City of Lake Forest Park News Release

Overview:Multi–Purpose Ordinance and Redevelopment Plans for the Burke-Gilman Trail

What is Happening with the Multi-Purpose Ordinance and the County’s Redevelopment Plans for Burke-Gilman Trail?

There are many parts to the process of redeveloping the trail. Many of these processes are happening simultaneously. The City is developing an ordinance that amends the conditional use criteria for local and multi-purpose trails such as the Burke-Gilman Trail. King County has applied for permits to redevelop the Burke-Gilman Trail and issued their Draft Environmental Impact Statement. When the County application is determined to be complete, the regulations that are in the municipal code, at that time, apply to the application. Please check in the News area for the most up–to–date details.

The City Ordinance Amending the Conditional Use Criteria for Trails

The Council is strongly supportive of the trail improvements in Lake Forest Park. They have discussed and agree that the trail is great asset for the people of our community and the region. The Council promotes walking, jogging, cycling, dog walking and other activities on a trail that is popular and growing so it can be safe and enjoyable for everyone. The Council and the City will work quickly with everyone to get this project started so it can be a source of local recreation and regional transportation.

The City held a public hearing on Ordinance 963/Amending Conditional Use Criteria for Trails on November 8. Ten people testified on various aspects of the ordinance. After the hearing the councilmembers made several amendments to the ordinance. The revised ordinance is on the City website: Ordinance 963/Amending Conditional Use Criteria for Trails. The City cannot take final action on the ordinance until the State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development completes a review of the proposed ordinance.

Because the original ordinance was challenged successfully before the Growth Management Hearings Board (GMHB), the GMHB will determine if the new ordinance complies with the original ruling. After they make a determination, the ruling may be appealed to Superior Court.

King County Permit Application

In October, King County submitted an application for permits to begin the redevelopment of the Burke Gilman Trail. City ordinances require a 120-day process for reviewing and finalizing an application. The first step in the process requires the City to determine if the application is complete. If the City finds any items are missing it notifies the applicant. The 120-day clock is suspended while the applicant completes the application. The City has requested additional information from King County. When the County submits the information and the application is deemed to be complete; it vests under the current regulations. As of now, King County is adding material to complete its application.

Environmental Impact Statement Process

At the same time, King County completed a draft Environmental Impact statement DEIS. The purpose of the EIS is to evaluate the impact of the proposed development on the environment and surrounding land uses. In addition to identifying impacts, the proposed mitigations will be developed.

The Draft EIS was made available November 1, 2007. There was a public hearing on November 13, 2007 at Shorecrest High School. There is an open comment period that closes December 3, 2007. At the end of the comment period all of the comments will be reviewed and responded to in the final EIS. The tentative schedule for release is March 2008. If you have questions, please call the City Planning Department at 206-368-5440.