A RESOLUTION concerning the long-term use of a 25-acre parcel of land within Discovery Park known as "the Capehart housing site".

WHEREAS the citizens of Seattle announced their intention in the Discovery Park Master Plan of 1972 to acquire for park purposes all lands not absolutely required by the Federal Government and proclaimed as their ultimate objective "the acquisition of all lands which presently comprise the site of Fort Lawton"; and

WHEREAS, Resolution 27399 that adopted the 1986 Discovery Park Development Plan states, "the basic philosophy of Discovery Park is to provide an open space of quiet and tranquility"; and

WHEREAS, the City of Seattle has intended, since adopting the 1986 Long Range Plan for Discovery Park, to reserve all of Discovery Park as open space and to permit only "those facilities and developments which are absolutely necessary for the enjoyment of the open space experience"; and

WHEREAS, in 1898, a group of Seattle landowners gave the 25-acre parcel of land in Discovery Park known as the Capehart Housing site to the U.S. government to use for military purposes, which the Department of Defense used until recently for officers' quarters.

WHEREAS, the Department of Defense no longer intends to use the Capehart Housing site for military purposes, but instead proposes to lease the Capehart Housing site to a private developer, contrary to the intent of the original Seattle donors;

WHEREAS, many Seattle citizens oppose the Department of Defense's proposal to lease the Capehart Housing site to a private developer, including the Friends of Discovery Park, the Magnolia Community Club, and the Discovery Park Advisory Council; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Defense's proposal to lease the Capehart Housing site to a private developer is incompatible with the objectives of the Discovery Park Master Plan of 1972 and the 1986 Long Range Plan and the interests of the citizens of Seattle in maximizing open space Discovery Park; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT in order to maintain Discovery Park's existence as the City's premier open space environment for all residents to enjoy, the time has come for the return of this property to the City as has always been intended. It is the City's intent to use this parcel for open space in the park, as outlined in the Discovery Park Long Range Plan.

Adopted by the City Council the _____ day of _______________, 2004, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this _____ day of _______________, 2004.

________________________________________

President of the City Council

THE MAYOR CONCURRING:

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Mayor

Filed by me this _____ day of _______________, 2004.

________________________________________

City Clerk

(Seal)

Sp/sp

Discovery Park Resolution

February 27, 2004

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