Low Barrier Housing In Everett To Get Break On Utility Connection Fees

At their meeting on Wednesday members of the Everett City Council will vote on waiving up to 80 percent of utility connection fees for low barrier housing facilities built in Everett. That would include the low barrier project on Berkshire, HopeWorks on Broadway, Cocoon House on Colby as well as the future project in north end that will replace Baker Heights.

The cost of the break is about two million dollars spread over several years and would be absorbed by other Everett utility ratepayers at a cost of about a $1.12 per month on their utility bills.

The fee reduction is only for non-profit or public entities that are building housing for people earning at or below fifty percent of the median income. It would not be available to private developers.

You can click here to see the ordinance that will be considered by council members Wednesday evening.

The break for a specific project would be approved not by the city council but by the director of planning and development after a consultation by the director of public works. There are also covenants required on the project that would keep the property as low barrier and not allow conversion to market rate housing down the road.

If you’d like to comment on the proposal the council will take public input prior to their vote Wednesday at their meeting at 3002 Wetmore. It starts at 6:30 PM.