Everett: Everett 2044 Plan
Everett, Washington, like many cities with a working waterfront, is trying to figure out how to balance a busy industrial port with the needs of its neighborhoods. As the city updates its long-range plan, called Everett 2044, the future of the port is a big topic of discussion. This plan, required by state law, is meant to guide the city's growth for the next twenty years, and what happens with the port will have a big impact on Everett's economy and the people who live there.
The Port of Everett is important for the local economy, supporting industries like aerospace and manufacturing. It provides lots of jobs and helps move goods around, connecting Everett to the rest of the world. But ports can also create problems, like noise, traffic, and industrial activity, which can affect nearby neighborhoods. This tension between economic benefits and the well-being of residents is what the city is trying to deal with right now.
The city must consider a few things. State law sets out some rules for how cities plan for ports, requiring them to protect the main port areas, make sure goods can move easily, and try to solve any conflicts between the port and nearby areas. Regional planning policies also offer guidance. And, of course, the city must listen to what its residents want.
Two specific requests highlight the difficulties. The Port of Everett wants to expand an area where special rules apply to manage the relationship between industry and homes. This would help the port because it needs good transportation connections. But people living in the Rucker Hill neighborhood, which overlooks the port, want to get rid of these special rules altogether, saying they put too much of a burden on their community.
The city is trying to find a middle ground. City staff are working on a different approach that would focus the special rules on bigger projects near the port and encourage, but not force, developers to talk to the port. This shows that the city wants to balance the port's needs with what residents are worried about.
The proposed goals for the updated plan reflect this balancing act. They say it's important to have a strong and active industrial port, recognizing how it helps the local economy. They also say the city and the port need to work together, especially on things like roads, utilities, and public access to the waterfront. Importantly, the plan acknowledges that ports can cause problems and calls for steps to reduce noise, pollution, and other negative effects.
The plan also looks at the port's future, understanding that it will need to change and grow as the economy changes. It says it's important to keep land available for maritime uses and make sure goods can move efficiently. But it also says the city needs to protect the environment and the quality of life in nearby neighborhoods.
Everett's situation is not unique. Cities with ports all over the world face similar challenges, trying to get the economic advantages of maritime activity without harming their communities. How Everett handles this will be an example for other cities. The success of Everett 2044 depends on finding a solution that allows the port to prosper while keeping Everett a good place to live for everyone. This will require carefully weighing different interests, talking openly, and being willing to compromise.