From the Regional Commission on Airport Affairs, we received this letter (posted also on their blog) regarding Wednesday night’s (Feb. 24th) “Part 150″ airport noise workshop put on by the Port of Seattle:

Congratulations to those who attended last night’s kick-off workshop for Sea-Tac Airport’s Part 150 study!

Despite a restrictive format, the public delivered a loud & clear message spelling out major issues that concern us all.

After an initial presentation, the attendees (estimated at about 200) crowded around the whiteboards in 15 break-out groups.

We heard over & over that the attendees do not believe that the FAA’s 65 DNL noise assessment has anything to do with noise as it is actually experienced.

We heard over & over that single-event noise –not averages — is what intrudes on people’s lives.

Sharp questions were raised about the five-year planning horizon:  the study needs to look long-term.

And what will the Airport look like, what will it sound like, at its maximum?

At the concluding, wrap-up session, there was widespread spontaneous applause for comments that the region needs two more airports, & for the suggestion that if the present noise cannot be fixed, the airport should be moved.

Less-controversial comments included pleas for more noise insulation, more buy-outs, more sellers’ assistance programs.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us your "Letter to the Editor" by clicking here. Be sure to include your real name and a way to contact you, and, pending our review, we'll most likely post it. Otherwise, feel free to leave a Comment below...]

In the continuing saga of STITA vs the Port of Seattle, on Monday (Feb. 22nd), the Washington state Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the cab company by granting a temporary injunction against the Port of Seattle’s planned contract with Yellow Cab/Puget Sound Dispatch.

This means the Port cannot sign the planned contract “until further order of the Court” (click here to download/read the order as a PDF file), which could happen in April.

STITA’s request to expedite the appeal was granted by Commissioner Mary Neel. The Commissioner’s order states that this case will be heard by a three-judge panel “toward the end of the April 2010 term,” meaning that this ongoing SeaTac soap opera is far from over.

Members of STITA, who filed the original lawsuit against the Port of Seattle on Jan. 29, were obviously pleased with the decision.

“We are thrilled that the court stopped the Port from proceeding with an illegal contract,” said Jesse Buttar, a STITA member and spokesperson. “We’ve only ever asked for a fair process and a legal contract and now we hope the Port has finally listened and will re-do its flawed bidding process.”

Here’s more info from STITA’s press release, issued late Monday afternoon:

STITA, a non-profit co-op with one of the greenest cab fleet in the country, was created in 1989 by the Port of Seattle to exclusively serve the airport and provide reliable service to airport users. Now, after an unfair proposal process, STITA and its approximately 450 members and drivers will essentially be put out of business. They have the airport contract through August 2010.

STITA’s lawsuit claims that the Port’s bidding process violated state law by requiring bidders to commit to pay an unfair concession fee of at least 10 percent of their airport-based revenues to the Port. This revenue system violates the Airports Act, which says airport concession fees must be based upon the actual cost of operations and be reasonable and uniform. Previously, the Port had charged a per-trip fee to taxis based on the airport’s actual cost of services provided to the cabbies.

Additionally, the lawsuit contends that the Port’s new concession fees violate the King County Code and takes away from the King County Council’s authority to set “just and reasonable” taxi meter rates.

Despite protests from STITA to the Port about these glaring problems with the process and the proposed contract, the Port has so far declined to re-do its flawed contract bid.

A second lawsuit against the Port and Yellow Cab by Farwest Taxi was filed on Feb. 12.

Read our previous coverage of this ongoing legal battle here.

Have you ever wondered about what it’d be like to be a cop?

How about one that works at the airport, or on the waterfront, for the Port of Seattle?

Well, the Port of Seattle Police Department is holding its own “Citizens Academy,” which is a unique opportunity to learn up close and personal about the many challenges facing local law enforcement.

This is a once-a-week, 10-week program that is open to the public at no cost. That’s right – it’s FREE.

It will be held at Sea-Tac Airport on Mondays, from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., beginning April 12th and continuing through June 28th.

Police officers and civilian personnel who are experts in their fields will teach classes at the Citizens Academy. Each instructor has years of training and street experience, providing insights not ordinarily available to those outside the department.

Subjects include patrol, community policing, recruitment and training, domestic violence, narcotics, dispatch, investigations, crimes scene analysis, SWAT, explosive detection and narcotics detection K-9, and the bomb squad.

All classes are free of charge and open to the public. The class is limited to 25 participants, so get your application in early.

Want to participate? You’ll need:

• The ability to commit to attending a two-hour weekly class for ten weeks
• A background check

Port employees who wish to participate must have their manager’s permission.

Ready to Apply? Download, print and fill out the application (PDF file) here, then return it to:

FAX: (206) 787-5741

or Mail:

Port of Seattle Police
Attn: Citizens Academy
PO Box 68727
Seattle, WA 98168

For more information, please contact Detective Dan Breed, at breed.d@portseattle.org, or Officer Kyle Yoshimura at yoshimura.k@portseattle.org.

On Wednesday (Feb. 27th), STITA and Farwest taxi companies sent letters to Washington State Auditor Brian Sonntag and Attorney General Rob McKenna, urging an investigation into the Port of Seattle.

This follows a recent, fast-paced rash of two lawsuits filed against the Port for its alleged mishandling of switching cab vendors over from STITA to Yellow Cab (read our previous coverage here).

The letter to the State Auditor asks him to investigate the Port’s handing of the entire on-demand taxicab RFP (Request For Proposal) process, which resulted in the two recent lawsuits.

The letter to Attorney General McKenna requests not only for an investigation of the Port, but also of lobbyist Chris Van Dyk, who is accused of collusion in the RFP process.

“It’s time for the auditor and the attorney general to step in,” said STITA spokesperson Jesse Buttar in a statement. “We hope they will take a careful look at the allegations against the Port.”

We got in touch with Perry Cooper, Media Officer for the Port, who said:

“Understand we have just received this and will review our records again…but we are still emphasizing that we are confident the RFP and bidding process was fair, open and transparent.

We have reviewed our approach continually throughout a thoughtful and thorough RFP and bidding process.

We are aware of no facts that would support allegations of collusion.

At no time during the process did anyone file an official complaint.

We were not aware of these allegations until the suit was filed.”

Both letters are enclosed below, and are available also for download here (both as PDF files):

• Letter to State Auditor Sonntag (PDF File)
• Letter to Attorney General McKenna (PDF File)

The first in a series of public workshops for Sea-Tac Airport’s “Part 150 Noise Study” is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 24th at Mount Rainier High School (locatrd at 22450 19th Ave. South in Des Moines) beginning at 5:15pm.

So if you have something to say about airport noise, this would be the place to air your thoughts and hope that the Port of Seattle hears you.

Doors open at 5pm, with the program beginning at 5:15pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Public workshop for Sea-Tac Airport’s “Part 150 Noise Study” program

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 24th beginning at 5:15pm

WHERE: Mt. Rainier High School, located at 22450 19th Ave South in Des Moines

INFO: From a press release:

The Part 150 Study will look at ways to reduce aircraft noise impacts on communities. Throughout the study, the public is invited to participate in the solution and recommendation process through active engagement in a series of topical workshops.

The February 24th workshop will include a brief presentation followed by facilitator-led, small-group working sessions designed to gather the public’s input on refining the scope for the Part 150 Study. So, please review the meeting agenda and come prepared with ideas.

Visit the dedicated Part 150 Study Website – the single location for all documentation connected to the study.

In a fast-paced legal tennis match, after briefly having its restraining order denied, a State Court of Appeals Commissioner issued a stay late Monday in STITA Cab’s lawsuit against the Port of Seattle.

This means that, pending any other legal maneuvering, the Port will not be able to sign a contract with Yellow Cab.

Earlier Monday, King County Superior Court Judge Steven Gonzalez denied a restraining order filed by STITA to block the Port from signing the contract with Yellow Cab.

The contract for on-demand taxi service at Sea-Tac airport won’t be awarded until the court determines if the Port acted illegally. Judge Gonzalez heard STITA’s case Feb. 4th, and issued his decision Monday afternoon.

STITA vowed to continue fighting. They immediately took the case to the State Court of Appeals, which agreed to issue a stay – meaning the Port cannot sign with Yellow Cab until the legal issues are resolved.

The commissioner is expected to consider the merits of the case this week.

“We’re thrilled with this late-breaking win,” said Jesse Buttar, STITA cab owner. “We know we have a case. We just want a fair shot at the airport contract.”

On Jan. 29, STITA filed a complaint asking the court to halt the Port from signing a contract that violates state law. STITA seeks a fair and legal proposal process in which all bidders can compete on a level playing field.

In 1989, STITA – a non-profit co-op with the greenest cab fleet in the country – was created by the Port of Seattle to exclusively serve the airport and provide reliable service to airport users. Now, after an unfair proposal process, STITA and its approximately 450 members and drivers will essentially be put out of business.

In its lawsuit, STITA contends the Port’s bidding process violated the state Airports Act because the Port discontinued its prior practice of charging fees to taxicabs based on the airport’s actual cost of services provided to the cabbies. Instead, it required bidders to commit to pay an unfair concession fee of at least 10 percent of their airport-based revenues. This violates the Airports Act, which says airport concession fees must be based upon the Airport’s actual cost of operations and be reasonable and uniform.

STITA contends the Port’s bidding process caused a predatory bidding war among taxi companies which not only was illegal but will be financially devastating to the King County taxi industry.

STITA’s lawsuit also contends that the Port’s new concession fee violates the King County Code, which requires the King County Council to set the taxi meter rate at a level that is “just and reasonable.” The Port’s new concession fee cuts directly into the county’s taxi meter rate and prevents cab operators from receiving the gross receipts that they legally are entitled to receive.

