2006/03/01 Council Agenda Packet

3 f VOC4, Dan Shelton 2611 Rockefeller Ave. Everett, WA 98201 (425) 259-5803 danshelton@gmail.com Mr. Allan Giffen City of Everett Planning and Community Development 2930 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 8A Everett, WA 98201 March 1, 2006 Dear Mr. Giffin: Once again, I am writing in support of the Rockefeller Avenue Project. I am quite surprised that anyone could oppose such a good plan. The building itself is beautiful, will conform to city codes, improve property values for all surrounding property owners, while providing affordable, high quality housing to working people in Everett. My own opinion is that any project which will reduce the traditional "absentee landlord" type of property in this city, will also reduce crime, and attract the kind of investment necessary to achieve the "Vision" plan. Housing of this quality at the city core will only go up in value as time progresses. Access to Municipal Buildings and Civic Center area commerce will be a draw to higher quality residents. This will also be a boon for local area businesses that these new owner/residents will undoubtedly patronize. I would invite anyone to compare the core skyline of Vancouver, BC to Seattle, to illustrate this point. The availability of residential space, livability and stunning beauty of Vancouver should be the envy of every Seattleite. Why should Everett restrict itself from planning for growth, dynamically and creatively, driven by adherence to an ill-defined idea of"historical preservation?" This project does not effect any property of historical importance. Much of the old mill housing within the historical overlay is quaint, but is largely, rental housing. Proper restoration will not occur, as long as there is a multi-unit, low rent, crime infested building in every block. Realistically, it is simply not going to happen. Again, I urge the Commission to fully support this development. Sincerely, Dan Shelton