“We live in the best neighborhood in the best city in the Puget Sound area.”<\/em> <\/em>It\u2019s a powerful vision and tremendous goal.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The city of Kent wants to hear what people living and working on the East Hill believe needs to happen to\u00a0be able to\u00a0speak those words.\u00a0 A\u00a0collaborative discussion and forum\u00a0will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.\u00a0 Saturday, March 3<\/strong> in the PERC Multi-Purpose Room at East Hill Elementary School, 9825 S. 240th<\/sup> Street, Kent.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n According to Josh Hall, Kent\u2019s Economic Development\u00a0Specialist\u00a0and project lead,\u00a0we\u2019ll begin imagining East Hill as “the best\u00a0neighborhood in the best city<\/em>” and discuss the pathway to make the vision a reality.\u00a0 \u201cThis forum is intended to be a collaborative, community-driven effort that provides an opportunity for all East Hill\u00a0residents\u00a0to be a part of creating a plan that leads to positive and real changes,\u201d Hall said.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The city of Kent was awarded a $20,000 grant from the United Way King County\u2019s New Solutions Fund to initiate the East Hill revitalization project.\u00a0 Hall said the project aims to create and foster a thriving diverse neighborhood through community collaboration and leadership development.\u00a0 \u201cWe hope to develop a shared community vision that provides the foundation for the long-term revitalization of the area.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Harpreet Gill, owner of Punjab Sweets restaurant<\/a> and community advocate, says she\u2019s very excited about beginning a grass roots revitalization effort on the East Hill.\u00a0 \u201cI think it\u2019s really crucial for the residents and business owners on East Hill to rally together and establish a unique identity for this neighborhood.\u00a0 We have an amazingly diverse community, and we need others to recognize and appreciate the unique services and products we offer,\u201d said Gill.\u00a0 \u201cThis new facelift can be accomplished through a shared common vision and passion for our children, economic growth, safety, and the future vitality of our community.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Forum attendees will hear a report on the state of the East Hill as it relates to crime and safety, the school district, the economy, and the growing diversity throughout the neighborhood.\u00a0 Participants will also identify priorities for the neighborhood, and those interested, will help create a steering group to lead the ongoing revitalization effort. Lunch will be provided for attendees.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Attendees are asked to RSVP to Josh Hall at\u00a0Jhall@kentwa.gov<\/a> or call\u00a0253-856-5707<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n