Drew Dotson

Tacoma

Journalist at Renton Reporter

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Articles

Rainier/Grady junction plan keeps transportation in mind

1 week ago | rentonreporter.com | Drew Dotson

Spotlighted at the 2025 Renton State of the City address, the plan for development at the Rainier Avenue/Grady Way junction will create a “more urban environment” near the future Sound Transit center. “In 2025, we’ll begin implementing the Rainier Avenue Grady Way Junction Transit Oriented Development Plan,” Mayor Armondo Pavone said at the address last month.
South 7th Street bike corridor construction is under way

1 week ago | rentonreporter.com | Drew Dotson

Construction is under way on one of the final segments of road to complete a bicycle route from Lake Washington to Puget Sound in Renton. The South 7th Street bike corridor, between Burnett Avenue and South Shattuck Street, began construction in March 2025 and will continue through June 2025. Renton Public Works project manager Keith Woolley said while the project was originally supposed to be only a multi-use trail along the north side of S.
Renton councilmember joins National League of Cities 2025 Race Equity and Leadership Council

1 week ago | rentonreporter.com | Drew Dotson

Renton City Councilmember Kim-Khánh Văn will serve on the National League of Cities 2025 Race Equity and Leadership Council. Văn was appointed to a one-year term on the council, which consists of a diverse group of leaders from across the country from similar communities. The purpose of the council is to collaborate, network and develop resources and programs beneficial to communities sharing demographics, size or location that can be replicated in different cities.
Renton Farmers Market will have temporary new home this summer

2 weeks ago | rentonreporter.com | Drew Dotson

The Renton Farmers Market will be in a new location in 2025. Due to scheduled construction at Piazza Park, the Renton Farmers Market is planning to move to Williams Avenue between 2nd Street and 3rd Street. The move is expected to be temporary. “We’re still going through the logistics of the permitting process and some other coordination just to ensure that’s going to be a safe location,” Renton parks and recreation administrator Maryjane Van Cleave said.
Renton seeks public input on two park developments

2 weeks ago | rentonreporter.com | Drew Dotson

The city of Renton is currently seeking input from residents on what to include in future park projects and is currently planning the redevelopment of two park sites: Northeast Renton Park and Cleveland-Richardson Park. Master planned in 2024, Northeast Renton Park is an 18.5-acre site in the north end of the East Plateau Planning Area with forests, wetlands, streams, and steep slopes.
Mural program helps Renton businesses thwart graffiti

2 weeks ago | rentonreporter.com | Drew Dotson

With the Paint with Purpose Initiative, the city of Renton will be connecting artists with property owners looking to add murals to graffiti-prone areas. Renton Economic Development Manager Jessie Kotarski said Paint with Purpose Initiative is a graffiti-abatement program. “This is our attempt to combat graffiti with a positive solution,” Kotarski said.
Renton voters approve annexation of Fire District No. 40

3 weeks ago | rentonreporter.com | Drew Dotson

Renton voters are approving the annexation of Fire District No. 40 into the Renton Regional Fire Authority, according to early results for the April 22 special election. Voters are approving Proposition No. 1 by 80.96% (2,016), according to King County Elections. Municipal attorney Eric Quinn said the annexation will allow the fire authority to draw property into its boundaries, making the added property subject to the taxes and other financial measures of the Renton Regional Fire Authority.
City approves funding for Renton Student Health Hub

3 weeks ago | rentonreporter.com | Drew Dotson

The Renton Student Health Hub connects students to mental health and behavioral services thanks to funding by the city of Renton. At the 2025 Renton State of the City address, Mayor Armondo Pavone highlighted the health hub and said it helps enhance youth access to critical health services.
Renton City Council considers ways to protect LGBTQ rights

3 weeks ago | kentreporter.com | Drew Dotson

The Renton City Council discussed creating a proclamation or resolution protecting LGBTQ+ rights before members of the community expressed their support of the latter. At the April 7 committee of the whole meeting, members of the Renton City Council worked to decide the next step in creating a proclamation or resolution for LGBTQ+ rights.
‘Speed cushions’ slow down drivers on Lake Washington Blvd.

3 weeks ago | rentonreporter.com | Drew Dotson

After a traffic study, results are in that the speed cushions on Lake Washington Boulevard in Renton are working to reduce speeding. The 10 sets of speed cushions installed along Lake Washington Boulevard, between Houser Way North and Burnett Avenue, have caused a significant reduction in speeding on the street, according to a 2024 traffic study. Renton civil engineer Blake Costa said this portion of Lake Washington Boulevard has historically been a speeding area.