Help Everett Develop Downtown Zoning and Long-Range Transit Plans

A proposed design for the Downtown Everett light rail station and nearby development (City of Everett)

The City of Everett is looking to join the wave of cities absorbing our ever-exploding population growth by writing two key long-range plans over the coming months, one for downtown land use and one for citywide transit.

The "Metro Everett" plan, which will try to accommodate an expected 60,000 new residents and 40,000 new employees in Everett, has reached the draft options stage and the city is considering several options. The recommended plan entails simplifying the zoning system to favor multi-family housing and mixed-use commercial, raising height limits in the downtown area, and softening parking minimums to encourage non-driving uses. The plan is also preparing for significant changes in the Everett Station area, where Link service will terminate in 2036, adding to existing station area plans adopted by the city a decade ago.

An open house on Tuesday, June 13, at 6 p.m. at the Everett Performing Arts Center (Colby & Everett; routes 3, 17, and 29) will have more details, including the draft plan and potential changes to the Everett Station area, as well as city staffers and a chance for the public to provide written feedback.

An Everett Transit bus in downtown Everett

Everett Transit will be seeking input throughout most of June to help form a Long Range Plan to guide the municipal bus system over the next 20 years. Through June 22, an online open house will allow the public to view materials related to the plan and take a survey on their transit use around Everett. The Long Range Plan, to be adopted in early 2018 by the City Council, will establish service standards and consider emerging technologies like electric battery buses (a few of which Everett are slated to receive soon) and partnerships with rideshare companies.

There will be a series of in-person sessions next week near three of Everett's main transit centers.

Everett Station (Visioning Workshop)
Thursday, June 8, 6 to 8 p.m. (Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.)
3201 Smith Avenue - Weyerhaeuser Room, 4th Floor (Most Everett Transit routes; Community Transit Swift and 201/202; Sound Transit 510/512 and Sounder commuter rail)

Everett Mall (Drop-In Session)
Saturday, June 10, 4 to 6 p.m.
1402 SE Everett Mall Way - Near Massage Envy (Everett Transit routes 2, 7, 12, 17, and 29)

Everett Community College (Drop-In Session)
Monday, June 12, 12 to 2 p.m.
2000 Tower Street - Gray Wolf Hall, Lobby (Everett Transit routes 7, 17, and 29; Community Transit 201/202)