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Residents urge council to exclude Mount Baker View Legion neighborhood from higher‑density rezoning in Everett 2044 plan
Summary
Multiple residents testified May 14 that proposed rezoning to allow UR4 low‑rise development would endanger the Mount Baker View Legion neighborhood because of landslide risk, constrained access, historic homes and inadequate transit and parking.
Several Everett residents used the council’s public‑comment period on May 14 to press council members to exempt the Mount Baker View Legion neighborhood from proposed upzoning in the Everett 2044 comprehensive plan update.
Jo Newland said she and neighbors submitted a package of documents to the planning commission and city council and that written comments were filed for the May 14 record. “The neighborhood becomes a parking lot with no way out, and the residents of Mount Baker View Legion neighborhood become prisoners in our own home,” Newland said, arguing the area has landslide springs, groundwater seepage, industrial contamination and constrained access that make mid‑rise density inappropriate.
Kyle Shepherd said the proposal to rezone the end of his block on Hoyt Avenue from R2 to UR4 would permit four‑story low‑rise buildings near small historic lots, and he questioned whether transit or local retail could support that change. “By comparison, Everett Transit, I'm sorry to say, is worth about 2 dead flies,” Shepherd said, arguing the neighborhood lacks transit and that new residents would increase parking demand.
Madeline Shepherd said the rezoning would cast a four‑story shadow over several historic houses on Hoyt and Nineteenth streets, reducing daylight, privacy and property values for homes many residents consider their “forever home.” She said many houses at risk are more than a century old.
William Parence used his comment time to raise concerns about shelter operations and service access in the city; his remarks focused on experiences at local shelters rather than the zoning item.
Council members acknowledged the public testimony. Council member Vogelink thanked the speakers for compiling science and data to support their neighborhood’s case and said city staff will review connector‑route and transit analyses as the comprehensive‑plan process continues.
Clerks acknowledged written comments received for the record from Joanne Newland, Marie Elliot, Carl Agney, Carrie Lawrenson, Mike Deasy, John Martin and Julie Martinson concerning the comprehensive plan and an outdoor multiuse facility.
No council action on rezoning occurred during the May 14 meeting; the comprehensive‑plan update and related overlay discussions remain under review with subsequent council and planning commission sessions planned.
