EVERETT — The moderator of a day-long session on the fate of Everett’s historic Collins Building had some strong opinions about it Tuesday that the Port of Everett’s commissioners want to ponder before making a decision.
The three commissioners said they’ll wait for a written report from moderator Tim Thompson that’s due Friday before proceeding.
Thompson issued a verbal report Tuesday, saying he believed the all-day session in Everett on Saturday laid out the issues well, listened to the key arguments and ideas and left everyone better informed.
Among some of the key points, he said, included:
There was also agreement that the port needs to build a boat yard that will meet state environmental regulations. But that doesn’t mean the Collins Building has to be demolished to make that happen.
Someone needs to conduct a feasibility study to determine what it would take to get community support to save the building and how to accomplish it. A third party is needed to look for tax credits and donations that the port would not be eligible to receive.
To save the building, a specific plan that is sustainable and economically viable must be developed.
The port has very specific laws that affect what if would be allowed to do to save the building.
Historic buildings are important to the community.
“This community feels there is not a sufficient amount of a historic presence, and it’s not just the port,” Thompson said.
He noted that it was his personal opinion that Everett lacks a presentation strategy for dealing with a variety of historic buildings.
“It’s important for the community to come together,” he said. “Everything is centered on the Collins Building now and that may not be a good idea. It would be a mistake as a community to place all your eggs in one building.”
He said the city needs a broader focus on how to preserve its history.
“I hope that you use some of the same energy in a broader discussion that means more of you can do more in a broader setting,” he said.
Commissioner Mark Wolken said Thompson’s report will help the port determine its next steps, but he did ask the port’s lawyer, Brad Cattle, to talk Tuesday about what the laws limiting ports.
Cattle noted that as a limited-purpose government, as opposed to a general-purpose government like a city, the port has a limited scope of authority for dealing with things like marine terminals and moorage facilities and that it has to receive value for the money it spends, meaning it couldn’t just save the building if it didn’t make a profit.
Commissioner Troy McClelland said the port will meet again at 5 p.m. Tuesday at 2911 Bond St. “to continue deliberating and to make a decision on the next steps.”
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