Port of Everett Looking for Public Opinion After Failure of Earlier Mixed Use Concept

March 10, 2012

Everett, Everett Economy

What should the future Port of Everett Marina look like?

The Port of Everett is undergoing a major planning effort and is looking for public input on how to shape the future of the Port. As part of that process, the Port is asking people to take a survey about the Port of Everett. Here’s some background provided by the Port of Everett…

In 2011, the Port Commission directed staff to undertake a joint planning effort to look at both the boating facilities and the North Marina property as part of one, comprehensive plan. The two staff directives were:

1.) The upland redevelopment effort needed to maximize previous efforts and compliment the boating facilities, and

2.) The Port’s investment in its marinas must be cost-effective and flexible to respond to market trends and shifts.

It is envisioned that the boating facilities plan will proceed the upland development plans. Currently, the upland property is slated for a dense mixed use development. The developer of the mixed use concept, Maritime Trust Company, filed bankruptcy in 2008. In March 2011, all development restrictions on the site were lifted when the bankruptcy claims were settled.

The Port Commission plans to retain the mixed-use concept, but would like to hear the community’s thoughts on how to improve upon the previous plan.

It is important to note, that the upland site is not a blank slate. The Port has invested heavily to improve this property by way of utilities, roads, public access trails, environmental cleanups, and both city and environmental permitting. The intent is to maximize and improve on previous efforts.

Public Involvement Goals

The goals of public outreach for the Master Plan update project are to engage the public in various forms into the planning process to build support and to ensure proper due diligence in incorporating/considering diverse opinions of interested citizenry from around the region.

Community Stakeholder Meetings & Public Meetings

The Port is currently conducting rigorous market, community stakeholder, and economic analyses and is researching the needs of both upland users and water users. The development of plans for modification of the 2005 Master Plan will include significant outreach to and solicitation of feedback from the surrounding community and stakeholders.

Members of the community are invited to attend a public meeting on April 5, 2012 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Port’s Waterfront Center Blue Heron Room (1205 Craftsman Way; Everett, WA 98201) to give feedback and participate in an interactive design process.

About the Planning Team

The Port of Everett hired Dykeman Inc, an Everett design and planning firm, for marina district master planning services. Dykeman’s scope will also include signage and development of a “Brand Strategy Destination.” The Port of Everett Marina District consists of three upland parcels surrounded by the largest public marina on the West Coast with 2,300 slips.

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