Resident asks why Woodside has not pursued $30,000 in litigation fees from developer

A resident urged the Town Council on Oct. 14 to pursue collection of more than $30,000 the town spent on litigation in a dispute tied to the Grandview Drive right-of-way. Tim Johnson told the council the money was spent defending neighborhood property owners in the case known as Langrock v. Town of Woodside and asked why the town had not tried harder to collect from developer Steve Peterson. "It's not disputed that it's owed," Johnson said. "It's clear in your ordinance that it's owed."

In response, staff said there is no lien recorded against the property. "There is no lien against the property, but we have contacted both Mr. Peterson and his real estate agent, advised them that we will be making a demand into escrow when he sells the property," a staff member said. The staff member added the town is also reviewing amounts it holds on deposit and will contact the developer about those funds.

Council members and staff said the town has considered the economics of pursuing collection and that further action could require additional council direction, including possibly initiating litigation. A council member noted the town's options are limited without a court judgment and encouraged pursuing appropriate next steps through the legal process. Johnson told the council that neighborhood residents spent "thousands of hours and over a $100,000 in attorney's fees" on the right-of-way dispute and said leaving the town's claim unpursued harms residents' confidence in the process.

No formal council action on collection was taken at the meeting; staff said they would look into the matter further and follow up with Mr. Johnson. The council advised that questions about collection strategy, liens and potential litigation are matters for future council consideration and not appropriate for extended discussion in public comment.