The Kent City Council and Committee of the Whole convened on Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2025, addressing a range of critical issues impacting the city.
From revitalizing the Riverbend Golf Course with a new restaurant to combating escalating drug activity through targeted ordinances, the meeting tackled both community development and public safety.
Additionally, the council honored a fallen Army National Guard officer, heard impassioned public comments, and voiced unified opposition to a proposed King County Parks Levy, highlighting the diverse challenges and priorities facing Kent.
New Contract With Riverbend Restaurateur
The restaurant at Riverbend Golf Course, which has been closed since 2024, will be reopening this spring. Council approved a contract with Corey Mason, owner of three existing restaurants, who has plans to turn the space into Riverbend Bar & Grill. Mason also owns DaVine Whiskey and Wine in Maple Valley, Fall City Pub in Fall City, and Dino’s Pub in Renton.
Corey Mason will be making some minor changes to the space, including removing a few tables in order to open up the floor-to-ceiling windows on warm days. The soft open for the restaurant is slated for April, with a grand opening planned for early May, just in time for peak golfing season.
Council also heard a report on the 2025 income from Riverbend Golf Course, which, at nearly $700,000, was the highest it has been since 2016.
“Stay Out Of Drug Areas” Ordinance Passed
According to the presentation, drug activity in Kent has nearly doubled since 2022. Over the same period, Kent Police have responded to over 1,000 drug overdoses. Police have used GPS technology to create a heat map of drug-related crimes and overdoses. The mapping shows that illegal drug use and related crimes are not evenly spread throughout the city, but instead concentrated in three specific zones. These areas have become hot spots for dealers and criminals. This ordinance attempts to address this issue.
The ordinance, which will be utilized at the court’s discretion, will ban repeat offenders from these zones. It was explained that this is not an attempt to punish drug addicts. Nor will it cut off their access to lawyers, housing, or services. If they need services within the area in question, exemptions can be made to allow them restricted access. Police hope this policy will also reduce crimes such as trespassing and shoplifting in the same areas. This ordinance passed unanimously.
Army National Guard Officer Honored
The city of Kent lost a beloved member in a random shooting in 2023. Lieutenant Rudolph King III, who was just 23 years old, was fatally shot in a drive-by incident. King’s family and loved ones gathered to hear a proclamation in recognition of March 18, his birthday, as Rudolph L. King III Day. His family also received a plaque in his honor.
Public Comments
Multiple speakers again asked the city to take a stance to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. One said that a trans woman was attacked recently, simply for being herself. Since hate crimes are becoming more prevalent throughout the country, this population is seeking support and protection from local governments.
Another speaker who is a local business owner shared what a difficult issue the unhoused and drug addicted have become. She said people have openly smoked crack in her establishment, and also run into her back room to hide, refusing to come out until the police arrived. She said that both her family and her customers have felt unsafe. She reiterated that she has no animosity for the homeless, and regularly gives them camping supplies.
Unfair King County Parks Levy
The council approved a letter from the city to King County Council and the county executive, expressing opposition to the 2026-2031 Parks Levy. According to the presentation, this new levy is neither fair nor equitable, particularly to smaller cities. The county has failed to respond to multiple concerns addressed by Kent staff.
The parks levy will cost average homeowners $17.31 per month, totaling $50 million from Kent residents. Only $5 million will come back to the city from this tax. The lion’s share, $87 million, goes to Seattle. Presenters said the prior parks levy was more equitable.
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