Despite notice from STITA protesting these glaring problems with the process and proposed contract, the Port of Seattle declined to re-do its flawed proposal and said it would sign an agreement with Yellow Cab. STITA had no recourse but legal action.

PREVIOUSLY:

On Monday (Feb. 8th), King County Superior Court Judge Steven Gonzales put up the first roadblock in a lawsuit filed by longtime Sea-Tac Airport vendor STITA Cab by denying its attempts to stop the Port of Seattle from signing a contract with Yellow Cab.

The exclusive taxicab contract was held by STITA for 20 years in a no-bid deal. After a harsh rebuke from the State Auditor over its contracting processes, the Port of Seattle issued a “Request for Proposal,” or RFP, for the first time last fall.

Yellow Cab won the award with a bid of $18.3 million, which is $8 million greater than the bid STITA submitted. Yellow Cab was named a defendant in the lawsuit, along with the Port of Seattle and other taxi associations.

In issuing the ruling, Judge Gonzales noted that the RFP allowed for prospective bidders to file complaints, or injunctions, to any portion of the RFP document; Gonzales said, “The Plaintiff had the opportunity to file a complaint during the process, and they did not. They only complained when they did not win the bid.”

Yellow Cab will have to expand to meet its new agreement and may add up to 150 taxis, which could mean transferring over some STITA drivers, according to company representatives.

Without ruling on the lawsuit’s merits, Gonzalez said that STITA’s request for an injunction was damaged by the fact that it waited until after the bidding process to object. Had STITA won the contract, it’s “inconceivable” they would’ve sought an injunction, he said.

As we reported Feb. 1st:

In its lawsuit, STITA claimed that the Port’s bidding process violated the state Airports Act, because the Port discontinued its prior practice of charging fees to taxicabs based on the airport’s actual cost of services provided to the cabbies. Instead, it required bidders to commit to pay an unfair concession fee of at least 10 percent of their airport-based revenues. This violates the Airports Act, which says airport concession fees must be based upon the Airport’s actual cost of operations and be reasonable and uniform.

STITA contends the Port’s bidding process caused a “predatory bidding war among taxi companies which not only was illegal but will be financially devastating to the King County taxi industry.”

STITA has 216 cabs, 450 drivers, and claims to have brought in $10.58 million to the Port between 2004 and 2008.

The Seattle P-I reported Tuesday (Feb. 1st) that three men and a woman are facing charges that they kidnapped, beat and sexually assaulted a woman in an area north of Sea-Tac Airport.

The story claims that Candice Sanders, 23, Christapher White, 21, Luis Perez, 22, and Troy O’Dell, 25, held the unidentified female victim for two days at a home near the airport, where Sanders allegedly beat her.

Other times she was allegedly gang-raped by two of the male suspects in front of her their children.

The woman, who was hospitalized at Harborview Medical Center after the attack, told King County deputies that she had been assaulted, court documents show. Perez, O’Dell and White were apparently arrested later that day, as was Sanders.

A search done after the attack apparently turned up evidence of weapons, body armor and large amounts of prescription painkillers.

Read the full story here.

On Monday (Feb. 1st), the Seattle-Tacoma International Taxi Association (STITA) announced a lawsuit against the Port of Seattle to stop the Port from “unfairly awarding” its airport taxi contract to Yellow Cab (Puget Sound Dispatch).

In the lawsuit, STITA contends that the Port’s bidding process violated the state Airports Act, because the Port discontinued its prior practice of charging fees to taxicabs based on the airport’s actual cost of services provided to the cabbies. Instead, it required bidders to commit to pay an unfair concession fee of at least 10 percent of their airport-based revenues. This violates the Airports Act, which says airport concession fees must be based upon the Airport’s actual cost of operations and be reasonable and uniform.

STITA has 216 cabs, 450 drivers, and claims to have brought in $10.58 million to the Port between 2004 and 2008.

According to a press release sent to us by STITA:

On Friday, STITA filed a complaint asking the court to halt the Port from signing a contract that violates state law. STITA seeks a fair and legal proposal process in which all bidders can compete on a level playing field.

“If you think it’s difficult to hail a cab in Seattle now, wait to see what will happen if STITA cabs are put out of business,” said Jesse Buttar, STITA cab owner. “We’re trying to make sure that doesn’t happen. We’re asking the Port to reconsider and allow us to fairly compete for the airport contract. We’re sorry this has come to legal action, but we STITA members are ready to fight against what we feel was an unfair process by the Port of Seattle.”

In 1989, STITA – a non-profit co-op with the greenest cab fleet in the country – was created by the Port of Seattle to exclusively serve the airport and provide reliable service to airport users. Now, after an unfair proposal process, STITA and its approximately 450 members and drivers will essentially be put out of business.

“People tell us to go work for Yellow, but we can’t,” said Kanwarjit Bassi, who followed in his father’s footsteps and drives a STITA cab. “We don’t have Seattle for-hire licenses and it’s nearly impossible to get one. We were prevented from expanding service outside of the airport by the Port and now it’s telling us to go away. But, there’s nowhere to go.”

In its lawsuit, STITA contends the Port’s bidding process violated the state Airports Act because the Port discontinued its prior practice of charging fees to taxicabs based on the airport’s actual cost of services provided to the cabbies. Instead, it required bidders to commit to pay an unfair concession fee of at least 10 percent of their airport-based revenues. This violates the Airports Act, which says airport concession fees must be based upon the Airport’s actual cost of operations and be reasonable and uniform.

STITA contends the Port’s bidding process caused a predatory bidding war among taxi companies which not only was illegal but will be financially devastating to the King County taxi industry.

STITA’s lawsuit also contends that the Port’s new concession fee violates the King County Code, which requires the King County Council to set the taxi meter rate at a level that is “just and reasonable.” The Port’s new concession fee cuts directly into the county’s taxi meter rate and prevents cab operators from receiving the gross receipts that they legally are entitled to receive.

“I’ve driven a cab for 35 years – mostly seven days a week,” said Patty Stephens. “It wasn’t an easy living, but at the end of the day I barely made enough to feed my family. And I could take care of sick children or go to their soccer games without getting fired. It’s the only life we know; my daughter and son both drive a cab too. We’re all out of jobs if STITA loses this contract.”

Despite notice from STITA protesting these glaring problems with the process and proposed contract, the Port of Seattle declined to re-do its flawed proposal and said it would sign an agreement with Yellow Cab. STITA had no recourse but legal action.

STITA’s complaint will go before a King County judge on Thursday.

STITA BY THE NUMBERS:

• Cabs: 216
• Owner-Operators: 283
• Total number of drivers, including owner-operators: approximately 450
• Founded: 1989 as non-profit association

Declining trips in 2009 do not reflect new light rail service to the airport and how it will likely decrease future cab demand.

Current per-trip fee paid to Port for airport pickup:

• $3.05 in 2009;
• $1.80 in 2010.

Current STITA contract ends August 31, 2010.

Revenues to Port:

• STITA, 2004 – 2008: $10.58 million

Number of on-demand taxi trips at Sea-Tac Airport

• 2004: 578,259
• 2005: 639,751
• 2006: 648,275
• 2007: 732,694
• 2008: 740,867
• 2009: 676,010 (estimate)

A public workshop for Sea-Tac Airport’s Part 150 Noise Study is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 24th, from 5pm – 7pm at Mount Rainier High School, which is located at 22450 19th Ave South in Des Moines.

The Part 150 Study looks at ways to reduce aircraft noise impacts on communities. Throughout the study, the public is invited to participate in the solution and recommendation process through active engagement in a series of topical workshops.

For more information, visit the dedicated Part 150 Study website here that has been established as the single location for all documentation connected to the study.

Up to six additional public workshops will be held throughout the Part 150 Study process. This first meeting will introduce and orient the participants to the Part 150 process as well as further “scope” the study itself. In order to do that, the consultants will facilitate small group discussions with the participants to talk about their concerns and what they are hoping to see included in the study. Records of these sessions and the input received will be kept and factored into the study. The Port will soon launch an advertising campaign publicizing the meeting and they will make sure the members of the Forum get additional information.

Public workshops are not the only vehicle that will be used to engage the public. The Port wants to make sure community leaders, such as the members of the Highline Forum, and the general public has ample opportunity to review the status of the project and offer their thoughts and recommendations. The Port will be providing just that at the regular Highline Forum meetings. In addition, the Part 150 Study team will be available to attend a City Council meeting or meet with the representatives of a specific neighborhood or organization.

There will be a public hearing and comment period at the end of the process. More information will be provided at that time when there is a fully developed set of recommended actions.

More info available at these links:

• Part 150 Scope of Services (PDF)
• Port of Seattle’s “Air Mail” (PDF)

According to the Port’s Part 150 website:

The Part 150 Study process is designed to identify noise incompatibilities surrounding an airport, and to recommend measures to both correct existing incompatibilities and to prevent future incompatibilities. For Part 150 Study purposes, noise incompatibilities are defined as residences or public use noise-sensitive facilities (libraries, churches, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals) within the 65 Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) noise contour.

The purpose for conducting a Part 150 Study is to develop a balanced and cost-effective plan for reducing current noise impacts from the airport’s operations, where practical, and to limit additional impacts in the future.

Among the general goals and objectives addressed by a Part 150 Study are the following:

• To reduce, where feasible, existing and forecasted noise levels over existing noise-sensitive land uses;
• To reduce new noise-sensitive developments near the airport;
• To mitigate, where feasible, adverse impacts in accordance with Federal guidelines;
• To provide mitigation measures that are sensitive to the needs of the community and its stability; and
• To be consistent, where feasible, with local land use planning and development policies.

Specific goals for this Part 150 Study include the following:

• To address noise issues related to the third runway;
• To conduct the process in an open and engaging way; and
• To look for opportunities that have not been thought of versus re-visiting old issues.

