Why is this happening now?
New development proposals are revealing new opportunities, challenging the subarea’s historic land use pattern to respond. The new subarea plan will examine these new development proposals and develop an updated vision for the Valley, deriving land use, transportation, economic, housing, recreation, and capital facilities direction to guide the subarea’s future.
Is this like Renton’s other subarea plans?
While Renton has prepared subarea or community plans in its recent past, this plan may be different. It must consider the practical needs of today’s significant development proposals, define conceptual direction anticipating how those proposals may influence the balance of the Valley, and create the type of “quality of experience” which will help those development proposals succeed and encourage future investment.
How much change might there be?
The subarea plan may help Renton advocate for a Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) “Regional Center” designation, increasing the potential for more employment and – possibly – residential uses in the Valley. This can position Renton qualify for various transportation investments necessary to facilitate the Valley’s transformation into a more diverse, dynamic, and mixed-use hub.
What will the process look like?
This scope proposes a two-step approach, with the results of the first shaping the content and direction of the second. A successful plan will require knitting together the area’s development proposals and larger economic environment, close coordination with the area’s businesses and property owners, insightful visionary and strategic response, and creating a policy document to guide public and private action and investment. The first step is to create a broad and deep understanding of the issues and influences acting on the subarea. The second is drafting and adopting the best possible policy response.
How long will this take?
The process will likely take between 12 to 18 months, ensuring thorough and effective community engagement and adoption of deliberate policy initiatives to move the Valley forward.