Community Advocates Question City Decisions on Sidewalks and Public Land Use

The Sedro-Woolley City Council meeting on May 28, 2025, featured a heated discussion regarding local infrastructure and property rights, particularly focusing on the removal of railroad tracks and the lack of sidewalks in certain areas.

A resident expressed frustration over the city's decision to remove tracks that they claimed were not city property, questioning the rationale behind the action. The individual highlighted safety concerns, noting that traffic has increased significantly in the area, making it dangerous for pedestrians. They argued that the funds used for the track removal could have been better allocated to installing sidewalks, especially near local businesses.

The resident also raised issues about property easements and the city's ownership of land under roads, citing legal documents and plat maps to support their claims. They emphasized that the city had not been granted public use of certain lands, which complicates the city's authority to make changes without proper notification to property owners.

Additionally, the resident criticized the city's communication regarding infrastructure projects, mentioning a lack of transparency about the expansion of the local library and other developments. They expressed concern that community input was not adequately sought, particularly regarding the use of grant money for these projects.

The meeting underscored ongoing tensions between residents and city officials over property rights and infrastructure planning, highlighting the need for clearer communication and community engagement in future decisions. The council's next steps in addressing these concerns remain to be seen as discussions continue.