Renton seeks eminent domain for land near Cedar River Park
Published 11:22 am Wednesday, July 16, 2025
The city of Renton is planning to acquire land for expanding the property of Cedar River Park through the use of eminent domain.
At the July 14 Renton City Council meeting, the council approved a first reading of an ordinance to obtain King County parcel 1723059026 — a 546,121 square-foot lot used for heavy industry — through the use of eminent domain.
The land is adjacent to Cedar River Park Drive and Maple Valley Highway.
This parcel was identified in the Tri-Park Master Plan in 2006, with updates in 2011 and 2020, as being necessary to complete the city’s plan to expand Cedar River Park.
According to the agenda bill, after the city expressed interest in acquiring the property, the property owner requested that the sale be done under the threat of eminent domain for the tax benefits involved in such a sale. In order to do this, the city must pass an ordinance for the eminent domain and hold a public hearing.
The public hearing is scheduled for July 21, during the reuglar city council meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. at Renton City Hall.
The current owner, SRMRenton LLC, acquired the property in 2017. A section of the ordinance states it is anticipated the owner will “affirm that no individual or business occupies the Real Property being acquired and therefore no individual or business will be displaced by the City’s Project” under the terms of the purchase and sale agreement.
The ordinance also says the compensation for the property will be paid by the city’s general fund or “or from such other monies that the city may have available or attain for the acquisition.” The appraised value of the land is $7,918,700, according to the King County assessor.
