KENNYDALE NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
Tuesday, April 24th, 6:45 pm* At Kennydale Elementary School, 1700 NE 28th Street
Special Presentation by:
Representatives from the
Washington State Dept. of Transportation and Sound Transit
Special Presentation by:
Representatives from the
Washington State Dept. of Transportation and Sound Transit
Our WSDOT and Sound Transit presenters will bring us up to date on the local portions of I-405,
including:
including:
- the I-405/SR167 Master Plan and the current Direct Connector construction;
- the Renton-to-Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes Project;
- partnering with Sound Transit on I-405 Bus Rapid Transit;
- & the ERC Regional Trail through Kennydale.
Special Presentation by:
Rocale Timmons, Director of Planning and Development for the SECO
Hotel and Office Building Complex at Southport
Rocale Timmons, Director of Planning and Development for the SECO
Hotel and Office Building Complex at Southport
Rocale will provide us with valuable information about Southport,
including:
including:
- the Hyatt Regency Hotel,
- plans for other shops and restaurants,
- expected completion and occupancy of the office building complex,
- public parking facilities,
- plans for the Water Taxi,
- steps that SECO is taking to address impacts of the additional traffic on Lake Washington Blvd.,
- and more!
Ample time will be provided at the end of each presentation for your questions and comments.
All Kennydale residents are invited to attend this quarterly meeting
* Check in at 6:45 pm to socialize and enjoy some refreshments with your neighbors; meeting starts promptly at 7:00 pm.
All Kennydale residents are invited to attend this quarterly meeting
* Check in at 6:45 pm to socialize and enjoy some refreshments with your neighbors; meeting starts promptly at 7:00 pm.
ERC TRAIL UPDATE – MARCH 20, 2018
In the two months since our report in the January 2018 edition of the Kennydale News, construction of the Eastside Rail Corridor Trail has been completed from the north end of Gene Coulon Park all the way north to Newcastle Beach Park. All of the places where roads cross the trail are now well marked with wide stripes on the pavement, to alert trail users and vehicle drivers alike to keep their eyes open. However, caution is particularly needed at the intersection of the trail with N. 37th Street, and at several roads in the Lake Lanes neighborhood (which is between the north city limits of Renton and south of Newcastle Beach Park). These are all neighborhood access roads that have some issues with poor pedestrian and bicyclist visibility. In addition to the pavement striping, all trail/road intersections have steel posts installed in the center of the trail, to prevent vehicular traffic, and warning signs as well. Other signage at various points on the trail identifies wetland areas, trail Rules, etc. Also, doggy poo bag dispensers are installed at a few locations (more are needed). On certain portions of the trail where the ground falls off steeply on the west side, fencing has been installed to improve safety; the portion of the trail at Kennydale Beach is an example. The surface of the trail is even and well compacted “hardpack” gravel, which is a pleasant surface for walking and bicycling...even for bikes having narrow tires. King County Parks is planning to put down asphalt paving, when funding becomes available.
Crime in Kennydale
In the two months since our report in the January 2018 edition of the Kennydale News, construction of the Eastside Rail Corridor Trail has been completed from the north end of Gene Coulon Park all the way north to Newcastle Beach Park. All of the places where roads cross the trail are now well marked with wide stripes on the pavement, to alert trail users and vehicle drivers alike to keep their eyes open. However, caution is particularly needed at the intersection of the trail with N. 37th Street, and at several roads in the Lake Lanes neighborhood (which is between the north city limits of Renton and south of Newcastle Beach Park). These are all neighborhood access roads that have some issues with poor pedestrian and bicyclist visibility. In addition to the pavement striping, all trail/road intersections have steel posts installed in the center of the trail, to prevent vehicular traffic, and warning signs as well. Other signage at various points on the trail identifies wetland areas, trail Rules, etc. Also, doggy poo bag dispensers are installed at a few locations (more are needed). On certain portions of the trail where the ground falls off steeply on the west side, fencing has been installed to improve safety; the portion of the trail at Kennydale Beach is an example. The surface of the trail is even and well compacted “hardpack” gravel, which is a pleasant surface for walking and bicycling...even for bikes having narrow tires. King County Parks is planning to put down asphalt paving, when funding becomes available.
