2005/12/05 Council Agenda Packet

January 10, 2005 Planning Commission Department of Planning and Community Development City of Everett 2930 Wetmore Ave Suite 8A Everett, WA 98201 To Whom It May Concern: ..IAF! 12 2005 CITY OF EVERtn? Planning pect, We are writing to express our opposition to the proposed expansion of Providence Everett Medical Center (PEMC), as cited in the Comprehensive Plan and Rezone Application dated June 30, 2004, which includes demolition of the 1300 block of Rockefeller and the east side of Oakes to create a bed tower and parking lot, in addition to building a Cancer Care Center/Medical Office building and parking garage at 13'hand Wetmore. Historic Significance The Donovan District was first recognized in the Everett Historic Resource Survey of 1985. The hospital bought 8 Donovan homes in 1986, seemingly in response to this finding. In 1993, the City of Everett thoroughly researched the District to determine the historic significance. The historically significant aspects include: • Residences were constructed to a plan developed by an important builder in Everett They are homogeneous in style and period of construction. • The densely built character and stylistic unity of the district are unique to the city. • The homes were well built and have remained virtually unaltered since construction providing a sense of historic continuity throughout the district. The fact that the hospital began purchasing the homes in1986 and now owns 21 of 22 homes on the block slated for demolition does not diminish the importance of these homes to the history of Everett The only reason for their removal from the historic register is to meet the needs of the hospital, not because the homes have lost their historic character or qualities. While still an important part of Everetes history, the character of the neighborhood has changed in the 20 years since the hospital began purchasing homes. Currently, all Donovan homes not currently owned by the hospital are owner -occupied but one. In just the last two years, 13 new families have purchased homes in the District. This neighborhood represents the type and quality of housing that home buyers find appealing. As housing rates in the Seattle area have risen, the affordability and availability of these homes has made them more and more desirable to upwardly -mobile and financially secure home buyers. The long term popularity of these homes will continue as historical preservation continues to be increasingly important to residents. The loss of these affordable homes would be a serious loss in light of the projected growth of the Ever'ett Planning Area. The residents in the Donovan District are the types of residents Everett hopes to attract, as evidenced by the city's recent renovation and rehabilitation of the downtown core. As owner occupants, the Donovan residents view themselves as stewards of history and take a great deal of pride in lovingly caring for and restoring their homes. Those of us who live near downtown are the people who support the businesses there, often the evening hours when commuters have returned