This study will identify existing and future flight corridors, develop aircraft noise exposure maps for current and future conditions, evaluate air traffic control procedures that could be implemented to reduce noise exposure over residential areas, consider land use controls that could be established to reduce future incompatible land uses from being developed within high noise areas, and evaluate means to mitigate noise impacts within high noise exposure areas.

It is anticipated that the Part 150 Study will be completed in late 2011. After completion, it will be submitted to the FAA. The review period by the FAA is typically 6-9 months.

by Ralph Nichols

In a victory for private property rights, the SeaTac City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, Jan. 26th to rescind their earlier condemnation of the “Park-N-Fly” business at 17400 International Boulevard.

The paid parking lot – easily recognizable by its landmark sign, a vertical blue and gold key, across the street from Sound Transit’s light rail station at Sea-Tac International Airport – is the focus of ongoing negotiations over development of a proposed city center there.

Council members voted last Sept. 22 to condemn the property in an eminent domain action. Had the condemnation proceeded, it was anticipated that the SeaTac would sell the land to a private developer who then would build a parking garage and a city center complex.

“We are very pleased that the city council reconsidered its earlier action and upheld the Constitution and respect for private property,” John Houlihan Jr., an attorney for James and Doris Cassan, owners of Park-N-Fly, said following the action. “The Cassans look forward to continuing their long-standing business.”

Doris Cassan added that they now “will continue to pursue with the city what will make a first-class project.” This will be a mixed use development including some combination of a hotel, retail, office space and possibly some multi-family housing in addition to parking.

Councilman Rick Forschler said prior to the vote the earlier condemnation of the Cassan’s property was “a misuse of eminent domain.” He noted that while the council said it wanted to take the property for a “public use,” that use actually would have been a sale of the land to a developer who would build a private parking garage there.

“The Cassans are committed to making this a first-class development,” said Councilman Tony Anderson in support of rescinding the condemnation. He also appealed to both parties to “continue their negotiations (for development of the site) in good faith.”

And Councilwoman Mia Gregerson said she would vote to rescind because “the city and property owners are working together for a development that works.”

Councilman Ralph Shape, who defended the condemnation action at the council’s Jan. 12 meeting, offered no comment before voting to repeal it.

Council members approved the condemnation ordinance last year because they “believed it was in the best interests of the city,” said Councilman Gene Fisher, who introduced the ordinance to rescind at the earlier meeting.

“Because of conversations going on (since the original action) between the city and property owners … working together for development that works,” condemnation of the Cassan property is not appropriate and he could not support it, Fisher declared.

However, he noted that ordinance repeals condemnation without prejudice, which would allow the city to invoke that action in the future “if parking needs increase and negotiations with the property owners stall.”

Earlier in the meeting, Scott Roberts, property rights director with the Freedom Foundation, told council members there is a need for eminent domain reform in Washington and urged the lawmakers to act with that in mind.

“You know the difference between right and wrong,” Roberts added, and rescinding condemnation of the Cassan property “certainly is right.”

Companion bills to limit the use of eminent domain in Washington, introduced at the request of Attorney General Rob McKenna, currently are before the Legislature.

Doris Cassan summarized their plans for the property and urged the council to allow Park-N-Fly to remain in private hands and be developed privately by them.

On a drizzly Thursday morning (Jan. 14th), officials from Sea-Tac Airport demonstrated some brand new toys – a new, advanced bird tracking system with real-time displays of bird activity on and around the airport – and Photographer Francis Zera got lucky and was invited onto the actual runway.

In partnership with University of Illinois researchers and the Federal Aviation Administration, Sea-Tac is the first airport in the country to begin the use of this technology, which will allow wildlife management staff to access live data as they patrol the airfield to minimize bird hazards.

Sea-Tac Airport has been the demonstration site for avian radar research since 2007, and in fact currently has three avian radars installed, two on the top of the airport’s office building and one in the middle of the airfield between two runways (see photos below for details).

“Sea-Tac is a leader in the evaluation of this technology,” said Dr. Edwin Herricks, the leader of the University of Illinois research program, a professor of civil and environmental engineering. “I don’t know where this program would be without the input and real-life evaluation efforts by the staff and support from the Port of Seattle.”

Through the FAA-designated Center of Excellence for Airport Technology (CEAT) at the University of Illinois, the latest milestone in the research program builds on equipment from Accipiter Radar Inc. that provides geographic displays of bird activity on Google Earth™ maps.

“This technology will give us situational awareness of the entire airfield day or night – it will be like wearing a huge pair of binoculars,” said Steve Osmek, Sea-Tac Airport’s wildlife biologist. “Rather than depending only on what we can see from our particular location, we’ll be able to know if there are bird issues anywhere around the airfield so we can respond quickly and appropriately.”

Here’s Francis Zera’s Photo Slideshow:

Click to View Francis Zera’s Photo Slideshow

by Ralph Nichols

After beginning a condemnation process in September to seize ownership of a private parking lot on International Boulevard – for the private development of an envisioned city center – the SeaTac City Council appears ready to reverse course.

SeaTac council members entertained at their Jan. 12 meeting an ordinance, introduced by Deputy Mayor Gene Fisher, to rescind the earlier condemnation action against Park-N-Fly surface parking lot, which James and Doris Cassan have operated for almost 50 years.

Action on the ordinance to stop legal proceedings to condemn the Cassan’s property was delayed, however, when Councilman Ralph Shape, who supports condemnation, requested that it be held for consideration until the next council meeting.

Under council rules, that automatically ended discussion of Fisher’s proposed ordinance, which was moved to the agenda for the council’s Jan. 26 meeting.

John Houlihan Jr., an attorney representing the Cassans, later told The B-Town Blog that they “are hopeful that the council at its next meeting will take up the ordinance and repeal condemnation” of their property.

Meanwhile, companion bills to protect private property by restricting the use of eminent domain were introduced in the Legislature Monday – SB 6200 by Sen. Michael Carrell, R-Lakewood, and HB 2425 by Rep. Jay Rodne, R-North Bend – at the request of State Attorney General Rob McKenna.

They provide that private property may be taken by a public entity only for public use, that no public entity may take private property for economic development, and that that taking private property by a public entity for economic development or tax revenue enhancement does not constitute a public use.

SeaTac’s 2010 budget includes funding for the city’s lobbyist to oppose this proposed legislation in Olympia.

Houlihan said he believes the two bills address the use of eminent domain as applied by SeaTac in its earlier action to condemn the Park-N-Fly property. They also would amend the Community Redevelopment Act to prevent potential abuses through eminent domain to remedy “blight” through “condemnation.”

Earlier in their Jan. 12 meeting, following a public hearing, council members voted 6-1 to continue until May 15 a moratorium on development permits in the city’s proposed entertainment district.

Fisher argued for leaving in place that moratorium, which was imposed by city council in November, so a newly appointed ad hoc committee, which has yet to meet, can have time to review zoning in this area and propose changes to accommodate new development.

Initial reaction to Fisher’s proposed ordinance during the meeting indicates that on Jan. 26 the condemnation of the Cassan property may be rescinded by at least five votes. In addition to Fisher, Mayor Terry Anderson and Council members Tony Anderson, Rick Forschler and Pam Fernald indicated their support for reversing the prior action.

Shape argued that the council was bending to pressure from a public relations campaign orchestrated by the Cassans, and claimed they have taken no action to develop their Park-N-Fly property for an extended time.

But Houlihan disagreed, telling The B-Town Blog that most recently they submitted an application for a design revision in December.

The Cassans paid over $10 million in 2007 when they converted a long-term lease into ownership of the property. Before initiating the eminent domain process, the city offered them $8.6 million for the parking lot.

They have filed with the city plans for mixed use development of their property at 17400 International Blvd., including retail and a hotel.

The city, however, wants to build a parking garage on the parking lot site, and encourage private development of a city center entertainment district north of S. 176th St. and just east of Sound Transit’s airport light rail station.

Here’s a video report on this case, produced by the Evergreen Freedom Foundation:

And another one from Fox News:

War Correspondent/Writer/Blogger Michael Yon claims via his Facebook Fan Page that he was detained at Sea-Tac Airport Tuesday morning (Jan. 5th) for “refusing to say how much money I make.”

Yon apparently is an ex-Green Beret turned war correspondent who’s covered wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Obviously a well-traveled guy with combat experience, it’ll be interesting to hear the “other side” from TSA (if we ever do that is).

Here’s a screenshot of his Facebook posting:

And here’s the actual text of his post:

Got arrested at the Seattle airport for refusing to say how much money I make. (The uniformed ones say I was not “arrested”, but they definitely handcuffed me.) Their videos and audios should show that I was polite, but simply refused questions that had nothing to do with national security. Port authority police…eventually came — they were professionals — and rescued me from the border bullies.

Our guess is that trying to get through TSA with a Passport that has stamps from Iraq and Afghanistan, then refusing to answer questions = p.o.’d rent-a-cop types who are on edge after the Christmas Day bombing attempt…

Port of Seattle Police arrested a man after he brought in the new year by barricading himself in a family restroom around 5pm on Friday, Jan. 1st.

The man, who at one point claimed to be armed, then at another demanded an airline ticket so fly “somewhere,” gave up after police negotiators did their jobs and got him to surrender after a two and a half hour standoff.

No weapon was found, no airline tickets were handed out, and the man was taken into custody.

However, the incident did cause police to evacuate part of the airport as a precaution.

No one was hurt and no flights were delayed, and police don’t consider this a “terrorist” incident.

There’s no word yet on whether the man had any intestinal distress, nor if he simply clogged the toilet and wanted “privacy” as he tried to fix things up for the next user.

The Citizens Against Sea-Tac Expansion (C.A.S.E.) is holding their monthly “Sea-Tac Expansion” Meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 2nd from 7pm to 9pm at the ERAC offices, located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW.

