HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-11-09 Committee of the Whole MinutesSPECIAL PRESENTATION:
Highway 99 Redevelopment
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
November 9, 1998, 7:00 p.m.
Tukwila City Hall Council Chambers
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER: Council President Pamela Linder called the Committee of the Whole meeting
to order and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Council President Pamela Linder, Councilmembers Joe
Duffle, Joan Hernandez, Steve Mullet, Pam Carter, Jim Haggerton and Dave Fenton.
OFFICIALS: John Rants, Mayor; John McFarland, City Administrator; Don Williams, Parks
Recreation Director; Steve Lancaster, Director of Community Development; Ross Earnst, Public
Works Director; Alan Doerschel, Finance Director; Tom Keefe, Fire Chief; Keith Haines, Police
Chief; Deb Ritter, Carol Lumb, and Moira Bradshaw, Associate Planners, Department of Community
Development and Lucy Lauterbach, Legislative Analyst.
Mike Ragsdale, Consultant, provided a brief recap on activities relating to the Highway 99
redevelopment. The City has been working with the development community to institute some
different philosophies concerning the development of Highway 99. Since the City has made a
commitment to support redevelopment, Mr. Fred McConkey, owner of McConkey Development, has
chosen to proceed on the redevelopment at his own risk and at his own expense.
Mr. Ragsdale introduced Mr. McConkey, who shared information concerning his childhood,
education, and business background. Mr. McConkey is a Certified Commercial Investment Manager
(CCIM) and is a member of his city's Planning Commission.
Mr. McConkey shared some of the developments his company has built and pending projects in other
cities. He outlined his investment philosophy and indicated he invests in quality construction and is a
long -term holder of real estate. His company manages its own buildings and provides personalized
management. In turn, they seek long -term tenants and form business partnerships with them.
McConkey said Highway 99 is an investment opportunity for his company and he is hopeful the
development will come to fruition. Other recent new development on the highway includes a new
hotel, a fast food restaurant, and a convenience store /gas station. The reason these developments
occurred was due to their ability to afford development along the highway. Some reasons for the lack
of other development is due in part to the small size of the parcels and high land prices. Rents are
relatively low, which has resulted in a decay of properties and a moral decline of the neighborhood.
Tenants are reluctant to locate there.
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Mr. McConkey said he sees the area as a "diamond in the rough." It's close to the airport, has easy
freeway access, close to many major employers, and has high traffic for commercial /retail businesses.
The problem area includes a two to four block strip area. Presently, the market rents are too low to
support new development at current land prices.
Mr. McConkey outlined the level of renters. The high -end renters consist of motels, fast food
restaurants and gas stations. They typically pay between $20 to $30 per square foot for rent. Land
costs on the highway average between $20 to $30 per square foot. This accounts for this limited type
of development occurring within the last five years. National retail businesses such as Rite Aid,
Hollywood Video, and Starbucks typically pay between $16 to $18 per square feet in rent. For
comparison, typical land prices for other retail centers McConkey Development is building average
between $10 to $12 per square foot. The land along the highway is averaging $35 per square foot (for
corner properties). The high property prices are due in part to some properties generating high
income.
Neighborhood strip centers consisting of clothing, service, retail, and medical offices typically pay
between $14 to $16 per square foot for rent. Developers want to purchase between $10 to $12 per
square foot, with the land cost at approximately $20 per square foot. The standard office business
rents space between $12 to $13 per square foot with land costs at $20 per square foot. Market rate
apartment rental averages $78 per square foot (net, after expenses) with land cost between $10 to $15
per square foot. Typical property costs for apartments is $7 per square foot. The average price of
recent properties Mr. McConkey has purchased in other locations is approximately $20 per square
foot.
Mr. McConkey reviewed present and future demographics of the highway. Southcenter is the
strongest retail center in the nation mainly due to the road system and the surrounding population
base of 221,000 people. The growth rate forecast from 1997 to 2010 for Tukwila are higher than
surrounding communities with a growth forecast of 1.9% annually. Single adults comprise 55% of
the population within one mile of the market area of the highway. Sixty percent of the population
rent as opposed to only 40% who own homes, which represents a high rental rate. The average
household income is $44,000 near the highway and raises to $52,000 outside of the highway area.
