Updated Nov. 13 to correct a mention of the 7 Eleven location at 1611 Pacific Ave.
EVERETT, OCT. 30: Implementation of a high-impact buffer zone around the Imagine Children’s Museum will go into effect on November 15 in an effort to address a high number of symptoms of homelessness, behavioral health and addiction issues in the area.
Mayor Cassie Franklin asked city staff to recommend a new high-impact buffer zone surrounding the 6th largest museum in the region, Imagine Children’s Museum, 1502 Wall St. during last week’s Safe Community Committee meeting.
Buffer zones were established in the city of Everett in May of 2023 as a way to “improve community safety, address encampments… and to mitigate negative activities in specific areas.” There are buffer zones on Rockefeller, Evergreen Way and Lombard Ave.
Within a two-block radius of the proposed buffer zone there are certain restrictions, such as sitting or lying on public rights of way or distributing goods and services without a permit, Community Development Director Julie Willie said during the meeting.
Within the proposed buffer zone, businesses such as the 7-Eleven at 1611 Pacific Ave., Hope and Wellness at 3021 Rucker Ave. and the Courtyard Marriott Hotel at 3003 Colby Ave. would be under buffer zone restrictions.
“This area has experienced long-standing and ongoing community impacts, as evident from the high call volumes from businesses and neighborhood complaints and requests,” Willie said.
The Marriott hotel reported a loss of corporate clients, theft and vandalism, security concerns and guest safety perceptions due to the increasing presence of homelessness in the area, Marriott reported to the city.
Imagine Children’s Museum brings in roughly 300,000 visitors a year. They reported a decline in membership, vandalism, staff retention issues, and exposure to inappropriate behavior, they reported to the city.
There are qualifying events needed before establishing a buffer zone. They include a high number of 911 calls, complaints, negative impacts and or criminal behavior. The Imagine Children’s Museum and the two-block radius around it, meet the criteria, Willie said.
Imagine Children’s Museum itself over the last six months had 29 qualifying offenses, city spokesperson Simone Tarver wrote in an email.
The 7-Eleven on 1611 Pacific Ave had 53 qualifying offenses, Tarver wrote.
Everpark Garage and the Pedestrian Breezeway would be within the two-block radius of the buffer zone as well.
“Despite significant investments by the City in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) enhancements, illegal activity continues to be a persistent issue,” Tarver wrote.
Within the next 30-45 days city staff will publish more information on the city website and do community outreach for those in the area.
