A downtown plan finally makes sense

I’m writing in response to Carl Kumm’s letter on the location of the sports arena (“Sports arena: Location impractical and adds congestion,” Nov. 20). I believe the spot chosen by Everett is perfect. The point of the arena is to bring money into the city. Putting the arena next to the new train station will only negate the whole point of the arena. Granted, the location will bring traffic congestion but it will also bring business to the area restaurants and shops. If the people have to drive through Everett, they will be more likely to eat and shop at Everett on their way home. Putting the arena by the train station will make it so the people can come and go without ever stepping foot in downtown. Yes, a few historical buildings will be demolished, but those buildings aren’t helping downtown Everett survive.

Take a look at the downtown area. It used to be full of shops and restaurants. Now it’s mostly city buildings and banks. Bars, adult video shops and pawn shops are the only attractions nowadays. All my life in Everett, I’ve seen the city make some really stupid decisions. Most of those decisions are what made the downtown area what it is today. Now, for once, I see the city making a smart move. They have actually thought it through this time, instead of doing things blindly. This arena is the only way I see to bring downtown back to what it used to be.

Ousted businesses can find new buildings, history can live on with pictures and stories, but downtown only gets worse. Downtown Everett isn’t even close to what it used to be back then, but maybe this arena can bring it back.

Everett

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Feb. 13

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

State single-payer health care bill offers many advantages

I was excited to read in Will Geschke’s report (“Everett lawmakers back… Continue reading

Important national story missing from Herald

I couldn’t find a report in The Herald that the Trump administration… Continue reading

Comment: Trump’s ‘Man-of-Steel’ shtick will make U.S. weaker

Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum will harm allies we need and won’t help industries here.

Comment: AG Bondi’s DEI memo more messaging than lawsuit threat

Talk of criminal investigations is intended to panic corporations into abandoning their DEI programs.

Goldberg: Why Musk, Vance went to bat for self-desribed racist

While a former Trump official is on the outs for doing his job, a proud racist gets his job back.

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

bar graph, pie chart and diagrams isolated on white, 3d illustration
Editorial: Don’t let state’s budget numbers intimidate you

With budget discussions starting soon, a new website explains the basics of state’s budget crisis.

Curtains act as doors for a handful of classrooms at Glenwood Elementary on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Schools’ building needs point to election reform

Construction funding requests in Arlington and Lake Stevens show need for a change to bond elections.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, Feb. 12

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Welch: State Democrats’ bill would undermine parental rights

The bill would allow kids as young as 13 to make mental health decisions without notice to parents.

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.