Keiser: “We must ensure the health and safety of Lora Lake residents”

OLYMPIA – The desire for low-cost housing shouldn’t put residents in harm’s way, according to Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent. She has sent a letter to the King County Housing Authority (KCHA) asking for detailed mitigation measures to be taken for future residents of the Lora Lake Apartments.

“We can’t jeopardize the health and safety of residents in the name of providing affordable housing,” Keiser said. “We need to know that public safety is the paramount consideration and not an afterthought.”

Keiser’s letter focuses on identifying problems associated with the Lora Lakes Apartments’ proximity to the third runway, including noise pollution, respiratory concerns and potential for accidents at the end point of the elevated runway.

The letter specifically requests that KCHA avoid placing families with small children or elderly individuals in these units who are less able to quickly respond to an emergency situation.

“Restrictions to occupancy already occur at other KCHA properties, so this would not be precedent setting,” Keiser noted. “In my judgment, the proximity to the third airport is so close that the disastrous possibilities are obvious and merit the restriction.”

Read Sen. Keiser's letter.

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