding and alighting passengers on +%e commuter rail line, which operates along
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -28
Additional Environmental Information
.4
existing Burlington Northern -Sante Fe"gl3t railroad tracks betweenSmith and James
Stree s. Also referred to as "Kent Transit Center" to reflect the shift of service routes
anticipated when King County sells the Lincoln Park & Ride Lot for redevelopment..
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 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 effects
upon the elements of the environment listed by SEPA.
Joint Development: Projects financed and developed jointly be public agencies and
private developers.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -29
Additional Environmental Information
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.
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.
Sound Transit (formerly "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 43.21C 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'/. mile radius around a rapid -Fail
statietithe Kent Transit Center 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.
City of Kent Downtown Strategic Action Plan VI -30