Date: July 31, 2007
City Administrator
City of Lake Forest Park
206-368-5440
News Release
Trail Safety Continues to be City’s Main Priority
“The City and King County both agree that the safety on the Burke-Gilman trail is of paramount importance,” said Lake Forest Park’s Mayor David Hutchinson after the ruling from the Growth Management Hearings Board.
The Board ruled that the City of Lake Forest Park’s conditional use process, which regulated improvements to the trail, was too restrictive.
“Naturally we are disappointed with the Growth Management Hearings Board decision. We believed Ordinance 951 balanced the interests of the City and the County,” said Mayor Hutchinson. “The Burke Gilman Trail is a ribbon that runs through our town. It is an asset to our community and to the region. The City is supportive of the redevelopment of the trail. Our primary concern is safety for all trail users: pedestrians, strollers, roller bladers and bikers. We are working to insure that the trail is redeveloped and the redevelopment provides safety for users.”
Ordinance 951 established the conditional use process for multi-use and multi-purpose trails. The Board found that the City’s ordinance did not conform to Growth Management Act regulations. The City has until January 2008 to comply with this ruling.
The City of Lake Forest Park is reviewing all of its options. By mid-August, the City will make a decision if it will appeal the ruling. If no appeal is filed, the City may decide to revise its ordinance.
“We share with everyone who is interested in the trail a commitment to its safe redevelopment. The interests of Lake Forest Park residents will be our top priority as we review our options,” said Mayor Hutchinson.
