Residents and local professionals urged the Kent City Council on Sept. 17 to favor homeownership and increase public input in redevelopment of the Old Davie Bridal site and the nearby old railroad property. Melanie Neff, a resident, and Doug Fuller, a retired local architect, spoke during public comment; the Clerk's Office also noted letters from Jake Shields of Grama Fox Capital about the project.

Neff, who said she lives at 615 Hudson Road, told council she favors redevelopment that creates opportunities for ownership rather than more high-end rentals. She described her own house as "a 960 square foot" one-floor home and said she wants more options for retirees and working households who seek to own and walk in the historic South End. Neff suggested partnering with Habitat for Humanity or other local nonprofits and asked council to encourage developers to consider donating land or building smaller ownership units.

The appeal was echoed by Doug Fuller, who identified himself as an architect and longtime Kent resident. Fuller asked council to restore or preserve opportunities for public presentations to the city’s Architectural Review Board and to invite long-serving volunteers to present past ARB reviews so council members can see how voluntary design changes improved projects. "I'm asking you to preserve the republic and let the public come in and talk to you about this," Fuller said, urging the council to allow the ARB and other volunteers to present their work and recommendations before major projects are finalized.

Council staff told members they had received at least one letter from Jake Shields of Grama Fox Capital following recent discussions about the Old Davie Bridal site; the Clerk’s report said similar correspondence had been shared with council and community members on Aug. 29 and Sept. 8. Council did not take a formal vote or direct staff to adopt a particular redevelopment plan during the Sept. 17 meeting. Several council members noted letters had been received and posted to the public record.

Why it matters: redevelopment of centrally located parcels can change the mix of housing in the city, affect parking and traffic patterns, and shape whether retirees and lower-income households can access ownership opportunities. Advocates at the meeting recommended using the land to support smaller ownership units, sweat-equity programs, or partnerships with groups such as Habitat for Humanity.

Next steps: Council did not adopt legislation Sept. 17. The letters from Grama Fox Capital remain in the Clerk's record, and public advocates said they will volunteer to work with staff and developers on alternate ownership-focused proposals.