City considers eminent domain for civic center
“Two months into construction and the City of Sequim’s Civic Center may see some hiccups with a neighboring property that could delay the project.
The city has been awaiting paperwork to go through on the purchase of a house at 191 W. Spruce St., owned by Steven and Peggy Sutherland of Renton, which will be used for parking once demolished.
City Manager Steve Burkett said the city has had an agreement with the Sutherlands for close to two years to buy their home for $89,000 but the city hasn’t receives approval from the Sutherland’s lending institution.
“They loaned them more than what it’s worth ($140,000) and we’re trying to get them to approve the short sale,” he said.
If the city and bank can’t reach an agreement, then it could go to court, Burkett said, “unless we get an agreement from the bank to go along with the owners’ wishes.”
The city holds a public hearing on whether or not to exercise power of eminent domain, (condemnation), against the property for public use and necessity for the Civic Center at 6 p.m. Monday, June 9, in the Clallam Transit Center, 190 W. Cedar St.”
Nash, Matthew. Sequim Gazette 4 June 2014.