All SE Seattle all the time… Who cares what's north of I-90?
The scene near 44th Avenue South and South Kenyon in the Dunlap neighborhood between Othello and Rainier Beach early this morning after suspected cop killer Maurice Clemmons was shot and killed by a lone officer from the South Precinct. Photo/David Mullarkey Images
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By Jenna Walden
SE Seattle Retail: Is a Trader Joe’s the silver bullet for Rainier Valley’s retail woes?
The Rainier Valley has long had a dearth of recognizable brand retail stores and been a haven for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The bad news is that many of us drive to other Seattle neighborhoods, Tukwila or Mercer Island for shopping. The good news is that many self-starters have had an opportunity to make a living by owning their own business and offering unique and localized products and services.
When we complain about retail in Rainier Valley, the first name that comes to our lips is Trader Joe’s (whispered). Trader Joe’s is apparently the ‘Holy Grail’ of retail for Seattlites, if it comes, the rest will follow.
Over the years through the boom (and now the bust), we’ve scored a couple times: Ross Dress for Less has opened in Genesse, and Safeway is remodeling their store in Othello. Columbia City is thriving. But greater hopes and dreams for keeping our spending dollars here in the SE, generally speaking, have fled with the appearance of more Pay Day stores, and little else.
What do we do?
The Rainier Valley has financial resources such as the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF), technical resources such as the Office of Economic Development (city of Seattle) and political momentum behind our backs due to the arrival of the light rail. How do we create a framework for a thriving retail community that forces local residents to say, “Hey we don’t need to drive to Tukwila!”
It can only start here, folks. If we don’t support our own local retail community, then we can’t expect others to. And if we don’t like what we have, then we need to educate ourselves to find out what needs to happen.
Let me phrase it this way: What needs to be done for our neighborhood to be appealing to Trader Joe’s?
Tonight at the New Holly Gathering Hall (7054 34th Avenue South) from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., retail expert Kennedy Smith will be on hand to answer questions about how the community and the City can lay the groundwork for a strong retail community which increases the diversity of goods and services here. Kennedy Smith has spent the last six months studying the Rainier Valley and interviewing many, many stakeholders. Her face-to-face perspective is available tonight only, before she flies off to DC for good.
Before she finalizes the study, the broader community gets this one chance at documenting our perceptions and support for her preliminary recommendations. The final study will be use as an executable document as to what the City and other partners will do to develop growth. I hope you will come.
Coffee and refreshments are provided. If you need an interpreter, please call 206-684-8090.
Related:
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Seattle Times (RVP News Partner):
Maurice Clemmons, the suspect wanted in slaying of four Lakewood police officers, was shot and killed in South Seattle early this morning.
Clemmons, who reportedly was armed with a handgun taken from one of officers he is accused of killing, was standing outside in the 4400 block of South Kenyon Street when he was confronted by a South Precinct patrol officer. He refused commands to stop was shot by the officer about 2:45 a.m.
According to Seattle Assistant Police Chief Jim Pugel, the officer was on patrol came when he upon a car that had been reported stolen and the car was running. Read more.
Photo/David Mullarkey Images
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