SeaTac lawmakers decided June 27 to delay setting interim design standards around South 154th Street light-rail station that is under construction.

But city council members instructed Planning Director Steve Butler to do more negotiating with developers planning a Starbucks with a drive-through window and a "park n' fly" lot at the location.

The delay will give the SeaTac Planning Commission time to restudy the proposed interim standards. Chairwoman Linda Snider told lawmakers the planning commission previously endorsed the standards. However, after meeting with developer Gerry Kingen, she became convinced commission members did not have enough information on Kingen's plans.

Lawmakers may take action on the standards at their July 11 meeting.

Butler reported the proposed interim standards would allow the Starbucks drive-through facility. A planned multi-family housing development could also move ahead, he said.

Although a new vehicle parking lot, primarily for airport travelers, would be prohibited under the standards, his staff could negotiate with project developers after they apply for permits, he noted.

Snider warned council members that it is important to keep economic development in SeaTac.

Kingen, who owns a site on the northwest side of South 154th Street and Military Road South, said the area is "challenged" and is unlike University Village in North Seattle or Westwood Village in West Seattle.

"It is critical to temper aspirations with common sense," Kingen declared.

Earlier, Butler characterized his planning department staff as "pragmatic dreamers, but reasonable."

The light-rail station, scheduled to be completed in summer 2009, is actually sited in Tukwila but surrounded by SeaTac.

The SeaTac council set a six-month moratorium on construction in the area on Feb. 28. Butler said the council should set permanent design standards in November or December.

In other business, lawmakers authorized city officials to condemn four properties near the McMicken Heights fire station, located at 3521 S. 170th St., if needed.

The city plans to build an expanded station at the site that would include headquarters offices and a training facility.

Two of the properties are on 35th Avenue South and two are on 37th Avenue South.

Facilities Director Pat Patterson indicated the property owners are willing to sell, so condemnation proceedings probably won't be needed.