Here are some key dates in the decision-making about the proposed Everett arena:
Dec. 2, 2000 – City letter notifying owners/tenants of property purchase intent.
January 2001 – Brailsford consultants report: “The majority of the proposed arenas revenue is achieved through the anchor tenant’s events. It should be noted that failure on the part of the ownership group to maintain a minor league professional hockey franchise would render this project financially infeasible under any conditions.”
April 10, 2001 – Council approved Public Facilities District.
May 2001-City purchase of 1916 Hewitt Ave. property (prior to any arena site approval).
July 2001 – City purchase1922 Hewitt (also prior to site approval).
Aug. 1, 2001 -Council approval of the arena site – no franchise agreement yet. The Brailsford report is disregarded.
The Performing Arts Center is not pulling its weight financially, so now we add an arena on the mayor and council’s chosen site.
Jan. 25 – there is still no franchise agreement with hockey group.
Council allowed Scottish Rite to remain, adding 20 feet. Without warning they voted to demolish and take back the 20 feet, and they expect us to believe them when they say, “No tax increase.” What magic do they plan to use to pay for what will cost in excess of $50 to $75 million, plus operational and maintenance the next 25 years?
Where is there an attorney with integrity to do free legal work to save Everett from financial/historical disaster? City attorney Mark Soine works for Mayor Hansen, don’t call him. It’s up to the citizens of Everett!
Feb. 3 – No franchise agreement yet. Digging to begin in March.
The Public Facilities District office has a 3-inch stack of procedures, analysis, promotions etc. of this fiasco. I found it most informative.
Come hell or high water, the city council and Mayor Ed Hansen are determined to ignore reason or advice. It feels good to get your opinions into the press. It will take more than that to correct an ongoing problem in city administration. An educated citizen vote would help.
Everett
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