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CHAPTER <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 <br />provide support for downtown businesses. <br />40 MAKERS architecture and urban design <br />0509_rpt_draft.doc - 6/29/06 <br />