|
 August 14
READ ONLINE AND TRANSLATE
Traffic Awareness Month is recognized in August and is dedicated to raising awareness about traffic safety and preventing avoidable vehicle accidents that impact pedestrians, drivers, and passengers daily.
Promoting safer streets involves citywide collaboration, including strategic infrastructure planning and sidewalk maintenance by the Public Works Department, heightened speed enforcement efforts by the Renton Police Department, and increased awareness and vigilance among bikers, walkers, and drivers.
Various city and school district efforts emphasize traffic safety, aligning with the City of Renton's 2024-2029 business plan goal of "promoting a walkable, pedestrian, and bicycle-friendly environment."
Implementing two tiers of traffic calming measures are a key focus for the Public Works Department in reducing speeding and enhancing road safety. Tier 1 traffic calming measures are visible but do not physically alter the road, such as driver feedback signs and pavement markings. These measures are installed if speed data shows 85% of drivers are going 5 mph+ over the speed limit.
If speeding continues after Tier 1 calming measures have been implemented, Tier 2 traffic calming measures that physically change the road, like traffic circles, chicanes, or speed cushions, can be considered. To be implemented, Tier 2 traffic calming measures will require at least 65% support from a mailed resident survey. The city anticipates installing two Tier 2 traffic calming projects per year using contractors and city crews.
The Renton Police Department's emphasis on speed enforcement remains one of its focuses. Since the beginning of the year, the department has focused patrols in high-speed areas to increase awareness and education about the dangers and consequences of speeding.
The city's Public Works Department is actively working through its Comprehensive Walkway Plan to develop more sidewalks for enhanced safety and mobility with several new sidewalk projects planned to begin this fall and into 2025.
Through traffic calming initiatives and educational efforts, the community works to uphold safety and preserve the well-being of all its members.
Sunset City of Renton receives twelfth Governor's Smart Communities Awards for Sunset Gardens apartments
The Governor's Smart Communities Awards recognize achievements by local governments and their partners. These programs promote thoughtful growth planning and projects that contribute to thriving communities, a prosperous economy, and sustainable infrastructure.
Sunset Gardens is the newest addition to the Sunset Area, opening its doors in April 2024.
Sunset Gardens is a four-story mixed-use building that comprises 76 affordable apartment units for veterans, persons with disabilities, and seniors who earn less than 50% of the area's median income. In addition, Sunset Gardens is the new location for the Renton Housing Authority administrative offices. The infill project was made possible by a collaborative private and public partnership with the Renton Housing Authority, the City of Renton’s Community & Economic Development and Public Works Departments, JP Morgan Chase Bank, King County, and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.
Sunset Gardens is the first project in Renton to utilize funding from House Bill 1590, which allowed local jurisdictions to use revenue from a sales-and-use tax increase to fund affordable housing. The project was also funded by a $1.77 million “Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program” (CHIP) grant from the Department of Commerce.
Over the past 15 years, the city has worked with Renton Housing Authority, Renton School District, and numerous other public and private partners to redevelop and revitalize the Sunset Area as part of the Sunset Area Redevelopment Plan. To date, more than $150 million in federal, state, city, and county funds have been invested in completed Sunset Area projects.
A ribbon cutting for Sunset Gardens will be held later this year. The Governor’s Smart Communities Award will be presented to the mayor and council at a Renton City Council meeting later this fall.
Square Talk: Help imagine the future of the vibrant World Cup Legacy Square in downtown Renton
An exciting opportunity approaches for Renton residents who want to help shape a new community space downtown. During the Renton Farmers Market, stop by the gravel lot at S. Third Street and Logan Avenue South on Tuesday, August 27, and attend the Square Talk event to connect with the city's Community & Economic Development Department on the future World Cup Legacy Square location.
The World Cup Legacy Square is a visionary project that aims to establish a dynamic and inclusive hub in Renton's downtown area. It will leverage the energy and passion of the world's largest sporting event, World Cup 2026, coming to Seattle for its initial launch. It will continue to be a vibrant space for future sports viewing, the arts, play opportunities, event space, and more. This initiative strives to ensure accessibility for all, regardless of financial constraints, demographics, or backgrounds.
Share your ideas and be part of creating something extraordinary at Square Talk on August 27 from 4 to 7 p.m.
A great success during the Renton River Days Electric Vehicle event
The city's Public Works Department spent Renton River Days weekend engaging visitors while building solid partnerships at their Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station booth.
Roughly 1,700 enthusiastic visitors stopped by the booth to explore the latest EV models from Brotherton Cadillac GMC Buick, Car Pros Hyundai and KIA, and the city's EV vehicles. In addition, visitors had the opportunity to help guide the city's efforts to identify potential charging locations in Renton.
Thank you to the city's Public Works Department and representatives from Brotherton Cadillac GMC Buick, Car Pros Hyundai, Car Pros KIA, and Washington State Auto Dealers Association for actively engaging residents to promote green transportation and raise awareness about sustainable practices.
For more information on the city's EV efforts, contact Joshua Chan.
|
|
Around Renton
Renton Farmers Market runs every Tuesday from 3-7 p.m., June 4 through September 24, Downtown at Piazza Park, 233 Burnett Ave. S.
Renton History Museum has implemented summer hours. From June 11 through August 31, the museum will be open Wednesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
August 15– Summer Concert Series: Danny Godinez, 7 p.m. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Hosted by Renton Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Renton Municipal Arts Commission. Free.
August 18 – Back to School Block Party, 1 p.m. Liberty Park, 1101 Bronson Way N. Hosted by the City of Renton's Parks and Recreation Department and Communities in Schools Greater King County. Free.
August 29– Summer Concert Series: Soul Searching Band, 7 p.m. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Hosted by Renton Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Renton Municipal Arts Commission. Free.
In other news
A recap of the news posted on the city’s social media accounts. Find us (@cityofrenton) on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. Renton residents can also find us on Nextdoor.
(classes, activities, leagues, and events for May through August)
|
|
|
|
|
