The Kent Committee of the Whole and City Council convened on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 to discuss a variety of local initiatives, from enhancing transportation infrastructure to bolstering community safety.
Key topics included proposed Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) grant projects aimed at improving connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, the upcoming National Night Out event fostering neighborhood camaraderie, and the ongoing waste pickup strike.
Additionally, public comments addressed Thea Bowman Apartments safety improvements, and a commendation for the increased police presence at the Lake Meridian Park 4th of July celebration.
Transportation Improvement Board Grant Projects
City Transportation Planner David Payne presented three projects that will be submitted to the 2025 Transportation Improvement Board (TIB). Each of the three will be considered for grant funding. The first project is a roundabout installation at SE 248th Street and 116th Ave SE. This project would include creating a joint bike and pedestrian path.
The second project is a South Reith Road sidewalk connection. This would be along the north side of the street. The area is currently under sidewalk construction, and this new arm of the project would pick up where the current construction ends.
The last project involves installing a walking path along Military Road S, between 264th and 272nd. The project includes installing an enhanced pedestrian crossing at Glenn Nelson Park. Payne said this path will enable a better connection to the Star Lake Transit Center that is currently under construction. TIB Grants will be awarded by the end of this year.
National Night Out
Mayor Dana Ralph read a proclamation recognizing Aug. 5 as National Night Out (NNO). NNO is an annual event when neighborhoods come together to build community and increase public safety. Individual neighborhoods can register their event, and request a visit from city staff, police, and fire fighters. The city then forms interdepartmental teams that go around to visit the neighborhood events.
So far, there are 42 registered neighborhoods hosting events this year. Staff expect to have between 60 and 80 events on Aug. 5, 2025. Information on registering your neighborhood event can be found at this link. Mayor Ralph reminded everyone that the Aug. 5 city council meeting will begin at 5 p.m., in order to allow councilmembers and staff to attend neighborhood NNO events.
Waste Pickup Strike
Republic Services are on a sympathy strike to support the Boston Teamsters. This means that residential waste is piling up. For the next three days (Wednesday, July 16 through Friday, July 18) residents can bring their bagged trash to the ShoWare Center between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Republic dumpsters will be on site, along with staff to help load the trash.
Weekly Council Report Signup
City Council President Satwinder Kaur shared that anyone interested in getting a weekly update from city councilmembers can sign up on the city website. You can find the link to sign up for weekly emails here.
Public Comments
The Director of Supportive Housing with Catholic Community Services spoke during Public Comments about improvements that are being carried out at the Thea Bowman Apartments. She said that there has been an extremely high volume of 911 calls in and around the apartments, which provide permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals. The organization has been working with the mayor and police to create a plan to make the area safer. They have improved the exterior lighting, and will be installing a security fence in order to deter loitering and nefarious activity. In addition, they are relocating resident seating indoors.
A neighbor of Lake Meridian Park said that this 4th of July celebration was a success. He said that despite the huge crowd, the increased police presence was able to keep everyone safe. When a fight broke out amongst a group of teens, police were there to take immediate action, ensuring no one got hurt. He said he would like to see more police presence in city parks throughout the year.
