About four months late, SeaTac lawmakers approved recently 2009 comprehensive plan amendments that pave the way for a 750-stall surface parking lot on unused cemetery land.
The Master Park lot would be on six acres in the north end of Washington Memorial Park Bonney Watson. The land would revert back to Bonney Watson in 25 years.
Washington Park general manager Cameron Smock told lawmakers that the land will be "left fallow for decades to come."

Smock said Washington has the highest cremation rate in the country. Washington Park's study of future "placements" needs shows the cemetery will not run out of room in the next century.

Temporary use of the "raw acreage" as a parking lot would bring tax revenue to the city and cut down on illegal activity in an isolated spot, according to Smock.

The rezoning was part of last year's comprehensive plan amendments but James and Doris Cassan of Dollar parking appealed the proposed amendment.

The city's hearing examiner denied the appeal, clearing the way for the belated approval.

Planning Director Steve Butler said staff would move ahead with 2010 comprehensive plan amendments, with the council tentatively scheduled to approve them Nov. 23.

But Cassans' attorney John Houlihan said the city couldn't legally approve two comprehensive plan changes in one year.

"Our position is you get only one bite of the apple," Houlihan declared.

Responded Assistant City Attorney Mark Johnsen, "We respectfully disagree with Mr. Houlihan."

The city's position is that since the appeal delayed approval of the 2009 plan until April, SeaTac can enact 2010 plan amendments later in the year.

Roger McCracken of Master Park said the Cassans' appeal was made solely for competitive reasons.

He noted the project still needs more permits.

"There will be time for more shots," McCracken observed.

McCracken said the project has been revised down from 1,000 stalls to 750 and developers plan to add more tree screening along International Boulevard.