The Latest Eminent Domain Battle

The horrendous Supreme Court decision in Kelo v New London has emboldened city officials to make ever more egregious claim on private property. The SeaTac city council wants to condemn a private parking lot, a currently running business, so they can make a shopping and entertainment town center. The Cassans are fighting the decision, let's hope they win. I will be making my year-end contribution to the Institute for Justice who has done yeoman's work in fighting these eminent domain affronts. If you can, visit the site and donate a few bucks. Think of it as an investment in your own property.

The revolt comes from city council decisions to condemn a surface parking lot for use as a public parking garage, to place a moratorium on development in the city center area and to consider major zoning changes.

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The 82-acre site would be located across from the light rail station at South 176th Street and International Boulevard.

"We are resolved to develop a downtown core that will enhance the lifestyle of our residents," Cutts declared.

But while city officials presented their open house in the hotel's 12th floor conference center overlooking the planning area, James and Doris Cassan rented a room next door with displays of their own.

The Cassans own the Dollar park and fly surface parking lot at 17400 International Boulevard. The city has condemned the property and staffers say they want to build a public parking garage on the site for SeaTac residents and airport hotel guest who patronize the city center/entertainment district.

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City officials offered the Cassans $2 million less than they paid for the property two years ago because of declining property values.

"But, I'm not a seller, I'm a keeper," Doris Cassan emphasized.

James Cassan said consultants advising city officials are "not in the real world of business." It is impossible to compete for retail customers against nearby Southcenter with 450 businesses to choose from, according to James Cassan.