The Kirkland City Council will consider the purchase of 5.5 miles of the Eastside Rail Corridor that lies within Kirkland City limits, known as the “Kirkland Segment” from the Port of Seattle.
Detailed information will be presented at a study session, which begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 12.
The council will formally consider a Purchase and Sale Agreement during the regular meeting that begins at 7:30 p.m.
The proposed agreement is for the purchase of the corridor, formerly owned by Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad, between 108th Avenue N.E. and Slater Avenue N.E. (132nd Place N.E.) for $5 million.
Kirkland has long been interested in the Kirkland Segment as the site of a pathway for bicycle and pedestrian transportation.
As early as 1986, the segment was shown in the Lakeview and Central Houghton neighborhood plans as a possible pedestrian and bicycle corridor. The city envisioned a Cross-Kirkland Trail that, once developed, would parallel the existing rail line.
In February, the council identified completion of due diligence for the purchase of the Kirkland Segment of the rail corridor on its 2011 Council Work Plan.
In April, the council approved an Interest Statement, which reflects the community’s desire for the corridor to serve the transportation needs of Kirkland, remain in public ownership, and contribute to economic sustainability.
The entire rail corridor is 44 miles long and runs from Snohomish to Renton.
In late 2009, the Port of Seattle purchased the portion of the corridor between Woodinville and Snohomish from BNSF. The balance of the corridor was donated by BNSF to the Port.
If the council approves the Purchase and Sales Agreement and agreement is executed, a 60-day inspection period would begin.
This will allow the city to conduct “due diligence” with respect to the property and the structures on the property.
After the inspection is completed and any identified issues are addressed, the parties would have until March 15, 2012 to close the transaction.
To view the staff memo to the council, go to the City Council Agenda page at www.kirklandwa.gov/council and select “Agendas.”
The council will accept public comment at the beginning of the regular meeting. Both meetings will be held at City Hall, 123 5th Avenue.
The study session and regular meetings will be broadcast live on Comcast Channel 21 and Frontier Channel 31 and can be streamed at www.kirklandwa.gov and search “Watch City Council Meetings.”
