City, RHA Celebrate Completion Of Glennwood Townhomes

Just invited the community back to celebrate the development’s completion.

“This is emblematic of the type of housing we envisioned for the Sunset Area,”said Mark Gropper, executive director of the Renton Housing Authority.

Glennwood Townhomes, comprised of eight four-bedroom unit, is a visible marker of the City’s decade-long focus on revitalizing the Sunset neighborhood.

“The Glennwood Townhomes is an important first step for the Sunset Terrace redevelopment and one of many enhancements envisioned for the neighborhood to create a more attractive and vibrant community for local residents and businesses,” said Mayor Denis Law.  “We are thankful for the regional partnerships that have made the Glennwood Townhomes possible and look forward to pursuing creative opportunities with others to help generate additional jobs and commercial or residential investments in the Sunset Area and other neighborhoods in Renton.

It is the first in a series of Renton Housing Authority projects that will replace current housing in Sunset Terrace and is one of many community enhancements envisioned by the Sunset Area Community Investment Strategy, which was adopted by the Renton City Council in fall 2009.

Other future improvements include the new Highlands Library, a community park and an accessible playground (be sure to mark your calendar for an upcoming Open House regarding the accessibility playground on October 4).

Gariya Jofe, who is slated to move in this week with his family, thanked Renton Housing Authority for providing affordable housing in Renton, and credited the agency for allowing four of his children to go to college.

The next housing project will spring up on Kirkland Avenue N.E. and will include 18 homes, two of which will be dedicated to veterans with families.

The City of Renton was already invested more than $7 million in the Sunset Area Community Revitalization, said City Administrator Jay Covington, which is in addition to $10 million that the City will invest in the new Highlands Library and stormwater improvements.

More than $41 million has already been secured toward the Sunset Area’s funding goal of $200 million.

Puget Sound Regional Council representatives presented the City of Renton with a 2012 VISION 2040 Award for its innovative projects and programs that help ensure a sustainable future as the region grows

"Renton has created a model for how to incorporate green infrastructure, public services, community building amenities, and diversity into the region's neighborhoods," said Bob Drewel, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Regional Council. "This is the start of a great neighborhood, sure to be cherished in Renton's future."

VISION 2040 is the region's long term vision for growth management, economic, and transportation strategy, designed to meet the needs of the 5 million people expected to be living in the region in 2040 (compared to the 3.7 million people living here today).