City to Purchase Residential Property for Traffic Safety Upgrades

July 6, 2021 – Mercer Island City Council passed a resolution this evening authorizing City officials to purchase a residential property at the intersection of SE 40th Street and Island Crest Way. The acquisition provides the City needed land at this busy intersection to make necessary traffic safety improvements, enhance sight lines for motorists and upgrade the sidewalk for pedestrians. 

The property, located at 4004 Island Crest Way, sits directly adjacent to the intersection and contains an uninhabited residential structure in close proximity to the street. The location of the driveway negatively impacts traffic flow through the intersection and the structure’s small setbacks impede visibility. The City plans to remove the structure, which has been in disrepair for several years, to immediately improve visibility and create greenspace until permanent traffic improvements are constructed. 

Both the State’s Growth Management Act and the City’s Comprehensive Plan dictate that the City must develop strategies to manage property access along arterial streets and ensure safe and well-functioning roads, with this specific intersection listed as needing improvements. Acquiring this vacant property is an ideal solution as it provides the City with necessary land for future roadway changes while enhancing safety in the short term. 

City Council authorized the property acquisition with a purchase price of $1,175,000, as supported by a fair market analysis performed by an independent advisory firm. Monies from previously unallocated balances in the Restricted Street Fund will be used for the acquisition. The transaction is expected to close in early August with the City taking possession of the property on the date of closing. Demolition and cleanup of the structure is expected by the end of the year.  

For more information on Council’s authorization, view Resolution No. 1600 in the July 6, 2021 Council Packet.