City of Lake Forest Park News Release

City Chooses to Focus on Assuring Safety of All Trail Users and Not to Appeal Ruling

In a unanimous decision, the Lake Forest Park City Council has decided not to appeal the ruling of the Growth Management Hearings Board decision on the Burke Gilman Trail. Ordinance 951, which set guidelines for permitting improvements to the trail, will now be modified to meet the decision of the Board.

“While we are disappointed with the Board’s decision, we believe that the City now has guidance on how to make improvements to the Burke Gilman trail that make it safe and accessible for bikers, walkers and residents,” said City Administrator David Cline. “Over the next few months the Council will revise the ordinance to comply with the decision of the Growth Management Hearings Board.”

At its regular meeting on August 9, the Council voted to refer the matter to a Council committee and to not to appeal the decision. All six Councilmembers present supported this decision. Councilmember Kiest did not vote due to an excused absence. The Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board ruled on July 23 that the restrictions on signage and other safety guidelines were too restrictive.

The Council has until January 2008 to modify its ordinance to comply with the Board’s ruling. The Council will hold public hearings and take comment at its regular meetings prior to adoption of the new ordinance.