Historic zone for Riverside?

Published 9:52 pm Monday, November 17, 2008

EVERETT — An initiative aimed at preserving the look and character of part of the city’s oldest neighborhood is scheduled to go before the Everett City Council on Wednesday.

Council members are being asked by a group of Riverside Neighborhood residents to create a historic district, known as a historic overlay zone, along several residential blocks east of downtown.

The proposed district includes roughly 400 homes, most of them constructed in the early 1900s.

Historic designation would create an added layer of regulations for property owners, requiring new construction or major exterior changes to be reviewed to keep in character with the district.

Property owners within historic zones are discouraged from demolishing older homes deemed to have historic value and encouraged to restore existing structures using architectural styles and designs that blend with the existing neighborhood.

The proposed zone is on Virginia Street and Baker Avenue between Everett Avenue and 19th Street. Houses along that stretch between Walnut Street and Baker Avenue are also included.

There are already two approved historic overlay districts in the city:

Rucker and Grand avenues between 10th and 24th streets.

And Norton and Grand avenues between Pacific Avenue and 35th Street.

Residents first proposed creating a historic district two years ago after a church sought to demolish a block of older rental homes on Baker Avenue, including one of the city’s oldest houses.

Supporters say a historic district will help preserve the look and character of the neighborhood, which for the most part has stayed intact for a century. Some opponents say they are concerned proposed restrictions would infringe on their property rights.

Reporter David Chircop: 425-339-3429 or dchircop@heraldnet.com.

Public hearing

Everett City Council, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, council chambers, 3002 Wetmore Ave.