While Burien and Seattle continue the long North Highline annexation process, the SeaTac Planning Commission has recommended its city take a piece of the unincorporated area.

As part of SeaTac's comprehensive plan review, commission members have suggested the city declare the Boulevard Park neighborhood a potential annexation area.

The area targeted for annexation would run from State Route 509 to the Tukwila city limits, and from South 128th Street north to the Seattle city limits.

The citizen commission advises the city on planning issues.

Planning director Steve Butler said his staff offered no recommendations on annexation.

But the reaction by SeaTac council members at their July 10 meeting suggested the commission's idea won't go far.

"This would be a big step, and is not necessarily very realistic," Councilman Chris Wythe declared. "There are high police and fire needs for such a small potential area."

Tukwila avoided annexing an area along the Duwamish River because of potential contamination liability, according to Councilman Don DeHan.

Mayor Gene Fisher added, "I have no desire to get in the middle of a fight with Burien. We want to provide the best service for the least cost to our residents."

Also under review is a smaller proposal to annex an area from Des Moines Memorial Drive South to Tukwila between South 128th Street and South 116th Street.

Planning commission members differed with the city planning staff on another potential comprehensive plan amendment.

Commissioners recommended that two parcels at 3507 S, 188th Street adjacent to the planned YMCA building on 37th Avenue South be rezoned from residential to commercial use.

Butler reported that board members felt that the addition of the YMCA made the area less residential.

As a busy arterial corridor between International Boulevard South and Interstate 5, the area will inevitably become commercial, according to commissioners.

The planning director said his staff prefers that both parcels remain residential or only the parcel facing 188th be rezoned.

Councilwoman Terry Anderson said she opposes "spot zoning," while Councilman Joe Brennan noted a change would open up development south of 188th.

Fisher remarked the city has hired a full-time economic development director and offered $1.8 million in incentives to private developers.

"We have to be all or nothing for economic development," Fisher said. "If the owner wants to develop the parcels, then let him."

The council is scheduled to set the final docket of comprehensive plan amendments to study on July 24. Final adoption of the amendments is scheduled for November.

Lawmakers also heard from several residents complaining about conditions along Military Road South from South 128th Street to South 152nd Street.

They called for a more visible police presence, tougher enforcement of laws and improvements to traffic safety.