BURIEN, Wash. – The long battle between King County and the Port of Seattle over a low-income apartment complex in Burien is over.

In a split vote Thursday evening, port commissioners approved the demolition of the Lora Lake Apartments.

Homeless advocates say this will be a blow to people seeking affordable housing in the area.

The 3-to-2 verdict makes way for the 162 units to be bulldozed.

"Given the incredible need for workforce housing in the region, we think this doesn't make sense in terms of social policy or fiscal policy for the port," said Steven Norman, King County Housing Authority.

The Port bought the property from the City of Burien for construction of the third runway at Sea-Tac International Airport.

The Port turned down an $18 million offer for the property by King County.

Burien now wants to use the land for commercial or industrial use.

"The main issue here with the three commissioners was the agreement we made to Burien and to their efforts to redevelop Burien," said Tay Yoshitani, Port of Seattle CEO.

But those opposing the vote say the affordable housing market is shrinking. The county lost 8,000 apartment units to condominium conversion last year as rents in the area continue to rise.

King County has filed suit against the Port of Seattle. It's asking the court to condemn the land so the county can buy it for housing.

A hearing on that King County case is set for Friday morning.

The Association to Defend Affordable Housing has also filed suit against the Port of Seattle.