ERC TRAIL UPDATE – MARCH 20, 2018
In the two months since our report in the January 2018 edition of the Kennydale News, construction of the Eastside Rail Corridor Trail has been completed from the north end of Gene Coulon Park all the way north to Newcastle Beach Park. All of the places where roads cross the trail are now well marked with wide stripes on the pavement, to alert trail users and vehicle drivers alike to keep their eyes open. However, caution is particularly needed at the intersection of the trail with N. 37th Street, and at several roads in the Lake Lanes neighborhood (which is between the north city limits of Renton and south of Newcastle Beach Park). These are all neighborhood access roads that have some issues with poor pedestrian and bicyclist visibility. In addition to the pavement striping, all trail/road intersections have steel posts installed in the center of the trail, to prevent vehicular traffic, and warning signs as well. Other signage at various points on the trail identifies wetland areas, trail Rules, etc. Also, doggy poo bag dispensers are installed at a few locations (more are needed). On certain portions of the trail where the ground falls off steeply on the west side, fencing has been installed to improve safety; the portion of the trail at Kennydale Beach is an example. The surface of the trail is even and well compacted “hardpack” gravel, which is a pleasant surface for walking and bicycling...even for bikes having narrow tires. King County Parks is planning to put down asphalt paving, when funding becomes available.
The overall ambiance of the trail is very pleasant; people are smiling, 99% of the dogs are on leash and are picked up after by their owners, and the 11 ft. width of the trail helps to provide adequate space for trail users. So….how many users are there? On a nice weekend day, we are guessing that there are about 200+ people; less on weekdays or rainy weather. There is an issue that needs to be fixed at the southern end of the trail: direct access from the trail to the north pedestrian gate at Gene Coulon Park has been fenced off. The easy and obvious fix is for a new pedestrian gate to be installed directly at the trails end; it is our understanding that Renton City Parks staff is working this issue. In addition, since bicyclers are not allowed to ride through Coulon Park, a sign needs to be placed at the north end of Mountain View Ave. N., redirecting them to Lake Wash. Blvd.
The overall ambiance of the trail is very pleasant; people are smiling, 99% of the dogs are on leash and are picked up after by their owners, and the 11 ft. width of the trail helps to provide adequate space for trail users. So….how many users are there? On a nice weekend day, we are guessing that there are about 200+ people; less on weekdays or rainy weather. There is an issue that needs to be fixed at the southern end of the trail: direct access from the trail to the north pedestrian gate at Gene Coulon Park has been fenced off. The easy and obvious fix is for a new pedestrian gate to be installed directly at the trails end; it is our understanding that Renton City Parks staff is working this issue. In addition, since bicyclers are not allowed to ride through Coulon Park, a sign needs to be placed at the north end of Mountain View Ave. N., redirecting them to Lake Wash. Blvd.
KENNYDALE NEIGHBORHOOD-WIDE GARAGE SALE
Saturday, June 23rd, 9 am to 4 pm
Plan now for the annual garage sale, organized by the Kennydale Neighborhood Association. We encourage all residents to participate: set up a sale at your home, set up signs, and look forward to the substantial crowds that this sale always attracts. In 2017 we had about 70 families participating on a beautiful sunny day, and this resulted in a good amount of traffic throughout the neighborhood. So for this year, plan on seeing a good turnout of buyers, because....who can resist a sale with so many choices!
In addition to this newsletter announcement, KNA is supporting this event by placing fliers at local businesses, email reminders to 350+ homes, postings on social media and on www.kennydale.org and A-Board signs at all the entry roads into Kennydale. So that all sellers can receive a red balloon quickly to mark their sale, KNA will not be delivering them to each seller; instead we will have two distribution points set up where you can go to pick up your balloon. Balloons will be handed out 7 to 9 am on the morning of the sale. One pick-up point will be the Park & Ride lot on Park Ave. N., and the other point will be in the parking lot at Kennydale Lions Park. All sellers are encouraged to place their balloon at the front of their lot so that visitors can easily spot your sale as they drive along the street. If we have left-over balloons at 9 am, we will place them at the end of each street where a sale is being held.
This is a great opportunity to make a few $$$, clear out "treasures”, clean out your closets, attic, garage and basement. Also, to go over to your neighbor's and check out the goodies they have for sale! Have fun and have a great sale!
Rajendra Agrawaal, Garage Sale Chairman
agrawaalr@yahoo.com
In addition to this newsletter announcement, KNA is supporting this event by placing fliers at local businesses, email reminders to 350+ homes, postings on social media and on www.kennydale.org and A-Board signs at all the entry roads into Kennydale. So that all sellers can receive a red balloon quickly to mark their sale, KNA will not be delivering them to each seller; instead we will have two distribution points set up where you can go to pick up your balloon. Balloons will be handed out 7 to 9 am on the morning of the sale. One pick-up point will be the Park & Ride lot on Park Ave. N., and the other point will be in the parking lot at Kennydale Lions Park. All sellers are encouraged to place their balloon at the front of their lot so that visitors can easily spot your sale as they drive along the street. If we have left-over balloons at 9 am, we will place them at the end of each street where a sale is being held.
