This map highlights the Goat Hill neighborhood where residents are upset about speeding cars.

by Ralph Nichols

Burien city officials recently decided on a combination of solutions designed to alleviate safety concerns of local residents by mitigating speeding through the Goat Hill neighborhood over the ridge west of Ambaum Boulevard at SW 130th Street.

Goat Hill residents have complained for over a year about motorists speeding along the corridor that, heading west, follows SW 130th as it curves into 16th Avenue SW to SW 131st Street, then goes to Shorewood Drive where it continues in a northwesterly direction through the subdivision.

Repeated complaints and requests for action from the neighborhood led to a meeting about the speeding problem on May 25 between city staff, Burien police and community representatives. Following that discussion, City Manager Mike Martin invited Goat Hill residents to submit a list of their preferred solutions, and told them the city then would respond by selecting which of those suggestions it would adopt.

From the Goat Hill residents’ recommendations, the city has agreed to:

• Relocate speed limit signs to more visible locations, in particular the sign closest to Ambaum as motorists head west. But the city will not reduce the speed limit, as also requested, which will remain 25 mph throughout the neighborhood.
• Make SW 131st Street and Shorewood Drive a new three-way stop sign intersection that will include crosswalks.
• Install new warning signs that indicate the presence of bicycles, pedestrians and children. The city will provide standard signs available within King County. The “Driveways” warning sign near 14th Avenue SW will be replaced by one of these signs.
• Add striping that “narrows” the roadway through sharp corners that lead into Shorewood.
• Paint fake speed bumps at various locations on the corridor through the neighborhood, and remove rumble strips on SW 130th Street and 14th Avenue SW.
• Provide a radar speed trailer to the neighborhood once the improvements are made.

The city did not consider recommendations to reduce the speed limit to 15 mph, to install additional stop signs and temporary or permanent speed bumps, and to build a traffic roundabout in the arterial.

A traffic study conducted for the city last October found that the mean speed of vehicles at five of six check points along the Goat Hill/Shorewood Drive route was “less than 25 mph with the exception of location 2 (the curve where SW 131st turns into 16th Ave SW) where the mean speed is 26 mph in the northbound direction and 29 mph in the southbound direction….

“All of the locations are shown to have less than 15 percent of vehicles exceeding the speed limit with the exception of the southbound direction of location 2. At this location 35 percent of the vehicles are exceeding the speed limit by at least 5 mph. When considering the posted advisory speed of 20 mph at this location, 84 percent of the vehicles are exceeding the speed limit by at least 5 mph.”

The study concluded that “location 2 is the only location where speeding is of potential concern.” Collision data since 2000 revealed that only one accident had been reported on the roadways studied, which “does not indicate a significant safety problem exists.”

It concluded, “Speeding was only found to be an issue at one location along the corridor. Specifically, vehicles traveling in a southbound direction ten to travel faster most likely due to the combination of a downhill grade, a super elevated (slightly banked) curve, and lack of conflict points that make it comfortable for drivers to travel fast.” Basic speed mitigation measures were recommended.

Goat Hill residents, however, expressed concerns about the traffic study, including the location of speed sensors and the time it was conducted – in generally cool and/or wet weather conditions.

“Specific data points in the study show that speeding does occur and include a significant number of cars going between 30 and 35 mph and a group of speeders going between 36 and 40 mph,” they noted.

Following the May meeting, the neighborhood group thanked city staff and police for their interest and input, but added they “remain concerned that the city does not believe we have a speeding problem in our neighborhood in sharp contrast to what we observe every day, particularly during nicer weather.”

Also at the May meeting, Martin told the Goat Hill neighbors, “I respect the fact the neighborhood has an issue” and has continued to bring it to the city’s attention. Now, he said, “let us try … to get this done.”

Burien Police Sgt. Henry McLauchlan complimented the neighborhood group for their proactive approach – and for putting their money where their mouth is. “I have never been in a situation where a community group offered to spend its own money” to solve a local problem, he noted. “I applaud you.”

by Josh Hart

Hello people of Burien, this is your city here – I want to talk with you a little about what I want to happen in 2009.

