The North Renton residents against the proposed Logan 6 development withdrew their appeal on the city of Renton’s approval to develop.

In a press release, the residents against the development said they will no longer be able to seek a legal action with an appeal due to “mounting costs” of legal fees.

“We filed an appeal in King County Superior Court about the proposed Logan 6 development. We did this because Renton City Government—namely the Mayor and the City Council—completely failed the North Renton Neighborhood, commuters on Logan Avenue, and businesses nearby,” said Matt Hanby, one of the petitioners of the appeal. “Unfortunately, we are unable to continue our appeal due to the significant legal costs that would likely accumulate this summer for legal briefs and court dates. We simply lack the resources to continue this fight in court.”

The residents said they will continue to picket in front of the proposed development of approximately 97 apartments and retail space on Logan Avenue and make public comments against the development at city council meetings. They also said they have met with each of the council members and Mayor Armondo Pavone to express concerns and suggest changes to the project.

“We are grateful for those who supported our appeal,” said petitioner Sheryl Friesz . “We were able to raise enough money in 24 hours to hire a lawyer, and since then donors have helped with ongoing legal fees.”

“As of Tuesday, July 1, no court filing has been received to dismiss the Logan 6 appeal in King County Superior Court, so we can’t comment on its merits at this time,” said Renton Communications and Engagement Director Laura Pettitt.

Petitioner Sharon Bolstead said the council members told them an appeal to the Superior Court was a better way to fight the proposal, but the costs for the individuals involved would exceed $30,000.

“In reality, it allows the council to further avoid involvement and accountability, which has been a hallmark of the council on this project,” Bolstead said.

Pettitt said Hearing Examiners’ decisions can be appealed directly to Superior Court, which has jurisdiction over final land use decisions under state law. The process reduces costs for all parties and streamlines appeals.

Renton Hearing Examiner Phil Olbrechts agreed with the city staff’s recommendations that the project is compliant with the city’s development regulations and comprehensive plan if the conditions of approval are met on March 3, 2025. The petitioners hired Bryan Telegin, specializing in land use and environmental law, to file the appeal against the decision within a month of the decision.

The local residents have expressed their concerns since fall of 2022 on the size of the development, the lack of allocated parking and the potential traffic problems from the entry and exit.

“The developer proposes a square peg in a round hole. The site is too narrow. The access points are wrong and will drive traffic into and through the nearby neighborhood,” Hanby said. “There isn’t enough parking on-site with no on-street parking. This 100-unit apartment building will create a 100-foot wall along North Logan Avenue at the edge of the North Renton Neighborhood from North 3rd Street to North 4th Street.”

Friesz also said the project includes an elementary school bus stop at the intersection on North 3rd Street and Logan Avenue, which she said would be a dangerous place to drop off children.

“This is another example of how the development is out of character with the neighborhood, with little forethought on the location,” Friesz said.

Pettitt said the city council’s role is limited to legislative actions, like adopting ordinances and policies, and it can’t interfere with the permitting process. She said the city is currently working with the residents and reviewing suggested code changes for future projects.