A neighbor would like to share this information, about nearby Montlake Boulevard Market, posted on the Montlake Community Council website, located at the Montlake exit on 520 eastbound, and the effort to save it from WSDOT’s decision to pursue acquisition of the market and adjoining gas station through eminent domain.
Saving The Montlake Blvd Market – Update
The Montlake Community Club extends a huge thanks to all in Montlake (and beyond) for donating $29,000 to cover legal fees to help save the Montlake Boulevard Market. We especially thank Montlake resident Hans Kehl who volunteered to lead the neighborhood’s legal effort and attended our court hearing.
You might have read in the paper Flyer last month that unfortunately, on September 6, a King County Superior Court judge ruled against the MCC and the property owners and granted WSDOT approval to move forward with the condemnation of the market and gas station. The MCC and our attorney, Dave Bricklin, argued that WSDOT did not consider the environmental impacts associated with closing the Montlake Market. By intervening in the case, the MCC hoped to strengthen the argument for saving the market and force WSDOT to consider alternatives.
The judge’s decision means the future of the Montlake Boulevard Market and the gas station are in doubt. WSDOT claims they need the properties for a variety of reasons that include re-routing traffic and staging. The “Montlake Phase” of the 520 project begins next year and then the “Rest of the West” portion will begin after that, so WSDOT could occupy the property for the next 12 years.
The fight is not over yet. After paying our legal fees to date, the MCC has a small amount of money remaining to help launch an appeal.
We are still accepting donations to cover court fees and legal bills. We have filed a notice of appeal in the case and are preparing to appeal. Opening briefs are due at the end of this month, and the case would likely be heard in January of next year.
If WSDOT wins, it still must go through the process of determining value and fairly compensating the property owners, which could take some time.
Donate to our efforts either on our GoFundMe page or by clicking the Donate button on the right side of this page to give through Paypal. Make sure to note your donation is for Saving the Market.
Here is additional information:
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