In 2009 there are many resolutions I want – no, need – from you, the people of Burien:

• I want to see my streets clean. If you have walked around my streets you know they are very dirty. There is litter everywhere and it makes me upset that you treat me like that. If you stop littering the return will be great for you. I, as your city, will be healthier for you.
• Another thing I want you to do for me is ride the bus. There are so many cars on my roads, if you take the bus it will pollute my air less and also be better for you. The bus is also cost efficient if you get a yearly pass, it saves you a lot on gas money.
• I also want you to strive to do good for your fellow citizen. Help someone in need. Give to a food bank. Open a door for one of my little old ladies. Smile at each other. Buy some dude a brewski at Elmer’s for cryin’ out loud…
  
• The last thing I want from you is to help fight crime. There is so much crime around on my streets. Especially around the park and ride. If everyone helps by not just ignoring crime, it will make me a better place.

So please help me become better and you will be better off for it.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Josh Hart is the B-Town Blog's first Intern! He's also a 15-year old student at Highline's “Big Picture High School” in SeaTac.

You can read more of his writing here...]

by Gina Bourdage

Tuesday night (Jan. 6th), the City of Burien held their third public “Open House” meeting to discuss the progress of the Projected Annexation Project at Shorewood Elementary School.

Residents of the affected neighborhoods turned out to express their concerns about various issues, including the potential change in coverage of fire and police services, surface maintenance and budget for the entire project.

“The most important thing is continuous and consistent safety services.” said Burien Councilmember Rose Clark.

King County Fire District 2 serves the Burien/Normandy Park areas, and the North Highline Fire Department covers the White Center and Burien neighborhoods. Burien City Manager Mike Martin and Fire Chief Mike Marrs assured the residents of a “seamless transition” in regard to fire services. Should Seattle annex the North Highline Station, Burien would continue to be covered until 2012 when a new station would be built and available. The details and location are still being addressed for a potential new fire station; residents were assured that public safety is at the forefront of every decision.

North Highline currently contracts police services through the King County Sheriff’s Office. The only change community members can look for will be the same familiar faces of officers in new Burien uniforms and police vehicles.

Response times for both fire and police will be equal to the current service levels, if not better, according to Mike Martin.

The roads and maintenance departments may very well see a facelift in the annexed area of Burien as smaller cities have a faster turnaround time and “…higher standards…” said Martin. When accessing the neighborhood’s current budget need for improvement the City of Seattle assessed the area as a $13 million dollar project where as the City of Burien assessed the same area as a $59 million dollar project.

Shorewood resident Cindy Traynor said “I am glad they are finally doing something. We moved to the area so that we would not be a part of Seattle, the taxes are much higher there.”

“We want to be a part of Burien.” said resident Shirley Leonard.

The worries about budget strains on the City of Burien for taking on an additional 14,350 new community members were put to rest by an independent review firm out of Portland. They found that the projected revenue from the annexed area would offset the cost of the City for the project.

Residents can expect to see two historically-linked communities reunited should the annexation pass. They will have direct access to their local government and officials by being part of a “smaller city.”

“Becoming part of Burien, your voice will be heard and have more power.” Said City official Karen Keane.

The final decision on the proposed annexation areas will be brought to the voters to residents to decide in a vote in the Summer/Fall of 2009.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: We'd like to welcome aboard Gina Bourdage, our newest Writer, who makes her B-Town Blog debut with this article. Gina is a Communications graduate from WSU, and is a longtime area resident who lives right on the cusp of the proposed annexation area. Look for more of her work here soon...and welcome Gina!]

Despite the fading away of the recent snowstorm and hectic holiday season, one thing is not fading away from the psyche of thousands of Burien residents in 2009:

THIRD RUNWAY NOISE

According to neighborhood activist Miriam Bearse, the next “Third Runway Complainers” (our moniker, not hers) meeting will be:

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 10th, from 3:30pm to 6:30pm

WHERE: SeaTac Community Center Banquet Room, located at 13735 24th Ave. South in SeaTac (see map below)

WHAT: For residents in the area affected by the increased noise caused by the newly-opened third runway. Goals of the meeting include discussing legal options against the Port of Seattle with lawyers, who will be present.

The last residents’ meeting was Friday, Dec. 19th, and here’s what’s went down that night:

• Despite the snow, 35-40 neighbors attended, which was held at a resident’s house just under the flightpath of the new runway.
• Resident activist Miriam Bearse led the meeting, encouraging everyone to introduce themselves and talk about their issues with both the increased noise and dealing with the Port of Seattle.
• Three lawyers were present to discuss the issue. These three have extensive experience in several major class action lawsuits, and all think that residents have a strong legal case. These lawyers will be present at this meeting as well.
• Everyone left knowing that this was only the first meeting and that many more would ensue.

