The Port of Everett wants this site to stay industrial
On Sept. 11, the Port Commission passed Resolution 972, endorsing the City of Everett’s staff alternative to keep the current marine industrial zoning (M-2) for the recently closed Kimberly-Clark Site (K-C) to restore industry and employment opportunities.
The K-C site is a 66-acre parcel located between two federally secured and significant facilities, including Naval Station Everett and the Port of Everett’s international shipping terminals. The site is a rare and unique asset for a community, as it is located on a federal navigation channel with direct deep-water access that includes five rail spurs and an abutting rail line, several truck access routes and excellent utilities.
The mill property, which is up for sale, is currently under a city-imposed moratorium through February 2013 as it undergoes extensive public outreach and market research to determine the site’s ultimate zoning. The City’s moratorium ordinance specifically directs that the reuse planning process consider the compatibility with Port of Everett and Naval Station Everett operations.
In response to this public process, the Port of Everett Commission offers the following:
“WHEREAS, the M-2 zoning designation allows for maritime industrial use that is critical for the on-going economic success of the community and to position local and regional businesses for high quality investment and job creation, thereby benefiting the Everett and regional workforce.
WHEREAS, supporting maritime uses at this unique deep water Site is consistent with federal, state, and local laws and policies that encourage maritime uses in such locations, such as the Container Ports Initiative (RCW Chapter 36.70A), Transportation Facilities of Statewide Significance (RCW Chapter Chapter 47.06.140), Puget Sound Regional Council’s Regional Economic Strategy 2012, etc.).”
The Port of Everett is currently doing its due-diligence to determine its interest in acquiring the property to support future growth of its shipping operations to meet its customer needs.
With regard to the planning process the public has until tomorrow afternoon to submit suggestions on how the property should be zoned. Here’s the notice about a major public meeting set for next Tuesday…
The draft Central Waterfront Plan, a matrix comparing the four land use alternatives, and six plan appendices are all available for viewing at the City of Everett Planning Department webpage:http://www.everettwa.org/default.aspx?ID=2048.
Written comments on the draft Plan and proposed Addendum should be submitted no later than Friday, September 14, 2012.
The public is encouraged to attend and participate in the workshop.
September 13, 2012
Everett, Everett Government