Kent committee adopts emergency ordinance barring private covenants that block grocery, pharmacy uses

Kent's Committee of the Whole voted Tuesday to adopt an emergency ordinance making private contract provisions that bar the use of land for grocery stores, drugstores or pharmacies void and unenforceable.

The ordinance, presented by senior attorney Anshul Baga of the city attorney's office, would also prohibit private parties from acquiring or leasing property with the intent of withholding land to restrain trade and prevent those retail uses. Baga told council the measure includes civil and criminal municipal enforcement options and preserves the city's ability to pursue other legal…