Bearse recently moved into her new home, directly under the third runway flight path, and here’s a quote from a recent email she sent us:

We finally moved all our belongings in on Sunday, and have been enjoying the full experience of living under the third runway flight path, including diminished sleep, increased stress and inability to carry on a conversation of any length in the home.

I’ve been waking up every 45 minutes to an hour during the night…makes everything much more difficult.

You can read our previous coverage here and here, and here’s the scoop on the next meeting directly from Bearse:

If you are receiving this message, you either attended the meeting on the 19th to talk with neighbors about the impact of the third runway on our community, or you emailed me or others on this list to express your concern or interest in this issue.

At the meeting on the 19th, three lawyers attended who discussed possible legal options to address the impact of the flight path. They have scheduled a follow-up meeting on Saturday January 10th at the Seatac community center – located at 13735 24th Ave. S, SeaTac Washington 98168, in the banquet room, from 3:30 to 6:30pm.

This meeting is for all homeowners/renters who live in any community (including but not limited to S. Seattle, Burien, Tukwila, SeaTac and Des Moines), who are concerned about the current and future potential impact of the third runway flight path on their families and communities.

This meeting is not for officials, the press, or other interested parties.

Please RSVP via email to miriambearse@yahoo.com

Also, as an FYI – if you’re affected by noise from the third runway, the best thing you can do is to call the Port of Seattle’s “Noise Hotline” whenever you feel that noise is too high.

The Port monitors the complaints it gets on these hotlines, so it is a vital tool to getting their attention:

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by Janet Grella

Have you ever wanted to meet a real police dog and see how they find drugs?

Or meet a bomb-sniffing dog?

Or see a real police helicopter?

Do you ever wonder how the King County Sheriff’s Office handled the Green River Killer case?

Would you like to learn how to shoot a gun?

Wait no longer!  The Citizen’s Police Academy is coming to a neighborhood near you!

The Burien and SeaTac Police Departments, in cooperation with the King County Sheriff’s Office, are bringing their popular Citizen’s Police Academy back.

This 13-week program starts Wednesday September 10th. It will be held at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien from 6-9pm.  A catered dinner is included at each class.

Graduates will be eligible for the Ride-Along Program, in which they can spend an entire shift riding with an officer. Participants will also take a field trip to the King County Jail!

This unforgettable experience is completely free for anyone who lives or works in Seatac or Burien. There are two sessions each year, and classes fill up fast. For more information or to register:

• Burien: CSO L.N. Maraulja
  206-296-3333
  Email: nicki.maraulja@metrokc.gov
• SeaTac: CSO E.A. Kruger
  206-973-4915
  Email: ekruger@ci.seatac.wa.us

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Burien Public Safety is putting the call out to local residents to join the Citizens Academy:

Together with Burien and SeaTac Police Services, a program was designed to increase the understanding between residents and their Police Departments through citizens education.

Graduates of the Citizens Police Academy come away with a much better understanding of the criminal justice system and an appreciation for the many challenges facing Law Enforcement in today’s society. This understanding will help citizens better assist officers, and increase the safety in their neighborhoods and community.

Participants get an opportunity to see and experience first hand some very interesting and exciting presentations. They are given the chance to hear the Green River Task Force investigators, K-9 officers and their K-9, listen to the Major Crimes investigators (real life homicide Detectives), see the Guardian One Air Support Helicopter, learn Patrol Procedures, talk to the SWAT team and The King County Sheriff’s recruiter. Many of the specialized units will be on hand to show you how it all works and comes together. There is no other program like ours. We leave you wanting to hear and know more.

Class attendees are eligible for the Ride Along Program, where you are assigned to one of our officers for part of their shift. You will be right there as the Officers are taking the calls and making tough decisions.

This is an unforgettable experience and it’s completely free for anyone who lives or works in the cities of Burien and SeaTac.

The Citizens Academy is a 13-week catered session provided twice a year in the spring and fall. The class is conducted on Wednesday night from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The spring 2008 session begins March 12.

Print an application here or send for one from:

CSO Nicki Maraulja
14905 6^th Ave. SW
Burien , WA 98166