Council Tables Everett Public Works Project

October 5, 2016

Everett, Everett Government

Public Works

Is this property too valuable to be used for public works facilities?

The plan to replace facilities used by the Everett Public Works Department has been put in an indefinite time out. It’s not the price of the project ($70 million dollars) but the location that has several Everett City council members wanting to take another look. “This is right on a major gateway to the city,” said council member Brenda Stonecipher.” I think there are higher and better uses for this property.”

Council member Cassie Franklin also spoke out against the location and cited the gateway to the city as one reason for concern. She stated she wanted more time to further examine other locations in the city for the facility. Public Works director Dave Davis explained to the council members that they’ve been looking for years for the best site that would meet the needs of the city, residents and wholesale water customers that rely on Everett for their water supply. “This is the only site where we can do partial re-development and avoid costs of a completely new build,” said Davis. “I don’t know what information I can provide that I haven’t already provided.”

In a 6-1 vote, with council member Scott Bader the only no, the council tabled the current project plan indefinitely. Council members spoke of wanting to see if there was a developer interested in buying the 15 acre site right at a main gateway to Everett and next to the light rail and multi-modal transportation center. Proceeds from that sale could then be used to purchase a more appropriate location for the public works facilities.

One thing all council members said they agree on was there is a definite need for replacement of the current public works facilities as soon as possible. Like in most real estate decisions though it’s all about location, location, location.

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