I have been following what The Herald dishes out about the arena project and sense that we are in the midst of an Everett as usual picture once again. Sure we want to use the available tax money for an arena or civic center, but why does it have to be on what is already such a congested intersection? Why does it have to replace buildings on the historic register, and why does it have to look so utterly cheap and ugly? Has the Mayor and the Planning Department got that much power that they can just go ahead and purchase more land for twice market price, kick out all the tenants, ram an agenda down both the citizens’ and city councils’ throats then expect a pat on the back?
Many well-written letters about the saga of “battleship” Everett have been published, but I am also concerned about the direction this thing has taken. The city has a performing arts center, a baseball team, an indoor soccer arena and a hand full of other public facilities. Where is all the business that is springing up around these properties? Isn’t it the job of the city to create worthwhile projects that attract the private sector?
Does anyone think that we could improve Interstate 5 and routes 2 and 9 before we decide to invite 10,000 people to our downtown? And wouldn’t the new transportation center be a better location for moving people in and out of our city?
Here we go again with saying yes to any old thing that comes along. Or maybe this is just a case of the city painting itself into a corner. Either way, the people of Everett deserve a top-quality facility and need to know that their voice will be heard. If you believe that we need a popular vote on this arena, then find a copy of the petition and sign it before Jan. 25.
Everett
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