Legislator calls for mediation in Lora Lake Apartments dispute

Upthegrove pledges to seek state funding for Burien

August 27, 2007

BURIEN - The City of Burien and King County have come to loggerheads during the past month over the fate of 162 units of the Lora Lake Apartments.

State Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D-Des Moines) today made requests of both the Burien City Council and King County Executive Sims to enter into mediated discussions to resolve the Lora Lake Apartment controversy.

"I am confident that a mediated process can produce a resolution that not only serves the interests of Burien and King County, but also advances economic development and affordable housing goals.”

"The public interest is best served when local governments work together instead of suing each other," added Upthegrove, whose district includes Burien.

Upthegrove's written request suggests the parties use the William D. Ruckelshaus Center, a conflict resolution and problem solving program of the University of Washington and Washington State University.

Upthegrove also announced that he had secured a commitment from Speaker of the House Frank Chopp to support new state investments in Burien to help facilitate a resolution to the dispute. Upthegrove pledged to champion a state funding request as part of a negotiated solution.

"We have a responsibility, at all levels of government, to contribute to the economic and housing needs of the region," Upthegrove said.

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Staff contact: Jeff Muhm (206) 851-0485

Information about the William D. Ruckelshaus Center:

www.ruckelshauscenter.wsu.edu/

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