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Local arts leader urges stronger public benefits from Aquasox stadium deal
Summary
Evan Reed, executive director of Bunker Arts Collective, told Everett council that as the Aquasox stadium project has grown to about $120 million the team's contribution (~$10 million) is insufficient and urged a guaranteed annual community return of roughly $600,000–$1,000,000 to fund neighborhood projects and maintenance.
During public comment at the April 22 Everett City Council meeting, Evan Reed, executive director of Bunker Arts Collective, urged council to require clearer, ongoing public benefits as the privately owned Aquasox stadium project proceeds.
"As the project has grown the public's burden has grown with it, the team has not," Reed said. He described the overall project as "roughly a $120,000,000 investment" with a team contribution of about $10,000,000 and proposed that even a modest annual contribution — "something in the range of $600,000 to $1,000,000 annually" — could be directed to neighborhood projects, restored services, targeted cleanup and maintenance beyond downtown.
Reed said volunteer groups are stretched thin removing litter and maintaining public spaces and that structured, recurring funding from the project could support neighborhood‑level improvements that residents use daily. He emphasized he supports the team and development generally but wants the city to secure clear and durable community returns if public dollars play a large role.
The council did not take action on the stadium during the meeting; Reed’s comments were recorded as part of the public comment period.
