Temporary sewer hook up to boost Edgewood revenue

By Clare Jensen

Fife Free Press
cjensen@tacomaweekly.com
Published on: September 11, 2008

Edgewood business owners, the Skillen Family LLC, have plans for their property at Jovita and Meridian, and cannot wait for the city to get started on sewer installation.

The family owns an existing business on the site, as well as a vacant 12,000-square-foot building that has been deemed unusable without sewer connection.

In order to move full speed ahead with their business plan, they have opted to temporarily hook-up to the county’s line.

When the city’s system is ready for hook up, the business owners will then connect to Edgewood’s system, and are re-quired to participate in the Local Improvement District (LID).

Getting on the county line now will allow the businesses to move forward, and in turn, generate more tax revenue for the city, something Edgewood City Council is very excited about.

“I’m encouraged by this because someone is putting faith in what we’re doing as a city,” said Councilmember Scott Malkuch. “I’m confident that this is going to be a good project for the city and (the) owners.”

Once connected to the sewer, the Skillens say they plan to convert the currently vacant building into usable retail space, and the family is already aware of two anchor tenants who are ready to occupy the space. Both Viking Bank and Starbucks have sent agreements to the Skillens, and representatives from fast-food restaurant Carl’s Jr. have shown interest in the site as well.

“This allows him to proceed with the plans he’s proposing without any delays,” said Public Works Director Dave Lorenzen.

The assessed value of the property used in determining the property owner’s obligation to the LID will not include the impact of the temporary sewer connection.

This agreement will also not be at any cost to the city. The Skillens will pay all costs for construction, connection to the county line, as well as costs to hook up to Edgewood when the time comes. They will also cover city attorney costs arising with the agreement and city staff time.

“When the project is completed, there will be tax revenue for the city,” said Councilmember Paul Crowley. “Not only is it at no cost to the city…It’s a tremendous benefit for the city.”   

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