Description: The City of Kennewick and Benton-Franklin Council of Governments (BFCOG) have embarked on an Area-Wide Planning (AWP) initiative to support revitalization and attract redevelopment/investment in Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods with emphasis on the properties within the Downtown core.

Location: The Downtown Kennewick AWP Focus Area (see map below) is generally bounded by Fruitland Street to the west, Canal Drive to the north, Alder Street to the east, and properties along 1st Avenue to the south.

Survey: Please take the opportunity to participate in this 24 question (10 minute) survey so your feedback, preferences, and desires are incorporated into the revitalization plan for Downtown –Kennewick's Downtown revitalization should reflect the community’s values, desires, and needs.

Why: Downtown Kennewick is an important commercial district and community gathering area. Help us explore opportunities to improve its functionality, aesthetics/visual appearance, and economic viability.

Disclaimer: Your personal information will not be collected or recorded.

Contact: City of Kennewick Economic Development - business@ci.kennewick.wa.us


Thank you for your participation – your feedback is important!

Map of Focus Area


ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFORMATION:

Project Objectives - The City and BFCOG are conducting this AWP initiative to explore existing Downtown conditions, engage with the community, and define revitalization opportunities and strategies in Downtown Kennewick.

The key objectives will be to:

  • identify property/building conditions and Downtown sites with redevelopment potential,
  • assess the City’s current zoning and development standards conditions,
  • engage with community members and stakeholders to define local priorities and revitalization ideas,
  • identify potential capital projects that would support revitalization,
  • create an Urban Design Plan for the focus area (including potential land use designations, mobility enhancements, and future amenities), and
  • define implementation strategies.

Potential Outcomes – The AWP initiative will result in a series of recommendations that would improve Downtown’s appearance, vitality, and economic conditions.

Funding Background: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant money is being used to fund this planning endeavor. The EPA awarded a Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant to the BFCOG and its coalition partners to (i) identify brownfield sites across the region, (ii) create an action plan for site cleanup, and (iii) define strategies for reuse and redevelopment of those sites and surrounding neighborhoods. The EPA defines a brownfield as “real property, the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant”. Existing and former industrial uses, vehicle service stations, and abandoned structures fall within this definition.