Some near Marysville call for tax to build I-5 overpass
Published 11:14 pm Saturday, September 18, 2010
MARYSVILLE — Some property owners have told the city they’ll help pay for an I-5 overpass at 156th Street NE.
Those in the Smokey Point and Twin Lakes area have signed petitions telling the city they want the council to consider forming a Local Improvement District. The formation of such a district would mean raising their own taxes to help make sure the overpass is built.
“We’ve received petitions from nearly 63 percent of the owners based on acreage and over 51 percent based on property assessment,” Shawn Smith, the city’s project manager said at a recent City Council meeting. “We’ve also had several others who have given their verbal support but are unable to provide petitions.”
The district would include 1,587 acres and have an east to west boundary that encompasses railroad tracks on the west side of I-5 to 58th Ave. on the east side of I-5. The district would have an approximate northern boundary of 164th Street NE and stretch to 140th Street NE on the east side of I-5.
Property owners will have the chance to tell council members how they feel about the formation of the district on Monday at the City Council meeting. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the council chambers of City Hall at 1049 State Ave.
The cost of building the overpass is estimated at $14 million. The total price of the project, including right of way acquisition and design costs, is approximately $17 million, said assistant city engineer John Cowling.
Forming the district allows the cost of the project to be shared equally between the city and property owners who benefit from the improvement through increased property values.
“In the case of the LID they (property owners) believe and want it enough to say we’re willing to help pay for it,” city administrator Gloria Hirashima said.
The area that would encompass the district is largely comprised of vacant commercial and industrial property, Hirashima said. An overpass will give drivers an alternative to jumping on 1-5 and improve access to the Lakewood and Smokey Point areas.
The city held an informational meeting in July to discuss building the overpass and sharing the cost. Hirashima said city officials were pleasantly surprised by the support they received at that time. Since then, the city also has heard from people who oppose the idea.
The City Council will decide whether to pass an ordinance to form the local improvement district after Monday’s hearing. The next step will be to build the overpass.
The city will determine each property owner’s share of the cost once construction is complete and the City Council will approve the final assessments.
Hirashima said she is optimistic that construction can start next year.
“We’ll be moving forward as quickly as possible,” she said.
Amy Daybert: 425-339-3491; adaybert@heraldnet.com.
Public hearing
A hearing on the formation of a district to help pay for an I-5 overpass at 156th Street NE is scheduled during the City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at Marysville City Hall, 1049 State Ave.
