Ordinance 2021-94 - Laserfiche WebLink

I Description of the Preferred Alternative for the Everett Comprehensive Plan: Public Participation Process. Based upon the extensive citizen participation process described earlier i in this chapter of the Comprehensive Plan, a Preferred Alternative has been selected. The preferred alternative builds upon earlier public visioning and planning efforts and has incorporated recommendations from a diverse array of interests and citizens involved in the review of the alternative growth scenarios developed for the draft plan and EIS. Basic Growth Concepts of the Preferred Alternative. The following concepts are the basis for the policies, land use map designations, and the implementation programs for Everett's Growth Management Comprehensive Plan: I 1. The proposed regional high capacity rapid transit system linking Everett and other major urban centers in the region is highly desirable, but is not likely to be sufficiently developed within a time frame that will support the high population levels of Alternative #2 or the high employment levels of Alternative #3. There will be other important improvements to the transportation system, including improvements to public transportation, and Everett will continue to support development of an efficient regional rapid transit system. I 2. The city will accept a moderate increase over the level of population growth proposed under previous land use plans. However, protecting and enhancing the character of existing residential neighborhoods is critical to the quality of life in Everett. Rather than accommodating a higher population level for the city by rezoning single family areas to multiple family, more subtle methods of allowing more housing in neighborhoods throughout the city will be promoted, with an emphasis on the quality and design character of higher density housing in all areas of the community. Increasing opportunities for home ownership is a high priority. 3. Rather than accommodating all of the population growth proposed by Snohomish County Tomorrow for Everett by converting large, undeveloped industrial tracts to residential use, the city will preserve most of its industrial land for future job growth. The city feels it is critical to the long term economic health of the region to treat our industrial land base as an important resource. Areas that have been designated industrial will be preserved for future employment activities rather than being redesignated for residential development. A few industrial areas may be considered for other land uses in the future if it can be demonstrated that converting them to a non-industrial use will not reduce the viability of adjoining industrial lands, or the viability of Paine Field to operate as a general aviation airport. 4. The Snohomish River area south of Highway 2 is encouraged to redevelop with high quality development that provides public access to the river shoreline and includes a variety of activities and uses that aesthetically improve this highly visible part of the city. 5. Arterial streets traditionally zoned or used for commercial activities will be the focus of redevelopment with a greater emphasis on residential uses mixed with commercial development. Improvements to the public transportation system will be supported along such streets by transit compatible site and building design, and by increased residential densities. These gateway corridors will also be improved aesthetically as properties are redeveloped to make such areas more attractive areas for living, shopping and working. Design measures are needed to promote quality development. 6. The trees within and adjacent to the I-5 corridor will be preserved to the greatest extent possible and enhanced with additional plantings to maintain the natural aesthetic qualities of the most prominent gateway entrance to the city. 9 1