PORT TOWNSEND — City Council members voted unanimously Monday night to seek information whether they can swap land or go through condemnation proceedings to acquire the Boy Scout House at Quincy and Cosgrove streets.
Port Townsend resident Vern Garrison, purchased the seven-decade-old landmark in April from the Chief Seattle Council of Boy Scouts of America for just more than $500,000.
Since then, he has turned down offers of up to $800,000 for the house and property made by attorney and Morgan Hill neighbor Brad Johnson.
Council members decided Monday to seek more information about land swap possibilities or condemnation — through eminent domain — after hearing its staff explain four options, taking public testimony and holding a 30-minute executive session.
The council’s vote appears to have eliminated the possibility of moving the Scout House to nearby Sather Park, as offered by Garrison, or doing nothing.
“We owe it to Scouts to preserve the Scout House and the property where it stands,” said Councilman Kees Kolff in making the motion for more staff information.
“It’s unfortunate that the Seattle scouting executives have placed us in this difficult position.”
