Federal Way Mirror, August 14, 2015

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METRO | Transit officials, stakeholders discuss future of bus service in Federal Way [3]

VOL. 17, NO. 25

MIRROR

F E D E R A L WAY

DIVISION OF SOUND PUBLISHING

OPINION | Johnson: Vote for birth control [4] Roegner: Primary election major upsets in local races [4] POLICE | Man arrested after strangling and threatening ex-girlfriend [10] BACK TO SCHOOL | Bus schedules and back to school resources for students, parents [13-24]

COMMUNITY | FUSION raises FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 | 75¢ $170,000 during fundraiser [6]

TRAFFIC | Full closure of State Route 99 in Federal Way through Aug. 17 [34]

City misses another round of federal funding for PAEC Officials look at plan to fill $32.7 million funding gap, re-evaluate New Markets Tax Credits BY RAECHEL DAWSON rdawson@fedwaymirror.com

W

ith the goal of being completely transparent, Mayor Jim Ferrell sat at his desk Tuesday afternoon and revealed two uncertainties for the future of Federal

Way’s downtown. The city did not receive any bids from developers for the Town Center 3 project, Ferrell said. While two developers were interested, neither one submitted an application. “So, yes, the first thing again, transparency,” he

said. “Now, it actually makes sense because on one level, a couple of different levels, we actually are not due for final approval on the [Performing Arts and Events Center] until Oct. 6.” Ferrell said the Performing Arts and Events Center is the “linchpin” of the city’s downtown, and without that yet in place, developers were uncertain about the project. The city bought Town Center 3, the 7.5 acre former-Target site, for $8.2

million in November 2014 in an effort to turn around the city’s “blight.” Another concern, the potential developers expressed, centered around the location and orientation of the hotel that will be on the arts center’s property. That concern, Ferrell said, will likely be resolved after a $10,000 hotel study is complete in September. Once complete, the hotel study will be marketed to the six to seven hoteliers interested

in the hotel site. “What happens to Town Center 3 is completely dependent on the [events center,]” Ferrell said, adding that the city will focus on completing the remodel of Town Square Park, finishing the hotel study as well as the events center before they reopen the bidding process for Town Center 3. “We’re confident but we’ve got to remove the uncertainty from this process, so we think it’s a matter of timing,”

he continued. “With that being said, the second piece of information that we just received was in regard to New Markets Tax Credits.” Since the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Panel members delivered their findings on the Performing Arts and Events Center in May 2014, federal funds from New Markets Tax Credit allocations were thought of as a risky way to help fund at least $7 million of a $5-9 million shortfall of [ more PAEC, page 11 ]

Elementary teacher arrested for alleged child sexual abuse BY RAECHEL DAWSON rdawson@fedwaymirror.com

King County detectives arrested a Federal Way Public Schools secondgrade teacher on Tuesday for suspicion of sex crimes against boys. Sunnycrest Elementary teacher Patrick Belser, age 44, was immediately placed on administrative leave when school district officials learned of the allegations — which school officials do not believe involve students. Sunnycrest Elementary Principal Rudy Baca sent out a letter to parents on Thursday explaining the situation. The school is located in Kent. “It’s important to know the King County detectives do not believe that stu-

dents at Sunnycrest were victimized or involved,” said Federal Way Public Schools spokeswoman Ann Cook. “Further, law enforcement officials have stated these allegations are not related to his work while employed in the Federal Way school district.” Investigators believe the sex crimes occurred years ago outside of the school district. A King County Superior Court judge set Belser’s bail at $150,000 as the prosecutor reviews the case for a charging decision. King County Sheriff ’s Office probable cause documents reveal investigators spoke with three victims, one of whom is the teacher’s relative, on July 14-15. Belser’s relative told police the sexual abuse started when he was 12 years old during a summer break in Vancouver, Washington. [ more TEACHER, page 8 ]

www.eagletire.com

FEDERAL WAY (253) 838-2424 1515 SO. 344TH ST.

Community Resource Day at the Farmers Market The community flocked to the Federal Way Farmers Market on Saturday to learn more about local service clubs, shelters, food banks, non-profits and other organizations and services during Community Resource Day. The Women, Infants and Children Program also registered families and handed out food vouchers to those who qualified during the day. Kids enjoyed inflatable toys and people enjoyed musical entertainment throughout the day. Photos courtesy of Bruce Honda

Must present coupon to get this price. Fluid/filter disposal charges only. Most cars & light trucks. Vehicles requiring synthetic or diesel oil filter may cost extra. No other discounts apply. Additional charge for shop supplies may be added. Redeemable only at Eagle Tire & Automotive.

THE TIRES YOU NEED. THE SERVICE YOU TRUST.


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