SNOHOMISH — Randy Spoo, who has lived in this town for 11 years, moved here to escape the noise and traffic of Seattle.
Spoo started an ice cream shop on First Street and raised two daughters in this quiet town. But he realizes the city is growing and more development is on the way.
He just wants the city to grow without losing its historic character.
That’s why he came to the City Council meeting Wednesday night, to voice his opinions about the city’s proposed new design standards and guidelines.
The standards would impose requirements on future commercial and residential development outside the city’s historic district and would recommend some guidelines.
"People are attracted to Snohomish because it has the character of the early and mid-20th century," Spoo said at the meeting, which was attended by about 40 residents.
The goals of the standards include building on the heritage and character of Snohomish and creating an environment that emphasizes buildings and landscaping rather than parking and signs.
The standards would not affect existing residents and businesses.
John Schilaty, who owns property on Bickford Avenue, said at the council meeting that he wasn’t opposed to the standards but has some concerns because some parts of the document, such as sign requirements, don’t seem economically feasible.
"I feel that we need to have a document that recognizes economic development," he said.
The city needs economic development to increase its revenue, Mayor Liz Loomis said before the meeting.
She wants to see the city increase revenue without losing its small-town features, including pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and a historic landscape.
"How the development works is very important to maintain the integrity of our community," Loomis said.
The original version of the standards was drafted about two years ago, Loomis said. She added that she has had 42 meetings since November with developers, residents, artists, small-business owners and environmentalists about the standards.
The current version is a product of many discussions and negotiations, Loomis said.
"This is a consensus-based document," she said.
As long as the city has a large enough population, investors will come no what matter, Loomis said. But the city should select what kind of developments it wants, otherwise it may end up looking like the "sea of asphalt" along Highway 99 in Lynnwood, she said.
"Highway 99 is a great example of why we need the design standards," the mayor said.
Councilman Doug Thorndike agreed that the city needs to encourage commercial development, but said he has a different perspective on the design standards.
Investors already have enough red tape to go through, Thorndike said. Adding additional hurdles such as the standards might turn them away.
"I’d rather have some investment (in town) than no investment at all," he said. "I think we have to be competitive in this economic climate."
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
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