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Background <br /> Over the past ten years,the City of Everett has worked with various transportation agencies, such as Sound Transit, Everett <br /> Transit, AMTRAK, WSDOT, and Greyhound Bus Lines to develop a true multi-modal transportation center in the form of <br /> Everett Station. This has involved much more than merely developing a building to contain ticketing functions and waiting <br /> areas. The project has included acquiring property for parking, reconstructing roads, and building a new bridge over the <br /> railroad tracks. It has also involved finding tenants to provide educational and job services that can serve a regional workforce. <br /> While commuter rail is still yet to become operational, it is evident that Everett Station is expanding many choices available to <br /> residents of the community and its surroundings. Many activities occur in Everett Station. Its top floor meeting room is <br /> constantly in demand for meetings and events. <br /> Through its Comprehensive Plan and capital investments, the City has focused much attention and energy to the development <br /> of this transportation hub. This has been but a part of a larger set of policy directions that have encouraged re-investment in <br /> downtown and its nearby neighborhoods. Already, these actions have borne fruit, with development of new buildings on the <br /> Snohomish County campus, the Everett Events Center, streetscape enhancements on Hewitt and Colby, and new commercial <br /> and urban residential development in the vicinity. This long-term commitment has brought tangible results and the downtown <br /> area is being gradually transformed into an urban center that is stronger and more vibrant. <br /> The properties surrounding Everett Station present a unique potential for economic development. Over time, new and <br /> rehabilitated buildings will house a range of businesses that are highly accessible, due to the proximity to the freeway and <br /> public transportation. Many existing businesses will remain in the area and are encouraged to remain. It is likely that some <br /> properties will be consolidated and provide space for entirely new businesses. A synergy between downtown and station area <br /> will emerge as major activities are booked into the Events Center and people realize that the station and its available parking <br /> will offer easy access. With additional people coming into downtown, restaurants, shops and services will flourish and hours of <br /> operation will be broadened into the evenings. Clearly, this presents the City with a chance to influence the location, timing, <br /> and quality of new development within the station area. <br /> This plan lays out a framework for future development around the station and suggests regulatory mechanisms to achieve it. <br /> These tools will need to be part of a larger set of strategies that involve the use and disposition of public lands, further capital <br /> investments, incentives and marketing. <br /> 1 <br />