“We live in the best neighborhood in the best city in the Puget Sound area.” It’s a powerful vision and tremendous goal.

The city of Kent wants to hear what people living and working on the East Hill believe needs to happen to be able to speak those words.  A collaborative discussion and forum will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Saturday, March 3 in the PERC Multi-Purpose Room at East Hill Elementary School, 9825 S. 240^th Street, Kent.

According to Josh Hall, Kent’s Economic Development Specialist and project lead, we’ll begin imagining East Hill as “the best neighborhood in the best city” and discuss the pathway to make the vision a reality.  “This forum is intended to be a collaborative, community-driven effort that provides an opportunity for all East Hill residents to be a part of creating a plan that leads to positive and real changes,” Hall said.

The city of Kent was awarded a $20,000 grant from the United Way King County’s New Solutions Fund to initiate the East Hill revitalization project.  Hall said the project aims to create and foster a thriving diverse neighborhood through community collaboration and leadership development.  “We hope to develop a shared community vision that provides the foundation for the long-term revitalization of the area.”

Harpreet Gill, owner of Punjab Sweets restaurant and community advocate, says she’s very excited about beginning a grass roots revitalization effort on the East Hill.  “I think it’s really crucial for the residents and business owners on East Hill to rally together and establish a unique identity for this neighborhood.  We have an amazingly diverse community, and we need others to recognize and appreciate the unique services and products we offer,” said Gill.  “This new facelift can be accomplished through a shared common vision and passion for our children, economic growth, safety, and the future vitality of our community.”

Forum attendees will hear a report on the state of the East Hill as it relates to crime and safety, the school district, the economy, and the growing diversity throughout the neighborhood.  Participants will also identify priorities for the neighborhood, and those interested, will help create a steering group to lead the ongoing revitalization effort. Lunch will be provided for attendees.

Attendees are asked to RSVP to Josh Hall at Jhall@kentwa.gov or call 253-856-5707.

The Pomegranate Center (www.pomegranate.org), a regional non-profit that helps people to build better communities throughout the United States, will facilitate the forum which will be the first step in a three phase community driven revitalization process.  The event is sponsored by the city of Kent in collaboration with East Hill residents and the United Way King County.

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