Some residents in Burien’s Boulevard Park neighborhood are organizing opposition to a proposed zoning change tied to the city’s Northeast Redevelopment Area (NERA) project, arguing the plan could convert land currently zoned for residential use into an industrial designation.
An online petition is calling on neighbors to oppose the change and encourages residents to get involved in the city’s planning process. Opposition materials include a QR code linking to an online petition and information about the city’s planning process.
According to information provided by residents opposing the change, more than 264 homes in the neighborhood could be affected by the proposal.
“Our neighborhood has always been a place of peace and comfort – a sanctuary where we have raised families, celebrated holidays, and formed tight-knit communities,” organizers said on their petition website.
What is the North of NERA Rezone Project?
- Area: Des Moines Memorial Drive corridor in Boulevard Park
- Location: S. 138th Street to S. 128th Street
- Current zoning: RS 7,200 residential
- Proposed change: employment-oriented zoning aligned with industrial land use
The city’s “North of NERA” rezone project is intended to implement the Industrial land use designation adopted in the Burien 2044 Comprehensive Plan. Under the proposal, the current residential zoning classification known as RS 7,200 could be replaced with an employment oriented zone consistent with the industrial land use designation.
City officials say the effort is part of implementing Burien’s recently adopted Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update, which outlines long-term plans for housing and job growth. The city is now developing zoning proposals intended to remove barriers to new and more diverse employment opportunities while supporting existing residents. The proposal focuses on the “North of NERA” area along Des Moines Memorial Drive between S. 138th Street and S. 128th Street, where the city plans to work with the community to develop zoning alternatives that will eventually be reviewed by the Planning Commission and Burien City Council.
Residents opposing the change say they fear the shift from residential zoning to industrial use could increase traffic, noise and pollution in the area. Organizers state in materials distributed to neighbors that the proposal could “destroy the serene environment” of the neighborhood and potentially reduce property values.
“The rezoning proposal to change our residential neighborhood into an industrial zone jeopardizes everything we cherish,” petition organizers said.
Opponents also argue that introducing industrial uses such as warehouses or factories could affect air quality and the overall livability of the area, particularly for families who have lived in the neighborhood for years.
City planning documents describing the broader North of NERA effort say the area’s proximity to the airport has historically limited the value of residential land use. Planning materials note that development concepts have been coordinated with the Port of Seattle and the Federal Aviation Administration and include upgrades to stormwater infrastructure, restoration work along Miller Creek and roadway improvements intended to accommodate industrial and commercial traffic.
City Responds to Concerns
The proposed North of NERA rezoning has become a focal point of controversy in Burien as city leaders explore ways to introduce new employment-focused uses in the area while residents and business owners consider how the changes could affect the neighborhood.
The City of Burien shared the following statement with The B-Town Blog as a response to the petition against the proposed North NERA rezoning:
“We’re excited to work with the community to create a new vision for this neighborhood that avoids displacement of current residents while introducing new employment-oriented uses to provide more innovative and diverse job opportunities.
“We want to work directly with the community to craft a proposal that would allow for small, innovative, entrepreneurial business uses like maker spaces, landscapers, coffee shops, and creative studios.
“This project does not propose allowing gas stations, car dealerships, parking lots, or any kind of heavy industrial use. The final proposal should enhance the neighborhood while adhering to Burien’s strong environmental regulations.
“There are many ways to learn more and get involved. We are holding office hours, an open house, focus groups with local businesses, a public hearing, and will be continuing to add more information and opportunities to our webpage at burienwa.gov/nnz.
“We also encourage people to contact us directly if they’d like to share ideas, ask questions, or request other kinds of engagement opportunities at chaneys@burienwa.gov.”
