Kirkland’s civic leaders are probably wishing they’d budgeted more money for fighting lawsuits, if the new year is any indication.

The Estate of Ralph Nienaber and Davidson Searles & Associates are both seeking land-use appeals against the City of Kirkland in Superior Court. Kirkland City Council gave the go-ahead to private amendment requests (PARs) for both Costco Wholesale to build a gas station and Touchstone to redevelop Parkplace Shopping Center up to eight-stoies during a Dec. 16 meeting.

Both parties that own nearby properties recently filed an injunction against the city. The owners alleged the city has engaged in “spot-zoning” and the city’s activities would devalue their property.

“I don’t think the council’s playing a role in this now,” said Kirkland Mayor Jim Lauinger.

He declined further comment in response to the developments.