To: City of Burien
From: Becky Cox, president League of Women Voters of King County South
Date: May 7, 2007
My name is Becky Cox. I am a resident of Burien and the president of the League of Women Voters of King County South.
The League has had a position on low income housing since 1970. We believe that all levels of government and the private sector share the responsibility to help alleviate the housing shortage in the low-income sector. Identifying housing needs and planning to meet these needs is best done at the local level.
When the Port of Seattle purchased the Lora Lake apartments in 1998, it was prior to the incredible run-up of housing prices in the whole Puget Sound area. This had made low income housing availability a critical issue today.
The city is already planning a mix of retail and housing in their new town square. It can be done.
We ask the City of Burien to revise any agreements with the Port of Seattle to allow Lora Lake apartments to remain as affordable housing.
Thank you.