Update December 13, 2019, 4:15 p.m.
The City has explored an option to extend the time period for tenants to operate out of the Annex building past the January 31, 2020 deadline. After a consultation regarding the insurance and liability issues surrounding the significant safety risks that are present, enabling tenants to stay in the building past January 31, 2020 is not an option the City can entertain.
To enable tenants to stay in the building through January 31, 2020, several areas must be mitigated immediately. We are on notice to resolve these issues and take immediate action:
- Remove debris from ingress and egress of the building. Hallways need to be clear.
- Ensure fire suppression system, alarms, fire extinguishers are present and working.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms in all the rooms where tenants and patrons are present.
- Ensure signage for potential lead in the water are posted, water in the facility is not suitable for drinking.
Staff will be taking these steps to enhance safety through January 31, 2020.
The timing of not renewing these leases and the impacts to our tenants are regrettable. However, life-safety issues are of paramount concern to the City.
The City remains focused on our Annex Tenant Support Team to assist tenants in relocating to other locations in Burien. We are in contact with our tenants and recognize the impacts to tenants and the value of the longstanding services they provide to the City of Burien. We look forward to the joint Chamber/City of Burien community meeting at the Community Center on Monday, December 16, 2019 from 1–3 p.m. The agenda will consist of solution exploration, a status briefing from the City, and a specific discussion regarding the needs of our tenants and the pending closure of the Annex Building on January 31, 2020.