Seven of Burien's most worthwhile organizations that serve children, the elderly, the homeless, and others in our region are about to become homeless themselves.

An independent building survey by MENG analysis has determined that the Community Center Annex, which houses these charities is "structurally deficient" and that repairs or replacement costs exceed the value of the building. The tenants have been given a deadline of January 31 2020 to vacate the premises. While the estimated value of repairs is high, the value of these community services the Annex enables is practically immeasurable.

Reading the MENG report, clearly some of the conclusions are dubious and questionable For instance floor and ceiling tiles are "suspected" to contain asbestos. And that some of the plumbing has problems with lead. Some other inspections have disputed these findings. Shouldn't such suspicions be verified, before they are used to invoke closure of the building?

Also. the cost estimates for renovating and operating the Annex over the next 5 years include maintenance and operation costs which would be a part of any facility, new or old. To tack these onto the assessment creates an unfair bias against rehabilitating the building. While few of us are able to dissect the report, and properly determine the feasibility of renovating the building, the city somehow needs to address the necessity of making sure these services don't simply vaporize. We need them.

First of all, the MENG report needs to be "crunched" to clarify the actual presence of hazardous materials. And determine the true cost of any needed repairs and the authenticity of it's recommendations. Meanwhile, no deadline at all ought to be imposed. The subject of insurance cancellations and liabilities is a key factor in the cities premature decision to close the building. Some of the organizations have suggested they would be willing to sign waivers that would free the city from liability and assume the risks themselves, in the interim. Let them do so.

If after further analysis, the estimates and findings of the MENG report are verified, a sweeping assessment of resources, both municipal and privately donated should be undertaken. Are there any other city owned properties that can be utilized? Are there any vacated State or Federal facilities that could be unused instead?

If the city pocketbook doesn't have funds to repair of replace, considering the value to the community, could we seek state or federal assistance? How about that newly established coalition between cities and counties to address homelessness (which is a part of the population the Annex assists)? Out of the millions of dollars we have been spending recently countywide with little impact, can some of it be allocated to the existing successful projects that are scheduled to be displaced out of the Annex?

Why not solicit local building supply merchants such as The Home Depot or Lowes to see if they would be willing to either donate or offer materials for repair at a reduced cost? Many corporations actively contribute to charities and community programs. Great publicity for them, and a great blessing to the Burien people who patronize their stores. It couldn't hurt to ask.

Why not ask for volunteers to offer their labor under the supervision of licensed, bonded contractors to keep the labor costs at a minimum? The tenants who operate out of the Annex are all non profits who each bring vital services to our community. Lets take a look at who they are.

Meals on Wheels provides food to the elderly, sick and less fortunate. The Hi-Liners and the Burien Actors Theater, bring entertainment, culture and also tax revenues through the restaurants they partner with as they present their productions.

Para Los Ninos is dedicated to Education Advancement and Academic Success in our community. Burien Co-Op Preschool is a highly recognized school that helps get our young citizens started in a positive way.
Transform Burien is a coalition of 14 churches that serves the less fortunate including the homeless with food, clothing, laundry, and other compassion. Both giving them hope, and lessening the burden of publicly funded resources through private charity. Journey Arts and Crafts offers wholesome activities for our residents young and old.

It is a very prudent use of resources when all these vital services can share a single facility. Many consider these non profits to be vital to the well being of Burien and it's surrounding neighbors. To simply kick them to the curb is akin to saying "The Firehouse has some issues, therefore we are discontinuing emergency services, effective January 31st. It would be to our peril if we did so. Likewise, perhaps on a smaller scale, to leave these proven programs homeless is a costly proposition no matter how we slice it.

Something needs to be done to sustain these programs. Through the collective think tank of our city government, the organizations, our community merchants and all other concerned citizens, we must find a solution. I have suggestions, as I have outlined above...but our leadership must be willing to think outside of the box of the Annex and it's sort through the options to find feasible answers.

The tenants of the Annex have been blindsided, as they were put on notice with an urgent demand to vacate the premixes. Doing so resolves the city of it's urgent need, but places the urgency on these organizations. Until the muddy waters of uncertainly can settle, I ask for the city to postpone it's demands to vacate, indefinitely while the non profits are willing to accept liabilities. As the council gets busy with the same sense of urgency they have shown for the Annex tenants to vacate...to find a solution.