Periodically I will provide a mayor’s perspective on news items of importance to Renton residents.
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Friday, October 22, 2021
Number 7
Mark Gropper, Renton Housing Authority Executive Director, officially opens Sunset Oaks, adding 60 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments to Renton. Joining Mark are (from left) Renton City Councilmembers Valerie O'Halloran and Kim-Khánh Văn, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone, King County Executive Dow Constantine, and King County Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Dave Upthegrove.
Sunset Oaks is the next step in transforming the Sunset area
Earlier today, I took part in the ribbon-cutting for Sunset Oaks, the newest affordable housing project in our ongoing redevelopment of the Sunset area of Renton.
We are committed to making sure affordable housing units are available to our residents. Sunset Oaks adds 60 much-needed studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments to our community.
The opening of Sunset Oaks is the next step in our vision to transform the Sunset area into a livable, walkable neighborhood that is close to shopping and transportation, encourages collaboration between neighbors and has the necessary amenities.
But a vision is nothing without a plan. So we developed the Sunset Area Transformation Plan, and now we are seeing the results.
Sunset Oaks is the fifth affordable housing project we’ve opened since 2012, four of those guided by Renton Housing Authority. All the projects have used the latest technology in construction and maintenance. In addition, the Willowcrest Townhomes project recently received the Governor’s Smart Communities Award for being part of a “joint public project that implements a comprehensive plan.” The award is a tribute to our transformation plan.
Across from Sunset Oaks, we’ve built Sunset Neighborhood Park, a key piece to uniting the neighborhood. There’s also a new King County Public Library branch and the Sunset Neighborhood Center providing vital services to residents.
A few blocks away, construction has started on the first phase of the Solera project, our most significant housing project and the cornerstone of our redevelopment efforts. Solera will add 686 residential units: 275 affordable housing, 315 market-rate, and 96 townhomes. It, too, will have ground-floor retail, childcare, and parking.
Soon we’ll be breaking ground on Sunset Gardens, another Renton Housing Authority project. It will add 76 studio and one-bedroom affordable housing units for veterans, persons with disabilities, and seniors. The city has committed $1.5 million in funding from House Bill 1590 for Sunset Gardens, our first project to use HB 1590 funds but certainly not the last.
Sunset is not successful because of a vision and a plan. We needed and received strong collaboration and support from all levels of local government. King County Executive Dow Constantine, County Councilmembers Dave Upthegrove and Reagan Dunn, and Renton City Councilmembers Valerie O'Halloran Kim-Khánh Văn and were also at the ribbon cutting. The support from all these elected officials is vital in getting projects like these across the finish line.
I would also like to thank Renton Housing Authority Executive Director Mark Gropper, the board of commissioners, and staff for their dedication and commitment in overseeing the Sunset area’s redevelopment. Last month they celebrated their 80th year of providing safe and affordable housing to our residents. They have been a valued partner in developing affordable housing and the promotion of self-sufficiency in our community. We look forward to many more decades of beneficial projects.
Our Sunset redevelopment is well underway. I invite you to walk around this new neighborhood and see first-hand the results that come from a collaborative effort. We're incredibly proud of what’s been accomplished.
A look at this week's news
A recap of this week’s news posted on the city’s social media accounts. We're @cityofrenton on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. We're also on Nextdoor.
Vaccine Verification
Navigating City Contracting
Renton Regional Fire Authority host open houses in October
Renton Downtown Partnership Olde Fashioned Scavenger Hunt
Photo feature: Kennydale Reservoir
Cedar River Salmon Journey
Traffic Projects
In-person services available at city hall
City Council update
COVID vaccination information