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Kirkland approves $2.54 million purchase option to expand Mark Twain Park; ordinance authorizes condemnation if necessary
Summary
Council approved a $2,540,000 purchase-and-sale agreement to add a 0.6-acre parcel to Mark Twain Park and adopted an ordinance permitting condemnation if negotiations fail; the parcel includes a leased cell-tower pad that generates ~ $63,000 annually.
The City Council voted Feb. 17 to authorize acquisition of a 0.6-acre parcel directly north of Mark Twain Park to add access and parking to the 6.6-acre neighborhood park.
Planning staff said the parcel's appraised fair market value is $2,540,000 and includes a leased cellular site that produces roughly $63,000 in annual revenue with scheduled escalators. "This is a unique property where we're not just purchasing a property, we actually are purchasing a property with a revenue stream," staff told council.
Council adopted Resolution R5721 authorizing the city manager to execute a purchase-and-sale agreement and then voted to adopt Ordinance O4926 authorizing condemnation should negotiations and the cell-carrier's first-right-of-refusal process prevent acquisition. The resolution and ordinance both passed unanimously, 7-0.
Council members framed the acquisition as a way to improve park access and equity for residents who cannot reach Mark Twain Park on foot. Council Member Primm asked whether creating parking inside the existing park footprint would be feasible; staff replied that converting parkland would degrade amenities and require tree removal, so purchasing the adjacent parcel was preferable.
Next steps: staff will finalize the purchase agreement, complete any required approvals tied to the cell-tower lease process, and plan small maintenance needs and long-term access and parking improvements.
Vote details: Resolution R5721 adopted (7-0). Ordinance O4926 adopted by roll call (7-0).
