Davis Companies presents Everett Docklands plan; council raises safety, transit and lab‑use concerns

The Davis Companies and planning partner Spec Dempsey presented conceptual plans for the 100‑acre Everett Docklands Innovation District tonight, describing demolition and remediation work already under way and a master‑plan approach that aims to create a walkable mixed‑use neighborhood with public spaces, new streets and provision for laboratory, manufacturing, residential and retail uses.

Developers said they closed on the site in late 2023 and have begun demolition and remediation, including removal of above‑ground storage tanks and treatment of contaminated soils. The team said remediation and infrastructure work will be substantial — the presenters estimated remediation and infrastructure investment “well in excess of $200 million.” They described a district approach that treats the area as a 500‑acre zone of influence, with the 100‑acre site forming a core and a deep‑water parcel at the site’s edge. The project team includes Davis Companies, Global Partners (ownership partner), Spec Dempsey (urban design), Perkins and Will (urban design/architecture) and shop architects.

Plan highlights and constraints - Site size and staging: The parcel is roughly 100 acres with a marine dock terminal and two “tank farm” parcels divided by Beecham Street. Developers described 29 above‑ground tanks (26 removed so far) and 17 concrete bunkers being demolished. - Remediation and cost: Developers estimated the cost of remediation and infrastructure at “well in excess of $200 million.” Remediation steps include decommissioning tanks, demolition, soil mixing/stabilization and raising site elevations for resiliency. - Potential uses and scale: The zoning changes previously adopted by the city allow a range of uses. Developers said early‑stage buildout might be lower‑density residential (roughly 1,000 units), with higher‑density scenarios of up to 3,000 units as the market and transit improve. A higher‑end estimate for total development potential was described in the presentation as 5–7 million square feet, depending on market demand. - Battery storage: The team showed a proposed battery storage allocation of about 20 acres (described as an Eversource/Jupiter facility in discussion). Developers said the battery area would sit behind streets and building fronts (i.e., an alley buffer) and said they are engaging technical and safety consultants. The battery conversation prompted multiple council questions.

Council concerns and exchange with the team Councilors pressed the presenters on several topics: lithium battery safety and siting, the potential for lab uses including animal testing, waterfront access and transit improvements (including a commuter‑rail stop and Silver Line extension), public‑safety infrastructure like a fire station, and the project’s timeline. - Battery safety: Councilors Wayne Matuski and Thomas Hamlin expressed strong safety concerns about a battery storage facility near residential development; Hamlin said he would oppose residential adjacent to lithium batteries. Developers said detailed technical sessions (including a public meeting scheduled for April 8) would address safety, and that they intended to design the battery site with visual buffers and to follow regulatory and technical best practices. - Labs and animal testing: Several councilors raised whether certain laboratory uses — particularly animal testing — would be allowed. The developers noted the zoning currently allows lab uses but that community limits may be possible; they suggested the council could consider constraints on testing types and square footage. - Waterfront access: Councilors pressed for improved land access to a roughly 16‑acre waterfront parcel (three acres of terra firma and the balance water). Developers said access engineering is complicated and they are studying options that could require street improvements or easements. - Transit and public realm: Developers emphasized walkability and said they are advocating for mass‑transit investments, including a commuter‑rail stop and possible Silver Line acceleration. The project team highlighted design elements to create comfortable streets, protected bike lanes, plazas and a storm‑water park.

Timing and next steps: Presenters described the project as a multi‑decade effort and said the master‑plan special‑permit filing would be submitted in the coming weeks or months; they invited continued engagement with councilors and the public. Councilors referred the item back to the sponsor for further review; developers said they would host additional public meetings and technical hearings, including the April meeting on battery storage.