Burien lawmakers voted Jan. 23 to demolish the Normandy Park/ south Burien fire station at 135 S. Normandy Rd. and build a new facility on the site.

The new station will be a two-story 18,850 square-foot building with three vehicle bays, a maintenance bay, training classroom and sleep rooms for six firefighters.

The facility will also feature a running trail that could be used by community members. Other amenities include surface parking for approximately 18 vehicles, landscaping, stormwater improvements, an emergency generator and fuel pump.

While the current station can be accessed from both Normandy Rd. and Occidental Ave. S., the new facility will be built further south on the site with access only from Occidental. Two single-family residences behind the current station have been demolished to make way for the new building.

A new traffic emergency light signal is proposed for the intersection of Normandy Rd. and Occidental.

Burien’s hearing examiner conducted a public hearing on Dec. 8, attended by two nearby residents.

After a few questions about project details, council members unanimously approved the hearing examiner’s recommendations. Council members Lucy Krakowiak and Bob Edgar were absent.

“The sooner we vote on it, the sooner the fire district can go forward,” Councilman Jack Block commented.

The Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department, also known as King County Fire District #2, is also replacing its other fire station.

Construction has begun on the district’s headquarters station at 900 S.W. 146th St. The site formerly housed Bonney-Watson’s Parker Chapel.

The new station will replace the facility in downtown Burien at 15100 8th Ave. S.W. Councilman Block suggested at the Jan. 23 meeting that the old fire station could be used for nonprofit arts groups such as Burien Little Theatre (see correction below)that are currently housed at the Burien Community Center Annex. Block proposed a new recreation center be built at the annex site.
(CORRECTION: In a followup email, Block said he wants a non profit multi-service center at the old Burien fire station, not a new site for arts groups like Burien Little Theatre. Providing more information, Block said, "As you may be aware, the Highline food bank is currently at a location where there is no transit access. A few years ago two individuals were killed while trying to walk there. Burien currently houses several non-profits at the Annex who are doing yeoman service for our residents during this economic downturn. Having a centralized location with access to public transportation and low or no rent will allow them to better serve the community. Other community organizations not at the Annex such as New Futures could also be encouraged to locate there.")

Construction of the two fire stations will be funded through a capital facilities bond overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2008.

In other business, council members declared the city’s support for the state Marriage Equality Act. The measure, working its way through the state Legislature, would legalize marriage between same-sex couples. It appears the act has the votes to be approved. Gov. Chris Gregoire has said she will sign the law.

Burien lawmakers voiced their support without much discussion.
“It’s the right thing to do,” Block declared.

City Manager Mike Martin said his staff will draft a letter of support to be signed by Mayor Brian Bennett.

Council members also heard a presentation on the city’s 400-page Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan.