Technically, there is no valid legal reason for the government not to hand Sand Point over to the Muckleshoots tomorrow. Seattle Mayor Norm Rice, however, has called in a few favors in Washington, DC, and somehow managed to delay the final decision until a compromise can be worked out between the city and the Tribe. The Tribe's original request was for the 161 acre chunk of land. Last summer they down-sized this request to 85 acres, giving up their legitimate claim to nearly half of the coveted property at Sand Point. It would seem a large compromise has already been made.
Any additional compromise needs to come from the City of Seattle.
This is most likely not going to happen, for Mayor Rice has already stated that he views Muckleshoot ownership of any part of Sand Point as inconsistent with the City's plan. With or without the wait, it would appear these proceedings are heading to the courts. Our first alternative was, and still is, to negotiate and resolve. As the Muckleshoot legal claim over Sand Point enters its second year, Watkins seems optimistic. We're still very hopeful.