Notes From Monday Nights City Council Meeting

At the Burien City Council meeting on April 13, 2009, officials announced that Puget Sound Park will not be repurposed for low-income housing development due to significant community opposition. City manager Mike Martin remarked that Burien’s affordable housing opportunities are twice the county’s rate, emphasizing the city’s commitment to affordable housing. The council unanimously approved a $195,000 budget for sidewalk installation and street overlay projects to enhance local infrastructure, which will also create jobs, contingent on securing additional funding from a proposed stimulus package. Voters will decide on a proposed annexation on August 18, 2009, as city officials explore potential boundary expansions. Concerns about current zoning restrictions arose, with Burien allowing 24 units per acre compared to the county's 48.

Community Development Director Scott Greenberg indicated that planning staff will analyze these zoning differences before engaging with the planning commission. Councilmember Gordon Shaw criticized the current zoning as detrimental to property rights, calling it an ethical issue. The council also reminded the community about the upcoming Clean Sweep event on April 25, 2009, which will allow for broader garbage acceptance.