By Highlands Community Council
January 27, 2010
For more information contact:
Gregg Zimmerman, Public Works Administrator 425-430-7311
Alex Pietsch, Community & Economic Development Administrator 425-430-6592
Preeti Shridhar, Communications Director 425-430-6569
Renton, WA: New sidewalks are appearing in the Renton Highlands as part of the city’s redevelopment plan for the neighborhood. As part of the city’s Sunset Area Community Investment Strategy, work on a new concrete sidewalk is underway from NE 5th Street to NE 20th Street, between Edmonds Avenue NE and Monroe Avenue NE, in the Renton Highlands.
A total of 4,700 linear feet of sidewalk is being constructed. The project includes new four-foot wide sidewalks and installation of 20 wheelchair accessible ramps to significantly improve pedestrian safety.
“This project will greatly enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists in the Sunset neighborhood,” said Mayor Denis Law. “Sidewalk improvements were identified as one of the key priorities of the Highlands community and this project is part of our overall redevelopment plan for the neighborhood.”
The Sunset Area Community Investment Strategy (CIS) is based on the recommendations of the Highlands Task Force, and proposes a plan for redevelopment and public investments in the Renton Highlands. The timing of the CIS is in conjunction with redevelopment plans for Sunset Terrace, a Renton Housing Authority property, as well as potential development by the Renton School District. CIS recommendations include creating a “third place” or public gathering space in conjunction with a relocated and expanded Highlands library, initiating pedestrian and streetscape improvements, advocating for improvements on Sunset Boulevard, and the development of a sub-regional storm water drainage facility.
The sidewalk project will cost $148,606 and is expected to be completed by March. For more information on this project and the Sunset Area Community Investment Strategy visit RentonWa.gov.
By Highlands Community Council
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:January 29, 2010
Contact:Anee Brar, Asset Building Program Manager, 360.725.4150
Chuck Hunter, Commerce Communications, 360.725.2674
Thousands entitled to Earned Income Tax Credit payment could miss out
Free tax help for low to moderate-income taxpayers available by dialing 211
Olympia, WA - The state is urging you to apply for your share of millions in Earned Income Tax Credit money available to eligible families and individuals from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Today is National “Earned Income Tax Credit Day,” designated to help raise awareness of this federal program that goes unused by about 20 to 25 percent of qualified workers who are entitled to receive a check for up to $5,657. Based on these estimates, as much as $140 to $174 million could go unclaimed by Washington residents eligible for the credit.
“You work hard and you earn every dollar,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire. “Taking advantage of the tax credit is the right thing to do for yourself and your family.”
Thousands of working families and individuals in Washington each year fails to apply for the credit, missing out on their share of the money. Seniors, individuals with low incomes, and non-English speaking tax payers account for much of the unclaimed credits because they do not realize that they are eligible for it. Last year, 380,000 people applied for the credit, bringing about $696 million into the state’s economy.
The Washington State Department of Commerce has teamed up with the IRS, AARP Tax Aide, Community Action agencies, United Way agencies, banks and credit unions across the state to remind eligible taxpayers that they must file a 2009 federal income tax return to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit - even if they owe no tax. Communities throughout Washington are taking part in the national Earned Income Tax Credit Day on Friday to promote the tax credit.
Groups promoting the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) have a simple message: It’s your money. Come get it. Any individual or couple who worked in 2009 should file for the EITC. The amount of the tax credit depends on family size and gross income. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) also provides a temporary increase in EITC for taxpayers with three or more qualifying children. Following are eligibility requirements:
- With three or more qualifying children, income less than $43,279 or $48,279 if married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $5,657
- With two qualifying children, income less than $40,295 or $45,295 if married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $5,028
- With one qualifying child, income less than $35,463 or $40,463 married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $3,043.
- With no children, income less than $13,440 or $18,440 married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $457.
Free tax preparation services are available to low and moderate-income families now through April 15. A directory of site locations throughout the state is available by dialing 2-1-1, Washington’s Information Network. Ask for “free tax preparation” and operators will provide free tax site locations and hours in your area.
Commerce is the lead state agency charged with growing and improving jobs in Washington State. For more information, visit www.commerce.wa.gov.
