The City of Monroe, the developers of a Walmart proposed for North Kelsey Street and the members of Friends of North Kelsey, who oppose the Walmart in its currently-planned form will finally get a second day in court next month.
Friends of North Kelsey last year lost a court battle to try to force Walmart developers to build a store more in line with design guidelines established by the city for that area.
But a Snohomish County judge ruled that, while Walmart's site plan didn't adhere closely to the city's standards, it wasn't so "clearly erroneousGÇ¥ that the court had the right to intervene.
FONK, which is financially backed by two labor unions that represent grocery workers, decided to appeal last July.
The Washington Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments on the matter Monday, April 29 in Seattle. Three judges will consider the matter, but will not deliver a decision on that day. In fact, it could be another three to six months before they rule.
Walmart has put building plans on hold pending the outcome of the appeal.
The land deal, in which developer Sabey Corporation is slated to pay the city of Monroe $7.5 million for the 24-acre parcel of land, is slated to close once the legal dispute is resolved.
Of that $7.5 million, the city is expected to net about $6.9 million after expenses. That money will likely be used to pay off part of the $11 million owed on the property across the street, which the city bought in 2005 from Snohomish County. Other funds could be used for city projects such as downtown parking.
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