Bellevue Sues Somerset Homeowners After Landslide

BELLEVUE, WA — A Bellevue couple whose home was swept off its foundation during a January landslide is now facing a lawsuit from the city over the house's demolition.

John and Barb Surdi were among several families forced to evacuate part of the city's Somerset neighborhood on Jan. 17 after a major water main break caused significant flooding and damaged their home beyond repair.

According to KIRO 7, the city recently filed a lawsuit against the Surdis, alleging the couple had yet to sign off on demolition and seeking a court order to enforce its removal, which they could be on the hook to pay for. Speaking to the television station, the family's lawyer described the suit as "very heavy-handed" and "adding insult to injury."

In a statement Tuesday, Bellevue spokesperson Brad Harwood said officials recognized the family was "dealing with a terrible situation," but said the city needed to act fast to remove the home before further damage could occur. According to Harwood, the city's request to secure the property a demolish the home last week was denied.

"They have decades of memories and personal belongings invested in the home," Harwood said. "Throughout the process, we've made consistent efforts to work with them and will continue to do so. The city does not take this legal action lightly. But unfortunately, the area is dangerous and we need to move more quickly."

Last month, the city "red-tagged" seven of the homes, and two weeks later families are still unable to return. City officials expect a full investigation into the cause of the water main break and resulting landslide could take several months to complete.