Per capita income is $20,000, which is low. The demographics are much more positive than
envisioned by driving through some of the neighborhoods.
McConkey reviewed apartment rental ranges. Rents range between a low of $420 to a high of
between $620 to $1,000. Older apartments tend to attract low- income residents, which create
problems. The lower rental rates along the highway corridor attract immigrants, low income
residents, and transients who come and go. Diversity is reflected in the fact 31 languages are spoken
in the Tukwila School District.
Positive aspects of the demographics include the increase of the multi culture population, a very large
labor base (although many are in need of training), improvements in the moral character and safety of
the area, and the central location of the area. The corridor however, needs improvements before high
end income residents are attracted to the area.
The commitment by Tukwila has been important in reversing the downward trend. There is a strong
police and social service presence along with the good schools. Roads and highway improvements
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are pending and zoning changes and enforcement along with development programs are all positively
contributing to the changing environment along the corridor. The only way to eliminate undesirable
activities and businesses is by purchasing the property, clearing, and rebuilding with desirable
businesses which will support the community.
Mr. McConkey said the proposal includes building a mix of housing to provide for all incomes, not
just the low -end income. National retailers will be encouraged to locate along with government
offices. Density will be increased to build a solid base to support retail /commercial businesses. A
village center was promoted during the pubic meeting on October 14. A city center was suggested
which could consist of a youth center /activity center, gazebo /fountain, art center or other gathering
center. Also suggested was an international food court with outdoor seating along with encouraging
retail development to locate in the area. McConkey indicated public comments, the City's desires,
affordability issues, and development realities have been evaluated with a resulting redevelopment
plan for consideration.
Ron Van der Veen of Mithun Partners reviewed the company's background and current staffing. Mr.
Vandenmere introduced Brian Sullivan, Project Manager for the Highway 99 redevelopment project.
Mr. Sullivan distributed a handout to Councilmembers consisting of several maps and development
and program goals for the revitalization efforts on the highway. He outlined targeted properties
which are being approached for possible purchase and redevelopment. The first step involves the
village center concept and surrounding development. The types of retail include community retail
and businesses which are locally oriented; not another Southcenter mall. Flexibility is necessary to
insure the market continues to grow and develop as people come and go within the market.
Another program goal is housing and the concerns of developing more multi- family housing in
Tukwila. As work has continued on the project, it has become apparent a range of affordable
housing, market -rate housing, senior housing, and housing for sale as well as for rent is needed to
address the broad needs of the community. Office space with adequate parking has also been
reviewed and incorporated into the proposed plan. The international character of the highway is also
another aspect which has been considered.
After reviewing the opportunities and constraint analysis for the highway, Mr. Sullivan shared the
four sites under consideration for redevelopment and outlined the type of redevelopment for each
specific area on the development boards. He reviewed open space, street setback for specific areas
and how high density development would interconnect with single family and existing homes. Retail
sites and parking was reviewed along with the pedestrian oriented features such as sidewalks and
streetlights for safety. Vehicle access points were also reviewed to insure access to the areas by
vehicles is considered.
Councilmember Hernandez asked if the plan included any options for assisted living facilities. Mr.
McConkey said assisted living facilities were considered and indicated some tax advantages exist for
such housing and he would be working with the King County Housing Authority on the issue of
assisted living facilities. Senior housing is also being considered on the Fantasy Express site.
Councilmember Mullet questioned how the strategy of getting vehicles off the highway would not
interfere and affect pedestrian traffic. Mr. McConkey said parking lots and parking garages are
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included in the proposed redevelopment scheme. People in vehicles typically do not like to walk too
far and an internal road system would be in place to control speed and lesson impacts to pedestrians.
Councilmember Haggerton asked if the two properties not available for purchase were included in the
sample boards of the four sites. Mr. McConkey said the Ben Carol site is not for sale along with a
house south of the Fantasy Express site. The sites can be developed without the two properties, but it
would be preferable to have them included. Several purchases of property with existing businesses
are contingent on the relocation of the businesses to other areas along the highway.
