By Rachel M. Lusby
SPECIAL TO THE HIGHLINE TIMES

In the areas surrounding the site of the future Tukwila Village project, (set to break ground before the year’s end,) crime activity has long been a major issue.

Tukwila Mayor Jim Haggerton says “The calls for police, fire and medics were astronomical compared to other areas of the city.”

The specific area includes five motels, a smoke shop, and pawn shop along Tukwila International Boulevard, just south of South 144th Street.

On April 22 the mayor proposed an ordinance to the council which would allow them to purchase the seven businesses under the state law which allows cities to designate areas as “Urban Renewal Areas” and gives the city the right to purchase or condemn properties in blighted areas in the name of economic development.

The Council approved the ordinance.

“We are not in the land purchasing business,” Mayor Haggerton says, “but in order to address the issues and calls for service from these properties and with no indication from the property owners/managers they intended to improve the properties, the council approved the ordinance to pursue purchase or condemnation if necessary.”

Currently, the city is working with an appraiser on the properties and there is much hope a great deal of improvement will be seen in these areas. Mayor Haggerton adds, Economic Development Administrator Derek Speck is working with interested business owners who desire to locate in this area.

“This will represent a dramatic improvement along Tukwila International Blvd as our vision is to make the area from Tukwila Village to the light rail station a safe, walkable area that leaves a positive impression on everyone living or visiting that part of the city,” the Mayor concluded.