2014/04/23 Council Agenda Packet

Everett City Council Pilot Project for Student Housing May 23, 2014 Page 2 of 2 billions of square feet will be needed for new retail, residential, office and educational space in our cities to meet a changing demographic, and that single family home ownership will plummet as the demand for rentals climbs. Everett needs to lead Snohomish County in realizing this changing demographic, by keeping to the vision that will help meet needs of future residents. (You can read the article at http://www.hcn.org/issues/45.20/a- demographer-predicts-big-changes-for-the-wests-housing-landscape). While we understand that parking is an issue for Everett, many students do not own cars nor will use a car. Everett Transit, Community Transit, Sound Transit, Island Transit are all available, and Everett itself provides most of the services students need and want within walking distance. We believe Footprint LLC has provided assurances that parking needs will be provided with Trinity Lutheran College. Again, we strongly support this proposal for student housing. It is consistent with the city's comprehensive plan for housing, meets a need for the college which resides in downtown Everett, encourages more walkability and bikeability, and provides for more affordable housing for students. Thank you for your consideration of this important project. Most sincerely, Kristin Kelly Snohomish/Skagit Program Director, Futurewise Smart Growth Director, Pilchuck Audubon Society 1429 Avenue D, #532 Snohomish, WA 98290 (425) 923-8625 Kristin@futurewise.org