COUNCIL SETS NEW POLICY FOR LAND SALES
Past controversy produces enhanced notification & more public input
SEATTLE –Today, the Seattle City Council unanimously adopted a resolution giving citizens more notice and additional opportunity for comment on the sale of City owned properties.
“This is clearly a victory for open government,” said Councilmember Jean Godden, co-sponsor of the resolution. “Neighbors will be better informed and will get more opportunities to be involved with what’s happening to surplus city properties,” she said.
Controversy arose over proposed sales of what was called Soundway East property in West Seattle and several City Light substation properties in 2004. As a result, the Council reviewed its procedures for evaluating the disposal of City real property. Today’s resolution is a result of that review, directing the City’s mayor to make changes addressing citizen concerns.
“After hearing from neighbors about the Soundway Property controversy, we knew changes needed to be made,” said Councilmember Tom Rasmussen. “This resolution was necessary to ensure everyone involved is notified and they have an opportunity to have an affect on the decision made about their neighborhood.”
Resolution 30862 will: 1) increase the number of people and types of groups that must be notified; 2) improve the way in which information is shared with the public; and 3) increase opportunities for public review and comment at key points in the process regarding proposed reuse or sale of surplus property.
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City Council
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