City must try to preserve some of it

As of March 16, it became evident that Everett’s mayor and City Council members (except one, Ron Gipson) came down on the side of not preserving the Donovan District.

I grew up in a house on 13th and Rockefeller from the early 1960s until 1983. I knew from an early age that this was a unique neighborhood. It wasn’t until later that I found out the history and significance of these cottage-style homes.

My father and mother moved to north Everett because I-5 was built through our neighborhood in the Riverside District. And, now, this second house is scheduled for demolition!

The loss of our first house I can understand, but the tearing down of homes that since 1998 have been part of Everett’s historic Donovan District is troubling.

I thank Mr. Gipson for having the courage to say no to every resolution and amendment. I thank Mrs. Pauline Kearney for taking a stand and making her position known, and I thank Ms. Barb Lamoureux, whose voice of wisdom says, “let’s call a time out and really sit down and do this right.” Lastly, I thank the Donovan District residents who continue their vigil for the preservation of their homes and our history.

The two main motivating factors in our society, with respect to decision-making, are money and litigation, in my opinion. Our goal should be to preserve and protect the passion and the spirit of the Donovan District and its residents’ past and present. It appears, though, with the council’s vote to rezone that some of these homes will be lost to Providence Everett Medical Center’s expansion plans.

I propose that Pauline Kearney’s house at 13th and Rockefeller remain as a tribute and memorial to those who came before and to those remaining. To not be remembered is to be forever lost. This Donovan District legacy must live on!

Larry Egge

Marysville

Talk to us

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, Sept. 26

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

Sen. June Robinson, D-Everett, left, and Sen. Mark Mullet, D-Issaquah, right, embrace after a special session to figure out how much to punish drug possession on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Olympia, Wash. Without action, Washington's drug possession law will expire July 1, leaving no penalty in state law and leaving cities free to adopt a hodgepodge of local ordinances.  (Karen Ducey/The Seattle Times via AP)
Editorial: Robinson smart choice to head Senate budget panel

A 10-year legislative veteran, the Everett senator displays a mastery of legislation and negotiation.

Randall Tharp’s month recovery coins after battling a fentanyl addiction.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Fentanyl crisis should force rethinking of approach

A continuum of care, that includes treatment in jails, is imperative, says a journalist and author.

School buses need seat belts and limits on capacity

My name is Grace Davis and I am a seventh-grade middle schooler… Continue reading

Congress must reauthorize funding act for Alzheimer’s research

With more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 120,000… Continue reading

Comment: Democrats have nothing to gain by backing Menendez

Unlike the loss of Al Franken, encouraging the New Jersey senator to go doesn’t cost the Democrats much.

Comment: Amid union victories, labor still faces big challenges

Federal regulations, such as the Taft-Hartley Act, have long stymied labor’s efforts to gain members.

Comment: Desantis’ $2 gas pledge should terrify Texas

He can’t get there unless oil is trading below $55 a barrel; nobdy wants to revisit those days.

Flowers bloom on the end of a dead tree on Spencer Island on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Restore salmon habitat but provide view of its work

Comments are sought on a plan to restore fish habitat to the island east of Everett with popular trails.

Most Read