Committee backs SPU easements to stabilize Wedgewood slope, protect drainage

Seattle Public Utilities staff told the Governance & Utilities Committee on April 9 that two permanent slope-stabilization easements are needed to complete a reinforced-soil slope and drainage outfall on Northeast 91st Street in the Wedgewood neighborhood.

SPU General Manager Lee and senior engineers said the site showed signs of slope instability first identified in 2022, and that a temporary conduit installed in 2023 prevented further destabilization. The permanent plan calls for a vegetated reinforced-soil slope primarily in the unopened right-of-way, with limited private-property easement areas needed for the slope face and drainage access. SPU reported the combined fair-market value for the two easements, determined after appraisal and negotiation, as $9,900 and said property owners accepted final settlement offers.

SPU said easement acquisition would be paid from the Wastewater Fund and would not trigger a rate increase. Committee members asked about funding and noise/access impacts during construction; SPU said it would coordinate with owners on timing and mitigation. Chair Hollingsworth moved and the committee seconded a recommendation to pass Council Bill 121192; the clerk recorded a favorable committee vote and the bill will be sent to full Council on April 14.

SPU staff said the permanent works are intended to protect both public infrastructure and adjacent private property by stabilizing the slope and restoring long-term drainage function.