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INSIDE | A Hazen graduate brings the funny back home to Renton [13]
WINDOW ART | A new art installation downtown makes use of empty window space [3]
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
Hearing examiner rules mitigation not required to move door Ruling states that library is culturally and historically significant but midspan door is not, approves site plan By Brian Beckley bbeckley@rentonreporter.com
The Cedar River Library may be culturally and historically significant, but not necessarily the location of the door, according to a decision from the City of Renton’s hearing examiner that rejected the appeal from the citizens group Save the Cedar River Library…Again! The most recent site plan was also approved. “The (State Environmental Policy Act) appellants successfully established that the library overall is a historical and/or cultural resource subject to review and protection under SEPA,” wrote Hearing Examiner Phil Olbrechts in his decision. “However, the SEPA appellants did not estab-
lish that the proposed relocation of the primary entrance will create a probable significant environmental impact.” Olbrechts also said the arguments for and against significant impacts are “highly compelling and the factors are highly subjective” and since the city’s “SEPA responsible official” concluded the relocation does not create significant environmental impacts, “substantial weight” must be given to the official’s decision. “That weight is determinative in this case,” he wrote. The decision comes after a July 30 public hearing in which the citizens group appealed the city’s determination of non-significance on the grounds that it said there was no cultural or historical significance to the building or the location of door. Presently, the entrance to the library is located mid-span over the river. In the most recent site plan, the entrance is moved to the shore and the library no longer connects directly to the pedestrian bridge, which will remain over the river. [ more Library page 19 ]
The library’s mid-span door, seen here from the Liberty Park side, was not found to be culturally significant. Brian Beckley, Renton Reporter
Businesses also benefiting from lighting switch By TRACEY COMPTON tcompton@rentonreporter.com
Art in the streets The eighth annual Art and Antique Walk took place downtown this past Saturday, featuring the work of several local artists and collectors as shoppers from around the region descended on Renton. Vendors sold wares ranging from elaborate sketches to watercolors to pottery to jewelry and everything in between. There were even Tango dancers performing on Third Street. Above, Gina Coleman of Renton checks out artist Laura Scheuffele’s postcards, while Gavin Cook, 7, left, displays some of the art he created MORE PHOTOS online… rentonreporter.com during the festival. Brian Beckley, Renton Reporter
The City of Renton is not the only entity benefiting from energy-saving Puget Sound Energy programs. Renton business owners are taking advantage of an opportunity to replace old light bulbs with new Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights, saving them on electricity costs. Last week, the Renton Reporter featured a story about the City of Renton’s efforts with PSE to replace streetlights. The paper has heard from several business owners involved in unrelated but similar plans to save energy and money with the utility supplier. “So far this year, there’s been about 40 businesses to take advantage of this,” said David Landers, PSE manager of Business Energy Management. “Most businesses are saving $50,000 a year, as a result of participating in energy efficiency programs,” he said. Cheryl Danza of CD Danza Salon and Spa and Jeff Lawrence, co-owner of the Whistle Stop Ale House, both believe they are saving and benefiting from these energy-saving programs. Both went through vendor Pacific Lamp and Supply Co. to take part in PSE instant rebate lighting program for commercial businesses. Through an agreement with Pacific Lamp, the business owners were able to replace old bulbs with new LED lights inside and outside of their businesses. Already, Danza has noticed a $100 savings in her electricity bill. “It was just amazing,” said Danza of the savings. She was able to replace many bulbs that line her styling and make-up stations, track lighting, a chandelier with 16 bulbs alone, plus outside lights. In the [ more Lighting page 19 ]