There’s still no deal in the negotiations for the city to purchase the empty lots at the corner of Federal and Republican for a new Capitol Hill park. But the Parks Department has been authorized to spend the money necessary to buy the land.
Seattle Parks spokesperson Don Harris tells CHS that talks with the investment group that owns the land are progressing but that the Mayor’s office requested a review of the purchase plan. According to Harris, Mayor Mike McGinn has signed off on the plan. “The concern is with all these new projects, it was a momentary question,” Harris said. “Let’s think about this. Well, the decision was that acquiring this land makes sense.” Harris said the approval is not for a specific dollar amount but was basically a go/no go decision.
Parks planners have said they expect to spend around $1.3 million to acquire land for the latest new Capitol Hill park. The situation has been playing out for months. In March, the landowner surprised nearby residents when it installed a chain link fence surrounding the property.
A representative for Fedrep Investors, LLC, the company that owns the land targeted by Seattle Parks for the new project, told CHS that the group has nothing to say about the negotiations at this time.
A few guys showed up this morning with front loader. They dug a large hole in the middle of the lot, put a fence around it, then left. Not sure what’s up. Maybe they’re planting mutant giant tomatoes in our soon to be pea patch.
Take the fence down NOW!
Is the land still owned by the developer?
If it is (which is my understanding) – why would they want you to trespass on their lot. If you get injured the liability is theirs. If I were that developer – I’d be doing the exact same thing. Don’t want people to think that it’s public space when I still hold the responsibility.
Why is the developer greedy? Is it that they are trying to make some money on land they bought like anybody with a brain would want to do?
There is a sign on the fence that says they are looking for any buried oil tanks, and that one has been found.
I live across the street from the soon to be park. what is the deal with the plastic birds (bought from retrofit home i think) all stuck to the fence?
Checking in on this and more! Let me know what you know! [email protected]