Mr. McConkey said property assemblage is nearly complete and anticipates it should be completed
by December 1998. The development team is in place and consists of experienced professionals. He
indicated he has an open accounting book system with the City that can be examined anytime. A
more specific site plan will be presented within the next several weeks. A financial model has been
developed and is undergoing refinement. If three more apartment complexes were added, it would
consist of $10 million in property acquisition and $40 million in construction. The team is balancing
market realities with the desires of the City. The City's expectations are on track and the designs and
plans are realistic. He expects to return in several months with a proposed Rite Aid store agreement.
The long -term project is anticipated to take 10 years to fully develop. A development agreement with
the City will be presented in December 1998, which will outline all of the responsibilities of
McConkey Development and the City's responsibilities pertaining to the project. After the
development agreement is signed, Mr. McConkey said he and his family would assume half of the
financing and secure investors for the other half. Property closings will begin in March 1999. Phase
I construction (apartments offices) is scheduled to begin in the latter part of 1999. Phase II (retail
and residential) will begin in late 1999 through 2001 and is dependent on government tenants.
Council President Linder recessed the meeting for a five minute break.
CITIZEN COMMENT: No comments were received.
SPECIAL ISSUES:
a. Foster Golf Course Restaurant Agreement
Terry Elliott. 2518 H Street. Auburn, has been the Foster Golf Course restaurant concessionaire for
the last nine years. Presently, the concessionaire is in the middle of its contract with the City. One of
the things she is proposing is a beverage cart on the golf course. Currently, alcohol can only be
served in the cocktail lounge. She indicated she has no control of what occurs outside and said she
assumes liability risks when customers reenter the lounge. She indicated she would like to have
control over the entire area in order to assess customers access to alcohol while outside the cocktail
lounge to determine if customers have exceeded their level of alcoholic drinks. She has reviewed
other golf course concessionaire operations which include beverage cart service and indicated they
have not had any complaints or problems.
If the beverage cart service was instituted, no private beverages could be brought onto the golf course.
During a 4 to 5 hour time period, golfers may see the beverage cart two or three times maximum.
Two -way radio contact would be maintained with the lounge and bartenders so everyone is aware of
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the number of drinks served to an individual. She stated this is a service is in a high demand and it
would be something good.
Councilmember Fenton asked if there was a course marshal available seven days a week. Parks
Director Don Williams stated there is a course marshall; but not one which is available from daybreak
to dusk, seven days per week. The liquor license holder still assumes the risk/responsibility related to
liquor service. The course marshal is available, according to Williams, mainly during the summer
months. Their duties, though, are to move the course play along and not to enforce other regulations.
Councilmember Hernandez stated she and her husband patronize the golfcourse. Ms. Hernandez is in
favor of renewing the contract, but not in favor of the clause which allows the beverage cart. Her
concern is the cart would create more opportunties for people to drink and drive and the liability of
someone becoming involved in an accident after leaving the course and subsequently holding the City
liable. She is also concerned with the message it may send to the young folks playing on the course.
She has spoke to many in the community and most of those to whom she spoke were not in favor of
the sales of alcohol on the course.
Ms. Elliott said there is a high demand for a beverage cart on the golf course. The City is liable for
anyone who drinks on the golf course regardless of who supplies the alcohol. She said the current
situation is not monitored and if a beverage cart were allowed, monitoring would take place
concerning how much alcohol was being consumed.
Council President Linder asked if the City Attorney had addressed the legality issue. Administrator
McFarland said the matter was referred to the Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA).
WCIA's opinion is the concessionaire's liquor license, which requires liability insurance, would
create necessary coverage on the part of the City. WCIA also stated the City could never fully step
away from liability as they own the course. What happens on the property is the ultimate
responsibility of the City, whether alcohol is served legally or not. Under a controlled circumstance,
the first line indemnification lies with the concessionaire.
Councilmember Mullet indicated he plays golf and he does drink beer. He has never, ever, come
close to becoming inebriated on a golf course. He has no problem with using a beverage cart on our
course.
Betty Gully. 13017 Macadam Road So.; Anna Bernhard, 14241 59th Ave. So.; Richard
Simpson. 13832 37th Ave. So.; and Dick Hernandez, 15224 Sunwood Blvd.; all of Tukwila,
spoke against serving alcohol on the golf course. Some comments received were: 1) very few
instances where young people can be involved in sports where alcohol is not served; 2) alcohol on the
course can serve as a bad example to our youth; and 3) Golfers who drink can get out of control when
on the course.
