December 24, 2002
RENTON -- As part of its comprehensive plan process, the city of Renton has declared a six-month moratorium on large projects on industrially-zoned land.
Big box retailers, like wholesale clubs, are permitted under Renton's heavy industrial zoning code. A Fry's Electronics store is under construction on industrial land surplused by Boeing. Also Target has been active in the area of the Boeing plant, and Sam's Club, the wholesale club division of Wal-Mart, has just closed on a nearby property.
Alex Pietsch of Renton's Economic Development office, said that big box retail will receive close scrutiny during the moratorium, adding that the city is concerned about any development that would preclude its planning goals. Near Lake Washington, those goals have centered on mixed-use development.
The city says it remains committed to traditional industrial uses like Paccar and Boeing. Public hearings will be required for changes in land use designations. Those have not yet been scheduled.
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