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3. Transit-Oriented Communities Everett Housing Action Plan 30 3. Transit-Oriented Communities INTRODUCTION Although light rail transit (LRT) and Sound Transit Link) is not expected to reach Everett until the late 2030s, it is time to start preparing for that eventuality because transit-oriented development (TOD) to support light rail ridership often takes well over 10 years to accomplish. And, the proposed LRT stations in Metro Everett (the area around Everett Station) and at the Evergreen Way/Casino Road vicinity offer opportunities to produce vibrant multi-use communities with outstanding access to the Central Puget Sound region. The City adopted the Metro Everett subarea plan in August, 2019, therefore, this strategy description focuses on a case study of SR 526/Evergreen Way station area. This strategy’s purpose is to conduct initial steps in the larger effort to build a new community focus with a mix of housing opportunities supported by community and commercial services, employment opportunities and excellent transit access. Because this area is already served by Swift Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Everett Transit service, it will be one of the best-connected transportation nodes in north-central Puget Sound. Additionally, the strategy concepts are intended to be applied in other candidate TOD areas. The transit-oriented community strategy focuses on creating a viable, complete community with excellent pedestrian and bicycle circulation, services, and amenities as well a full range of housing types. Although the exact location of the future transit station is not yet determined, the vicinity of the Evergreen Way/Casino Road/SR 526 intersection and the current transit system in the area is the most likely general locale, so TOD planning in the area is reasonable at this point. Currently the area within ½ mile of the intersection is divided by the heavily trafficked arterials and there is little cohesion between land uses in the different sectors of the subarea. Therefore, connecting and unifying the area as well as providing for new housing opportunities is important. Figure 8. Sound Transit North Link Route, Everett Stations. Source: Sound Transit, 2021.