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Federal Way council adopts condemnation ordinance for SR-99/South 370th roundabout after staff explanation
Summary
The council adopted Council Bill 915 to authorize condemnation of partial property interests needed for a roundabout at Pacific Highway (SR 99) and South 370th Street; staff said condemnation is a statutory step after negotiations and will include judicial determination of fair market value if needed.
The Federal Way City Council on Oct. 7 adopted an ordinance (Council Bill 915) authorizing the city to pursue acquisition, including condemnation if necessary, of partial property interests to construct a roundabout and related right-of-way improvements at State Route 99 (Pacific Highway) and South 370th Street.
Public Works Director EJ Walsh explained the condemnation ordinance is a statutory tool used when negotiations to acquire the property have not closed. "Condemnation is a method where there's an essential public need for public safety to construct improvements for the betterment of the community," Walsh said, and added that the process includes multiple checks and a judicial determination of fair market value if the parties cannot reach agreement.
Councilmember McDaniel asked whether an appraisal had been provided; Walsh confirmed no appraisal was presented to the council that evening. Councilmember (speaker 12) moved to approve the ordinance on second reading; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Council emphasized that condemnation does not mean immediate taking of title and that staff will continue negotiations; the ordinance directs staff to exhaust reasonable negotiation efforts and, if necessary, initiate legal proceedings to acquire the property in the manner provided by law.
The ordinance specifically described the public use and necessity for right-of-way improvements in the vicinity of SR 99 at South 370th and directed the city attorney to initiate necessary actions and proceedings if negotiations are unsuccessful.
