TagDes Moines(254)

SeaTac lawmakers voted to rescind a controversial eminent domain ordinance targeting a privately owned parking lot near the airport light-rail station, while also hearing a retail and entertainment feasibility study for an 82-acre proposed city center development adjacent to the airport. Separately, a public workshop on SeaTac Airport's Part 150 Noise Study—which examines ways to reduce aircraft noise impacts on surrounding communities—was scheduled for February 24 at Mount Rainier High School in Des Moines. The workshop was part of an ongoing public engagement process inviting residents to participate in shaping noise-reduction solutions and recommendations.

Hillgrove Cemetery is a small, historic community cemetery located near Sea-Tac Airport at approximately 1651 S 200th St in Sea-Tac, WA, established around 1900 on land donated by early settler Fred Kinkling. Designated a King County Community Landmark in 1982, the 0.92-acre site contains an estimated 350 burials dating from 1889 to 2001, representing pioneers and Civil War veterans from the surrounding Highline/Des Moines area. The cemetery, situated just west of the planned southern route of SR509 on land surrounded by Port of Seattle-owned parcels, has experienced ongoing challenges including vandalism, neglect, and overgrowth.

Ordinance No. 1407 is a City of Des Moines, Washington municipal ordinance that updates and consolidates the city's Buildings and Construction Code (Title 14) by adopting the latest editions of major building, fire, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes, including Sound Control Requirements relevant to the Sea-Tac Airport noise environment. The ordinance repeals more than 40 previously enacted building-related ordinances dating back to 1959 and brings the city into compliance with state-mandated building standards under RCW 19.27.031. It establishes updated rules for administration, enforcement, and a range of construction-related regulations applicable within the City of Des Moines.

The Mayor's Roundtable Common Actions and Priorities outlines a cooperative framework between Sea-Tac Airport and four neighboring cities — Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and SeaTac — aimed at ensuring a sustainable future for both the airport and surrounding communities. The document sets out four key actions covering regional transportation connectivity, stormwater impacts, economic development, and mitigation of local environmental and quality-of-life impacts from airport growth. It emphasizes avoiding litigation by requiring the Port of Seattle, FAA, and neighboring cities to work together on policy changes that protect residents, wildlife, and local businesses.

In 2005, Washington State's Public Disclosure Commission asked Attorney General Rob McKenna to sue a group of investors connected to TME Capital Group for allegedly hiding $60,000 in illegal campaign contributions used to influence 2001 Des Moines City Council elections. The investors were backing a business venture tied to the controversial third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and sought to elect council candidates favorable to the project. The scheme involved funneling money through shell entities and converting it to anonymous cashier's checks to conceal the donors' identities, part of a broader pattern of campaign finance violations in Des Moines linked to the Sea-Tac runway fight.

The NEST Study, published in December 2004, examined eight underutilized properties near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to assess their potential for future economic development. Commissioned by a partnership of the Cities of Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac along with the Port of Seattle, the study analyzed market conditions, infrastructure needs, financial feasibility, and appropriate land uses for each property. The findings, funded by a $96,900 federal grant, provided conceptual development plans and job creation estimates aimed at spurring economic growth in South King County communities surrounding the airport.

Des Moines City Councilman Don Wasson resigned in March 2003 amid a campaign finance scandal, after allegations that he concealed $49,000 in undisclosed contributions funded by businessman Hank Hopkins, who sought to build a conveyor system for SeaTac Airport's proposed third runway. The contributions were intended to elect council members more favorable to the runway project, and the state Public Disclosure Commission was investigating whether Wasson and Hopkins broke state law. Wasson's resignation left the six remaining council members deadlocked, raising uncertainty about city governance during a critical period for airport expansion policy.