Sunday, May 11, 2008

Asarco redevelopment in Tacoma, Washington

As reported in the Tacoma News Tribune, a lawsuit was filed against the City of Tacoma and Point Rouston LLC this week alleging errors in the environmental review and permitting process for the redevelopment of the old Asarco smelter site. The developer had earlier refused to negotiate a CBA with Washington Jobs for Justice, and while the developer believes that the suit was brought in retaliation for not signing a CBA, Washington Jobs with Justice sees the lawsuit as part of a larger campaign surrounding the project.

Retaliation probably isn't the best term to use in this context. Citizens groups, after all, have a right to oppose projects that they don't support, and CBAs were developed as a tool of compromise to allow community members and developers to find middle ground.

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