Joan Huffmann, 14988 Interurban Ave. So., Vicki Flanagan, 4217 So. 154th, and Collin Curry,
4217 So. 154th St.. all of Tukwila, spoke in favor of serving alcohol on the golf course. Some
comments received were: 1) instances of trouble do not frequently occur; and, 2) fewer problems
actually occur when alcohol is served due to the fact there is less "sneaking" of alcohol and increased
monitoring on the course.
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Debbie Keller. 13338 34th Ave. So.. Tukwila, is President of the Drug Alcohol Free Seniors
Group and indicated it is important the course remain drug and alcohol free. A beverage cart on the
course would be fine as long as alcohol is not offered. They could maintain control if such a cart was
in operation. She referred to her daughter's use of the course and indicated she would not want her
exposed to alcohol and the message it sends.
Joanne McManus. 5610 So. 133rd. Tukwila, indicated her husband golfs at Foster Golf Course
every week and does not believe a beverage cart on an 18 -hole golf course could keep track of who is
drinking. It is too large of an area to monitor. She opposes a beverage cart which serves alcohol.
She said there are many programs striving to keep kids off drugs and alcohol. Tukwila should not be
sending the wrong message.
Councilmember Haggerton said from a financial standpoint there is not much of a budget impact one
way or the other. Without a cart, revenues would be reduced by approximately $3,000.
Councilmember Duffie expressed opposition to a beverage cart and referred to the D.A.R.E. program
and said dual messages would be conveyed to youth if a beverage cart were allowed. He suggested
considering other alternatives to help the concession staff control alcohol consumption on the course.
Council President Linder suggested Ms. Elliott prepare a proposal which includes revenues and
expenses with a cart, without a cart, and with a non alcoholic cart.
Mayor Rants recommended Council determine if alcohol should be allowed on the course and refer it
back to Director Williams to negotiate an agreement with the concessionaire.
Councilmembers Linder, Duffie, and Hernandez indicated they preferred not to offer a beverage cart
concession on the golf course. Councilmembers Mullet, Haggerton, Fenton, and Carter supported a
beverage cart concession on the golf course, with monitoring.
Council President referred the item to the next regular Council meeting on November 16.
b. 1997 Comp Plan and Develonment Regulation Amendments
Community Development Director Steve Lancaster said staff is requesting Council authorize a public
hearing on November 23, 1998. An open house is scheduled on November 19 to answer questions
from the public.
Carol Lumb, DCD staff, provided a brief review of the proposed changes incorporated in Section A
and B of the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendments. Section B includes proposed changes to
the zoning code and she indicated the different zoning code areas are tabbed for easier reading. For
the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendments, a discussion narrative is also provided for more
detail. Changes relate either to the implementation of recommendations from the Pacific Highway
Revitalization Plan was approved by the Council in August or changes to essential public facilities
concerning the locations of light and commuter rail in Tukwila.
One issue concerning the Pacific Highway Revitalization Plan which is addressed includes areas
zoned single family or multi family residential and are adjacent to commercial zoned properties
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which may be commercially developed if it were properly planned using some specific criteria. The
Planning Commission has provided a preferred option on how those projects could be pursued by
establishing a sub -area called a commercial redevelopment area in all three residential zones.
Another change relates to the regional commercial district. In certain circumstances, the zone would
permit residential development with increased density to promote the financial feasibility of projects.
Ms. Lumb referred to copies of Planning Commission minutes and agendas for Council's review
concerning how the Commission determined recommendations for Comp Plan Amendments.
Director Lancaster recommended recycling the notebooks once the Council has completed its review
and finalized recommendations.
c. An Ordinance Amending Current Sign Code Deliberations
Director Lancaster referred to Council's previous review of the proposed ordinance amending the
current sign code and Council's review and concerns with a number of issues. Staff has highlighted
those items which may need to be changed in the amortization ordinance as well as some items,
which should not be included for enactment and may need further follow -up. Proposed changes to
the draft ordinance include the following:
1. Revised definition for the word "Premises." Although many developments in the City
consist of several legal lots under a common ownership, the visual impression created
by these developments is of one large lot or "premises." The revised definition of the
word "premises" would consider contiguous lots to be one premise if they share a
common ownership. As a result, some signs previously considered to be "off
premises" could now be considered to be "on- premises."
