Council approves ordinance opening eminent-domain option for proposed NPRSA recreation site; vote 5–2
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Summary
After staff presented NPRSA site-selection work recommending three Woodinville parcels, the council voted 5–2 to adopt ordinance 779 authorizing use of eminent domain as a contingency while staff pursues negotiated purchase and environmental reviews.
The Woodinville City Council voted 5–2 on Jan. 7 to adopt ordinance 779, which authorizes the city to begin eminent-domain procedures for acquiring property and easements tied to a proposed Northshore Parks and Recreation Service Area (NPRSA) recreation and aquatic center sited in Woodinville.
City manager Buchanan summarized NPRSA’s feasibility work and site-screening process. He told the council NPRSA ultimately selected a Woodinville parcel after comparing three candidate sites in the district; staff identified three adjacent parcels north of the proposed roundabout that together total "just over 6 and a third acres." Buchanan said the city’s preferred approach remains negotiated settlement, but staff requested authority to start eminent-domain proceedings if negotiations do not succeed quickly because NPRSA needs access for a Phase 1 environmental review.
During public comment earlier, resident Gary Harris urged council caution, saying the project did not appear to meet the threshold for eminent domain and warning of potential legal challenges. In council debate, members voiced a mix of support and concern. Deputy Mayor Randolph and Council member Arndt stressed the regional benefits and the need to move the NPRSA planning process forward; Randolph said the city has long-term community needs that the regional partnership can address.
Opponents on the dais focused on cost allocation and fiscal risk. Council member Bess Campbell and Council member Baskinkel argued the city could be left “holding the bag” for land acquisition costs, questioned whether NPRSA commitments were firm, and said the council had not had sufficiently robust budget conversations about the financial implications for Woodinville taxpayers.
On the roll-call vote the clerk recorded: Evans Yes; Edwards Yes; Bess Campbell No; Mayor Millman Yes; Arndt Yes; Taylor No; Deputy Mayor Randolph Yes. The motion passed 5–2. Council recorded that no formal action was taken in the executive session that preceded the vote.
Staff said next steps include preparing offer packages, completing title and appraisal work, pursuing Phase 1 environmental review and continuing negotiations with property owners. Buchanan reiterated that eminent domain is a fallback option and the first objective is negotiated acquisition; if negotiations fail for certain parcels, the ordinance provides the legal steps necessary to proceed.
The council’s action allows staff to move forward with negotiation and environmental testing while retaining the option to pursue condemnation if required.