On Jan. 25, the Everett Department of Public Works invited citizens to attend an informational meeting on the Grand Avenue bridge proposal. Because of the format of the meeting, those in attendance were unable, in an open forum, to ask questions and express concerns regarding the project. Following are concerns I wished to express to all in attendance:
1. Is the project necessary? Can it be accomplished without public approval?
2. What entity made the decision to establish the elaborate architectural plans when our citizens were not made aware of the scope and expense to be incurred?
3. Why aren’t the existing pipes replaced with new, underground pipelines and then attached to the waterfront connections and the Grand Avenue connections without the expense of a bridge?
4. What are the earthquake implications of running storm and refuse sewer pipes over railroad main lines and city streets?
5. Why does the city need an elevator to lower people to our waterfront or to elevate people from the waterfront to Grand Avenue? Is there a demand for an elevator? Will public restrooms be required? How much liability insurance is needed?
6. What parking provisions are being made in the Grand Avenue Park area for those using the elevator? Parking is not allowed on the west side of Grand Avenue in the area. Where will people park? The Pratt family left Grand Avenue Park to Everett to be a park; there’s no room for parking.
7. Boxcar Park and the Weyerhaeuser Building are being established as the center of activities on our waterfront. Why choose Grand Avenue Park as a waterfront pedestrian landing when it is approximately 2 miles from the activity center at Boxcar Park? People will drive their families to the activity center, not walk from the elevator landing.
The city has stated that construction is scheduled to begin this year and be completed in 2017. Everett is still trying to resolve the courthouse parking fiasco, do we need a replication in north Everett for this costly project?
Dick Wallenberg
Everett
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