The Burien City Council approved July 19 an insurance settlement that takes the city out from under the financial burden of a $10.7 million court judgment.

In 2007, the state Court of Appeals upheld a $10.7 million judgment against Burien for interfering with Westmark Development's plans to build a 200-unit condominium project above Seahurst Park.

Westmark proposed the condominium "Emerald Pointe on the Sound" project at 13401 12th Ave. S.W. 20 years ago. That was before Burien incorporated as a city in 1993.

Residents near the site raised environmental concerns and the development stalled.

Westmark sued the city, resulting in the judgment.

The Washington Cities Insurance Authority paid much of the judgment but Burien has spent over $570,000 for attorneys fees and other defense costs.

The settlement approved by the council last week reimbursed Burien for those costs. The insurance authority also will take over Burien's ongoing liability for expenses.

Westmark officials still plan to build the condos but permits have not been approved so far.