The desire for low-cost housing shouldn't put residents in harm's way, according to Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent.

Keiser has sent a letter to the King County Housing Authority asking for detailed mitigation measures to be taken for future residents of the Lora Lake Apartments.

The apartments are located just inside the Burien city limits less than 1,000 feet from the centerline of the new third runway.

Burien City Council members approved a memorandum of understanding with the King County Housing Authority and the Port of Seattle earlier this month that will preserve the units.

They had been targeted for demolition to clear the way for the start of commercial development in the city's Northeast area.

The housing authority now will purchase the units, which were closed in June, from the port.

"We can't jeopardize the health and safety of residents in the name of providing affordable housing," Keiser said in her letter. "We need to know that public safety is the paramount consideration and not an afterthought."

She focused on identifying problems associated with the Lora Lakes Apartments' proximity to the third runway, including noise pollution, respiratory concerns and potential for accidents at the end point of the elevated runway.

The letter specifically requests that the housing authority avoid placing families with small children or elderly individuals, who are less able to quickly respond to an emergency situation, in these units.

"Restrictions to occupancy already occur at other [housing authority] properties, so this would not be precedent setting," Keiser noted.

"In my judgment, the proximity to the third airport is so close that the disastrous possibilities are obvious and merit the restriction."