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Woodinville council approves options to purchase three parcels for proposed NPRSA rec center; total acquisition estimate about $16M
Summary
Council voted unanimously to approve option offer packages for three parcels identified for a potential NPRSA recreation and aquatic facility. Appraisals (assuming IMU rezoning) total roughly $13.5 million; staff estimated relocation costs of about $2 million, bringing a potential acquisition and relocation total near $16 million. Council debated risk-sharing, grant prospects and timing before approving the options.
The Woodinville City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 20 to authorize staff to transmit offer packages that would secure options to purchase three parcels identified as a prospective site for a Northshore Park & Recreation Service Area (NPRSA) recreation and aquatic facility.
Acquisition staff presented appraisals for the three parcels (Gonzales, White Scarver, and the KPM Wood Mill site) that, together, total roughly $13.5 million. Staff noted the appraisals were prepared on the assumption that the properties could be rezoned to an East Rail Mixed-Use (IMU/EMU) designation; that assumption raises appraised values above a purely GB valuation. Staff also estimated relocation and tenant-move costs at about $2 million, putting a potential overall acquisition and relocation estimate near $16 million.
Acquisition staff recommended securing a two-year option (drafted to expire in 2027) that would allow environmental reconnaissance, site evaluation and further negotiations without obligating the city to immediate purchase. "All three offer packages do not, at this point, purchase the property. They are securing an option to purchase the property at the appraised value," staff said.
Councilmembers debated financial risk and timing. Councilmember Bess Campbell urged caution and asked for stronger guarantees that the city would not bear disproportionate cost, proposing an amendment to require NPRSA to reimburse the city through levy reductions; that amendment failed on roll call. Proponents of the option approach emphasized timing and the need to provide NPRSA and potential grantors a concrete site so planning, environmental review and a potential NPRSA levy can proceed. Supporters noted potential funding partners, including county and federal sources discussed in separate staff remarks.
On roll call the main motion passed unanimously. Following the vote, staff said the option approach preserves time for NPRSA to complete site evaluation, for grant applications to be pursued, and for the levy process to unfold if NPRSA chooses to seek voter support.
