More on SMP's land

The Seattle Weekly explains how it's a bit more complicated than just selling the land back to the previous owners and calling it a wash.

Land won't automatically revert to earlier owners. "People ask why we can't give them back" if the sellers give back the money, says outgoing SMP board member Cleve Stockmeyer. "Our hands are tied. Under state law, they [ex-owners] have no interest in it," and SMP is obligated to sell the property for the best price.

However, former owners and the general public can submit bids on the properties, which are being eyed by commercial developers and public agencies, as well.