Granting an easement for a road to a proposed 200-condominium project on a hill above Seahurst Park would counter what the Highline School District teaches students about the environment.

That was the argument of some park neighbors in the Seahurst community at a Jan. 23 public hearing before the school board.

Developers of the proposed Emerald Pointe condominiums have requested that the district sell or grant an easement for a road on the west side of the old Burien Heights Elementary School site at 1210 S.W. 136th St in Burien.

The Highline-West Seattle Mental Health Center is planning to tear down the Burien Heights buildings to erect a new facility. They were formerly occupied by the Burien Senior Center.

Board members took no action on the request. Board president Julie Burr Spani said they would decide how to proceed on the real estate matter during a closed executive session.

Andrea Johnson, district facilities director, reminded residents "contrary to public opinion, the (condominium) project may still go forward" without the easement.

Developers have an alternative plan for access to the property, she noted.

Her comments were echoed by Charlie Klinge, the attorney for Westmark, the development company, who said final project approval is up to the Burien City Council.

A final environmental impact statement (EIS) is scheduled to be completed by May. After that, Burien officials will act on the proposal.

Klinge said Westmark expects the city to order mitigation for any environmental problems identified in the EIS.

The attorney noted the Burien Heights buildings are surplus properties not being used as a school. Westmark is an adjacent buyer who wants to buy part of the property, he added.

Despite Klinge's assurances, residents near the proposed site told board members during the public hearing that they oppose the project.

Cindy Willis told board members the condos would cause "egregious environmental destruction.

"What will you say to students if you give in to corporate bullying?" Willis asked.

Willis said she is not "anti-development" and supports the Burien Town Square, which she said is on level ground in an already developed area.

Jim Anzalone said the board faces "a moment of integrity."

He noted a salmon hatchery operated by the district's marine technology center is at the bottom of the hill in the north end of Seahurst Park.

He added the north side is the wettest part of the park and the development would disrupt it.

"You have to feel the wetness of the soil and see the steepness of the hill," Anzalone added.

Marvin Jahnke suggested the district and Westmark swap properties. He noted the condos would be on level ground with better views and better access.

Terry Westmoreland, who said he has hiked the park since the 1960s, said the north side is the only part that is in the same condition as when Native Americans walked there.

Joe Weiss, a marine technology instructor, said the developer's draft analysis addressed potential soil erosion and stormwater retention, but not potential hazards to the salmon hatchery from runoff containing petroleum and pesticides.

"The students take a lot of pride in the program," Weiss noted. "Let's make sure we have a diligent EIS and address the issue."

Carolyn West said she has three daughters who have attended the occupational skills programs at the marine science center. It was one of their best high school experiences, she added.

West said the sandy hillside is covered with springs. She noted a mudslide had occurred in the nearby Shorewood neighborhood recently during heavy rains.

Cindy Miller, who said Seahurst is her favorite beach walk park, said selling the property for a potentially polluting development would counter Gov. Chris Gregoire's efforts to clean up Puget Sound.

But, said Westmark architect Robert Thorpe, the developers are following all Burien environmental regulations.

Because the developers will provide a road, landscaping and sewer service for the mental heal center, the easement transaction would be a "win-win" for the district and center, he added.

Kathy Aldridge and Melissa Rogers, who said they were members of neighborhood residential organizations, disputed developer's claims that Westmark is working with the neighboring residents.

While the hearing speakers did not receive immediate word on their pleas, it was a different result for Chinook Middle School student Brittany Baithui.

She nervously read a statement asking that security officer Mike Castro not be transferred from Chinook.

Immediately after her speech, Superintendent John Welch announced that Castro would be staying at Chinook.

Eight students, who had accompanied Brittany, cheered.