For the first time in 25 years, the Everett School District is using eminent domain, taking private property for public use. The district says it is offering three property owners $10,000 more than the appraised value. But one couple says the offer is far from fair.
Bruce Gutschmidt's home is in the 4000 block of 174th Street Southeast in Bothell. The property has been in his family since 1967. For the last 14 years, he has lived there with girlfriend Christine Messer.
According to the school district, staff was first contacted by a representative of several property owners in February 2015 and asked if the board was interested in buying their land since it was immediately adjacent to land the district already owned on 180th Street Southeast.
"They approached us saying they wanted to buy the place, and I didn’t hear from them for about a year and a half," said Gutschmidt.
He added that the district did contact him a few months ago, letting him know about the eminent domain process.
"They offered us less than half of what it is worth, and then they want us out by March," said Gutschmidt.
The school district is offering $385,000 for the 1.8 acres.
"We both understand that this is progress. It happens. We are not happy with the decision, but it just seems like it is as unfair as it possibly could be at this point and time," said Messer.
According to Everett Public Schools, enrollment numbers are climbing and a fourth high school is needed.
In a statement, Everett Public Schools spokesperson Leanna Albrecht said, "The district is committed to reaching a solution that is both fair and respects the law. We must follow that prescribes how public funds can be used and how taxpayer resources are protected in the course of buying real estate."
Gutschmidt paid for an appraisal of the property. He says the fair market value is $895,000.
The couple, living on a fixed income, must be out on March 30 and still doesn't know where they will end up.
"That's really what it boils down to, I'm looking for a path forward on this. I don't want to hold up progress, but I need a place to go," said Gutschmidt.
He is upset that the district is not paying relocation expenses. It is something that would have been required if the school district was using federal funds for the acquisition. However, Everett Public Schools says they are not using federal dollars, so they were able to opt out of relocation assistance.
Tuesday school board members will be discussing the land acquisition.
