Regarding the article "Property owners appeal to high court" in the Oct. 4 edition of the Times/News, we are surprised and concerned that your paper would publish a one-sided article on such an important matter.

Only one viewpoint - that of attorneys supporting the Strobel Family Investments - was presented in the article.

We want to take this opportunity to present our perspective.

First, the Burien community envisioned having a road and a park as part of Town Square.

Second, the City worked with the Strobel family for three years to try to find a solution [for the Meal Makers restaurant site] that met everyone's goals.

Finally, because we were unable to reach a mutually acceptable agreement, the City Council used eminent domain as a last resort in order to move forward with the street and park projects.

The courts have unanimously agreed with the City in this matter, with one reaffirming that the community's elected representatives are given the authority to decide what is the best option to meet the community's needs.

Property owners are always compensated at fair market value in these matters. There is no taking, but rather the purchase of private property in order to meet the community's vision.

David Cline

Interim City Manager

City of Burien