The Kent City Council meeting and Committee of the Whole on Sept. 2, 2025, tackled a range of issues from extensive new civic development to public safety concerns.
The council heard a presentation on a new spray park planned for Uplands Playfield and approved a bond ordinance for the construction of a new city hall, administration building, and police headquarters.
In addition to these large-scale projects, the council also accepted a grant to curb youth substance use, approved an alley closure to reduce crime, and heard impassioned public comments on the rising concerns about homelessness and safety in the city.
New Spray Park
During the Committee of the Whole, the council heard a presentation on a new spray park, along with other improvements planned for Uplands Playfield. The park is located at the intersection of Meeker Street and the Interurban Trail. The design is yet to be fully complete, but it takes into account feedback from the community, including requests for things like shade, restrooms, and a large open lawn area. Designers will come back to the council with 3-D renderings of the final plan.
Grant Accepted for Youth Safety
The city accepted a $70,130 public health grant to fund the prevention of marijuana, tobacco, and vape use in youth from 6th to 12th grade. Vaping and marijuana use can begin in kids as young as age 10. The grant money will fund youth education as well as compliance checks with merchants. Vendors who are found to be too lax in sales procedures could face citations, and in addition will receive education about the importance of properly checking ID at the point of sale.
Alley Closure Approved
The Council approved the closure of a section of Titusville Alley, between 1st and 2nd Ave South, on the block between West Gowe and West Titus Streets. This closure is in response to safety concerns expressed by residents, who said the alley has been serving as a location for open drug use and assaults. A locked gate will be installed to close off this alley, with keys going to residents, city staff, and garbage service.
Free Hazardous Waste Collection Event
Councilmember Brenda Fincher shared info about a hazardous waste collection event coming Sept. 19–21 at Fire Station 75. Residents can bring full or partially full fire extinguishers, cleaning products including bleach and drain cleaner, pesticides, herbicides, and weed killer, automotive fluids like antifreeze and motor oil, batteries, fluorescent lights, and oil-based paint and paint thinner. These hazardous items cannot be thrown in the garbage. For more information visit this link.
Public Comments: Public Safety Issues
One commenter expressed her belief that there is a deep problem with the “housing first” model, and that rising rates of homelessness and addiction need to be dealt with in a different way. She said that hardcore addicts only get off drugs under extreme conditions, and that rather than providing housing for homeless addicts, the options need to be either drug treatment or jail.
Another commenter shared that she felt the city was no longer safe. She said over the last three months, seven major businesses have closed along one street, with some explicitly stating that their closure was due to increasing crime. She reported that Fred Meyer said they could not remain viable even after doubling security at that location. In her own neighborhood, this speaker said residents feel that taking out the trash at night is a gamble with their personal safety. She said that homeless shelters do not solve the problem, and that rehabilitation is needed.
Adoption Of Bond Ordinance for New City Structures
Finally, the city council unanimously approved a bond ordinance to fund a new city hall, administration services building, and police headquarters. The city has grown since these facilities were constructed several decades ago. After much assessment, the city hall was found to be in the worst condition and plans include demolishing the aged structure. In its place will be a civic plaza. The police will be given much more space, which will relieve the current crowding of their headquarters as well as provide room for growth in the future.
Actual construction is likely to begin in April of 2026, with the final move taking place sometime in 2028. In the works is a website that will inform and update residents about the status of this project. The total cost for construction and relocation will be around $63.5 million, with fluctuation expected depending on the volatility of interest rates.
After the vote, Councilmember Zandria Michaud said that this was a historic moment for the city, and will set up Kent for future success.
Related posts
Kent City Council weighs future of public transit, housing, community policing & more at Tuesday’s meeting
From bridge closures to drug ordinance and more, Kent City Council tackles complex challenges at Tuesday’s meeting
Kent City Council advances zoning reform, warns of public defense budget strain & more at special Monday meeting
