Following are remarks delivered today by Mayor Ed Murray regarding the ‘Civic Square’ project:
“There were accounts this week in the media about Triad Development and its recent actions in a City Council race. I am extremely disappointed by these questionable actions – they do not represent the values of our city. Seattle expects and deserves better.”
“Triad is currently in a contract with the City of Seattle to develop the ‘Civic Square’ project west of City Hall. This contract was executed in 2007 by a previous administration. Since I inherited this contract, the City has attempted to uphold its obligations in good faith. These recent actions by the developer are troubling to say the least. I expect more from the City of Seattle’s business partners and I have no desire to develop this property with Triad.”
“The contract is set to expire on Dec. 31 of this year. It appears that Triad has not finalized many of the requirements to keep the project moving forward. It has not shown us evidence of project financing, it has not secured necessary permits. Triad also has yet to reach an agreement with King County Metro on access to the downtown bus tunnel.”
“Under these circumstances, I have no reason to believe Triad will be able to meet the terms of the contract and close the sale of the property.”
“Today, I am announcing that the City has no intention of extending the contract beyond the Dec. 31 termination date. The people of Seattle will be better served if this current agreement lapses and we move forward with partners who represent the values of the City of Seattle.”
“In the meantime, I have asked the City Attorney to explore whether there are any grounds to terminate the contract in a responsible way that does not adversely affect the City or taxpayers.”
“It has been 8 years since the City signed this contract, and we have yet to see construction start on this project during one of the largest development booms this City has ever seen. Let’s remember what we are talking about here. This is an opportunity to transform what is currently a hole in the heart of our city into an important public asset. Our partner on this project matters. We demand a partner who operates at a higher standard of ethics and conduct.”