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CHAPTER 5 <br /> Fostering Livable Neighborhoods <br /> Most downtown redevelopment experts view residential neighborhoods as a key <br /> ingredient in successful downtowns, and Everett's comprehensive plan <br /> establishes a goal of over 25 downtown dwelling units per net acre <br /> accommodated in a variety of housing types, While there is some downtown <br /> residential development already occurring, more work is needed to provide a <br /> desirable setting that will attract potential residents to downtown. A recent <br /> redevelopment evaluation on a nearby property noted "street appeal" <br /> (streetscape quality) and perception of safety as two of the top characteristics <br /> that potential buyers are looking for. Amenities such as local commercial <br /> services (restaurants, laundries, coffee shops, and drug and grocery stores), <br /> open space, recreation facilities and views are also critical. <br /> Residential development is most likely to start in the western and north-eastern <br /> portions of downtown, where there are more redevelopable parcels and <br /> residential amenities (views in the west and parks and community facilities in the <br /> north-east). The City can encourage development in these areas through a <br /> variety of actions including: <br /> • Refining height and bulk regulations to allow appropriately scaled buildings, <br /> • Upgrading Rucker Avenue's streetscape with a median and encouraging <br /> commercial services on the ground floor along Rucker's street front. <br /> • Extending bus access westward along Hewitt and to the south on Rucker <br /> Avenue. <br /> • Designating bicycle routes to provide greater access to other city and <br /> regional destinations <br /> • Continue crime prevention programs. <br /> Additionally, there are existing residential neighborhoods just north and south of <br /> downtown. Refining height and bulk restrictions to protect neighborhood scale <br /> and providing better pedestrian connections into downtown will enhance the <br /> livability in these areas and encourage positive redevelopment, as well as N <br /> cr <br /> provide support for downtown businesses. <br /> -Cr) <br /> 40 MAKERS architecture and <br /> or <br /> durban design <br />