Resolution 5525 - Laserfiche WebLink

FINDINGS OF FACT 1 . The Applicant requested approval of an area-wide rezone for property as described above. The rezone would be from the R-2 zoning designation to an R-1A designation. The subject property is an area next to the former Asarco Smelter site. The neighborhood was once severely impacted by contamination, but was subject to intense clean-up activity. It is now the intent of the Applicant, along with federal, state, and local governmental agencies, to reclaim the property and redevelop it for residential purposes. The requested rezone would allow flexibility in development. (exhibit 1, Wood testimony) 2. The Everett Housing Authority drafted a Community Renewal Plan for the Everett Smelter Redevelopment Area which sets forth extensive background of the subject property, including its prior use. It also provides detailed information with regard to the demolition, clean up, and site preparation and other historical uses of this site. (exhibit 6) As part of the area-wide rezone, the Applicant and the City requested that the minimum design standards for development as contained in the Community Renewal Plan be adopted. (Landles testimony, Wood testimony) 3. On July 21, 2004, the Everett City Council passed three Resolutions relating to the subject property. Two of the Resolutions declared the subject property as a blighted area under the Community Renewal Plan. Further, the City Council designated the Everett Housing Authority to act on behalf of the City of Everett for the community renewal and regeneration process of the subject property. The City Council also authorized the City to be the agent for the Everett Housing Authority in handling funds for the project. (Wood testimony) 4. The subject property is currently zoned R-2 and is a residential area next to the former Asarco Smelter site. It was a functioning neighborhood that has been severely impacted by the former Asarco Smelter contamination and by the demolition of more than 20 homes. Currently, some the site has residential uses, while the remainder of the site is vacant since the termination of the industrial use. The gross area of the subject property is approximately 18 acres. (exhibit 1) 5. In the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Everett, the subject property is designated as 1.3, Single-Family Detached, 10-12 Dwelling Unites per Gross Acre. The proposed zoning of R-1A allows for such density. (exhibit 1) 6. The difference between the density allowed in an R-2 zone as compared to an R-1A zone results from the reduction of the square footage of the lot size. In an R-2 zone, the minimum lot size is 4,500 square feet and single-family duplex units are allowed with a maximum density of ten units. In the R-1A zone, twelve units per acre are allowed with housing being single-family duplexes and townhouses. The minimum lot area in an R-1A zone is 3,600 square feet. (Wood testimony, exhibit 1) 3