Here are the details:

WHAT: CASE Monthly Meeting

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 2nd, from 7pm to 9pm

WHERE: ERAC (Highline District Adm. Office), located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. S.W., Burien.

INFO: From an email release:

You, your friends and neighbors are invited to attend our monthly December CASE meeting.

CASE President Brett Fish will conduct the meeting. Brett will recognize our elected leaders attending and introduce the speakers. Current usage of Sea-Tac Airport with the 3rd runway operations will be the main topic of this meeting.

Stan Shepherd, Sea-Tac’s Manager of Airport Noise Programs, will be the primary speaker on the current runway statistics & other flight information.  Mr. Shepherd will include a presentation on the present state of the Part 150 study for Airport Operations.

The F.A.R. Part 150 Noise Compatibility Regulation sets out rules and guidelines and authorizes Federal assistance for preparation of airport noise compatibility programs.  Part 150 provides for the preparation of two types of information: Noise Exposure Maps, which describe existing noise conditions in the Airport area and provide guidelines for the mitigation of those of us impacted by airport operations.

Questions and Comments from the floor on this subject or on other issues will be welcome.

This is a good opportunity to better understand how the Part 150 Study will be conducted and what citizen involvement (if any) will be allowed.

If you have questions or need directions, call 206-824-6589.

Friday morning (Nov. 13th), Sound Transit announced that its brand new Link Light Rail train station at Sea-Tac Airport will open at 10am Saturday, Dec. 19th.

This new station will expand the system from the current end-of-line Tukwila stop that opened in July, and will provide travelers the ability to travel from downtown Seattle (or other locations along the line) directly to the airport.

Prior to its Dec. 19th opening, in order to get to the airport, riders must board a Metro bus in Tukwila. Now they can just ride along to the final stop.

“With the opening of the airport line in December, Sound Transit is giving a gift to holiday travelers by providing a fast and easy connection to downtown Seattle,” Senator Patty Murray said at Friday’s ceremony.  “We made history in July by opening the doors of light rail to the public and since that time our region has enjoyed a new convenient, environmentally-friendly, and low-cost way to get around.  This new line will continue to seamlessly connect our region’s transportation system like never before.”

The new station is located near the main airport parking garage, by the intersection of So. 176th Street and International Blvd., and includes a skybridge that will connect pedestrians to the airport ticketing concourse.

By 2020, Sound Transit is projecting that approximately 3,000 riders are expected to board trains daily at the Airport Station every day.

The next big phase of this project will be a $1.9 billion tunnel that will reach the University of Washington by 2016. Voters have also approved spending $18 billion more to extend lines stops in Federal Way, Lynnwood and Redmond.

According to spokesman Bruce Gray, train testing will begin Monday, No.v 16th between the Rainier Beach Station and the new airport stop.

Adult fare to downtown Seattle is $2.75, one way.

So far, ridership on the recently opened Seattle-Tukwila line has averaged around 16,100 per weekday in October, showing growth but still 10,000 short of the number projected for late 2010.

Looks like Burien’s airplane laser-pointer might be back in town, with an incident reported Thursday night around 7:30pm north of Sea-Tac Airport.

According to authorities, a pilot with a Horizon Airlines flight making its final approach reported seeing a red laser pointed at the cockpit. Previous incidents have included green lasers, so perhaps the suspect has a new toy.

No one was hurt in the incident, and the airplane landed safely.

It’s a felony to point lasers at airplanes, and if you saw anything unusual in that area, or know anything about this incident, please contact Port of Seattle Police immediately at 206-433-5400.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Four More Laser-Airplane Pointing Incidents Friday Night
• No Foolin’: Has The Airplane Laser Pointer Returned?
• Laser Pointer Culprit Is Back In Action NW Of Airport
• Burien Man Charged With “Lasering” Is Released
• UPDATE: Laser Suspect Was “Playing Around” At Party
• Police Arrest Burien Resident For Airplane Laser Incidents

by Ralph Nichols

If it wasn’t already obvious before Tuesday (Sept. 29) night’s community meeting about additional noise generated by commercial jets using Sea-Tac International Airport’s third runway, people living not only under but near the new flight paths are mad as hell.

But while they don’t want to take it anymore, it appears they have no option but to endure it. No governmental organization is stepping forward with solutions – not studies, but solutions – then putting them into effect.

As a result, these citizens are even more frustrated than mad. And Port of Seattle and Federal Aviation Administration representatives heard this frustration – laced with anger – during the two-hour meeting at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien.

The strongest complaints from the audience of approximately 400 included charges that the Port of Seattle “lied” to the public about the use of the third runway when it was being planned and designed and studied for its environmental impacts on the surrounding area.

“We need answers,” said Debi Wagner, a long-time activist against airport expansion. “You guys lied to us.”

Another woman said her home was soundproofed against noise from the second runway in 1992, yet “now it’s worthless. Are you people above the law?” She added that President Obama should become involved because “he closed Guantanamo (Bay detention of terror suspects) … He can close the Port of Seattle.”

One man in the audience suggested that to save the millions of dollars future lawsuits over noise and noise mitigation could cost, the Port of Seattle should just shut down the third runway.

When asked if the Port would consider doing that, Stan Shepard, manager of Sea-Tac noise programs, replied, “Absolutely not.”

Joining Shepard to hear complaints and field questions from the public were David Suomi, deputy regional administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Northwest Mountain Region, and Linda Pelligrini with FAA’s air traffic control.

Also attending were District 33 legislators – Sen. Karen Keiser and Reps. Dave Upthegrove and Tina Orwall – and 34th District Rep. Sharon Nelson, King County Councilwoman Julia Patterson, and representatives of CASE (Citizens Against Sea-Tac Expansion) and the RCAA (Regional Commission on Airport Affairs).

“We’re here to listen,” Keiser (D-Des Moines) told the assembly. “These issues are not new to us. But they have been sharpened” since the third runway opened 10 months ago and has been operating “24/7.”

Paramount concerns, Keiser continued, include sleep – “it’s hard to get a decent night’s sleep when planes are always flying” – and public safety with planes flying only 100 to 200 feet overhead on final approach.

She said the 33rd District’s delegation would develop legislation in Olympia to help alleviate these problems.

Two separate realities really frustrate, confound and even anger many living near the airport and along the third runway flight paths:

1. First, the third runway was planned and built by the Port of Seattle, which operates the airport including its facilities and infrastructure.
2. Second, it is the FAA, and not the airport, that directs air traffic including which runways will be used for each landing and take-off.

Several in the audience reminded Shepard and the FAA representatives that the third runway had been sold to the public as a backup runway primarily for landings in bad weather to reduce flight delays and departures. But since it opened, it also has been used routinely for what Shepard described as “high-demand” periods – those times when eight or more planes arrive within 15 minutes.

This is a primary reason why a number of those speaking accused the Port of lying to them before the third runway was built.

Another man asked what happened to the concept of limited use, noting it was “an enormous leap” from that earlier assurance “to high demand. We would like that concept changed.” He was roundly applauded when he added, “We were hoodwinked.”

Wagner also declared that with emissions from jet engines, including small black dust-like particles, the Port is “killing us with their aircraft. They’re causing cancer and they don’t care about you at all.” New airports have a five-mile buffer for emissions as well as noise because of the high cancer risk from jet emissions, she added. Some airports even have nighttime curfews.

“The Port is fully committed to make this a public process,” Shepard said about future noise studies and noise mitigation. He later was jeered when he noted, “Sea-Tac is a leader in airport noise mitigation,” and the third runway doesn’t alter that fact. “I’m damn proud” of what the Port has done, he said.

Shepard also reminded the audience that while the third runway has been operated as a regular runway since April, this is about to change and that will result in less noise from flight operations on the runway.

The third runway has handled a lot of Sea-Tac departures as well as arrivals during the complete rebuilding of the longest runway (closest to the terminal). That job has been completed and, when the FAA certifies that runway as operational, use of the third runway will be reduced.

None of what they heard, however, appeared to satisfy the audience because, many seemed to feel, their concerns appear to have no impact on the FAA’s use of the third runway.

The Citizens Against Sea-Tac Expansion (C.A.S.E.) is holding their monthly “Sea-Tac Expansion” Meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 2nd from 7pm to 9pm at the ERAC offices, located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW.

Here are the details:

WHAT: CASE Monthly Meeting

WHEN: Wednesday, September 2nd, from 7pm to 9pm.

WHERE: ERAC (Highline District Adm. Office), located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. S.W., Burien.

INFO: CASE President Brett Fish will conduct the meeting and briefly update us on a number of actions/issues we have with the Port of Seattle and with the 3rd runway operations. These will include:

• The significant noise Increase resulting from the operations using the 3rd runway is much greater than predicted prior to the construction because of the 24-hour use was not planned. Our State Representative Dave Upthegrove and Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler, former Director of the ACC (Airport Cities Coalition), will be available to speak on this subject.
• The multiyear study by the WA State Aviation Planning Council, started in 2005, has been completed and reported to the governor. The results do not identify the next regional airport in Washington as was expected. RCAA Operations Manager Chas Talbot will update us on this subject.
• Construction is still continuing on the re-construction of the #1 runway.
• Questions or Comments will be heard as time allows.

If you have questions or need directions, call 206-824-6589.

On Tuesday, Aug. 18th, the Port of Seattle hosted members of the press at a tour of the reconstruction project that is in the final stages of completion on the first (as well as oldest and longest) runway, also known as “16L/34R.”

Approximately 80% of the concrete has already been poured for the new runway, and finishing touches will be completed over the next month. The original concrete runway, built in 1944, is being crushed and recycled as the gravel sub-base for the new runway. This sub base is 12 inches, topped by a 4-inch asphalt layer and then the 20-inch concrete runway.

