City Of Leavenworth Withdraws From Land Purchase Agreement For Parking Lot

The City of Leavenworth has withdrawn from a $650,000 agreement to purchase land for a public parking lot near the Wenatchee River, following legal opposition from local residents. The City Council made this decision on July 22, amidst concerns about the project's impact on a shared well and private easement. The city's plan aimed to create a parking area to alleviate illegal parking along Icicle Road, which is frequently used by recreationists. Ellen Beardsley, a resident, spearheaded the legal challenges, filing complaints and an injunction related to alleged violations of the Open Public Meetings Act. The city faced accusations of not properly engaging the public during planning discussions held in closed sessions.

After the city canceled its application for a conditional use permit on July 31, Beardsley withdrew her initial lawsuit, citing a desire to avoid further expenses and conflict. Leavenworth's withdrawal from the agreement highlights the complexities of local governance and community engagement in urban planning. This case underscores the importance of transparency and public participation in municipal decisions.