King County Housing Authority officials made an eleventh-hour bid last week to keep most of the Lora Lake Apartments open.

The 200-plus apartments at Des Moines Memorial Drive just south of State Route 518 are scheduled to be vacated in June because they are located in a buffer zone for the third runway at Sea-Tac International Airport.

Although the property is owned by the Port, which operates the airport, the housing authority made their request to the Burien City Council.

But agency officials got a cold shoulder from council members at the special meeting April 17.

Citing "a crisis mode" in affordable rental housing in King County, housing authority executive director Stephen Norman told lawmakers the Lora Lake Apartments "an irreplaceable resource.

"Even if the money is found to replace the 162 units [that could remain occupied despite increased noise], there isn't land with that ease of access within proximity to a job base."

Why, Norman asked council members, should a facility that provides both housing and a cash flow to the city and the Port be removed?

Both Burien and the Port have long anticipated the development of a "big box" store or another commercial/light industrial use at that location.

Councilwoman Rose Clark fired back, wondered why the housing authority waited to come to the city until now.

Noting that Burien's comprehensive plan has long provided for the removal of the apartments and redevelopment of the property, Clark told Norman, "We've had a comprehensive plan for 10 years. You haven't come to us once in those 10 years."

The housing authority signed contracts agreeing the apartments would come down, she said. "The city kept its obligation. The Port kept its obligation. What have you done?"

Clark added that she is "really chagrined that you went to the [Federal Housing Administration]. You didn't have the courtesy to come to us first. This is our community."

She also objected to the housing authority's apparent willingness "to put low income housing in blighted areas.... [You] don't seem to think much of the people you put into your housing."

Norman replied that housing authority officials "had no intent to blindside anybody" and that 90-day vacation notices have been given to Lora Lake residents, some of whom already are moving out.

Still, it would be a good decision to keep the apartments open," he said.

The Lora Lake Apartments were built in the late 1980s, and bought by the Port in 1998. The Port, the city and the housing authority agreed they would remain open until 2005, at which time they would be removed.

When construction of the third runway was delayed, the three parties agreed the apartments would remain open until June 2007.

"We've fulfilled our commitment to operate quality housing" while providing a cash flow to the city, Norman said.

"My concern is community," Councilwoman Sue Blazack declared. "People are talking to us about a big box store."

Why, Blazack asked, should the city try to keep the apartments open "when we have the opportunity to go ahead" with commercial development?

Deputy executive director Dan Watson noted, however, that a study commissioned by the housing authority suggests there are "a lot of problems" relating to commercial development at the Lora Lake site.

"It would be hard for us ... to speculatively demolish the housing," Watson added.

But, said Councilwoman Lucy Krakowiak, "Burien has determined that residential is not the highest and best use for [the Lora Lake site]. I want to honor this.

"Otherwise, if we make an exemption, then residential property owners in other areas will want exemptions."

City Manager Mike Martin will now discuss potential uses of the property with Port and housing authority officials in what Mayor Joan McGilton said should be "a dialogue for success for all of us."