The Battle for Kenney Street

The first case in King County arising under the act of 1893 prescribing a mode by which cities of the first class are allowed to condemn lands for streets and other purposes was commenced yesterday in the superior court before Judge Osborn. The city expects to prove that Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Williams platted the Williams addition to Seattle in 1890 and sold lots. They found that they could not get the plat approved by the city council because it was shown that Kenney street was sixty feet instead of sixty-six. They recalled the deeds describing the property blocks and lots and sold it by metes and bounds, agreeing, it is claimed, that the street would be opened up. Instead, it is claimed, of opening the street, they have hindered it by a board fence. The property holders alleged that this inconvenienced them, and asked the city council for aid. The council considered the opening of the street now a public necessity, and passed an ordinance authorizing the condemnation of the land described. Under the present law a jury must determine the value of the land. Williams denies ever having dedicated the street and wants full value for the land.