In comparison, Sea-Tac’s third runway is only 17-inches thick.

This re-construction is the main reason why the airport’s third runway has been in use so much recently.

Photographer Michael Brunk was there to capture these photos:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

by Ralph Nichols

As demolition crews prepared this week to tear down the Lora Lake Apartments – long the center of heated controversy over affordable housing in Burien – near Sea-Tac International Airport’s third runway, attention was focused on possible uses for this prime commercial location.

The Port of Seattle, which owns the Lora Lake complex, wants to develop facilities for airport-compatible activities there, such as air cargo, food service and warehouses, and on other property it owns within Burien’s Northeast Planning Area north of the airport.

But the vacant apartment complex is just inside the Burien city limits and several council members hope this location will anchor economic development in the Northeast Planning Area that will generate additional sales tax and other revenue for the city. Possible land uses include an auto mall and a business park.

City Manager Mike Martin said recently that results of a state Department of Transportation study for a new interchange at State Route 518 and Des Moines Memorial Drive now underway might be available by summer’s end. An interchange at that location would increase the value of the Lora Lake site for business development.

Preparation for demolition includes mitigation of toxic contaminants in the ground at Lora Lake, which were discovered in a 2008 environmental study prior to a planned transfer of the property from the Port to the King County Housing Authority.

When the assay found hazardous chemicals in soil samples taken at depths of 7 and 14 feet, the apartment complex was determined to be unsafe for occupancy and the housing authority abandoned plans to reopen its 162 units. The site was used for commercial and industrial purposes from the 1920s to the mid-1980s. In the 1950s, it was an auto wrecking yard.

Despite the fact that Lora Lake is coming down soon, “Burien still has a major hurdle to overcome” before it can develop that location – and other sites in the Northwest Planning Area – for uses compatible with the city’s vision for economic growth, noted Councilman Gordon Shaw.

“Even after Lora Lake is done and gone, the Port of Seattle owns a large amount of the Northeast Planning Area,” Shaw said. “The Port has bought a lot of commercial and residential land under and near airport flight paths.”

That leaves Burien in the position of having to negotiate with the Port for purchase of Lora Lake and several other properties, or for other accommodations for development that conforms to the city’s comprehensive plan.

“I don’t think the Port will need all the land they’ve got, but why should they give it up?” he observed. “It’s going to be a very delicate thing for the city to work through … I don’t know what the path forward is on resolution, but I’ll be upset if all we get is a food service company and a freight handling company, and then they work with Des Moines on a 90-acre business park.”

Should Burien eventually develop an auto mall in the Lora Lake area, this would vacate the city’s existing auto row along First Avenue. Should that happen, said Deputy Mayor Rose Clark, possibilities for redevelopment of those properties might include a hotel or a convention center, or both, catering to air travelers.

Built in the late 1980s, the Lora Lake Apartments – once a 234-unit affordable housing complex – were bought by the Port of Seattle in 1998. The city, the Port and the King County Housing Authority, which managed the apartments, agreed they would remain open until 2005, at which time they would be removed. The apartments are less than 1,000 feet from the third runway.

When construction of the runway was delayed, all parties agreed the apartments would remain open until June 2007. In late March that year, representatives of the city, the Port and the housing authority discussed the scheduled June closure of the apartments. Although housing authority representatives indicated a desire to keep Lora Lake open, they recognized a “contractual obligation” and were ready to begin phasing them out.

But housing authority Executive Director Stephen Norman then sent a letter to federal and state as well as city officials, citing the need for affordable housing in King County and demanding that the apartments remain in use. Both the city and Port challenged the housing authority’s move to renege on the joint contract, and moved forward with plans to demolish Lora Lake. The housing authority countered with a suit to block demolition on the grounds that it had a legal claim to the property.

Before a hearing could be held in early 2008, the Port agreed to sell Lora Lake to the housing authority. But the sale was delayed pending the outcome of environmental testing at the housing complex.

So…what do YOU think of the future of this once-affordable housing complex? Please take our poll, or Comment below…

Sea-Tac Airport is re-opening a new, larger Cell Phone Waiting Lot at 9am on Monday, July 27th, just north of the old lot on Air Cargo Road

This new lot includes nearly 100 spaces for vehicles, doubling the size of the old one.

The Cell Phone Waiting Lot is a free service courtesy The Port of Seattle that allows drivers to wait up to 30 minutes until arriving passengers have deplaned, collected luggage and called to be picked up outside of Baggage Claim. Drivers must stay with their vehicles.

The Port cautions however:

“Please be aware there is no parking or waiting allowed on the airport roadway shoulders at any time.”

The previous lot was closed for six weeks in order to facilitate a new air cargo operation in the cargo terminal building next to the lot. The building now houses a number of air cargo airline operations that ship freight of all kinds, including exports of Washington state’s bumper cherry crop. The Port of Seattle estimates lease and cargo related earnings of $40,000 per week from that facility during the closure period, or over $240,000 in total. The new lot was not available to open until Monday.

Driving Directions To the Cell Phone Lot:

• From the Southbound Airport Expressway: Take the Air Cargo Rd./Cell Phone Lot exit, turn right onto 170th, turn right onto Air Cargo Road and follow that road until you see the Cell Phone Waiting Lot on your left.
• From Southbound International Blvd: Turn right onto 170th, turn right onto Air Cargo Road and follow that road until you see the Cell Phone Waiting Lot on your left.

From the Cell Phone Lot to Baggage Claim (Arrivals Drive):
Take a right out of the Cell Phone Lot and make left on Air Cargo Road (sign reads to terminal). Follow signs to Arrivals.

For more information on Sea-Tac Airport’s parking options, visit their website: http://www.portseattle.org/seatac/ground/

The Port of Seattle Monday announced that an estimated 3,000 jobs will be restored when the airport “Consolidated Rental Car Facility” parking garage construction begins again.

The Port of Seattle, the City of SeaTac, Turner Construction and representatives from the Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council and King County Labor Council will officially re-start the construction at a press conference on Wednesday, July 22nd at 10:30am.

Construction on the $419 million, 23-acre site will restore more than 3,000 local, family-wage jobs that were lost when the project was shelved last December.  This project is also projected to generate nearly $2 million in tax revenue for the City of SeaTac. At least 1,000 jobs are expected to be created by the end of 2009, and the facility is scheduled to open in spring of 2012.

The Sea-Tac Airport Consolidated Rental Car Facility will support all airport-related rental car operations at one convenient location. It is designed to meet the current and future demands of the traveling public. The facility will be a five-story structure that will greatly improve the size, space, and efficiency of rental car operations that are currently spread out from the main terminal garage and multiple off-site locations. In addition, the facility will open up two floors of public parking, more than 3,200 spaces, in the main terminal garage.

The Port of Seattle Commission approved the successful sale of $317 million in revenue bonds in late June in order to re-start the project.

Here’s a full rendering of the garage:

On Tuesday, June 9th, Sea-Tac Airport will close its Cell Phone Waiting Lot for about a month in order to replace it with a location nearly double in size.

The new location, just north on Air Cargo Road, will create nearly 100 spaces for vehicles, doubling the size of the current lot. It is expected to open in early July.

The closure will allow the modification of the new lot with barriers, striping and signage.

The Cell Phone Waiting Lot is a free service from The Port of Seattle that allows drivers to wait up to 30 minutes in the lot until arriving passengers have deplaned, collected luggage and called to be picked up outside of Baggage Claim. Drivers must stay with their vehicles.

Please be aware there is no parking or waiting allowed on the airport roadway shoulders at any time.

The alternative for drivers who normally use the Cell Phone Lot is to use the Hourly Parking at the Terminal Main Garage, which charges $2 for 30 minutes.

For more information on Sea-Tac Airport’s parking options, visit their website here.

The Citizens Against Sea-Tac Expansion (C.A.S.E.) is holding their monthly “Sea-Tac Expansion” Meeting on Wednesday, May 6th from 7pm to 9pm at the ERAC offices, located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW (see map below).

The focus this week will be on complaints by residents over the third runway, the potential class-action lawsuit against the Port of Seattle, noise meter usage as well as a possible GPS landing system solution.

Here are the details:

WHAT: CASE Monthly “Sea-Tac Expansion” Meeting

WHERE: ERAC (Highline District Adminstration Office), located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. S.W., Burien.

WHEN: Wednesday May 6th, from 7pm to 9pm

INFO: “You, your friends and neighbors are invited to attend our April monthly CASE meeting.

CASE President Brett Fish will conduct the meeting and will recognize our elected leaders attending and introduce the speakers. Our meeting will still focus not only on the complaints of residents of broken promises of 3rd runway operations causing noise, toxic fumes and loss of property values, but also the potential class-action lawsuit to recover damages.

Brett, Stuart Creighton and other long time experts others attending will be available to discuss concerns. Residents are encouraged to voice their complaints and anger resulting from the 3rd runway operations. The port of Seattle has been invited to attend the meeting and be available for questions.

A retired engineer, Jack Wimpress, will speak to us on the use of a GPS landing system which would eliminate the need for a 3rd runway operation. Stuart Jenner and Mike Jacobi will report on the current status on the RCAA/CASE noise meter calibration and the planned usage making our own measurements of the noise resulting from operations of the 3rd runway.

If you have questions or need directions, call 206-824-6589.

View Larger Map

Aside from being sued by angry residents over the third runway, Sea-Tac Airport seems to really be getting their green on lately, utilizing a wildlife biologist for bird control, and even winning a “Proggy” Award from PETA.

Now they’re celebrating Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22nd from 10am to 2pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Earth Day Environmental Fair & Sustainable Art Exhibit Opening; Everything from Green Products to Recycled Clothing and Green Architecture

WHEN: Wednesday, April 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE: Sea-Tac Airport Arrivals Hall

INFO: Are you looking for ways to ‘go green,’ reduce your environmental footprint or look at what the future may hold in sustaining our planet? You can get it all in one place at the Port of Seattle Earth Day Environmental Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Sea-Tac Airport in the Gina Marie Lindsey Arrivals Hall.

