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7 <br /> The Master Plan <br /> introduction <br /> The Public Amenities Master Plan addresses multiple improvements to the public amenities of the <br /> Riverfront Development site.The planned improvements include programmatic elements determined by <br /> the city of Everett, and habitat improvements consistent with the intent of the 2005 conceptual <br /> enhancement study. The plan makes connections to the retail/mixed-use and future residential <br /> developments, and incorporates the utility upgrades associated with the city's transportation and utility <br /> improvement projects. <br /> Program <br /> The Riverfront Development Public Amenities project site program was largely defined by the city of <br /> Everett in the early stages of overall project development, and was an outgrowth of public and multiple <br /> agency negotiation. The planning team worked with the city to refine these programmatic elements <br /> during the course of the project, as more in-depth site analysis guided development opportunities and <br /> constraints. Refinements of the private development plans in other areas of the site also directed <br /> moderate changes to the program. The final program statement for the facility was developed after <br /> consultation with city staff, the Planning Commission, the Park Board, City Council Committee, and the <br /> general public. The planning team then completed a master plan that reflected the city's intent to <br /> optimize the public recreational as well as the environmental protection and enhancement opportunities <br /> offered by the Riverfront Development site. The final Public Amenities Master Plan program is provided <br /> in the Appendix. <br /> Public Outreach <br /> There is a long history of public involvement that predates the master planning effort, and the planning <br /> process has advanced with continuing public outreach. After an in-depth analysis of the site, city <br /> reviews, and the evolution of the private developer's planning concepts, a draft master plan was <br /> presented to the public in October, 2008. The draft plan was well received, and the planning team was <br /> authorized by city staff to move forward to refine and <br /> organize the many elements of the draft plan. 7, ! - <br /> The River-front Water Regime A <br /> The planned public amenities are predicated on an <br /> understanding of the site's natural and altered drainages. <br /> Historic documentary and aerial photos show an <br /> assortment of abutting lumber and light-industrial uses <br /> along the river, with wood docks and pilings armoring the _ : _ <br /> riverbank. Repeated lifts of fill material changed the • <br /> natural topography, eliminating or altering natural <br /> wetlands. Natural drainage courses were channelized and <br /> surface water from off-site drainage basins was diverted The Snohomish River <br /> and redirected to drainage ditches that paralleled on-site <br /> roads and railroad beds. Many road and railroad culvert installations redirected natural flows and <br /> impounded water. A combination of deferred maintenance of the man-made drainage systems, natural <br /> siltation, and beaver activity has further altered drainage patterns throughout the site. Reinforcement of <br /> the river's edge to stage lumber transport operations, house manufacturing activities, and store <br /> materials has dramatically changed the natural conditions along the riverbank. <br /> Riveriront Development Public Amenities Master Plan 13 <br /> 51 <br />