The Kent City Council meeting and Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, addressed critical community issues ranging from accessibility improvements to public safety and environmental stewardship.
Residents were encouraged to participate in shaping the city’s future through public input on the ADA Transition Plan.
Additionally, updates on the Meeker Street Bridge completion, along with announcements for Arbor Day and Earth Day events, highlight the city’s commitment to infrastructure and environmental preservation.
The meeting featured a vote on the controversial Stay Out of Drugs Area (SODA) law, sparking passionate debate from both supporters and opponents, reflecting the complex challenges facing the community.
ADA Transition Plan Seeks Public Input
The council heard a presentation on plans for making the city more accommodating for those with disabilities. There is a survey available here on Kent’s Americans With Disabilities (ADA) Transition Plan. This plan is a long term strategy to increase accessibility including improved curb ramps and enhanced pedestrian crossings. The public comment period on accessibility issues is open until May 15, after which the updated plan will be brought to the Committee of the Whole and then to the city council meeting for final approval.
Finishing Touches On Meeker Street Bridge
Last summer the Meeker Street Bridge underwent extensive work. Unfortunately, the entire project was not completed as planned. The bridge will need to be closed again for several weekends this coming summer for decking replacement and painting. The work can only be done during dry days. Specific closure dates will be announced later on, and drivers should prepare alternate routes.
Arbor Day & Earth Day Events
This Saturday Green Kent is hosting an Arbor Day volunteer event at Three Friends Fishing Hole. There are several trees to plant, invasive blackberries to remove, and mulch to lay down. The event runs from 9 a.m. to Noon.
In addition, there will be an Earth Day celebration at Clark Lake Park on April 19. This event runs from 9 a.m. to Noon as well, and also includes removing invasive plants and planting native species. Information on both conservation events can be found on the Green Kent page.
SODA Ordinance Passes
Many public commenters spoke passionately about the Stay Out of Drugs Area (SODA) ordinance, which was on the evening’s Consent Calendar. Several property and business owners spoke in favor of the SODA law, describing the untenable increase in crime including break-ins and theft, as well as assault and harassment of customers and staff at local businesses. They said customers are leaving and not coming back, after having a bad experience with addicts. They said their businesses are struggling to stay afloat, and they are having a hard time supporting their families. One said this proposal may not be the best solution, but something needs to be done to protect the safety of the community, families, and small businesses.
Others spoke against SODA laws, saying they don’t work anywhere they have been utilized. They worry about people being able to access services. They said people shouldn’t be sent away, but provided long term help, and that churches needed to step up to meet this need. They called for a compassionate policy with increased access to Narcan to respond to overdose, as well as shelter and housing. One said there was only one methadone clinic in the city, and more are needed.
The Consent Calendar passed unanimously, including the SODA ordinance. After the vote, Councilmember Brenda Fincher responded to concerns brought up during public comments. She said the ordinance does not bar people from accessing services in SODA zones. People would be allowed to go where they need to go for treatment and housing services, and won’t be locked up for getting on or off buses in SODA zones. She also reminded the public that Kent does offer a co-responder model to help those in need, and that this is just one more tool that judges can utilize with the issue of crime and addiction.
