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Kent staff preview Nathan Avenue proposal, warn of retail shifts and press for Opportunity Zones
Summary
Economic-development staff told the council the closure of large retailers reflects long-term retail shifts; staff previewed a Feb. 3 purchase-and-sale proposal for the Nathan Avenue assemblage, touted workforce outreach via a 'Future in Flight' expo for ~800 students and urged the city to pursue Opportunity Zones 2 this year.
Bill Ellis, economic and community development staff, gave an extended presentation to the city council on Jan. 20 covering retail shifts, a forthcoming Nathan Avenue proposal and Opportunity Zones planning.
Ellis framed recent closures — including Fred Meyer, Joanne Fabrics, Rite Aid and Walgreens — as part of a long-term shift in how people shop. He said corporate portfolio decisions (he discussed Kroger-owned stores and a brokerage process) are driven by trade-area analyses and other metrics. On the local…
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