Pressure grows to disband Downtown Everett Assoc.

By Theresa Goffredo

Herald Writer

EVERETT — Promoters for the Cruzin’ to Colby car show were ecstatic that the annual event brought 8,000 people downtown over the Memorial Day weekend. Unfortunately, only six people showed up at Club Broadway for a Sunday sock hop.

That saddens Club Broadway owner Allan Hemmat. He spent $500 on a band and more on food and labor to prepare his restaurant for the 100 people he expected for dinner.

"I lost my shirt," Hemmat said Tuesday. "Nobody showed up."

That’s why Hemmat and other downtown business owners are asking why they have to be "double-taxed" to pay for marketing to promote downtown Everett when that money never seems to do what it’s supposed to: bring more people downtown.

Hemmat and 32 other members have signed a petition to eliminate the Downtown Everett Association, a nonprofit group whose mission is to promote downtown by using tax proceeds collected from the membership.

That money helped the association accumulate about $140,000 in reserves to date, said Ted Trepanier, a member who is spearheading the petition drive. At least $60,000 is earmarked for a collaborative project with the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce to promote downtown and to create an Everett Sports Council to help market sporting events at the new sports arena.

Lanie McMullin, the city’s executive administrator for economic development, said the project will promote downtown activities and encourage tourists to stay overnight.

"It’s just the beginning to grow these off-season tourist events, and then people perceive there’s activity downtown," McMullin said.

Chamber President Louise Stanton-Masten said the marketing effort for downtown benefits everyone who owns property.

Stanton-Masten also said she spoke with businesses that saw lots of traffic because of the Cruzin’ to Colby event.

"Ultimately, this effort will increase property values for anyone who owns property in the downtown," she said.

But those in favor of disbanding the Downtown Everett Association and abolishing the Business Improvement Area — which allows property owners to tax themselves for the marketing effort — say they pay double. In addition to the property taxes, they also pay annual dues based on the front footage of their stores.

Hemmat, for example, pays $26,000 a year in basic property taxes and an additional $6,000 in association assessments.

"The mission of the DEA is confused now," said Trepanier, who hopes to collect signatures from at least 80 percent of the membership over the next few months.

When Trepanier presented a copy of the petition last week, Everett City Council member Arlan Hatloe asked how the downtown can promote itself without an organization like the Downtown Everett Association.

"That will just create the opposite effect — a loss of business," said Hatloe, a businessman and the immediate past chairman of the Chamber of Commerce.

Association board member and Cascade Bank Chairman Frank McCord said the organization is necessary.

"You’ve got to spend those marketing dollars," McCord said. "Nobody likes to pay taxes, but this is a really good investment."

You can call Herald Writer Theresa Goffredo at 425-339-3097 or send e-mail to goffredo@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Lynnwood councilor Joshua Binda speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Does the Lynnwood Council VP live in Lynnwood? It’s hard to say.

Josh Binda’s residency has been called into question following an eviction and FEC filings listing an Everett address. He insists he lives in Lynnwood.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.