Cottonwood Investors file lawsuit against city of Walla Walla

By Dan Thesman on Friday, November 22nd, 2024 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – Cottonwood Investors filed a land use petition action on Nov. 13 against the city of Walla Walla. The housing developers allege the city council’s decision denying their proposal to subdivide approximately 104 acres at the intersection of Cottonwood and Kendall roads into 257 lots for future construction of single-family homes was unlawful and failed to follow a prescribed process.

On Oct. 9, the Walla Walla City Council voted 4-3 to reject the proposed development application. Those council members who opposed the project said they didn’t think it aligned with the city’s comprehensive plan. Some also raised concerns about roads and flooding.

Jim Hayner, the attorney for Cottonwood Investors, said there has been no hearing set on the complaint and it’s not likely to be set for some time. At the same time the lawsuit was filed, Cottonwood Investors also filed an additional complaint for damages totaling more than $25 million with the city of Walla Walla. The city has 60 days to respond to the complaint of damages.

“If the city rejects the complaint for damage, then either a separate lawsuit will be instigated, or the existing lawsuit will be amended to add this alternative form of relief requested,” Hayner said.

Elkhorn Media Group reached out to City Attorney Tim Donaldson who said, “I will save what I have to say about the case for court.”