As the grand finale of the Port’s Earth & Sustainability Month, there will be an array of booths with information about what others are doing and things you can do to help the planet. Learn about Port programs to save energy and water; reduce solid waste; and manage wildlife, storm water and air emissions. Speak with vendors about green products and services, recycling, green transportation, and get information about sustainability initiatives of various agencies and organizations. Highlights and topics include:

• A New Art Installation on the latest and future concepts of green architecture called “Innovative Design: Seattle Architects.” Nine of Seattle’s top architectural firms will be on hand with models and designs of their cutting edge projects. A reception with architects will be held at 11 a.m. Local green caterers are providing food and beverages for the reception.
• Green products, such as recycled content paper, reusable pens, recyclable notebooks.
• Puget Sound Skills Center, showing students demonstrating clothing made out of recycled materials.
• How to re-use building materials for your home.
• Samples of fresh organic food and learn how to purchase at lower costs.
• Learn to compost at home with Seadrunar.
• Sound Transit displays the future of light rail.
• See how the Port is recycling and encouraging others to recycle.
• The Washington State Recycling Association will talk about the future of recycling.
• Cascade Bicycle Alliance highlights bike commuting.
• Learn about Sea-Tac Airport’s wildlife program.
• Port of Seattle Information Technology on telecommuting and how to hold green meetings.
• City of SeaTac will share information about their sustainability and recycling programs.

Over 150 area residents turned out Sunday to hear lawyers discuss an upcoming class action lawsuit against the Port of Seattle over the third runway.

by Jack Mayne

Big 757s taking off and landing right over your house can jar nerves and rattle lifestyles, yet a lot of people have to live that way every day – and many are ready to fight on in court.

“I can’t sleep at night,” said one person at a meeting Sunday afternoon at the SeaTac Community Center. “It got better for a while, but then they opened the new runway and now I can’t hear people in the room,” said another person, “or what is on TV.” Still another said people had moved from his rental properties and others said the value of their property, already hammered by the faltering economy, have gone lower because of the November opening of the runway.

Still another resident of the area told of flashing laser lights that “even after you get used to them, they startle you.” A spokesman said the Port would like to know more about this because there have been illegal usages of lasers focused at planes recently and it is working with police to find and stop this activity.

Anger and resentment is building in the area because people think the Port of Seattle is not keeping their promise not to use the new 8,500-foot runway except in bad weather or as a backup to the other two runways. The Sunday meeting was held so the downtown Seattle law firm of Pfau Cochran Vertetis Kosnoff could explain the class action lawsuit they are drafting that seeks to make the port stop using the runway for daily takeoffs and landings (see sidebar).

“The Port says they are operating within the law, but that is not true if it (negatively) impacts you,” said law firm partner Darrell Cochran to an estimated 150 to 200 people at the Sea-Tac Community Center Sunday afternoon. “We will be filing a lawsuit – June 15th is the estimate (when the suit will be filed).”

Area residents, some who have fought the Port and the runway for two decades or more, have complained of a variety of impacts, but what most infuriates people is that the third runway now is a main runway.

“What we hear is that the port has not told the truth on the third runway’s use as a backup,” said Cochran. “Every landing since it has opened has landed on it. We have seen documents that it will be in fulltime use – that the Port will continue to use it as a fulltime runway, even though the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was told it would be a backup runway.”

A Port of Seattle spokesman said there has been a temporary six-month closure of the airport’s longest and oldest runway because it needs to be rebuilt. The third and newest runway is now being used only in the interim fulltime. Airport spokesman Perry Cooper said Monday the project is costing $52 million in federal funds. The work is being carried out during the spring and summer months so that it is completed as quickly as possible.

A brand new control light system is being installed on the first (eastern most) runway because all planes using the other two runways need to cross it.

“It’s going to be noisier for a six-month period,” said Cooper.

Statistics by the Port on their Sea-Tac website show that prior to April 13, the number of landings and takeoffs on the new runway were close to the number of uses the Port had estimated in its Environmental Impact Statement.

“You’ll see that the runway use is virtually equal to the Environmental Impact Statement projection,” Cooper said, adding that the traffic on the third runway is up during the winter months when more separation between active runways is required.

“In the summer, those days drop off dramatically and would expect to lower the yearly average as compared to the winter numbers.” Cooper said.

When asked by nearby residents on Sunday if the suit should be against the FAA instead of the Port, lawyer Cochran said the Federal Aviation Administration “has immunity” because the decision to build the third runway where it is was a decision by the Port and not the government agency.

The Federal Aviation Administration controls the runways planes use for landing and takeoffs.

“The Port does not operate the runways,” Cooper said. “We built it and maintain it, but the actual operation of the runway, takeoffs and landings, etc. is controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration.”

He says the Port “has been a proponent of the area community as soon as complaints were made and we went to the FAA and worked with them to make sure the operation of the runway has been consistent with the projections from the Environmental Impact Statement. That step also brought us to create the website with the usage statistics.

Members of the Federal Aviation Administration came to a recent Highline meeting to hear the community’s concerns, Cooper said.

The lawsuit lawyer, Cochran, said Sunday that people who felt they had personal injury cases against the Port should be gathering evidence to support their claim. For example, Cochran said people should take photos of soot on cars and surfaces from planes taking off or landing on the runway. They should document evidence of increase illnesses or other negative effects.

People should do this even if they have not yet decided on making a claim or filing a suit.

So, what do YOU think of this class action lawsuit against the Port of Seattle? Please answer our poll:

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Third Runway Litigators Will Meet Sunday April 19th
• Angry Residents Voice 3rd Runway Concerns To Port
• Residents Accuse Port of Seattle Of Lying About 3rd Runway
• Highline Forum 3rd Runway Public Meeting w/Port Is Jan. 8th
• Next Third Runway Noise Complainers’ Meeting Is Jan. 10th
• Third Runway Noise Complainers Holding Meeting Dec. 19th
• Third Runway Noise Problem Not Fading Away

Jack Mayne is a freelance writer and editor and may be reached at jgmayne@gmail.com

Residents in the path of Sea-Tac Airport’s third runway, negatively affected by increased noise and toxic fumes, are meeting with attorneys on Sunday, April 19th to prepare a lawsuit against the Port of Seattle.

The meeting will be held at 2:30pm, Sunday at the SeaTac Community Center, located at 13735 24th Ave. South in SeaTac. Area homeowners are invited. Trial attorneys Michael Pfau and Darrell Cochran, known for a string of successful, high-profile verdicts and settlements, are partnering with Seattle personal-injury attorney Will Dixon.

Sunday’s meeting is a discussion of homeowners’ rights, and potential remedies available under the law. Concerned residents living near the third runway’s flight path first contacted and met with attorneys on Jan. 10th.

Sea-Tac Airport’s third runway went into use Nov. 20th, 2008. Originally, Port of Seattle officials stated in planning documents, such as the environmental impact statement, that the new $1 billion runway was needed to reduce delays during poor weather. But in recent public statements, port officials have said the third runway was always intended to be used at high-traffic times and 365 days a year.

Local homeowners believe the situation will only worsen as departing planes – not just incoming flights – use the new runway. Also, the port plans to shift more traffic to the third runway as it rebuilds the eastern runway.

There are at least two potential lawsuits that are likely to be filed by homeowners. The first, a class-action lawsuit, would focus on the legal principle of inverse condemnation. Basically, plaintiffs believe the fair-market value of their property has been diminished by government “takings” or damages – in this case, by the dramatic increase of planes flying the area for third runway take-offs and landings. Plaintiffs would seek to recover just compensation for damages based on measurably diminished property values.

The second case would be a nuisance or damages lawsuit representing individuals seeking compensation for personal injuries. Local homeowners say throughout the day, big commercial jets are flying over their homes, coating their lawns with jet fuel particles and leaving a wake of toxic fumes.

Michael Pfau and Darrell Cochran are partners at the law firm of Pfau, Cochran, Vertetis, Kosnoff. Pfau and Cochran have years experience in personal injury and class-action lawsuits. In February, Pfau and Cochran secured a $14.2 million settlement from the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle and a New York-based Catholic order on behalf of two dozen men, who were sexually abused at a Kent orphanage, the Briscoe Memorial School, during the 1950s and 1960s. In 2007, Cochran secured a $13.5 million settlement on behalf of thousands of Washington state students affected by the abrupt closing of the now-defunct Business Computer Training Institute (BCTI).

Earlier this year, Cochran and Pfau left their longtime law office of Gordon Thomas Honeywell to open their own firm, with offices in Seattle and Tacoma.

Will Dixon is a seasoned lawyer with more than a decade of legal experience representing clients in numerous multi-million dollar cases in Washington state and federal courts. Dixon focuses on personal injury, wrongful death, and commercial litigation. Dixon also worked in Gordon Thomas Honeywell’s trial group with Pfau and Cochran before opening his open firm. (Dixon Law Firm, http://www.dixon-law.com)

The meeting will be held in the Banquet Room of the SeaTac Community Center, which is located at 13735 24th Ave South:

View Larger Map

It appears that the airplane laser-pointer has returned, this time Saturday night (4/11) as Alaska Airlines flight #469 was targeted around 8:20pm as it was landing at SeaTac Airport.

This makes over 20 laser incidents since February.

A Burien man was briefly arrested then released last month. He was alleged to have “accidentally” pointed a laser while at a party, but no charges were ever filed.

The investigation is ongoing, and despite our “exclusive interview” with “Laser Floyd” on April Fool’s Day, there are no concrete leads.

