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Public Invited to Meet City Manager Finalists
The public is invited to meet finalists for the Burien city manager position at a reception Friday, Feb. 28, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, at the Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave. SW. Participants will be invited to submit written comments about the candidates. On the following day, March 1, the City Council will meet in executive session to interview the candidates. The City leadership team and a panel made up of City advisory board representatives also will conduct interviews. The Council hopes to make its selection at its March 3 meeting. The successful candidate's name will be announced after a contract is negotiated. The City received 46 applications from throughout the U.S. for the position.
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Town Center Apartments, left, Merrill Gardens senior housing, right.
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Developers Present Plans for Burien Town Square
Burien Town Square developers on Feb. 3 presented to the City Council plans for an upscale 227-unit apartment complex and a 111-unit Merrill Gardens senior housing complex. The Town Center Apartments will be on Parcel 5, at SW 150th Street and 6th Avenue SW, just north of the Residences at Burien Town Square condos. Merrill Gardens at Burien will be on Parcel 4, at SW 150th Street and 4th Avenue SW, just north of the library/city hall parking lot. Construction is projected to start in August 2014 and take 18 months. More information, drawings
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Citizen of the Year Nominations
 There is still time to submit a nomination in the City's Citizen of the Year awards program. Nominators are asked to describe what the person or organization has done, when the contribution was made, who benefited, and how the contribution was accomplished. Deadline for nominations is Feb. 14. The winner(s) will be recognized at the April 7 City Council meeting. Electronic nomination form
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Council Adopts Zoning Restrictions
for Marijuana-Related Businesses
On Feb. 3, the City Council adopted an ordinance that established permanent zoning regulations for marijuana-related businesses. Voter approval last fall of State Initiative 502 made production and sale of marijuana legal in Washington. Under Burien's regulations, state licensed marijuana producers and processors are only allowed in industrial zones, primarily in the Northeast Redevelopment Area (NERA) north of the third runway. Marijuana retailers are only allowed in specific commercial zones and no marijuana-related businesses may be locaed within 1,000 feet of transit centers, child care centers, schools, libraries, and parks. Potential retail sites are very limited because of these restrictions, but the commercial area along Ambaum Blvd. SW between SW 148 and 149th Streets could be considered a likely site. The state issues licenses based on a city's population and will issue only one retail license in Burien. Marijuana-related businesses could start operations in Burien in late summer or fall 2014.
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Seahurst Park Shoreline Restoration Project
Significant progress has been made on the construction project at
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Seahurst Park since the park was closed on October 28, 2013. All demolition work has been completed,the concrete seawall has been removed with shoreline grading almost complete, and utilities are being relocated to upper elevations. During the demolition phase, some unanticipated conditions were discovered related to location of utilities and cultural resources. Some minor re-design work was required and has delayed completion by approximately a month and increased project costs.
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Economic Development Strategic Plan
for Burien to be Presented to City Council 
An Economic Development Strategic Plan for Burien will be presented to the City Council at its March 3 meeting for review and possible adoption. The plan establishes a long-term vision for economic development and sets actions the City can take to attract and retain businesses. The City last year hired the consulting team EcoNW and BDS Planning to develop the plan. The draft plan includes input from Burien residents who attended an open house on economic development last fall. See the draft plan at Strategic Plan.
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Community Police Academy Starts March 12
Applications are being accepted for the spring session of the Burien Police Department Community Police Academy, a free series of classes designed to increase public understanding of the police department. Graduates come away with a better understanding of the criminal justice system and an appreciation for the many challenges facing law enforcement. Classes are held every Wednesday, 6-9 pm, at SeaTac City Hall. More information, application
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Fire-Damaged Annex Auditorium Being Repaired
Repair work to the fire-damaged annex auditorium has begun and will be completed by the end of April. The building was severely damaged in an arson fire early the morning of December 10. The fire significantly damaged the roof and other portions of the stage area used by the Burien Actors Theatre and The Hi-Liners for performances and rehearsals. The arts groups have been able to temporarily relocate their activities to other venues. Police are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for tips on the arsonist responsible for the fire. Call 206-263-2070 or 1-800-55-ARSON to report tips.
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preparation and response skills in the case of a large-scale disaster or emergency. CERT members are integrated into the emergency response capability for their area. Training topics include fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, team organization, disaster psychology, and terrorism. Classes are held every Thursday, 6 - 9 pm, for 8 weeks at SeaTac City Hall, 4800 S. 188th St. 