2008/11/19 Council Agenda Packet

Riverside Historical Overlay October 31, 2008 I support the Riverside Historical Overlay and encourage the City Council to approve this proposal which I feel will only enhance the livability of the Riverside neighborhood. I was drawn to the Riverside neighborhood because of the historical homes that are in it. These houses are solid well built homes that have charm, character and a story to tell about the people who built Everett. The proposed Riverside Historical Overlay will preserve the integrity and character of the neighborhood, not limit what people can do with their homes. Some people fear that it will cost them more money when they want to remodel or insure their homes. Some feel they will have to make changes now to comply with the overlay. This is not true. It does not cost any more to put in a vertical window than a horizontal window. Insurance companies have said that insurance rates probably would be less because an overlay signifies that people live in a neighborhood whose owners care about their homes and take care of them. Owners will only need to replace items such as fences, garages or porches that are out of compliance when they decide they need to replace these items and when a building permit is required. I also support keeping the original proposed boundaries of the overlay, Option 1, (south of Everett Avenue to Hewitt) as this section of the neighborhood is one of the oldest areas of Riverside. Even though it is now zoned mixed use it would encourage builders to design their buildings in keeping with the historical character of our neighborhood and encourage quality development and craftsmanship. These design standards would hopefully carry over to future development in the area outside of the overlay zone encouraging the same positive, quality development rather than the uncreative, cheap, low cost development which is now occurring. Please support the Riverside Historical Overlay. Thank you, Katrina Lindahl 2515 East Grand Avenue, Everett, WA 98201