2012/12/18 Council Agenda Packet

Port of Everett December 18, 2012 Everett City Council c/o Planning Department Via e-mail: mcunningham@ci.everett.wa.us 2930 Wetmore Ave. Suite 8A jhanson@ci.everett.wa.us Everett, Washington 98201 agiffen@ci.everett.wa.us RE: Port of Everett supports Planning Commission's unanimous recommendation for Central Waterfront Planning Area Dear Everett City Council: Thank you for the opportunity to offer comment-on the future of the central waterfront planning area, which includes the now closed Kimberly-Clark (K-C) mill site. The Port of Everett urges the Everett City Council to endorse the unanimous Everett Planning Commission decision, with the amendments as proposed in the Port's letter dated October 23, 2012. The Planning Commission's unanimous recommendation was a result of thorough and extensive outreach efforts and thoughtful deliberations. As you are well aware, this is an important decision that has the potential to restore and increase jobs in our community, position the region's future to create economic opportunities and support the County's position as the aerospace leader. The Planning Commission recommendation, while allowing maritime development and preserving options for future naval expansion, provides the maximum flexibility for a variety of development options. The Central Waterfront Planning Area is a 92-acre parcel located between two federally secured and significant facilities, including Naval Station Everett and the Port of Everett's international shipping terminals. The site is a rare and unique asset, as it is located on a restricted federal navigation channel with direct deep-water access. The upland property includes five rail spurs and an abutting rail line, and is serviced by several truck access routes and excellent utilities. It also provides the only upland option for the Port to fulfill the commitments of the Project Olympus agreement without building prohibitively expensive over-water facilities. On Sept. 11, 2012, the Everett Port Commission passed Resolution 972, endorsing the City of Everett's staff alternative to keep the current -M=2 zoning (see below). The Port of Everett Commissioners, who are tasked by the State Legislature with the special purpose of creating economic opportunities, resolved: "WHEREAS, the M-2 zoning designation allows for maritime industrial use that is critical for the on-going economic success of the community and to position local and regional businesses for high quality investment and job creation, thereby benefiting the Everett and regional workforce. 1205 Craftsman Way,Suite 200• P.O.Box 538 • Everett,WA 98206 • Phone(425)259-3164• Fax(425)252-7366 Web site:www.portofeverett.com•E-mail:gen@portofeverett.com