In the heart of Everett City Hall, council members gathered on March 25, 2024, to address pressing concerns about the city’s infrastructure amidst a wave of new developments. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as councilors voiced their worries about the impact of ongoing construction on the city’s aging water and sewer systems.

One of the primary topics of discussion was the city's capacity to handle the influx of new apartments and commercial spaces. Council members expressed fears that the current infrastructure might not support the growing population, with one councilor stating, “I feel like we’re being suffocated.” The sentiment echoed throughout the meeting, highlighting a community grappling with the balance between development and sustainability.

City engineers reassured the council that plans are in place to accommodate future needs, particularly in areas experiencing significant growth, such as the Commercial Triangle South of Route 16. However, they acknowledged that solutions to flooding and other infrastructure challenges could take 10 to 20 years to implement. This timeline raised eyebrows among councilors, who stressed the need for immediate improvements rather than long-term plans.

The conversation shifted to the role of developers in funding infrastructure upgrades. Councilors questioned why developers could not be held accountable for contributing to the necessary enhancements, particularly as new projects come online. The city’s engineers confirmed that while the existing systems are designed to handle current flows, they are actively working on plans to replace aging pipes and improve overall capacity.

As the meeting progressed, concerns about potential sewage backups due to construction were raised. Councilors sought clarity on whether the city would assist homeowners financially in the event of such issues. The city solicitor clarified that if a backup is determined to be the city's fault, the city would cover the costs, but if it is the homeowner's responsibility, they would need to bear the expenses.

The council also emphasized the importance of communication with residents during construction projects. Several members urged for better notification systems to inform homeowners about upcoming work and potential disruptions, ensuring that residents are not left in the dark.

As the meeting concluded, the overarching theme was clear: Everett is at a crossroads, balancing the need for development with the imperative to maintain and upgrade its infrastructure. The council's commitment to addressing these challenges reflects a community eager to adapt and thrive in the face of change, but the path forward will require careful planning and collaboration among all stakeholders.