Lake Stevens, Everett continue talks over waterline agreement that affects 20th Street redevelopment

Lake Stevens city staff reported July 1 that negotiations with the city of Everett are ongoing over an underground Everett-owned waterline that runs south of Twentieth Street Southeast and constrains redevelopment of adjacent commercial parcels.

Russ Wright, Community Development Director, told the council that Everett had provided draft comments and staff expect another round of responses in one to two weeks. "At this point, they've told us they'll have comments back to us probably in another week or two," Wright said. He said the city is seeking clear, balanced easement language that allows reasonable uses above the easement without encumbering neighboring properties.

Council members asked whether construction or pavement would be allowed above the waterline. Wright said recent drafts proposed permitting pavement or parking in the first 30 feet over less-critical pipes while prohibiting permanent structures; the agreement would still bar building foundations directly above critical pipes.

Wright and Mayor Gailey (referenced in council remarks) said the outcome of the negotiations matters for downtown economic development because the waterline location constrains the buildable footprint on the south side of Twentieth Street Southeast. Director Wright said the city has been effectively holding that area for more than six years and staff would continue to pursue a sit‑down meeting with Everett to resolve outstanding language, permit clarity and notification procedures.

No formal action or funding decision was taken at the July 1 meeting; staff will return to council with updates as negotiations with Everett progress.