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Local Media Contacts:
Blue Mountain Action Council (Walla Walla County), Noah Leavitt, (773) 991-3860
Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council, (Chelan & Douglas Counties) Linda Limbeck, 509.662.6156
Kitsap Community Resources, (Kitsap County) Charmaine Scott, (360) 473-2004
Lower Columbia Community Action Programs (Cowlitz County), Liz Myntti, (360) 578-4209
Northwest Native American Asset Building Coalition (Tribes), Bear Alexander, 206-579-7642
Olympic Community Action Programs (Clallam & Jefferson Counties), Peter Badame, (360) 385-2571
Opportunity Council, (Whatcom County) Anjali Englund, (360) 734-5121 ext.233
Pierce County Associated Ministries, Barbara Gorzinski, (253) 383-3056 ext. 118
Skagit County Community Action Program, Lynn Christopherson, (360) 416-7585
Spokane County United Way, Mandy Fyhrie, (509) 838-6581 x 112
United Way of King County (Seattle, King County), Courtney Noble, (206) 461-5048
United Way of Snohomish County, (Snohomish County) Deborah Squires, (425) 921-3447
United Way of Thurston County, (Thurston County) Stephanie Blumhagen, (360) 943-2773 x11
United Way of Yakima County, (Yakima County) Steven Loeb, (509) 248-3950 x134
WSU Extension, (Kittitas County) Ava Vanvelsor, (509) 773-5817 or 5620
By Highlands Community Council
Over the past week we’ve recevied e-mails from a majority of citizens that oppose annexing the Renton Public Library into King County.
We believe you can come to your own conclusions, but please examine both sides. Please take a look at the endorsements on both sites. Do you notice anything?
Those againist the annexation can visit a blog at www.votenotilyouknow.wordpress.com. They have also setup a web site at www.saverentonlibrary.org.
Those for the annexation can visit a blog at www.rentonforkclsnow.org.
With the recent debacle of the Green River and the Howard Hanson Dam, do we really want to hand over a City of Renton asset to King County? Fortunately it will be up to the voters to decide. Maybe we can move the library over to the former King County Elections Headquarters on Grady? We hear the building is vacant.
If you would like to view the video from the Renton City Council Meeting on January 11, 2010 where the Library was discussed, it is available here: renton.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=404. If you want to jump directly to the library presentations, select “Public Meeting” on the dropdown list directly below the video.
By Highlands Community Council
Is Renton next to make cuts like these?
KIRKLAND, Wash. — Budget cuts are making a mess in this Eastside city.Money is so tight the city is trashing trash cans, and park users are left to clean up the mess.
Right now, it’s just a can here, and some trash there. But Kirkland park users worry they could be the first signs of the city’s $3 million budget gap.
Read more at KOMONews.com.
By Claudia Donnelly
via the Issaquah School District E-News (ISDe-news@ISSAQUAH.WEDNET.EDU)
The Issaquah School Board wants to hear from YOU! The Board is holding threelinkage meetings-one in each high-school attendance area-to meet parents and community members and discuss educational topics (goals for the District, students’ school experience, etc.). The first linkage meeting is 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 19, at Maywood Middle School. The next two linkage meetings are yet to be scheduled-stay tuned. All community members are invited to each meeting.
You are a hot commodity: The Superintendent also wants to hear from YOU! Dr. Steve Rasmussen is holding a Superintendent’s Coffee from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 26, at the Liberty High library. Everyone can come chat with him about schools and education-whatever’s on your mind.. The following two Superintendent’s Coffees are 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, March 17, at the Issaquah High library and 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, May 17, at the Skyline High library.
By Claudia Donnelly
Guest post from Claudi Donnelly
Stay tuned for Claudia’s Corner Coming Soon
Happy New Year Everyone!
In the next few weeks — around January 18, ballots will be mailed to everyone for the upcoming election. There are a number of issues that will effect this area.
The Issaquah School District will have a 3 issues requiring voter approval — a Maintenance and Operations Levy, a proposal to buy new buses and a Technology Levy.
The King County Library System will have a levy issue asking for more money from taxpayers. In addition, those of you who reside in the City of Renton, you will be asked if you want to annex to the KCLS or do you want to keep the current city library system.
In addition, two local areas will be asked if they want to annex to Renton — the Sunset East Annexation area and the Honey Creek Annexation area.
Another issue that I told you about before — guardian abuse. If any of you have had a bad experience with a guardian and a vulnerable adult, the legislature wants to hear from you. Someone I know is collecting stories to pass onto legislators in order to help pass legislation protecting our seniors. Let me know if you have any
questions.
Also in the same venue. Two ladies I know, plus myself, will be meeting with a University of Washington Provost on February 23 to discuss the University’s hiring practices regarding corrupt guardians teaching at the UW. If you have any comments/questions, let me know.
Keep you eyes open for receiving your ballots in the mail. They are to be postmarked by February 9.
Have a good day.
See ya.
Claudia
