Everett committee probes enforcement, incentives for vacant storefronts and big-box closures

The Parks and Built Environment Committee met Oct. 8 in Everett Chambers to discuss policy responses to vacant storefronts, blighted properties near downtown and recent large-store closures, including a Kroger announcement that prompted further focus on big-box sites.

Committee members said they want to avoid unintended consequences from closures and discussed both enforcement of existing local rules and new policy options. “Vacant storefronts, facade maintenance, downtown revitalization, and vacant big box stores,” the Committee Chair said, reading the agenda item that launched the discussion.

Why it matters: committee members said empty ground-floor retail and large vacant parcels can attract unwanted behavior, create public-health and safety hazards, and undermine planned downtown initiatives such as the Creative District and visitor events. Several members urged city staff to identify actionable next steps rather than continuing repeated discussion.

Key facts and policy options discussed

- Existing code: Council members raised Everett Municipal Code Chapter 16.16, a vacant commercial-space registration ordinance adopted in 2009 that includes delinquent-registration fees and monitoring provisions but — they said — is not being actively enforced. “No. We’re not enforcing the penalty…