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North Everett residents and council discuss grocery access, Fred Meyer and store closures
Summary
Public commenters told the Everett City Council on Sept. 24 that parts of North Everett (District 1) lack a safe commercial zone and reliable access to groceries and prescriptions; council members said they will pursue ways to retain and support local stores and noted regional planning considerations tied to Sound Transit.
During public comment at the Sept. 24 Everett City Council meeting, a resident raised concerns about limited safe commercial zones and declining retail services in District 1, saying residents are driving outside the city for groceries and prescriptions.
"District 1 is the only 1 without a safe commercial zone," the commenter said, and described local store problems including a worsening Safeway, a Walgreens pharmacy that now closes its pharmacy early, and the loss of a Fred Meyer store that some residents depended on. The commenter said the pattern forces elderly residents to travel for medication and sends sales tax dollars to neighboring cities.
The mayor and several council members acknowledged the concerns and described efforts to work with businesses and regional partners. Council member Zalango said the city has examined the idea of municipal grocery stores but warned such efforts are difficult and do not always succeed; Zalango advocated for measures that retain and support existing retailers as a more practical approach.
Several council members also noted their prior and continuing engagement with Sound Transit planning for the Everett Link extension. Councilor Zalango said an elected leadership group studied station locations and the Casino Road/Casino Square area, including Fred Meyer, and that the city had worked to be a regional partner when evaluating trade-offs for station siting. Council president Schwab and others encouraged businesses that need assistance to reach out to the city so staff and council can help.
No formal council action occurred during the meeting; public comment prompted follow-up dialogue from council and invitations for business owners to contact city staff.
