Will low-income folks finally find a home next to an airport runway? Will it be Burien, Seattle or last-minute suitor SeaTac that wins the heart of North Highline? Will Burien be screwed?

All of that was part of the soap opera that was Highline news last year. Here is the completely arbitrary list of the top ten Highline stories of 2007.

1. A November deal spares affordable housing at the Lora Lake Apartments, 1,000 feet from the third runway's centerline.

The agreement followed angry exchanges at Burien Council and Port of Seattle Commission meetings, threats of King County reprisals against Burien, protests, arrests and a lawsuit. The county got its affordable housing but left Burien officials with hard feelings and a belief that economic development opportunities have been lessened.

2. Construction begins on the Burien Town Square site as condominium and retail space sales also get underway.

Burien lawmakers rejected a proposed centerpiece sculpture that proponents said would serve as a Burien beacon but critics likened to a giant tilted screw.

3. Not only does North Highline annexation remain in limbo but the waters are further muddied when SeaTac jumps in with a possible bid for Boulevard Park.

A growth management board rejected claims by both Burien and Seattle, leaving annexation in limbo. The cities will negotiate and look to the Legislature for more money to offset deficits if they add North Highline.

4. Des Moines forges ahead with planned improvements while combating crime problems.

When Des Moines' government was dysfunctional, it received a lot of news coverage. Now the city has its act together and is quietly working on housing and business developments, including renovation of the marina, a possible second Anthony's restaurant, passenger ferry service and a new downtown establishment with flashy signs from the neon dentist.

The reinvigorated Des Moines Police joined in a drug raid on the border town area of Pacific Ridge, where a major new residential and retail development is planned.

5. SeaTac debates what to do about its fire services and moves ahead with economic development plans.

Lawmakers decided to go ahead with expanding its headquarters fire station in McMicken Heights. As Mayor Gene Fisher pushed for a regional approach to emergency services, lawmakers approved entering into a joint fire study with Tukwila.

The city also worked on plans for transit-oriented development around the South 154th Station and airport/city center light rail stations.

6. Three veteran Highline School Board members retire.

Tom Slattery served 16 years while Matt Pina and Phyllis Byers each served eight years on the board. The two returning board members are both in their first terms as three new members were sworn in last month.

Superintendent John Welch was named the top administrator among large school districts in the state.

A third year of high-school math was added to graduation requirements.

Bow Lake Elementary became the first new district school to open late because of construction delays and Cedarhurst students were moved temporarily to a new school when a fire broke out at the school's construction site.

7. The Port of Seattle receives good news and bad news.

The operators of Sea-Tac International Airport were blasted in a December audit that charged they had squandered almost $1 billion on airport construction projects in the past three years. Highline veterans of the runway legal battles said, "I told you so."

On the other hand, paving on the third runway was completed and the port installed a new non-religious winter display in the terminal without anyone demanding they add a menorah.

8. A new Town Center shopping development opens along First Avenue South in Normandy Park.

Like other cities, Normandy Park dealt with plans for retail and housing developments.

A helicopter hovered over the city for several days delivering supplies for repair of a main sewer line and bringing noise complaints.

9. Construction continued on light rail to Tukwila and the airport.

Bids for the airport/SeaTac City Center light-rail station came in at almost twice what was estimated. Sound Transit is working to scale back the plans.

10. Discover Burien's executive director and president resign.

Director Debra George quit after charges of conflict of interest because of her involvement in an Olde Burien restaurant. She continues to promote and organize events for the group as an independent contractor.

President John Roberts also quit after a testy Burien Council meeting. The city contributes to the group.

Eric Mathison can be reached at hteditor@robinsonnews.com or 206-388-1855.