Former resident challenges City of Buriens stance on SW 172nd Street Right-of-Way in Three Tree Point - The B-Town (Burien) Blog

Eric Hovland, a former resident of Burien with family still in the area, is challenging the city's assertion regarding the width of the public right-of-way (ROW) along SW 172nd Street. He claims that historical records indicate the ROW is only 40 feet wide, contrary to the city's claim of 80 feet. Hovland's extensive research culminated in a 75-page report, which details evidence showing that the right-of-way was legally narrowed in 1916 and further vacated in 1930. He argues that the city has overlooked these documented changes in its interpretation of the ROW's dimensions. In a response, Burien city officials assert that the entire 80-foot ROW remains publicly accessible, referencing a 2016 court ruling that affirms this claim.

Hovland contends that the ruling only applies to a limited number of lots and that the city's interpretation disregards significant historical adjustments. He also highlights that decades of mapping errors have contributed to the confusion over the true dimensions of the ROW. Hovland's efforts aim to ensure that modern reference maps accurately reflect the historical changes that have occurred.