While Burien and Seattle ponder White Center's future, White Center residents have ideas of their own about their community's tomorrow.

People gathered at the Salvation Army's White Center Community Center recently to offer suggestions about what to preserve in White Center and what to change in the years to come. The public meeting was sponsored by the White Center Community Development Association in conjunction with the University of Washington.

Most often mentioned as being worth preserving was White Center's polymorphism. Over and over throughout the evening, the diversity of ethnic groups in the community was spoken of as one of White Center's greatest strengths. There were calls to preserve the histories of White Center's various ethnic groups.

Some people said White Center's history and its significant buildings ought to be preserved too.

People said having prices within reach is another community attribute. That goes for starting a business as well as buying a house.

Some said beware of the gentrification of White Center. Encourage local people to own White Center businesses instead of filling the commercial area with chain stores.

The new elementary schools built in recent years are a hit with people. So are White Center's ethnic markets, restaurants and its many mom-and-pop businesses. Other people called for preservation of the Salvadorean Bakery, McLendon's Hardware and the Rat City Rollergirls.

"I love the Music Nights," exclaimed a woman, referring to the series of musical performances every other Friday evening at various White Center restaurants this past August through October.

Some people said White Center's "walkability" should be preserved. Others said they love the parks and open spaces in White Center. A woman said it's important to protect the headwaters of Hamm Creek.

When it came to suggesting changes in the community, some people zeroed in on White Center's business district.

"Take back the spirit of downtown," one suggested.

A woman told of encountering drunks as she and other Music Nights attendees made their way to venues on 16th Avenue Southwest.

"It was not very welcoming," she said. "There's a different crowd at night."

Several people commented that White Center's public image needs burnishing to get more people to shop, dine and drink there.

A man urged there be fewer bars and a greater variety of retail stores in White Center.

Someone else recommended more quality restaurants that would stay open late.

One woman suggested setting up a review process to screen applications for new businesses in White Center.

Another woman complained about traffic.

"Crossing Roxbury (Street) is like trying to navigate a big river," she said.

People said they want downtown White Center to be pedestrian-friendly.

Others said they want more parks, including pocket parks. Some recommended restoration of Hicks Lake in Lakewood Park. There were calls for a year-round gathering place, a plaza and a community garden.

Some want a cultural center and others argued for a teen dance hall. Others want more basic infrastructure such as more sidewalks and more street lighting.

They want more employment opportunities, economic development and additional after-school programs.

Easels held signboards listing various kinds businesses. People affixed sticky paper dots to the types of businesses people would like to see in White Center. The most dots were placed next to "bookstores," "espresso shops" and "movie theaters."

Other types of businesses that received dot votes were an art gallery, health club, ice cream shop and bicycle shop.

Among the activities people want to have were festivals, a farmers market and an outdoor stage for performances. Skateboarding and basketball had their supporters too.

All of the ideas and suggestions gathered will be studied to help formulate a plan for White Center's future, regardless of which city it might join.

Tim St. Clair can be contacted at tstclair@robinsonnews.com or 932-0300.