Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
PPOT committee backs SPU purchase of Telarus site to restore Yesler Creek, 5–0
Summary
The committee recommended passage of CB 121138 to authorize Seattle Public Utilities to buy the Telarus parcel in Laurelhurst to daylight Yesler Creek, augmenting the 2026 budget by $9.2 million (total acquisition ~$64 million); public commenters urged clarity on landmark protections and community engagement.
The Parks, Public Utilities and Technology Committee on Dec. 10 voted unanimously to recommend passage of Council Bill 121138, clearing the way for Seattle Public Utilities to acquire the Telarus property in the Laurelhurst neighborhood so the utility can restore a natural channel of Yesler Creek.
Seattle Public Utilities General Manager Andrew Lee told the committee the proposed purchase — negotiated with the property owner in lieu of condemnation — would allow the utility to comply with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife requirements to restore fish passage. Kevin Burrell, SPU senior policy advisor, said the site contains a 72-inch storm drain that now conveys Yesler Creek and is considered a fish barrier; when that pipe fails, state permits would require the city to make the corridor fish-passable within roughly five years.
The legislation augments $55 million already in SPU's adopted 2026 capital budget by an additional $9.2 million, creating an…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
