Drafter
Clerk 12/10/2014
Title
AN ORDINANCE authorizing the King County prosecutor's office to condemn certain property located at 915 Howell Street, Seattle, WA on behalf of the Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District to facilitate the construction of the new convention center expansion located in council district four.
Body
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. The Washington State Convention Center ("WSCC") is a King County public facilities district as authorized by RCW 36.100.010. In Resolution 2014-9 dated September 23, 2014, the WSCC has determined it is necessary to expand the current WSCC facility to accommodate additional and larger convention events; that 915 Howell Street, Seattle WA ("the subject property") is necessary for the WSCC expansion project; and that despite good faith efforts to negotiate with the property owner, WSCC has been unable to acquire the subject property. The resolution states the WSSC's understanding that all costs and expenses incurred by King County in prosecuting the eminent domain proceeding will be reimbursed by WSCC as well as any amounts necessary to acquire the property by eminent domain or otherwise.
2. King County has the authority under RCW 36.100.240 to exercise its power of eminent domain to acquire property on behalf of the WSCC when the property to be condemned is necessary to carry out the purposes of the WSCC.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. The King County council deems expansion of the Washington State Convention Center to be a public use and for county purposes. Further, the King County council deems it necessary and in the best interests of the citizens of King County for the property described in Attachment A to this ordinance be condemned, appropriated, taken or damaged, subject to the making or paying of just compensation to the owner of the property in the manner provided by law.
SECTION 2. Condemnation proceedings are hereby authorized to acquire property and property rights as described in Attachment A to this ordinance for the purpose of expanding the Washington State Convention Center.
SECTION 3. The attorneys for King County are hereby authorized and directed to begin to prosecute the proceedings provided by law to condemn, take, damage or appropriate the land and other property and property rights, including leaseholds, necessary to carry out the provisions of this ordinance, with the costs of the proceedings, including litigation and acquisition expenses, legal costs, fees, interest and all other associated or related costs to be paid for by the Washington State Convention Center, all
as provided in the Special Deputy Prosecutor Appointment Agreement, dated February 10, 2015, Attachment B to this ordinance.