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Council moves Tobin Street vacation to second reading after mixed public comment
Summary
Following extensive public comment both for and against vacating Tobin Street as part of the Renton High School remodel, the council voted to place the street-vacation ordinance on second and final reading next meeting.
The Renton City Council voted to place an ordinance vacating portions of South Tilikum Street and South Tobin Street (a Renton School District petition) on second and final reading after public testimony and council discussion.
Multiple Renton High School staff and local residents spoke in support. Giselle Wilicki, an ASB and leadership adviser at Renton High School, told the council the remodel offers "a once in a lifetime investment" and asked members to approve vacating Tobin Street to reduce student crossings and improve campus safety. "I respectfully ask you to vote in favor of vacating Tobin Street," she said.
Council discussion addressed compensation policy for street vacations, where staff recommended setting additional cash compensation at $0 for a government agency petitioner, consistent with the municipal code allowing administrative-cost-based compensation in those cases. Amanda Free, the city's economic development director, explained the fees already recovered in the petition process (petition filing and administrative fees), and a council debate followed on whether institutions and individuals are treated equitably in street-vacation fees.
Council Member Rivera moved to place the ordinance on second and final reading; the motion carried. Council members stressed that pedestrian access will be maintained during construction and that portions of property will be returned to the city to support streets, sidewalks and crossings once the project is completed.
