MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — A measure to borrow $37.5 million to build a new Civic Campus in the city was failing by a small margin Nov. 2.
The proposed Civic Campus offered space for a senior center, a larger police station and a venue for year-round activities such as a farmers market or art festivals. Designs included sustainable design standards and energy-efficient and environmentally friendly LEED Silver building techniques.
The measure called for borrowing $37.5 million with the money being repaid by an increase in property taxes over the next 30 years.
The project has been on the radar of a number of city councils since the 1980s. The old City Hall has had structural issues dating back for decades. During the 1990s, consultants recommended replacing the building.
In July 2008, the roof collapsed, making the building unusable.
The city has been renting space for an interim City Hall.
Two years ago, the council appointed an 11-member citizen task force to form a fresh perspective and recommendations for the city’s aging public facilities.
Following six months of public comment, the task force recommended a new Civic Campus be built on the site of the old City Hall with the council seeking voter approval for construction.
A community survey in 2008 found that 67 percent of residents said they would approve a bond measure to finance a new Civic Campus.
Last year, the City Council adopted a resolution accepting the recommendation of the task force.
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