For those of you who follow or read my blog, I want to share some exciting news. I am moving the blog and all of its current content to this new site: ILoveKent.net. The new site is a Word Press blog, has an easy-to-remember URL and it will contain a business directory as well as news separated by category: Crime, Shopping, Dining, Entertainment, Education, Events, etc.
The site is under construction so it isn't "pretty yet," but I hope to have it done by the end of March. In the meantime, I'm open to your ideas and suggestions.
In addition, there are advertising opportunities for Kent-based businesses and organizations. If you are interested, please contact me via e-mail.
Thanks for your continued support!
Dana Neuts
Showing posts with label city of kent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label city of kent. Show all posts
Monday, March 16, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
15 "johns" arrested on Kent's West Hill 3/12
Kent Police Chief Steve Strachan reports that 15 "johns" were arrested on Kent's West Hill on Thursday, March 12, 2009 in a prostitution sting operation. This was one in a series of arrests in connection with reducing crime and prostitution in that area of Kent. For more information, please contact the Kent Police Department at (253) 856-5200.
Coming soon: regular updates from the Kent Police and Fire Departments!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Mural Contest to Replace Graffiti at West Hill Skate Park
Thanks again to Victoria Andrews with the City of Kent for this news:
The West Hill Skate Park turns 10 years old this year, and it’s time for a new look. Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services is looking for talented Kent artists to design a mural that will be spray-painted on the skate bowls. Any Kent resident can submit a drawing and also apply to judge the entries. Drawings will be accepted until April 30.
The park, located on Reith Road and 42nd Avenue South, was built three years after the City’s first skate park, Kent Lions Skate Park on West Smith. According to Parks Director Jeff Watling, “The bowls are frequently tagged with graffiti, and users say that the all-over gray color makes it hard to estimate depth. We feel the solution to both problems is a colorful mural. We’re hoping the winner might also be an in-line skater and/or skateboarder, someone who already uses the park. But the judges will ultimately decide.”
The winning design will be announced on Friday, May 29, and the painting must be completed by June 30. Kent Police received a grant to provide the paint, and Parks staff can help the winning artist recruit volunteers to paint the mural in time for the park’s 10-year anniversary celebration. For an entry form, contact 253-856-5110, vandrews@ci.kent.wa.us or visit www.choosekent.com and click on the Community Calendar.
The West Hill Skate Park turns 10 years old this year, and it’s time for a new look. Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services is looking for talented Kent artists to design a mural that will be spray-painted on the skate bowls. Any Kent resident can submit a drawing and also apply to judge the entries. Drawings will be accepted until April 30.
The park, located on Reith Road and 42nd Avenue South, was built three years after the City’s first skate park, Kent Lions Skate Park on West Smith. According to Parks Director Jeff Watling, “The bowls are frequently tagged with graffiti, and users say that the all-over gray color makes it hard to estimate depth. We feel the solution to both problems is a colorful mural. We’re hoping the winner might also be an in-line skater and/or skateboarder, someone who already uses the park. But the judges will ultimately decide.”
The winning design will be announced on Friday, May 29, and the painting must be completed by June 30. Kent Police received a grant to provide the paint, and Parks staff can help the winning artist recruit volunteers to paint the mural in time for the park’s 10-year anniversary celebration. For an entry form, contact 253-856-5110, vandrews@ci.kent.wa.us or visit www.choosekent.com and click on the Community Calendar.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Synopsis: Mayor Cooke's State of the City Address
Hello, readers and I Love Kent followers. I attended Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke's "State of the City" address yesterday at the ShoWare Center. I did not attend as a reporter, but I can't help but take notes. For those of you who weren't able to attend or watch the online version, here is a brief synopsis of her presentation.
About the ShoWare Center
- Mayor's speech was the first major speaking event at the new ShoWare Center.
- ShoWare Center opened on January 2 with 10,000 in attendance. The Seattle Thunderbirds accommodated with a win!
- ShoWare Center is the FIRST green arena in the United States!
- It is anticipated that the ShoWare Center will bring in 400,000 people and $16 million in revenue to Kent each year.
- It is the city's most significant economic project since Kent Station.
- City has signed a five-year lease to use the Park and Ride on James Street for ShoWare Center parking.
- The building was completed in 17 months with more than 100 city staff involved in the project.
- It won't cost taxpayers any extra money to have the ShoWare Center in Kent.
Other City Topics
- City is reducing operating expenses, delaying hires and vehicle replacements and eliminating contracts to offset a drop in revenue.
- As of 12/31/08, city revenue dropped 14%.
- City workers who are unionized are working with the city to cut costs to avoid layoffs.
- 28 employees have not be replaced, so current city staff is trying to meet resident needs despite the manpower shortfall.