2. Deletion of the Landmark Sign Exemption Section The Council had asked that his
portion of the draft ordinance be deleted. In the interim, the Council has requested a
Task Force be created to provide them with recommendations regarding signs of
significance in the City (i.e., landmark, historic). These recommendations may
include suggested criteria and type of application process to obtain landmark sign
exemption.
3. Creation of New Exemption Section —The Council asked staff to provide language
dealing with marginal con conformance. The draft ordinance contains a provision
allowing existing signs which exceed sign code standards by 15% or less to be
considered conforming.
4. Correction to Typographical Errors in Draft Ordinance Typographical errors were
corrected in the revised draft ordinance.
If the Council concurs with the recommended changes, staff will incorporate the changes within the
draft ordinance for Council's consideration during its regular meeting.
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Councilmember Mullet concurred with changes 1 and #2 and noted a specific example for item
number three. He said one person who spoke about non complying signs indicated his sign was
nonconforming by 18 inches. Councilmember Mullet asked if the sign would be in compliance with
the sign code under change number three.
Director Lancaster referred to the specific sign and said under the proposed change, the sign would
become conforming. Director Lancaster reiterated it is difficult to draw the line and many people
would still not be in compliance even with the marginal allowance.
Discussion continued on staff's attempt to develop different formulas to establish a method to deal
with the marginal allowance issue and the difficulty associated with each method and how the 15%
percent is the most efficient way to handle the issue.
In response to a question from Councilmember Haggerton, Director Lancaster said specific types of
signs, not specific businesses, could be grandfathered into the ordinance. However, if the Council
preferred to allow specific business exemptions, the ordinance could be changed to reflect those
changes.
Councilmembers discussed the pros and cons of enforcing the sign code in industrial districts and
concerns with freeway signs and to whom the signs are targeted for. Discussion continued on
specific criteria which should be included for businesses with signs located near a freeway
interchange.
Director Lancaster restated Council's direction to provide certain categories of businesses within a
specified radius of the freeway interchange an allowance for additional signs above what is allowed
and can be taller for freeway visibility for existing and future businesses.
Discussion ensued on limiting the size of signs and how it would apply to specific types of businesses
such as grocery stores versus movie theaters. Director Lancaster said each situation is different and
requires a different solution. Councilmember Haggerton said provisions could be developed for
temporary signs to allow for a maximum square footage sign size.
Director Lancaster said staff would be able to develop new language to incorporate Council's
recommended changes for signs relating to freeway interchange businesses. Any revision of the
language relating to temporary signage does not affect the amortization program. The concern is with
any changes the Council may have may affect the target of the amortization program. Director
Lancaster said if Council wants to include grandfathering industrial areas, the change needs to occur
soon.
Councilmember Duffle reiterated the ordinance needs to go forward and constant changes are only
delaying its implementation.
Councilmembers discussed including the grandfather provision in the MIC zone and allowing the
refacing provision only in cases where the sign is being brought into compliance. The majority of
Councilmembers concurred with the recommended changes and directed staff to include the
additional provisions.
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Michael Ainnersbach. P.O. Box 95429. Seattle, represents SRO and has concerns with respect to
the sign code, specifically, the amortization program. He said the program is a large undertaking and
requires documentation of all existing signs. The difficulty of not documenting current signs under
the new ordinance could create future sign situations. In the case of SRO, there is a limit on the
number of freestanding signs which are allowed. The difficulty is the building includes a connected
bowling alley with a walkway. Under the Uniform Building Code, the entire complex is treated as a
single building. The cost of separating the buildings is cost prohibitive. Under the proposed sign
code ordinance, the theater is not entitled to three freestanding signs. He pointed out there are all
types of different situations which will not fit within the provision of the sign ordinance and
suggested staff review potential impacts to businesses within Tukwila prior to adopting the ordinance.
Jav Starr. 13190 Stone Ave. No.. Seattle. indicated he operated a concession for a mobile sign cart
along Aurora Avenue. He said he has asked for a list of non conforming signs from staff and has not
been provided one. He requested a copy of the list. He requested if an economic study had been
conducted he would also like a copy of the study. Mr. Starr said the sign association could offer
some assistance, if the City desires, to survey an area to ascertain what signs are currently in use. He
said the financial impact to the business community would be too much and encouraged the City to
determine what impacts would result to business owners.
