As a former member of the Burien Park Board and promoter of open space in our community, I strongly support rezoning the Ruth Dykeman property, not for condos and homes but as a Burien park.

To counter the fears of Lake Burien residents, consider Arbor Lake in North Burien. This lovely little pond with its small shoreline park has not (at least to my knowledge) negatively impacted the health of that lake or the peace in that community.

Lake Burien is a public resource from which the public is excluded because it is completely surrounded by private property. The above rezone gives us a once in a lifetime opportunity.

In the Burien Comprehensive Plan Goal SA.1 is to increase and enhance public access to shoreline areas, consistent with the natural shoreline character, private property rights, and public safety.

It also says the city should seek opportunities to develop new waterfront access points (to water). The SMP Handbook says public access should be considered in the review of all public and private development

Creating a public access site at this location would enhance the recreational opportunities and better serve the greater good of the community of Burien than condos or homes."

Emelie McNett

Burien