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<< Previous   of   Next >> (click to enlarge)   ADVERTISEMENT   Read the petition To read the petition and a list of those who signed, go to www.downtowneverett.com/html/priorities.html.   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Everett needs parking more than new children's theater, some businesses say A petition signed by 74 people urges officials to build a garage and plaza downtown instead. By David Chircop, Herald Writer EVERETT -- A plan to spruce up an empty bank building in the heart of downtown and turn it into a children's theater has some city leaders excited. That vision isn't resonating with everyone. Dozens of downtown business owners and landowners are petitioning the city to scrap plans to turn the former Key Bank branch at Wetmore and California avenues into a 170-seat venue for Village Theatre's popular Kidstage program. Instead, the 1960s-era building should be torn down and replaced with an underground parking garage and street-level plaza, they say. "You have to take care of basics first," said Howie Bargreen, owner of Bargreen's Coffee roasting company in the 2800 block of Rucker Avenue. "Parking, clean streets and less graffiti. I don't think it's the city's job to put up a children's theater." Bargreen is among 74 people who signed the petition. Other names on the list include Arthur Skotdal and Pete Sikov, two of downtown Everett's most prominent landlords. But a children's theater would bring life to the portion of downtown, Everett City Councilwoman Brenda Stonecipher said. She said the petition is being backed by landowners who would benefit from a new parking garage in the location. "In my opinion, it was just a way to get the city to build underground parking for them," Stonecipher said. The business and landowners counter that downtown does need more parking. In their petition, they cite several projects including the proposed children's theater that would eliminate 459 parking spaces in the downtown core. "The petition is intended to encourage the City to adopt a long-term parking plan that will support retail and help recruit new businesses to the downtown area," said Craig Skotdal, president of Skotdal Real Estate, in an e-mail. The city pays the Issaquah-based Village Theatre Company to manage the Everett Performing Arts Center. In December, the Everett City Council gave Mayor Ray Stephanson the go-ahead to sign a memorandum of understanding with Village Theatre to open a children's theater. The agreement set an initial monthly lease for the former Key Bank building at $4,000. The deal is contingent on Village Theatre and the city splitting costs to remodel the city-owned building, which needs a seismic retrofit and a new sprinkler system. The cost is expected to reach nearly $2 million, and Village Theatre needs to come up with half of that money. A theater spokeswoman said the group is seeking donations for the project. Reid Shockey, owner of the consulting firm Shockey-Brent Inc. in the 2700 block of Colby Avenue, contributes financially to Village Theatre and Kidstage. Even so, he signed the petition, saying a parking garage and plaza make more sense than spending money on a new children's theater. Between the 518-seat city-owned Everett Performing Arts Center and the 834-seat Everett Theatre, "it would seem to me they would have sufficient room," Shockey said. The petition was first delivered to Mayor Ray Stephanson and the council in May. A follow-up letter mailed in June asked for a written response. Everett spokeswoman Kate Reardon declined to comment until a formal letter is sent to the petitioners. The idea to build an underground parking garage and plaza in front of the Everett Performing Arts Center was first recommended to the city in early 2004 by a citizens committee for downtown open spaces. The group proposed financing construction with parking reserves and fees collected from city-owned parking stalls in the downtown area. Craig Skotdal served on the committee. His company owns two office buildings next to the site. He said the recommendation was forwarded to the city's administration, but never pursued. Craig Skotdal said the city needs to keep parking in mind as it plans for future growth. Reporter David Chircop: 425-339-3429 or dchircop@heraldnet.com.

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