Mr. Starr said he is concerned with staffing needs and referred to Bellevue's sign code and their need
to hire additional staff to keep pace with sign code demands.
Mike McCormick. D &D Investments. represents KC Mall and is impressed with the recent
flexibility included in the sign code ordinance.
John Houde. 4266 So. 158th. Tukwila, owns a business on Pacific Highway and was able to
construct his sign under the current sign code and has to live with the restrictions. He asked the
Council to consider fairness to new businesses who must comply with the new sign code versus older
and competitive businesses that may be grandfathered into the code. He said it gives them unfair
advantage over the newer businesses since their signs tend to be larger than what new businesses are
allowed.
Council President Linder recessed the meeting for a five- minute break at 10:09 p.m.
d. Fire Denartment Staffing Issues
Councilmember Haggerton noted the item was discussed at the Finance and Safety Committee
meeting and the Council Agenda Synopsis Committee's recommendation is not accurate. The
recommendation should be replaced with the following, "The Finance and Safety Committee elected
to discuss this at the COW on November 9, 1998 and to leave the subject open but defer additional
considerations in 1998 based solely on the memo received from the Fire Chief." A memo was
received from the Fire Chief outlining the reasons for deferring action. The Committee preferred not
to table the issue but leave it open for future discussion and allow time for analysis of other cities.
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e. Potential Name Change to Pacific Highway South
Mike Fowler. 3517 So. 130th St.. Tukwila. said he is past president of the Foster Community Club.
During the September 23 club meeting, the name change issue was discussed and a letter was
generated and sent to the City Council. Apparently, the letter was received too late for consideration.
Mr. Fowler read the letter, which indicates the club unanimously favors retaining the existing name of
Pacific Highway for State Route 99. Club members feel the efforts spent trying to change the name
of the highway would be better spent on improving conditions on the highway corridor and could
dissipate the efforts and resources currently expended by many hardworking groups and
organizations. The membership finds no advantages to residents of changing the name and finds
several disadvantages.
Changing the name of the street would not improve the image of the area and changing the name to
International Boulevard would create an association with the City of SeaTac and SeaTac International
Airport. The name Pacific Highway has historical significance. The highway was built in 1928. The
original roadway tied the nation together from Mexico to Canada and changing the name of the
highway would cause taxpayers and businesses extra money for new signs, stationary, business cards
and other company nomenclature. Even if the name were changed, the highway would always be
referred to as Pacific Highway. For these and for many other reasons, the Foster Community Club
urges the Council to retain the Pacific Highway name.
Mike West. 14864 Pacific Highway So.. Tukwila. is the co chair of the Highway 99 Action
Committee and supports the name change to International Boulevard. Although, he is not a resident
of Tukwila he has owned a business in Tukwila for the last 27 years and indicated there is some
historical significance to the name of Pacific Highway South. He referred to several incidents of
homicide along a particular strip of the highway and said he is tired of seeing crimes televised and
depicted as occurring along "gritty" portions of Pacific Highway South in Tukwila. Mr. West
referred to the efforts of recent developers to improve the area and indicated changing the name to
International Boulevard is a good move which considers the future. Changing the name is not the
only solution to the problems; it is the integrated effort of the development community, businesses,
and residents in taking steps in the right direction. He urged City Council to favorably consider the
name change.
John Houde. 4266 So. 158th. Tukwila, is a resident of the community and owns a business on
Pacific Highway. Several weeks ago at the Highway 99 Action Committee, there was a vote to
change the name to International Boulevard. The vote was 28 in favor with one vote opposing. The
opposing vote was from Mr. Hood. Mr. Hood said since the vote he has become more enlightened on
activities occurring on the highway. He noted some difficulty in the past securing bank funding
because of the stigma associated with the highway. The naming project and the redevelopment
project are turning Pacific Highway into something completely new and different which will not
resemble the current highway. He supports the name change.
