Local News

Residents object to Seahurst condos

By Ralph Nichols

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Residents of northwest Burien neighborhoods packed a Sept. 19 public hearing to voice opposition to the proposed Emerald Pointe on the Sound condominium development.

Westmark Development, which has had this project on the drawing boards since 1990, wants to build up to 200 market-rate condos at 13401 12th Ave. S.W.

But Emerald Pointe has been delayed by the city since incorporation in 1993.

The state Court of Appeals recently upheld a $10.7 million judgment against Burien for intentionally interfering with Westmark's business expectations.

City officials are considering an appeal.

During this litigation, however, Westmark and the city proceeded with an environmental impact statement [EIS] under the State Environmental Protection Act.

Last week's hearing by the Burien Community Development Department was to give the public an opportunity to comment on the draft EIS.

One of the two alternatives analyzed in the draft EIS proposes construction by Westmark of 200 market-rate condominium units in three five-story buildings and two three-story buildings with 351 parking stalls, almost half of them underground.

The other option studied in the draft EIS calls for construction of 178 market-rate condos in five five-story buildings with 316 parking stalls, more than half of them underground.

Community Development Director Scott Greenberg noted that state law requires King County land-use rules in effect when the project application was submitted in 1990 to apply to Emerald Pointe.

But, said Greenberg, Westmark has agreed to follow Burien's current storm water and transportation-impact requirements.

Among those opposed to the Westmark project is former state Rep. Toni Lysen of Burien, who said "it has huge and very disastrous environmental and geotechnical impacts as well as possible non-existent fire protection" should North Highline be annexed by Seattle.

City Manager Mike Martin, responding later to those who complained they weren't properly notified about the meeting in advance, said, "They did get adequate notice and I'm very comfortable with that."

Residents who still want to comment on the draft EIS can submit a written statement to the Community Development Department by 5 p.m. Oct. 5.

E-mail comments should be sent to susanc@burienwa.gov, by fax to the department at 206-248-5539, or by mail to Dept. of Community Development, City of Burien, 15811 Ambaum Blvd. S.W., Suite C, Burien WA 98166.