Editors note: This letter was written and sent to Mayor Suzette Cooke and the Kent City Council.
The Kent Chamber of Commerce recognizes the challenges the city of Kent has faced regarding the Resource Center located on East 3rd and Meeker and we welcome the opportunity to work through a collaborative process that includes discussions with the Kent Chamber of Commerce,
During the last few days, we have received several requests from businesses to intercede. We currently do not have enough data from members and other cities to present a position. However, we feel strongly that the business community should not be circumvented when it comes to a policy that could have significant impact on the economic vitality of downtown. We recommend that an advisory committee be established with equitable distribution of the downtown business community, Kent Chamber of Commerce members and residents along with leaders from the city of Kent Economic Development and Parks Departments before the council makes a decision.
In 2011 there was a request for proposals for use of the building in question. A citizen’s panel was convened to review the proposals. None of the proposals submitted during this process were viable according to the committee.
We respectfully encourage the city of Kent to reengage efforts to vet all applicants for use of the building. Furthermore, we would ask that you research and fully disclose to the community the financial pros and cons of a contract of this magnitude.
The Kent Chamber of Commerce would welcome the opportunity to work with the city of Kent and the Kent Downtown Partnership in gathering community and stakeholder information regarding the use of the building in question. We urge you to slow down and not be influenced by politics or pressure from interested parties. The Kent Chamber of Commerce believes that when dealing with this building the most important aspects are financial feasibility, full community input, creating a fair and balanced process and looking to the future regarding the revitalization of downtown Kent.
Andrea Keikkala
Executive Director
Kent Chamber of Commerce
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