Special to the Reporter

Over the past several months, city staff and contractors observed significant failure of new plantings and an existing tree at the city-owned property on Island Crest Way and Southeast 40th Street. Despite adequate watering and care, the landscaping continued to decline, and city staff began investigating potential causes of this unusual deterioration.

Soil tests subsequently identified high levels of herbicides present in the soil that were likely added within the past three to four months. Because no herbicides were planned for use as part of this project and the herbicides identified were applied in such a concentrated way, they were likely intentionally added as a form of vandalism. A report was filed with the Mercer Island Police Department and officers are investigating.

The loss of this vegetation and the subsequent costs to remediate the concentrated herbicide poisoning is significant, making it a felony crime if it was intentional vandalism. Anyone with information should contact the police non-emergency line at 425-577-5656.

The property is currently closed while city staff and contractors address the damage. Construction fencing has been placed around the property.

Mayor Salim Nice and Deputy Mayor David Rosenbaum released a statement on Aug. 8 and part of it reads: ”Our city values its natural beauty, and we’re committed to finding and fully holding accountable the perpetrators of this malicious sabotage. Together, we’ll send a clear message that vandalism of our shared public resources is unacceptable. Thank you for your commitment to Mercer Island.”