Monroe can’t name big-box store yet

MONROE — Residents may have to wait a bit longer to find out the name of the big-box store being planned for town.

The City Council could decide tonight to give a Seattle developer a six-week extension to submit plans for land on North Kelsey Street.

Those plans, connected to the $9.6 million sale of the city property, originally were due this Thursday.

The delay stems from an old environmental review. The city told the developer, Sabey Corp., that it had up-to-date documents on the land. Turns out, it didn’t.

“That was our fault,” said Police Chief Tim Quenzer, who is guiding the land deal, which developed during his time as interim city administrator.

Quenzer said the city is now finishing a fresh review of the property for about $22,000.

The findings could affect the developer’s plans, so city staff would like to give the developers more time.

Quenzer said the council will decide if the delay is justified.

“The council could always say, ‘No, we’re not going to agree to an extension,’ but I would be somewhat surprised,” Quenzer said.

The land deal has been coming together since October, when the city and Sabey signed a letter of intent. The City Council signed off on initial terms for the sale in January.

The deal isn’t done, however. The city could walk away if it’s not pleased with the developer’s final plans, just as the developer could walk away if issues arise with the property.

Most believe the developer will attract a big-box store such as Wal-Mart, Costco or Target. None has locations in Monroe.

The land deal is a big issue for the city, which still owes $11.3 million on a nearby piece of land it bought from the county a few years ago. That payment is due on Oct. 25.

The $9.6 million sale could help settle most of that debt.

If the sale falls through, however, the city will need to come up with another way to cover the tab. It could end up issuing bonds, director of operations Brad Feilberg said.

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