Readers share thoughts on waterfront development

The Herald asked a number of people who participated in the newspaper’s Waterfront Renaissance project for their thoughts six months later about the future of the area’s waterfronts.

Here’s what some of them had to say:

“The immediate need is for places where good people can enjoy citizen camaraderie – ball parks, boat launches and the restaurants and gift shops that follow, and kite flying or open places with toilets, parking and a welcome, safe, patrolled aura.”

– Craig Nuttal, Bothell

“Six months later, I still feel the same way – that the more diverse the waterfront areas become, the more it will benefit our community.”

– Tina Baxter, Everett

“I continue to have occasional hopes about how nice it would be to have a more vibrant and diversified waterfront with retail shops, dining and nice hotels or B&Bs. Sort of a smaller version of Seattle’s Pike Place Market and surrounding area, or La Conner’s picturesque waterfront with its antique shops and charming B&Bs.”

– Pete Guerin, Everett

“I think the current plans for the Mukilteo Landing project are not in the best interest of the citizens of Mukilteo or to current residents of Whidbey Island. The current plans call for entirely too much emphasis on public transportation, particularly the relocation of the ferry terminal and its 400-vehicle parking lot. This is simply not the best use of prime waterfront land.”

– Emory Cole, Mukilteo

“I still think that the waterfront project should first and foremost be a river/salmon restoration project. Salmon are a worldwide food source, and it is criminal to drive them to extinction for a few short-term bucks. As much land as possible should be restored to wetlands and estuary. The remainder of our publicly owned land should be planted with trees that will one day provide large woody debris for the river. However. I am under no delusion that anything of the sort will ever happen.”

– Bruce Tipton, Marysville

“I remain strong in my beliefs that this is one of Everett’s most important projects. Except for a few small parcels of land, the waterfront has not been considered people-friendly. It is important that the city continue to push hard on this project, and that the people find ways to integrate ideas and insights.”

– Lloyd Weller, Everett

“Everett is so fortunate to have so much valuable waterfront property that is not developed. How wonderful it would be to have open-air concerts in the summer with the setting sun slipping behind the Olympics and the stars slowly coming out. It would be as close to heavenly as is possible here.”

– Diana Routledge, Camano Island

“I have hoped that the requests six months ago were not a pipe dream, but a true hope to expand and create new activity areas in Everett. Another thought, watching New Year’s celebrations around the world, was it would be nice to have a place to celebrate, memorialize and gather. Everyone gathers around a monument or attraction (Space Needle, Waterfront Park, Pioneer Square in Portland). Especially after Sept. 11, it would be great if there was a place people could gather to welcome the sailors home or celebrate in the summer.”

– Tim Serban, Marysville

“A healthy community would be looking seriously at how best to invest in its natural assets, especially those that set it apart from potential competition such as our saltwater-freshwater- estuary shoreline. … The city of Everett and Port of Everett seem little interested in input other than from major property owners or prospective financiers of revenue-producing redevelopment (even regarding use of publicly owned shoreline – the one category that should most logically support other uses in the public interest).”

– Peggy Toepel, Everett

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.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

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.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

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.

The Everett Municipal Building on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett council approves $111 million construction of sewer project

The Port Gardner Storage Facility, in the works for more than a decade, will help prevent overflows of the city sewer system.

Two students walk along a path through campus Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at Everett Community College in Everett, Washington. A group of nearly 20 community groups are planning to study how to make it easier for young people to find jobs. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Goal for Everett coalition: Make it easier for young people to find jobs

The organizations hope the months-long process will improve access to resources for young people.

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.