During a recent government meeting, residents of SeaTac expressed strong opposition to proposed zoning changes that would increase density in their neighborhoods. The discussions highlighted concerns over the multifamily tax exemption (MTE), which some residents argue is financially burdensome for the city, potentially costing up to $1 million over the years without clear benefits to the community.

Several speakers voiced fears that the rezoning would lead to increased crime, reduced property values, and higher taxes. One resident described the changes as a deliberate move towards creating a \"ghetto,\" suggesting that the planning decisions were not accidental but rather part of a larger, troubling trend. Another speaker lamented the loss of the small-town feel of SeaTac, attributing the changes to the influence of \"big money\" interests rather than the needs of local residents.

Concerns were also raised about the impact on local schools, with one resident noting the poor performance of the Highline School District and questioning the logic of adding more residents to an already struggling system. The sentiment among many speakers was that the proposed developments would not benefit current residents, who fear being priced out of their homes due to rising property taxes.

Residents called for a reconsideration of the zoning changes, suggesting that any potential benefits from increased density would not materialize for years, if at all. They urged local officials to prioritize the needs of existing community members over the demands of developers and state mandates for growth. The meeting underscored a growing tension between development goals and community preservation in SeaTac, as residents rallied to protect their neighborhoods from what they perceive as detrimental changes.