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Businesses urge council to deny fine waivers and declare Park Avenue building a public nuisance
Summary
A Renton resident representing area businesses told the council that the Ion Renton/ION property has caused safety and economic harms and urged denial of any petition to waive or reduce more than $3 million in fines and a formal nuisance declaration.
Cheryl Fries, a Renton resident, told the council she had visited nearby businesses and collected letters documenting safety and economic impacts attributed to the Ion Renton/ION building. Fries alleged fines associated with the property exceed $3,000,000 (as stated by the speaker) and urged the council to deny any petition to waive, decrease or eliminate those fines. She asked the council to declare the property a formal public nuisance and to communicate consistently with affected businesses about demolition plans, expected closures and liability for lost revenue.
Fries listed impacts she said local businesses faced: break-ins, damaged fencing and broken windows, customers avoiding evening hours, and additional expenses (one business reportedly incurred about $20,000 for property protection). She said some owners had been told they would need to close for a week when demolition occurs and that ambiguity about meetings and parties involved had created confusion.
The mayor thanked the speaker and acknowledged the upcoming meeting with property owners and city staff. The council did not take immediate formal action during the public-comment period; any enforcement, waiver or nuisance declaration would proceed through staff reports and formal council consideration per existing procedures.