Keep in mind though that pointing a laser at an airplane is not a joke – it’s a felony.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Laser Pointer Culprit Is Back In Action NW Of Airport
• Burien Man Charged With “Lasering” Is Released
• UPDATE: Laser Suspect Was “Playing Around” At Party
• Police Arrest Burien Resident For Airplane Laser Incidents

OUR APRIL FOOL’S FAKE INTERVIEW:

• EXCLUSIVE:B-Town Blog Interviews Laser-Pointing Culprit

Miller/Walker Basin Steward Denni Clark recently spotted a wild otter in Miller Creek, and here’s his report, along with an invitation that you “otter” help clean it up this coming Saturday, April 11th starting at 9am:

Burien and SeaTac just keeping getting wilder.

On April 2nd I observed an otter climbing over a weir (a small dam) in Miller Creek just upstream of the SeaTac/Burien city boundary along Des Moines Memorial Drive.

After climbing over the dam, the otter continued swimming upstream on SeaTac Airport property. The scofflaw otter paid no heed to the “no trespassing” signs. While the otter’s destination is unknown, it may be on a quest to see the mythical 20-foot tall image of an otter known to appear over SeaTac (“Hector the Sea Otter” on the tail of a Frontier Airlines plane).

River otters long have been observed in the lower portions of Miller Creek in Normandy Park but not this far upstream in some time. Presumably the otter made its way upstream from Normandy Park through the culvert underneath First Ave. South, through Burien, and then through the long culvert underneath SR509/Des Moines Memorial Drive.

You might catch of glimpse of the otter if you volunteer for the April 11th Miller Creek Appreciation Day stewardship project and stream tour. The tour will include the section of the stream where the otter was seen.

It’s a great local way to celebrate Earth Month – work on and go on a rare tour of your local stream!

On April 11th, beginning at 9 a.m., help our on-going efforts to restore Miller Creek. Volunteers will remove invasive plants and put mulch around native trees and shrubs along Miller Creek at the S. 144th St. site in Burien. Normandy Park councilmembers and residents have been working to restore the stream here since October 2007 and it shows great improvement. At 11 a.m., immediately following the restoration project, participants will go on a tour of the creek where it has been reconstructed on the grounds of SeaTac Airport. This is a rare opportunity to both serve and learn about the stream upstream of Normandy Park — don’t miss it!

For more details, download a PDF flyer here, or contact Basin Steward Dennis Clark at 206-296-1909.

At 11 a.m., immediately following the restoration project, participants will go on a tour of Miller Creek downstream where it has been reconstructed on the grounds of SeaTac Airport. You will see parts of the stream not normally accessible to the public. Port of Seattle biologist Josh Feigin will be our guide.

A short drive will be necessary to go from the restoration site to the tour location. If you need a ride, please contact me.

Details and maps are in the Miller Creek Appreciation Day flier (attached; also available at the website).

Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly and to guarantee your doughnut!

Dennis Clark
Miller/Walker Creek Basin Steward
206-296-1909 additional contact information

WHAT: Miller Creek Appreciation Day stewardship project and stream tour

WHEN:  9am – 11am Stewardship Project; 11am – 12:30pm Tour

WHERE: 9am Restoration: South 144th St., one block west of Des Moines Memorial Drive (northeast Burien just north of SR 518 and east of SR 509)

11am Tour: From the restoration location, go south down Des Moines Memorial Drive.  After passing under SR 509, turn left on S. 168th St. After again passing under SR 509, turn left at the first (unmarked) intersection.

INFO: What do you need?

• An eager attitude
• Sturdy shoes or boots
• Water bottle
• Gloves (if you have them)

We provide gloves, tools, and snacks!

This project is a cooperative effort of the Cities of Burien, Normandy Park, and SeaTac; the Port of Seattle; and King County.  These
governments are working with residents to improve water quality and create healthy streams in the Miller and Walker Creek basins.
Advance sign-up is encouraged to help us plan.

RSVP: For sign up and questions, contact:

• Dennis Clark, Miller/Walker Creek Basin Steward
  • dennis.clark@kingcounty.gov
  • 206-296-1909

EXCLUSIVE: This morning (April 1st) The B-Town Blog met and interviewed an unidentified male who claims responsibility for the spate of recent, unsolved laser-airplane incidents we’ve reported on in the area northwest of Sea-Tac Airport.

Below is a transcript of our brief and somewhat strange encounter with an area man who wanted to be called “Floyd.”

We met him in a garage not far from where the incidents occurred. He was working on an inflatable, remote-controlled helium-filled balloon and listening to some loud 70s progrock when we found him, alone.

BTB: Hello, I’m Scott from The B-Town Blog. Are you Floyd?

FLOYD: Come in here, dear boy, have a cigar (he offered us a cigar, which we politely refused).

BTB: No thanks. What can you tell me Floyd about these laser incidents?

FLOYD: (pulling out a chart of news clippings about him) Everybody else is just green – have you seen the chart? It’s a helluva start, it could be made into a monster, if we all pull together as a team…

BTB: Floyd, did you know it’s a felony to point a laser at an aircraft and it’s punishable under the Patriot Act?

FLOYD: Well I’ve always had a deep respect, and I mean that most sincerely…

BTB: A deep respect for what?

FLOYD: (he then cranked up his boombox, then pulled out a second laser pointer and played a shell game with both, apparently trying to confuse us) The band is just fantastic, that is really what I think. Oh by the way, which one’s pink?

BTB: You’re using a pink laser too? Which one is it? I say it’s in your left hand.

FLOYD NODS AND GRINS AND CONTINUES THE SHELL GAME.

BTB: Can you tell me Floyd why you do this?

FLOYD: I’m in the high-fidelity first class traveling set, and I think I need a Lear jet.

BTB: Oh-kay. Floyd what’s your reasoning behind these laser incidents?

FLOYD: I’ve always been mad, I know I’ve been mad, like the most of us…very hard to explain why you’re mad, even if you’re not mad…

BTB: Dude, are you off your meds or something? Why do you do this?

FLOYD: We don’t need no education, we don’t need no thought control. No dark sarcasm in the classroom…(yelling at a passing car) Hey! Teachers – leave them kids alone!

BTB: Um, okay. Anything else you want to add?

FLOYD: If you don’t eat your meat, you can’t have any pudding. How can you have any pudding if you don’t eat your meat?

At this point, Floyd starting pointing both lasers at an inflatable, pig-shaped helium balloon which had floated out the garage door and escaped.

As Floyd chased the balloon down the alley, we snuck away.

The Citizens Against Sea-Tac Expansion (C.A.S.E.) is holding their monthly “Sea-Tac Expansion” Meeting on Wednesday, April 1st from 7pm to 9pm at the ERAC offices, located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW (see map below).

Here are the details:

WHAT: CASE Monthly “Sea-Tac Expansion” Meeting

WHERE: ERAC (Highline District Adminstration Office), located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. S.W., Burien.

WHEN: Wednesday April 1st, from 7pm to 9pm

INFO: “You, your friends and neighbors are invited to attend our April monthly CASE meeting.

CASE President Brett Fish will conduct the meeting and will recognize our elected leaders attending and introduce the speakers.

We have two main subjects to discuss at the meeting:

• John Shambaugh, Senior WSDOT Aviation Planner and the Aviation Planning Council will give us a presentation on the state-wide aviation studies (“LATS”).  This Long Term Air Transportation Study was authorized by the state legislature in 2005, LATS is in the final phase of the study to determine what the State of Washington has, what they need and how to meet the needs regarding statewide aviation capacity.   Final recommendation on LATS is due to the governor and legislature on July 1st.   Public comments on the study will be accepted during the meeting.
• The Port of Seattle and the Department of Ecology (DOE) will present the current action plans for the above-ground demolition of the contaminated buildings at the Lora Lake Apartment property.

The RCAA noise meter is currently being calibrated for use in measuring noise levels resulting from the 3rd runway operations.  This subject is being scheduled to be covered in greater detail at the May 6th CASE meeting with a report of the testing to date.

Questions and Comments from the floor will be welcome.

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According to The Seattle Times, Burien resident Christopher C. Saunders, 24, who was arrested last Friday by Port of Seattle Police for allegedly “lasering” approaching airplanes near Sea-Tac Airport, was released from custody Tuesday (Mar. 10th).

The Times goes on to say that the case is still being investigated by Port of Seattle Police, and prosecutors will apparently “decide later” whether to file charges.

No word yet on the reasoning behind his release; perhaps the cops didn’t have enough of a case against him?

Read the full story here.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• UPDATE: Laser Suspect Was “Playing Around” At Party
• Police Arrest Burien Resident For Airplane Laser Incidents

According to The Seattle Times, Burien resident Christopher C. Saunders, 24, who was arrested last Friday by Port of Seattle Police for lasering approaching airplanes near Sea-Tac Airport (a felony), was apparently “playing around” with a green laser light at a party in the 2200 block of South 136th Street on Feb. 22nd.

The Times says that the renter of the house said Saunders first pointed the laser at their horses until he was asked to stop. At least 12 airplanes reported being “lasered” that night, and numerous incidents happened over the following 2-3 weeks.

As the police interviewed the renter, Saunders arrived at the residence and confessed to pointing the beam in multiple directions on the day of the party and that he might have “lasered” a plane.

Read the full story here.

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9:30pm 3/8/09 UPDATE: The Burien man arrested in connection with the recent spate of laser-flashing of airplanes has been identified as Christopher C. Saunders, 24.

Saunders was apprehended around 4pm Friday and booked into King County jail for first-degree unlawful discharge of a laser, which is a felony.

In court on Saturday, Saunders was ordered to be held on $100,000 bail.

Police claim they found a laser device at Saunders’ apartment, located near the area where the suspect green beam originated.

Numerous airplanes had been targeted by lasers over the past month near Sea-Tac Airport, including four incidents last Wednesday, one last Sunday, and another dozen in February.