Brian Bixenman. Manager of Larry's Market on Pacific Highway South, has been with the
company for 22 years and remembers the area 15 years ago when prostitution was rampant on the
highway. With the work of the Highway 99 Action Committee and others, a big difference is
occurring along the highway. He said he often gets confused inquiries for directions on how to reach
International Boulevard from Pacific Highway.
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The last several years have made a big difference along the highway due to community involvement,
installation of cameras, and other policing enforcement. He supports changing the name to the
International Boulevard.
Ron Lamb. 4251 So. 139th. Tukwila. said Tukwila is facing a big issue relating to the location of
light rail. Light rail will dictate the future of Tukwila in terms of not only a name here or there but
also what the community will look like in the next 10 to 20 years. He said the entire community
needs to be focused on this issue because of the likelihood of an uphill fight with RTA. A lot of
effort and dollars are being put into that effort and now is not the time to bring up issues which create
division within the community. Residents and businesses should not be at odds on issues but should
be working together on the issue. He asked why the name change should occur now when it can be
accomplished later when other more pressing issues are facing the City concerning light rail locations
within the City. He urged the Council to table the issue until later in the spring after light rail
locations have been determined.
Councilmember Haggerton said there is historical significance to Pacific Highway South and he
personally does not like the name International Boulevard. However, he noted the significance a
name change would bring to the highway and for that reason, he would reluctantly support the name
change.
Councilmembers Fenton and Duffle noted they are aware of the work involved with renaming and
redeveloping the highway and are in favor of changing the name.
Council President Linder said the Highway 99 Action Committee brought the suggested action to the
Council and believes creating a division between residents and businesses is not conducive to the
process. Businesses earn their living along the highway and have worked hard in the community to
improve the highway. She supports the name change to International Boulevard as a reward to the
hard working business people who have made a change along the highway.
Councilmember Mullet supports postponing a decision.
Councilmember Carter believes moving ahead with the name change would pit residents against
businesses and the highway belongs to everyone within the community, not just the business
community. She said she was under the impression the survey was only an advisory vote to ascertain
the community's interest in changing the name of the highway. She does not support changing the
name at this time.
Councilmember Haggerton asked what the timeline was and why the rush. He suggested the RTA
issue is important, especially when the EIS is released in December, which will require extensive
review.
Councilmember Fenton said the answer is in the survey regarding what the business community
wants. He referred to developers such as McConkey Development that have gone out on the limb to
begin redevelopment efforts and reiterated his support to change the name of the highway.
Michelle Driano. Sabev Cornoration. 101 Elliott Avenue West. Seattle. shared some information
concerning the original naming of Pacific View Office Park, which has been since renamed to
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City Council of Whole Committee Meeting Minutes November 9, 1998
International Gateway Corporate Park. She said the company is talking with potential tenants
everyday for relocating to International Gateway Corporate Park and said the name change was a
positive step. There are good reasons to change the name and it supports the efforts of the
community in reducing crime and improves quality along the highway. It is a significant step in
cementing a strong commitment by the development community. Changing the name of the highway
does not necessarily reflect community weakness to RTA but shows the opposite by reflecting the
City's willingness and commitment in improving the highway.
Mayor Rants says he has been working for approximately six years to improve Pacific Highway and
strongly supports the name change. Work has continued to change the character of the highway,
improve living and working conditions. The image needs to be changed. He asked the Council to
consider if it is easier to run light rail along Highway 99 versus International Boulevard. When
someone refers to Highway 99, images of drug dealing, prostitutes, murders, adult entertainment, and
low- income housing come to mind. What is the image of International Boulevard? He supports
renaming the highway to International Boulevard.
Councilmember Carter referred to the previous comments concerning RTA and said in the past there
has been bad feelings between the residents and some of the businesses along the highway. As
improvements have occurred, residents and businesses are working together in opposing the RTA.
Council President referred to the consensus reached by a majority of four Councilmembers and
moved the issue to the next regular Council meeting for consideration.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
(9:44 p.m.) Moved by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Duffie to extend the meeting
another :30 minutes for Executive Session and to delay the remaining items from the agenda
(review of the 1999 Proposed Budget and 1999 -2004 CIP, Reports and Miscellaneous). Motion
carried 7 -0.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
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Pamela Linder, Council President
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Robert H. Baker, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
for Valerie Gow, Recording Secretary
Date Minutes Approved: /2 /2.//98