City, Police Investigating Potential Landscape Sabotage

August 2, 2024 - Over the past several months, City staff and contractors observed significant failure of new plantings and an existing tree at the City-owned property on Island Crest Way and SE 40th St. Despite adequate watering and care, the landscaping continued to decline, and City staff began investigating potential causes of this unusual deterioration. 

Soil tests subsequently identified high levels of herbicides present in the soil that were likely added within the past three to four months. Because no herbicides were planned for use as part of this project and the herbicides identified were applied in such a concentrated way, they were likely intentionally added as a form of vandalism. A report was filed with the Mercer Island Police Department and officers are investigating.

The loss of this vegetation and the subsequent costs to remediate the concentrated herbicide poisoning is significant, making it a felony crime if it was intentional vandalism. Anyone with information should contact the Police Non-Emergency Line at 425-577-5656.

The property is currently closed while City staff and contractors address the damage. Construction fencing has been placed around the property.