- "Our employees have been wonderful."
- Alaska Copper and Brass Company is moving to Kent, bringing at least 100 new jobs to the area.
- The city has $50 million in pending projects in the permitting process.
- Other developments: Hampton Inn is building a 100-room facility on 64th; a new office building and banquet hall is being built near Top Foods (at the site of the old skate center); and GRCC is expanding, creating space for 700 additional students to attend the two-year college.
- City needs to focus on bringing high quality downtown residents to the area to access our stores and businesses.
- City will encourage mixed use urban buildings.
- City is looking at changes in the permitting process to make it easier to do business in Kent.
- Neighborhood program has established 15 new neighborhood councils. The West Hill neighborhood council has reduced crime in its area by 40%!
- City wants to create more affordable entertainment including offering free outdoor movies at Town Plaza this summer.
- City of Kent sent more than 3,000 criminals to jail last year.
- More than 1,000 city staff and residents have been trained for emergency response.
- Kent was third last year (among cities its size) in participating in the National Night Out.
- New bus route to connect West Hill, The Lakes and other critical areas to each other.
- Panther Lake Annexation is still under consideration. It would add 23,000 more residents to Kent, but it would cost more to serve that area than the City would bring in additional revenue. City is working with King County Council to see how those residents can still be adequately served.
- The City is actively seeking a solution to the parking garage problem.
- New Kent School District superintendent is a big proponent of partnering, so the City is looking forward to working with him.
Lastly, the mayor wrapped up with this message:
"I absolultely love serving you because you show you love this community...it's because of you that I am your mayor..."
About the ShoWare Center
- Mayor's speech was the first major speaking event at the new ShoWare Center.
- ShoWare Center opened on January 2 with 10,000 in attendance. The Seattle Thunderbirds accommodated with a win!
- ShoWare Center is the FIRST green arena in the United States!
- It is anticipated that the ShoWare Center will bring in 400,000 people and $16 million in revenue to Kent each year.
- It is the city's most significant economic project since Kent Station.
- City has signed a five-year lease to use the Park and Ride on James Street for ShoWare Center parking.
- The building was completed in 17 months with more than 100 city staff involved in the project.
- It won't cost taxpayers any extra money to have the ShoWare Center in Kent.
Other City Topics
- City is reducing operating expenses, delaying hires and vehicle replacements and eliminating contracts to offset a drop in revenue.
- As of 12/31/08, city revenue dropped 14%.
- City workers who are unionized are working with the city to cut costs to avoid layoffs.
- 28 employees have not be replaced, so current city staff is trying to meet resident needs despite the manpower shortfall.
- "Our employees have been wonderful."
- Alaska Copper and Brass Company is moving to Kent, bringing at least 100 new jobs to the area.
- The city has $50 million in pending projects in the permitting process.
- Other developments: Hampton Inn is building a 100-room facility on 64th; a new office building and banquet hall is being built near Top Foods (at the site of the old skate center); and GRCC is expanding, creating space for 700 additional students to attend the two-year college.
- City needs to focus on bringing high quality downtown residents to the area to access our stores and businesses.
- City will encourage mixed use urban buildings.
- City is looking at changes in the permitting process to make it easier to do business in Kent.
- Neighborhood program has established 15 new neighborhood councils. The West Hill neighborhood council has reduced crime in its area by 40%!
- City wants to create more affordable entertainment including offering free outdoor movies at Town Plaza this summer.
- City of Kent sent more than 3,000 criminals to jail last year.
- More than 1,000 city staff and residents have been trained for emergency response.
- Kent was third last year (among cities its size) in participating in the National Night Out.
- New bus route to connect West Hill, The Lakes and other critical areas to each other.
- Panther Lake Annexation is still under consideration. It would add 23,000 more residents to Kent, but it would cost more to serve that area than the City would bring in additional revenue. City is working with King County Council to see how those residents can still be adequately served.
- The City is actively seeking a solution to the parking garage problem.
- New Kent School District superintendent is a big proponent of partnering, so the City is looking forward to working with him.
Lastly, the mayor wrapped up with this message:
"I absolultely love serving you because you show you love this community...it's because of you that I am your mayor..."
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Spring Into Art is planned for Friday, March 13
The City of Kent, the Kent School District and the Kent Downtown Partnership are teaming up once again to bring the community Spring Into Art, a free, family-friendly, art-oriented day of fun in downtown Kent. Go an art walk, attend fitness workshops, discover your inner artist, candle making, bug-a-rama and more.
For a complete list of activities, locations and times, visit the event's website at SpringIntoArtKent.com.
For a complete list of activities, locations and times, visit the event's website at SpringIntoArtKent.com.
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