This is a great opportunity to make a few $$$, clear out "treasures”, clean out your closets, attic, garage and basement. Also, to go over to your neighbor's and check out the goodies they have for sale! Have fun and have a great sale!
Rajendra Agrawaal, Garage Sale Chairman
agrawaalr@yahoo.com
RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY PREVENTION TIPS, Revisited (Again)
Looking at some of the postings on social media, one might get the erroneous impression that Kennydale is a hotbed of crime. The reality is, Kennydale compares very favorably with other Renton neighborhoods as to occurrences of crime (check it out yourself on www.crimereports.com ) . But crimes do happen here, and in our opinion the best course of action for all citizens is to read and adopt the following list of Residential Burglary Prevention Tips, which has been available from the Renton Police Dept. for some time. These Tips have been provided at neighborhood Block Watch meetings, in the Kennydale News and through presentations at KNA Neighborhood meetings by Officer Cyndie Parks, RPD’s Community Program Coordinator. For those of you who have implemented some or many of these Tips, congratulations! For those of you who haven’t, now is the time to stop being a potential (or actual) victim by implementing whichever of the following precautions apply to your particular home: About a dozen of these cost you nothing in time or money! We have highlighted those in bold:
1) Install lights by all exterior doors, and the motion detecting type at front and garage doors (or install LED lamps on a timer and run them all night). Make sure your fixtures have glass covers that are not easily removed.
2) Trim shrubs back from doors and windows
3) Don’t leave exterior lights on during the daytime; that suggests that you are away from home
4) Always close your garage door, and cover “view” windows so that no one can see inside
5) Leave nothing in your car (especially the garage door opener); lock it up; park in garage if possible
6) Secure outdoor sheds with a high quality lock (bolt cutters will cut most padlocks)
7) Always lock your doors and windows, even when you’re at home
8) Use solid core or metal exterior doors
9) Install 4-screw strike plates with 3” wood screws to penetrate the stud within your door frame on all exterior entry doors
10) Use deadbolt locks on exterior doors and double-cylinder deadbolt locks if glass is within 3 feet of the lock
11) Install peepholes on doors with 160 degree views (if you don’t have a window near the door)
12) Do not hide keys outside; leave them with a trusted neighbor
13) Add drop bars, wooden dowels, or pinning devices to windows and sliding glass doors
14) Keep valuables in a safe deposit box
15) Use a locking, heavy-duty metal mailbox (not plastic) *
16) Take outgoing mail directly to the post office or a blue Postal pick-up box
17) Never let strangers into your home. If someone knocks, answer them through a closed, locked door and keep it locked until you verify that they have legitimate business with you. Check their ID
18) Never leave notes for anyone on the door
19) Consider installing a residential alarm system*
20) Consider installing a good quality video surveillance system*
WHILE ON VACATION:
21) Place a radio and interior lights on timers
22) Put mail and newspapers on hold
23) Ask your trusted neighbor to pick up any packages or fliers from your driveway or porch, and to “keep an eye on things”
24) Sign up with the Renton Police Department’s Vacation House Check Program (425)430-7571 or www.rentonwa.gov .
* When shopping for a locking mailbox, residential alarm system, or video surveillance system, do your research! Amazon.com appears to be an excellent place to find out what’s available, and to learn what their other customers like – or don’t like – about these types of products. When you are ready to make a purchase, also keep in mind our local stores here in Renton!
Please note that prices for alarm systems and monitoring vary widely. Systems that include mandatory monitoring, annual contracts, etc. can be very expensive. The City of Renton has posted some very revealing information on this subject. To learn more, go to www.old.rentonwa.gov and then follow the path: Living>Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention>Crime Prevention>Home Security Systems
It is the responsibility of every citizen to be vigilant, take the proper steps to protect yourselves and your property, and call 911 if you see: a crime in progress; any suspicious activity; or any time a person fears for their safety or the safety of others. There are other good reasons for calling 911, too. For a full discussion, go to the City of Renton website at www.old.rentonwa.gov and follow the links: Emergencies>9-1-1
1) Install lights by all exterior doors, and the motion detecting type at front and garage doors (or install LED lamps on a timer and run them all night). Make sure your fixtures have glass covers that are not easily removed.
