City now grows on once-fertile farmland

By DEBERA CARLTON HARRELL
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Small wonder that Kent hosts an annual hot-air balloon festival. Rising slowly above the Green River Valley is the best way to fully gauge the expanding boundaries of King County's fourth-largest city -- now the 10th-largest in the state.

Ask citizens -- old or young, native or newly arrived -- to describe Kent and they use the same word: "change."

They are talking about recent dramatic changes -- from a rich agricultural valley to one of the state's busiest industrial, transportation and distribution hubs.

From the earliest volcanic eruptions and mudflows, Kent has been a place where things happen. Like the Green River that meanders through the valley, the incessant sounds of hammers and traffic indicate Kent is simply running its course.

Some say that Kent is taking on more than its share of change in the rapidly expanding Puget Sound region, that growth has imbalanced the formerly stable, small-town Kent with too much industry and too much multiple housing too fast.

Others commend the city for achieving a balance between its business boom and such quality-of-life enhancers as parks and open space, arts and human services.

Continued:

• Thriving Kent works to keep community of neighborhoods
• Longtime residents keep rich history alive
• Booming farm community took root in valley
• 'Nice town' feel endures despite growth