The fight between the city of Kent and King County over the county’s use of a former hotel as a COVID-19 isolation and quarantine facility finally took a turn in the city’s favor.
Kent Mayor Dana Ralph announced Monday that the city and county signed a memorandum of understanding that Kent agrees to dismiss its lawsuit against the county in exchange for the county’s commitment to use the facility only for COVID-19 purposes. The county also agrees to follow the city’s zoning laws and obtain city permits as soon as the governor-proclaimed state of emergency ends.
“I believe it is the obligation of both the city and the county to provide necessary resources to the public during any sort of crisis,” Ralph said in a statement in a city press release. “But we also have an obligation as government to be good neighbors. That means openly and honestly communicating with residents and businesses. I, along with residents and businesses, was surprised to find out this facility was coming to Kent without any communication or partnership from the county. We must work together for the public safety of residents and patients. I am pleased King County agreed to work with us on a path forward.”
City leaders were upset right from the start with how King County in March picked the Econo Lodge, 1233 Central Ave. N., in Kent as a quarantine facility for people with the coronavirus and the potential long-term use of the facility. King County purchased the 85-bed Econo Lodge for $4 million.
Ralph directed the city attorney to initiate legal action to attempt to protect residents and businesses by insisting that King County comply with local zoning and land use laws and act as a better community partner. Initial rulings by King County Superior Court judges went in favor of the county’s abilities to operate the facility under the governor’s proclaimed state of emergency.
But a judge agreed with the city’s argument to limit the county’s use of the facility to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency only and said the county needs to improve communication with city officials.
Some of the terms and conditions to which the city and county agreed upon include:
• The site can only currently be used as a temporary and emergency quarantine and isolation facility for COVID-19
• The county will cease its temporary and emergency use of the COVID-19 quarantine and isolation facility when the governor rescinds his proclaimed state of emergency, unless the city and county agree otherwise
• The county must obtain any required permits or land use approvals from the city for any continued or changed use of the property after the governor’s state of emergency ends for King County
• The county must provide security on site 24 hours per day and 7 days per week
• The county must provide meals, services, supplies and counseling to all patients at the facility
• The county must submit its current operational plan to the city and provide updated copies as they are produced
• The county must comply with all building and fire codes as dictated by city code
• The county will work in good faith with the city to address negative impacts any future use of the property may have on Kent residents and businesses
Ralph said she still insists that King County should sell the property as soon as the COVID-19 emergency is over. She said the location is a valuable gateway to Kent and should remain a valuable commercial property contributing to the city’s local economy.
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