There is a common concern in Burien, WA these days, and well….someone has to say it. It is a real estate agent and landlord's dream, and a renter's worst nightmare. Rent just went up…way up. Guess why. The common phrase landlords are using these days to rent their units is, "it's within walking distance of the new Town Square." Any rental within a few blocks of the construction is now hot property. It has become a reason to raise affordable rents and it is a strong selling point. Renters in Burien are not taking this lightly. Some have decided to do something about these rent hikes. Unfortunately, they are packing their belongings and preparing to move.

The Town Square is going to be beautiful. No one can dispute this. We also cannot deny that we have dedicated City Council people who have worked hard and spent much time detailing its construction. Still, is it possible we could have missed something in regard to the effect the Town Square will have on the community?

A long term Burien citizen recently shared information about her rent increase. Her unit in the multi-plex has been home for many years. Recently, she received notice that her rent is being raised $190.00 a month. There was no improvement to her unit or installation of updated appliances. The property management company told her since the building is close to the new Town Square, the company can get fair market value. She has resided in her unit for 19 years. It may not be much to others, but it is home to her. There are many who feel their rent has been raised, for no other reason than their proximity to the new Town Square. This can be staggering, especially if the tenant is a single parent, disabled, or a senior citizen.

Imagine the catch-22. A renter needs to move because he or she cannot afford the rent. If the rent is not paid, an eviction will happen. To move, the renter has to come up with a deposit, and first and/or last month's rent. Last week, a Burien citizen found a place she wanted to rent but soon learned she would have to come up with $3,000.00 to get her foot in the door. There is no way she can come up with that much money on the $10.00 an hour she earns. Another cannot afford to move from her place, which in the past was reported to the city for rodents and flooding. Not on her Social Security.

For awhile, there were rental ads for a small apartment complex in Burien. The older building looks a bit run down. There was obvious difficulty renting the units, as the continuous classified ads ran for a long time. Perhaps the rent was too high. Perhaps the apartments needed improvements. The building was eventually converted to condos though and things changed. People who would not pay $750.00 a month to live there, were suddenly willing to pay $1100.00 because the apartments became "condos." Maybe it is the new appliances that entice buyers. It can't be because it is a friendly place with neighbors who sit so close, they can peer in the window. Of course, as the ad says, it is within walking distance of the new Town Square. Is there some common sense to this?

A local citizen recently quipped, "If I had $550,000.00 to spend on a place, do you think I would get a place overlooking a parking lot?" (a reference to the Town Square condos) She continued, "wouldn't I take that money and head west down to the water, where it is so much nicer?" Actually, according to craigslist.com in early October 2008, a one bedroom plus den- with huge deck was listed for $394,950.00 and a 2 bedroom/2 bath with den was $589,950.00.

Many predict Burien is going to be comprised of two populations, at each end of the spectrum. One will be the rich. They are now described as the ones who can afford a half a million dollar condo that overlooks the you know what. The other end of the spectrum will be comprised of two, three and four roommates who will need to share an apartment. This will be the only way people can afford the rent. Someone is missing though. That would be the citizens "in the middle"- young families, single parent ones, and older traditional families. You might call some of them the working poor. Many of these families have invested in the community, and have children who attend local schools. Sadly, it is these families that feel displaced. They have patronized local merchants and volunteered in the community. If they manage to survive next month's rent hike and pay that rent on time, they will probably need to visit the local food bank. They will be in struggle mode. Their apartments were home, long before construction began in the heart of Burien. The fact they live within walking distance of the new Town Square will be the farthest thing from their minds.

It used to be if rent increases, it is just a matter of working harder or getting a second job. Unfortunately, as people age, they sometimes do not feel as energetic as they did years ago. Work harder? You've got to be kidding.

People are struggling to grasp the reality of a situation they did not anticipate. Who are we to tell them this situation is not true? Especially when it is real enough to motivate them to leave. We just can't tell people there is no basis for this when they feel the crunch.

Should they go? Should they try to stay and wait for their now affordable housing to have a rent hike or be converted to condos? It has been awhile since some renters have felt settled and secure as they nervously sit in the shadow of the new Town Square. They fear it is only a matter of time before the ax falls. How do we help? What do we say?

It wasn't supposed to be like this. The new Town Square is certainly the talk of the town, unfortunately, not all of it is positive.