Three Tree Point and Lake Burien residents testified in great numbers at Burien City Council meetings after becoming concerned about possible changes to the city's Shoreline Management Plan.

Similarly, several Angle Lake and Military Road residents expressed their vocal opposition Nov. 9 to a proposed rezone to industrial use for a parcel along Military Road.

SeaTac City Council members are expected to decide Tuesday, Nov. 23, on the controversial rezone.

Speakers told lawmakers the industrial rezone would be out of character in a residential neighborhood.
Mayor Terry Anderson reported, "My phone rang all weekend" with complaints about the proposed rezoning.

Military Road resident Eddie Richards said he looked around extensively for a place to live before deciding on his home.

"The (parcel) owner made a speculative purchase," Richards said. "Of course, I made a speculative purchase, too, but not in my wildest imagination did I expect a rezoning across the road with an access road to an industrial complex."

An apartment building stands on part of the parcel but the owner wants to use the rest of the land for a light industrial use.

Interim planning director Cathy Baker admitted that assigning two different zoning designation to one parcel is unusual. But the site is "one in a thousand," she noted.

City planners are recommending the zoning change be approved. However, Baker said conditions placed on the zoning would be so stringent not much could be built on the site, including a proposed towing facility.

She noted planners tried to convince the owner to withdraw his request, but he declined. The staff also suggested he meet with neighbors, Baker added.

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the zoning change be denied. However, commissioners suggested the owner work with staff to find an acceptable use for the property and be allowed to come back in a year with another proposal.

Councilman Ralph Shape objected that city policy is to require property owners to wait two years before submitting another proposal after being denied. Councilman Rick Forschler noted the policy only applies if the property owner requests the same zoning.

Among other proposed comprehensive plan amendments is a rezone that would allow MasterPark to build a surface parking lot on vacant cemetery land owned by Washington Memorial Park, along International Boulevard.

MasterPark would enter into a long-term lease with Washington Park-Bonney Watson for the land. Washington Park officials have said they won't have a need for the property in the foreseeable future.

Planners also suggested that the city's SeaTac city center/airport light-rail station area plan be incorporated into the city's existing city center plan.

Businesses people complained the sub area plan was too stringent and would have placed an unwanted through the area, Baker said the city center plan would prohibit new surface parking lots, except for Sound Transit, in the area.

The sub area is located east of the light-rail station at South 176th Street and International Boulevard.