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Resident urges Tacoma to require University of Washington payment for street vacation
Summary
At the March 11 IPS meeting, Kit Burns urged the city to require the University of Washington to contribute funds for a street vacation instead of allowing a waived payment, saying the university can afford to contribute and proceeds could support other transportation projects.
Kit Burns addressed the committee during public comment to oppose a perceived exemption for the University of Washington in a street vacation decision. "I don't see why they should get a free pass," Burns said, urging the council to require some payment or contribution so the city can fund other transportation projects.
Burns referenced previous presentations and suggested the university could afford to contribute, noting a high coaching salary as an example of institutional resources. The committee chair and staff later clarified that the university did make a reduced contribution rather than paying nothing. Ramiro Chavez, Environmental Services Director, confirmed there was a "reduced contribution," saying the payment was not zero.
Chair Walker said staff would correct the record with the committee and that staff could follow up offline with additional details. No formal action was taken at the meeting; the matter was recorded as public comment and will be part of the committee’s ongoing agenda record.
