Written by Renton and the rest of the Seattle Eastside suburbs have somehow managed to avoid the economic downturn that is clobbering the rest of the nation (knock on wood!) I like to think it is good local government :-), but I’m sure we are also in the right place at the right time.
Here is a story from today’s Times:
__________________________________________
The Eastside’s edge
Around the country, local economies are decelerating and home foreclosures are at a record high. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is wearing a groove into the marble floors of Congress, appeasing skittish lawmakers with rate cuts.
But a different mood pervades the cities ringing Seattle — Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah and Renton — one of hopeful anticipation.
It is thanks to local Government
Randy,
You people have done a fine job – When we moved into Renton, I estimated that it would take twenty years to get the Boeing parking-lots-of-doom turned into something productive. It only took eight.
Keep up the good work – of course you’re not all perfect, but your all doing a good job with the resources you have without taking on more risk.
We especially appreciate the pragmatic and mundane things you’re all doing – that really does the trick in the long run.
housing sales are slowing down
I’ve seen a lot of houses for sale in Renton neighborhoods that used to get snatched up in a week that are now sitting on the market for months (180+ days) without being sold.
Re: housing sales are slowing down
It’s not just Renton, everywhere is slowing down here in the North West.
Thankfully – if you check Zillow.com, you can see that Renton is holding it’s own just fine compared to the King County average.
Re: housing sales are slowing down
so how come my home price in Renton has dropped 100K in six months?
Re: housing sales are slowing down
Home prices are dropping locally, but not nearly as fast as in some other markets. 100 K is one of the larger drops that I have heard of, but I suppose that much drop could be possible. The end of sub-prime lending, combined with contraction in the stock market and fear that we are entering a recession has caused mny potential buyers to hold-off or low-ball sellers. Anyone who has seen this sort of drop in their appraisal would do well to just hold on, and recognize that markets go up and down over time. the loss is only on paper, unless you are forced to sell because of a move or job-loss. If you can stay put, you may see your house price return to the higher level in the not-too-distant-future if we get some better economic news, or the credit markets ease.
question, is there any plans to redevlope sunset avenue right off the freeway? or rezoned? its just soo…..unwelcoming. haha. Also, are there any devlopment plans/proposals for the old stoneway site on maple valley highway….and also that large green field near kenworth?
Yes, the section of Sunset that parallels 405 is a total embarrassment. Fortunately, the DOT’s master plan for 405 calls for major changes to the area: a flyover to connect southbound 405 to eastbound 169, making the existing side of Sunset one-way, and a new frontage road on the east side of 405. It’ll be up to all of us to make sure that the construction includes new streetscape features and other components that result in a more welcoming entry into the city.
Of course, it’s going to be many years before that section of 405 receives attention. I doubt the project is even funded at this point.
What is that you say, a plan without funding?!? Sounds like effective government planning to me. I think when I am done with school I might have to get involved with that.
But you are right about Renton; the leadership seems to be doing a good job. Police times are good, parks are safe, clean and useable and as a homeowner, I don’t feel overburdened. I wish I could same for county and state government. I might have to get involved with them too.
Mark