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Kennydale residents are likely to be asked whether they support rezoning that would allow a hotel at Exit 6. This blog entry is taking no position on this zoning decision.
In evaluating this zoning decision, Renton residents deserve to be knowledgeable about new state law that was passed in 2021 and expands on city hotel zoning.
RCW 35.21.683. Transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, indoor emergency shelters, and indoor emergency housing.
“…Effective September 30, 2021, a city shall not prohibit indoor emergency shelters and indoor emergency housing in any zones in which hotels are allowed, except in such cities that have adopted an ordinance authorizing indoor emergency shelters and indoor emergency housing in a majority of zones within a one-mile proximity to transit.”
The above RCW makes an exception for cities that have adopted a particular new zoning for indoor emergency shelters, and to my knowledge our current city ordinances do not fulfill the exception sufficiently to preempt the state law; so I believe at this time the state law above fully applies. (If anyone knows differently, please let me know in the comments.)
Here is our city’s ordinance on homeless services, which allows shelters as a conditional use. This is the version I approved when I was on council.
I can’t say what specifically the long-term future of this property would be if it was zoned for hotels, and I am not trying to predict it. As my readers know I’ve been a long-time champion of both getting people housed and supporting hotels. It’s always been important to me for residents to participate knowledgeably in all decisions, including this one.
Having a hotel there is a little sus. Given that there’s no huge need for people to have a hotel there, this might be a way to backdoor a shelter.
In other news: King County and Dow has been looking at the hotel near the Seahawks training facility as a shelter for the last two years and some skillful wordsmithing by our mayor and city staff has got him to look elsewhere.
“this might be a way to backdoor a shelter.” That is a scary thought but unfortunately true. That RCW 35.21.683. makes it pretty clear a hotel can become a homeless shelter.
Dear Lord. Renton needs some architecture standards to keep these buildings that are basically a giant billboards away.
Washington state law RCW 35.21.683 allows indoor emergency shelters and housing in areas where hotels are permitted, providing an opportunity to address the urgent housing needs of these communities.
While it’s important to address the concerns of all community members, it’s essential to acknowledge and challenge the ways in which systemic oppression and discrimination can manifest in Renton’s decision-making processes.
The entrenched opposition to providing housing options for marginalized communities, including LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals, is not only misguided but can also be harmful and cruel.
It’s crucial to call out this behavior from entrenched “single family” YT/Asian interests and actively work towards creating more equitable and inclusive communities in Renton.
“YT” is slang for “white” or “whitey”
Really? Just curious, are you able to enjoy life?
I enjoy my life, but it’s important to recognize that for many people, systemic racism can have a significant impact on their ability to enjoy their lives.
There’s an elementary school there
Good point. Looks to be about 250 feet away from property to property edge.
Looks like we need to put people in the Council that will restrict the size of future hotels to meet the requirements put forth by the previous council(s) for both present and future (possible) usage of hotel buildings. Yes today they maybe able to fill that hotel, but what happens in 20, 40, 50 years?
NO thank you finish the light rail 1st what maybe in 2025 or further?
Who is on the City of Renton Planning Council that didn’t voice opposition to?
I would rather have a hotel than unoccupied buildings and mud lots. The tall building would help block some of the freeway noise west of it . I see more positives than negatives. Would be handy to have a place close by if one had overflow guest needs.
We lose power quit a bit in north kennydale. The hotel would be a potential place to ride out the outage .
It would be a better alternative than others.
It’s commercial property. Why not have a nice development instead of the rundown state it’s in now .