2) Trim shrubs back from doors and windows
3) Don’t leave exterior lights on during the daytime; that suggests that you are away from home
4) Always close your garage door, and cover “view” windows so that no one can see inside
5) Leave nothing in your car (especially the garage door opener); lock it up; park in garage if possible
6) Secure outdoor sheds with a high quality lock (bolt cutters will cut most padlocks)
7) Always lock your doors and windows, even when you’re at home
8) Use solid core or metal exterior doors
9) Install 4-screw strike plates with 3” wood screws to penetrate the stud within your door frame on all exterior entry doors
10) Use deadbolt locks on exterior doors and double-cylinder deadbolt locks if glass is within 3 feet of the lock
11) Install peepholes on doors with 160 degree views (if you don’t have a window near the door)
12) Do not hide keys outside; leave them with a trusted neighbor
13) Add drop bars, wooden dowels, or pinning devices to windows and sliding glass doors
14) Keep valuables in a safe deposit box
15) Use a locking, heavy-duty metal mailbox (not plastic) *
16) Take outgoing mail directly to the post office or a blue Postal pick-up box
17) Never let strangers into your home. If someone knocks, answer them through a closed, locked door and keep it locked until you verify that they have legitimate business with you. Check their ID
18) Never leave notes for anyone on the door
19) Consider installing a residential alarm system*
20) Consider installing a good quality video surveillance system*
WHILE ON VACATION:
21) Place a radio and interior lights on timers
22) Put mail and newspapers on hold
23) Ask your trusted neighbor to pick up any packages or fliers from your driveway or porch, and to “keep an eye on things”
24) Sign up with the Renton Police Department’s Vacation House Check Program (425)430-7571 or www.rentonwa.gov .
* When shopping for a locking mailbox, residential alarm system, or video surveillance system, do your research! Amazon.com appears to be an excellent place to find out what’s available, and to learn what their other customers like – or don’t like – about these types of products. When you are ready to make a purchase, also keep in mind our local stores here in Renton!
Please note that prices for alarm systems and monitoring vary widely. Systems that include mandatory monitoring, annual contracts, etc. can be very expensive. The City of Renton has posted some very revealing information on this subject. To learn more, go to www.old.rentonwa.gov and then follow the path: Living>Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention>Crime Prevention>Home Security Systems
It is the responsibility of every citizen to be vigilant, take the proper steps to protect yourselves and your property, and call 911 if you see: a crime in progress; any suspicious activity; or any time a person fears for their safety or the safety of others. There are other good reasons for calling 911, too. For a full discussion, go to the City of Renton website at www.old.rentonwa.gov and follow the links: Emergencies>9-1-1
Announcements
The following announcements have been provided by Teresa Nishi, Recreation Coordinator for the Renton Community Services Dept.
SENIOR RESOURCE EXPO
April 7 10 am–2 pm
Renton Senior Activity Center
211 Burnett Ave. N., Renton
Improve your independence, health and quality of life!
40 vendors will be on site to provide you with valuable information.
No registration is required.
SHRED-A-THON
April 28 9 am – 12 Noon
Boeing S1 Lot, N. 6th St. & Logan Ave. N.
Shred up to five boxes (12 to 15 inches wide,
10 inches deep) of paper. Donations of canned
goods will be accepted to benefit the
Renton Food Bank. For other details,
please visit www.rentonwa.gov/shredathon
SPRING RECYCLE EVENT
May 5 9 am – 3pm
Renton Technical College, North Parking Lot
3000 NE Fourth St.
Renton residents can recycle large and hard-to-recycle items
For other details, visit: www.rentonwa.gov/springrecycle
VOLUNTEER TRAIL RANGER PROGRAM
“Good Will Ambassadors” For City Parks and Trails
The City of Renton is looking for individuals 18 & older to serve as Volunteer Trail Rangers to help educate park and trail visitors on rules and regulations, enhance safety awareness, provide information and direction, watch for vandalism, and act as “Good Will Ambassadors” for the City on the Cedar River Trail and at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. For additional information, please call: Renton Parks & Recreation Dept. at 425-430-6600
“GREEN & CLEAN” PARK VOLUNTEER PROJECTS
SPRING: Saturday, May 12 8:45-11:30 am
Philip Arnold Park, 720 Jones Ave S
&
SUMMER: Saturday, June 9 8:45-11:30am
Thomas Teasdale Park, 601 S. 23rd St
The “Green & Clean” Saturday park volunteer projects are a great way to dig in and help maintain parks for everyone to enjoy! Volunteers must be 14 and older to participate. Children 14 to 17 who are not accompanied must have a waiver filled out by an adult. To register, please visit www.rentonwa.gov/volunteer
or call 425.430.6694.