The Federal Way City Council voted on Tuesday to purchase the former Target property for $8.2 million.

City officials expressed they are confident in the project’s future — whatever that may be — and expect the property will help spur economic development, along with other nearby key projects, including the Performing Arts and Conference Center.

The purchase raises several questions, including:

• What is the city really planning?

• Is the issue control?

• Is the city going to put in a parking lot near the Hylebos? Underground?

• Why didn’t the city buy the property for $6 million?

• Is a land swap planned to include Dumas Bay?

• If the purpose of the Performing Arts and Conference Center is economic growth and there was a private sector buyer for the Target lot, why is the city buying it?

• Does the city believe they can do a better job of development than the private sector?

• Is the plan for the city to develop the site? If so, what is the total anticipated cost of development?

• Is $8 million just the beginning? If not, then why is the city interfering with private sector development?

• What is the investment plan for existing properties that are in need of repair, such as Dumas Bay?

• What is the primary success metric for this investment? Return on investment? Appreciation of surrounding properties? Decreasing vacancy rates? Or is this an expense for community members to enjoy, like a park or community center?

These are important questions that we need answers to. We invite Mayor Jim Ferrell and City Council members to provide the community with answers as the project moves forward.