Monroe changes course, woos big-box stores

Published 11:17 pm Wednesday, October 21, 2009

MONROE — A Seattle developer was originally told thanks, but no thanks to the idea of bringing a big-box store to town.

To a round of applause, the Monroe City Council reversed itself.

The city agreed on Tuesday night to a letter of intent with Sabey Corp., which many expect will try and attract Wal-Mart, Target or Costco.

John Sabey, senior vice president of real estate, said he doesn’t have a short list, however.

“Obviously the bigger names that are being successful today are probably going to be the ones that rise to the top,” he said. “But you never know.”

While the potential $9.6 million sale is far from complete, negotiations can now move forward.

The council’s change in course came after two weeks of public outcry during a busy election season. Three of the seven council seats and the mayor’s office are in contested races.

On Oct. 6, the council voted against signing a nonbinding letter with Sabey for 24 acres of land at the intersection of Chain Lake Road and N. Kelsey Street.

Some councilmen said they felt rushed into a decision. Others were concerned Wal-Mart would come to town. The letter was voted down 4-2.

Residents spoke out. The next two council meetings drew standing-room-only crowds of about 40 or 50 people. Chairs and loud speakers were set up in the lobby to accommodate the overflow.

The council decided to reconsider the letter on Tuesday, inviting Sabey to the meeting to offer clarification.

Sabey told the council he would try to meet their desires for developing the property, but their original plans may have to be adapted to bring in a retailer.

Without altering the letter, the council unanimously approved it this time, earning a round of applause from spectators.

Supporters have said development of the property could create jobs and expand the sales tax base.

The sale would also help Monroe retire the bulk of its $11.2 million debt on a nearby property.

“It makes a huge difference,” said Mayor Donnetta Walser, who supported the letter.

Councilmen Mitch Ruth, Kurt Goering, John Stima and Geoffrey Thomas switched their past votes, approving the letter alongside Councilmen Tony Balk and David Kennedy, and Councilwoman Margie Rodriguez. (Balk was absent during the Oct. 6 vote.)

Ultimately, Sabey’s visit eased concerns, Stima said.

“There’s a lot that happens when you have a face-to-face,” he said. “That’s what really needed to happen, I think.”

Sabey was a little surprised by the abrupt turn-around. He said residents and business owners spoke to the council, expressed concerns, and the council reacted.

“Democracy works,” he said.

Granted, the sale is not complete. The developer needs to find a tenant and submit a site plan to the city. The letter gives the city the right to reject Sabey’s final plan, just as it gives Sabey the right to walk away from the sale.

If all goes smoothly, a project could break ground between spring 2010 and summer 2011.

“That’s pretty optimistic,” Sabey said of spring. “I mean, who knows? In this economy, you don’t know.”

The sale would help the city retire most of an $11.2 million debt owed on a separate piece of property.

That debt has led to $1.1 million in interest payments since 2006, according to Carol Grey, Monroe’s finance director.

While the city draws on a special fund to make the payments, the fund is on pace to run dry in 2011. At that point, the city will need to tap into its general fund, the budget source for the police and parks departments, among others.

Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455, arathbun@heraldnet.com