Ordinance 2853-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

Plan policies that recommend addressing land use and design around high capacity transit stations. The transportation options offered at Everett Station, including busses, commuter rail, taxis, and Amtrak, provide the opportunity to increase the intensity of development in the surrounding area without creating significant traffic impacts. 2. New information available which was not considered at the time the plan was adopted justify a change to the policy. The new information supporting the policy amendment is as follows: At the time of adoption of the Comprehensive Plan in 1994, the location of Everett Station had not been determined. Additional studies were completed by Sound Transit and the City of Everett, and construction of Everett Station began in 2000. Planning for the area around the station began about the same time in 2000, and resulted in the Everett Station Area Plan. The recent location and construction of the Everett Special Events Center also influenced the Everett Station Area Plan. At a September 2004 developer's forum addressing accommodation of Everett's 2025 housing targets, the Everett Station area was identified as one of the best opportunity area for high density housing. 3. The proposed change in policy promotes a more desirable growth pattern for the community as a whole. The Everett Station Area Plan provides direction for changes expected to occur around the Everett Station over time. The plan encourages existing businesses to stay in the area, provides incentives for redevelopment by reducing parking standards, and includes design standards and guidelines that will result in transit and pedestrian-oriented development with connections to the downtown and riverfront. 4. The proposed policy change is consistent with other existing plan policies. Existing Comprehensive Plan policies that support the changes include: Land Use Element Policy 1.11.7 provides for high capacity transit stations, and states "Coincidental with the alignment of high capacity transit corridors and siting of stations, the City should evaluate land use designations to assure compatibility, and maximize benefits to the community in return on the public investment. Policy 1.11.9 addresses Urban Centers, including portions of the Everett Station Area, and states, "New development and redevelopment shall be designed to be compatible with transit use, as well as encouraging pedestrian and bicycle activity." Economic Development Element. Section VII.C. addresses redevelopment and enhancement opportunities. Goal 5.3 states, "The City of Everett shall use redevelopment and 3