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Council approves condemnation authority for Northeast 192nd sidewalk and culvert project after resident objections
Summary
The council adopted Ordinance 26‑0645 authorizing staff to pursue acquisition by negotiation or condemnation for the Northeast 192nd Street culvert replacement and sidewalk project; council debate focused on outreach, temporary easements and project priority before the measure passed 6–1.
Kenmore’s City Council voted 6–1 to adopt Ordinance 26‑0645, granting city staff authority to acquire, by negotiation or condemnation if necessary, property interests for the Northeast 192nd Street culvert replacement and sidewalk project. Staff described the project as at 60% design and in permitting, said the work may affect eight properties (three small permanent acquisitions and several temporary construction easements), and noted a narrow in‑water 'fish window' for construction from July 15 to Sept. 30.
Insurance Director John Vicente and Capital Projects Manager Terry Bielenberg told the council the condemnation authority is intended as a last resort to avoid missing grant deadlines and contracting windows. Bielenberg said, “Authorizing it now helps save time when it comes to the in‑water work and the permitting that we have to do.” She and Vicente said staff had begun outreach (door knocks, letters, website posts and direct calls) and will present offers and negotiate in good faith before pursuing legal action.
Several nearby residents used public comment to oppose the plan. Harley Jenks, who said he has lived on 192nd for years, told the council the project felt like “the cake is already baked” and urged re‑examination of the design after earlier community feedback. Charlene Gamen asked the council not to remove an established cedar tree at the corner and warned that a relocated fire hydrant would create a safety obstacle in the proposed path.
Council members debated the tradeoffs between safety, fish passage and community outreach. Councilmember McColvin expressed frustration about notice and urged stronger public engagement or scope modification; he said the sidewalk portion felt lower priority relative to other safety needs. Others emphasized pedestrian safety near an elementary school and the federal grant support for the culvert work. The chair called the motion to adopt the ordinance and it passed on a roll‑call vote, 6 to 1.
Next steps: staff will continue negotiations with property owners and proceed with permitting and final design; the condemnation authority remains a contingency if voluntary agreements cannot be reached.