Port of Seattle police detectives are still investigating the case. Anyone who has information are encouraged to contact Port of Seattle Police Detectives at 206-433-4621.

PREVIOUSLY: Port of Seattle Police confirmed the arrest of a 24-year old Burien resident for suspicion of Unlawful Discharge of a Laser – 1st Degree, a Class “C” felony.

The arrest occurred Friday, March 6th at about 4pm, and the identity of the suspect has not yet been released.

This arrest is related to the recent “lasering” incidents of aircraft at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. A laser was seized from the suspect, who was booked into the King County jail.

Port of Seattle Police Detectives are continuing their investigation, and anyone who has information relating to these aircraft lasering incidents is encouraged to contact Port of Seattle Police Detectives at 206-433-4621.

The Citizens Against Sea-Tac Expansion (C.A.S.E.) is holding their monthly “Sea-Tac Expansion” Meeting on Wednesday, March 4th from 7pm to 9pm at the ERAC offices, located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW (see map below).

Here are the details:

WHAT: CASE Monthly “Sea-Tac Expansion” Meeting

WHERE: ERAC (Highline District Adminstration Office), located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd. S.W., Burien.

WHEN: Wednesday March 4th, from 7pm to 9pm

INFO: “You, your friends and neighbors are invited to attend our March monthly CASE meeting.

CASE President Brett Fish will conduct the meeting and will recognize our elected leaders attending and introduce the speakers. We have two (and possibly three, time permitting) subjects to discuss at the meeting: the SeaTac airport industrial polluted waste discharge 402 Permit (NPDES) renewal and noise pollution resulting from the 3rd runway.”

Speakers identified to date include:

• Ed Abassi, DOE permit writer and RCAA/CASE Consultant Greg Wingard will brief us on the changes that have been incorporated into the renewal of the existing permit. This permit must be renewed every 5-years in order to keep improving the clean water quality.
• Arun Jhaveri, Former Mayor of Burien during the 3rd Runway planning, will give us his comments on the current operational use of the 3rd runway. RCAA Director Stuart Jenner will give us the status us on recent noise measurements.
• Time permitting, Normandy Park City Council Woman Marion Yoshino will discuss her position on completion of Highway 509 to connect with I-5.

Questions and Comments from the floor will be welcome.

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by Janet Grella

Welcome our newest Advertiser to The B-Town Blog: Storer Enterprises, Inc., parent company to Airport Towing and Burien Towing.

On a routine BTB sales call, I was invited to join most of the Storer family for lunch at Elliot Bay Brewery in Burien. Seems like this family dines out together a lot.

One thing that struck me was the overwhelming presence at our table of Mark and Brian Storer who were killed in a floatplane accident this past summer. Both were a powerful force and inspiration in the development of this family and the family towing business.

Back in 1988, when Mark Storer was working for another towing company and his wife Lynette was doing daycare for their three young children and other neighborhood kids in their home, Mark decided to start his own towing company. With a loan from his father, Mark bought his first tow truck. They named it Airport Towing “so we’d be first in the phone book” explained Lynette, and managed it out of the house.

A few months later they found property in Burien where they remain today. Flash forward a few years and the Storers not only had Airport Towing, but also Burien Towing, a house used as Airport’s office and a very large garage that houses 12 light and heavy duty tow trucks – and one of the industry’s largest antique tow truck collections. Another tow truck is being restored right now in memory of Brian Storer.

As a true Ma and Pa business, the addition of the house/office allowed them to bring their three kids to work. The kids included Teresa, Jared and Brian.  Lynette told BTB that “This is truly a family business. If you don’t like having family around, you won’t like us!”

Jared told us that he didn’t take to the towing business the way his brother Brian did. While Brian enjoyed driving the tow trucks, Jared was more interested in working sales and marketing from the office and as a volunteer firefighter in North Highline for 3-1/2 years.  He’s been a firefighter in Bellevue for the past 1-1/2 years.  His schedule allows him time to spend with his wife Carmen, who works for Alaska Airlines, and with their young son Liam and to keep his fingers in the family business as Vice President.

Lynette Storer is now President of Storer Enterprises, and award-winning tow driver and nine-year employee Daryl Wilson has been made General Manager. One thing that hasn’t changed is the smiling face of Colleen Zable who’s run the front office for 17 years.

Lynette’s son-in-law Kenny Savage is also part of this family business.  Kenny married the Storer’s daughter, and oldest child Teresa, last summer. Jared, Lynette and Kenny shared the same thought of how glad they all were that Mark Storer was able to live long enough to see all three of his kids married.

Teresa is not part of the daily management of Airport and Burien Towing, but is helping with various financial aspects of the business as well as working with Jared on developing the property for their monthly auction of abandoned cars.  Auctions are held every three weeks on Fridays at 11 am, with the preview at 8am.  Currently the auctions are in South Park at 301 Sullivan St. For more information see www.airporttow.com.

The Storer family has a long history of giving back to the community as well, including Little League, Highline Sports and Theater, donations to local police and fire departments and they’ve recently developed the Storer Family Memorial Fund, which is very important to help the young widow and sons of Brian Storer.

Storer Family Memorial Fund: This fund was established to support the family of Brian Storer after he died in a sudden plane crash July 23rd, 2008. Brian left behind a wife of three years and two sons, ages 2 and 1, Sam and Toby. Brian’s AFLAC life insurance policy did not cover him traveling in a private aircraft so this fund has been established to provide relief to his family. You can donate to the fund at any Sterling Savings Bank location or through Paypal.

Asked what they would like our Readers to know that’s not on their websites, Jared responded that his wife Carmen is the twin sister of Brian’s wife Christy. Jared and Carmen met in Normandy Park when Brian and Christy were married three years ago. Maid of Honor and Best Man respectfully, it was love that was meant to be. Another Storer long-distance relationship was in the works. Sisters were reunited in Burien after Jared and Carmen were married in Iowa, where the girls were raised.

You can find Airport Towing at 817 SW 149th Street/206.243.6252 and Burien Towing right next door at 823 SW 149th St/206-433-0660.

So, hitch up your mouse to their Ad, click on their website and check out Airport and Burien Towing!

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[Are you interested in getting a "Blogvertorial" Ad like this for your Business? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

According to the National Weather Service, a record amount of rainfall fell at Sea-Tac Airport on Wednesday, Jan. 7th – 2.29 inches!

This kicks the butt of the lame old record, which was a paltry 1.33 inches, set in 1996.

We’re going into a slight dry spell now, with just an 80% chance of rain Thursday, with more clearing on Friday.

However, the massive amounts of moisture that fell are now either overflowing rivers and streams, or overflowing the soil, and the danger for landslides is still high; here’s a list of signs to look for if you live in a known slide area (courtesy the USGS website)

• Springs, seeps, or saturated ground in areas that have not typically been wet before.
• New cracks or unusual bulges in the ground, street pavements or sidewalks.
• Soil moving away from foundations.
• Ancillary structures such as decks and patios tilting and/or moving relative to the main house.
• Tilting or cracking of concrete floors and foundations.
• Broken water lines and other underground utilities.
• Leaning telephone poles, trees, retaining walls or fences.
• Offset fence lines.
• Sunken or down-dropped road beds.
• Rapid increase in creek water levels, possibly accompanied by increased turbidity (soil content).
• Sudden decrease in creek water levels though rain is still falling or just recently stopped.
• Sticking doors and windows, and visible open spaces indicating jambs and frames out of plumb.
• A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume is noticeable as the landslide nears.
• Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, might indicate moving debris.

Also, the Cedar River in Renton was above its “flood stage” at 15.8 feet Thursday morning; flood stage is 12.0 feet. A Flood Warning remains in effect for it until Saturday evening, and its expected that the Cedar will crest around 16.4 feet at Noon Friday, flooding areas of Renton, including the airport.

Not to cause confusion or anything, but there’s a second, very important meeting coming up Thursday, Jan. 8th regarding Sea-Tac Airport’s third runway (another residents meeting is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10th):

The Highline Forum will discuss the use of Sea-Tac Airport’s new third runway since its opening, with emphasis on public complaints that the runway is not being used as promised on Thursday, Jan. 8th, from 2pm to 4pm.

This public meeting will take place at the Sea-Tac Airport Conference Center, Mezzanine Level.

Everyone is invited to attend, especially residents who’d have comments or complaints on the third runway.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Final Highline Forum and Port of Seattle Public Comment Period

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 8th;  2-3pm: Highline Forum; 3-4pm: Port of Seattle Public Comment Period

WHERE: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Conference Center, Mezzanine Level

AGENDA: 2pm Welcome & Introduction of Topic Co-chairs

Meeting Topic: The Highline Forum will discuss the use of the third runway since its opening. In particular, the Highline Forum will address public complaints that the runway is not being used as promised.

• Data depicting how the runway has operated to date Mark Reis, POS
• EIS assumptions for predicting use and impacts Mark Reis, POS
• Current usage of runway Mark Reis, POS
• 2:30 pm Questions & Answers Highline Forum
• 3:00 pm Forum Adjourns & Opening of Port Public Comment Period
• 4:00 pm Port Public Comment Period Ends

DIRECTIONS: Directions to the Airport Conference Center:

• Park in daily parking (floors 5-8) at the south end of the Airport Garage near the yellow or green elevators (rows N-U).
• Take the elevator to the fourth floor and walk across the skybridge #1, between the yellow elevator bank and the green elevator bank, to the Main Terminal.
• Take the escalator or elevator up to the ticketing level.
• The stairs and elevator to the Mezzanine Level are directly behind the international and Hawaiian Airlines ticket counters.
• Enter the reception area though the double glass doors for the Aviation Division Offices.
• The receptionist will direct you to the right conference room. Ask for parking validation (you never know).