
EVERETT, SEPT. 20: The Everett city council approved funding for walkways to Senator Henry M. Jackson Park and the expansion of the Everett Gospel Mission, 3711 Smith Ave.
Council President Don Schwab also gave an update on the future of the Outdoor Multipurpose Facility Project.
Jackson Park:
Councilmember Mary Fosse expressed support for a new pedestrian link project between Maple Street and Jackson Park in the Delta neighborhood. The council approved the consent item, awarding a contract to a Lake Stevens contractor.
“…They had the park built, and it looked amazing, but all the roads leading to it and crossovers are busy. There are no sidewalks actually for the families,” Fosse said.
The project will produce a pedestrian link from west of Walnut to the park. It will include curb ramps, storm drainage pipes, a fence and more.
Everett Gospel Mission:
The council authorized the use of $4 million of Snohomish County’s Chemical Dependency and Mental Health Sales Tax funds for the expansion of the Everett Gospel Mission.
The Everett Gospel Mission is a shelter that provides resources to those experiencing homelessness in the area.
The funds will be used to establish a 65-bed emergency bridge housing project with the capacity for an additional 60 emergency severe weather shelter beds on site. Onsite health services will also be offered.
“I think this is going to be incredibly impactful for our city and for the whole County to make sure that people have a safe, decent place to stay in the evenings,” Councilmember Paula Rhyne said.
The operation of the project is estimated for Dec. 31, 2026.
Multipurpose Facility:
Schwab mentioned that the city is in discussions with soccer leagues about using the upcoming multipurpose facility that will replace Funko Field.
There are two options for keeping the Aquasox in Everett. One option is remodeling the entirety of Everett Memorial Stadium or building a new location adjacent to the Angel of the Winds Casino downtown. The reason for the new facility is to keep up with Major League Baseball (MLB) requirements for Minor League Baseball (MiLB).
The city is currently asking for feedback on its Draft Environmental Statement Impact (Draft EIS) on the potential environmental impacts of building the new facility. The community can comment on the draft until Oct. 4.
The city is waiting to take additional steps until after the Draft EIS is completed. Schwab said that the financial committee will reconvene in November and December to discuss funding for the facility.
Effective Oct. 30 the fourth and when occurring, the fifth, Wednesday of each month will have a city council meeting start time of 12:30 p.m. and will be held as a hybrid meeting. The meetings will still be open to the public.
Other local news:
The Monte Cristo Awards, a community-driven award program honoring exceptionally maintained residences, businesses and yards in Everett, are returning for 2024 thanks to grant funding. Nominations will be accepted through Sept. 30.
Mayor Cassie Franklin is currently in Washington D.C. to discuss innovative city housing policies initiatives as well as advocating for grants and the city, Government Affairs Director Jennifer Gregerson said.