Residents recount historical land grievances and seek accountability from Renton officials

Two residents used the public-comment period at the June 2 Renton City Council meeting to describe longstanding grievances involving land acquisition and racial discrimination and urged the council for better responsiveness and compensation.

A speaker who signed up as John Houston (the transcript shows he identified himself verbally as John Henson) said a Washington state bill had passed “97 to 0” in Olympia and criticized the city for delayed responses to his inquiries. He told the council he felt ignored and said the city’s late reply—months after his original October request—made him feel his family and neighborhood “means nothing.” He said historical records, including a front-page photo, showed a local fire chief handing his father a $50 check and that those materials were not removed from the record; he described the city’s response as lacking empathy.

James Houston said he grew up in the area and described memories of houses being burned and people being pressured to sell land for projects that did not materialize on the acquired sites. He urged the council to “do the right thing” and said he and his family have been harmed by past dealings.

Art Jenkins, who said he has lived in Renton since 1976, told the council those residents “should be compensated,” called the stories “horrible” and “embarrassing,” and expressed support for the Houston family’s statements.

Council Mayor Rivera thanked the Houstons for sharing their stories. The meeting transcript records public testimony and personal recollections only; no formal council action, staff report, or vote addressing the historical claims was recorded during the meeting.