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Committee approves acceptance of drainage easement in Lake City to fix recurring flooding
Summary
Seattle Public Utilities asked the committee to accept a recorded drainage easement at 14100 Westwood Place NE to install and operate drainage infrastructure to address repeated flooding and erosion. SPU said it paid $20,000 (appraised value) for the easement. The committee voted 4‑0 to forward the ordinance to full council.
The Parks, Public Utilities and Technology Committee recommended Wednesday that the City Council accept a drainage easement in the Lake City area to allow Seattle Public Utilities to install a drainage facility to stop repeated flooding and erosion.
Jerry Caruso, SPU's real property manager, told the committee the easement runs through a parcel on Westwood Place Northeast and is intended to address ongoing erosion and repeated flooding that affected both the roadway and private property uphill. SPU's small landslide project team assessed the site and determined new infrastructure on the private parcel was required to provide a more permanent solution.
"We obtained an appraisal and negotiated terms and agreed on fair market value," Caruso said. He told the committee SPU paid $20,000 — the appraised value — for the easement, which SPU said will significantly reduce risks and liabilities in the area.
Council members asked clarifying questions about whether the erosion affected the street; SPU confirmed the damage impacted both the partially built street and private land downhill. No members opposed the acceptance.
Chair Joy Hollingsworth moved the committee recommendation to pass council bill 121015 to accept the recorded easement (King County document number 20220817000046). The motion was seconded and carried 4‑0 (Council member Kettle: Aye; Council member Strauss: Yes; Council President Nelson: Aye; Chair Hollingsworth: Yes). The committee’s recommendation will be transmitted to the July 15, 2025 City Council meeting for final action.
