City should follow San Diego’s example

I read about the new Everett Events Center. Why there, in the middle of all that traffic and why destroy those wonderful old buildings? Why do we always have to look at old as being a nuisance, something to get rid of?

Have they looked at other cities and what they’ve done? San Diego city fathers wanted to trash their old town area of the city and build high-rises. The people spoke and a historic district was created. It was long, hard work, but the downtown old town area is a great place to go.

My son rented a loft there in an old factory. There are artists’ lofts and art galleries, restaurants and exciting shops. It’s a fun place to be, anytime of day or night.

Then they built a mall next to it, it has three levels with movie theatres. And over by the bay, there is a new convention center and now a ballpark.

All of it started with a bunch of old buildings. It’s really put life back in the city, plus lots of dollars.

Everett, when I was a kid, was the place to shop and dine. Now it is lacking in both. Why not do what San Diego did? If they want redevelopment, start with downtown, it’s not very interesting anymore.

If you have to have an events center, find a nearby area to the old area, bring in shops and restaurants and after events people will fill the restaurants and clubs. Make a place where people want to be for more than a sports or concert.

Tearing down is not what the city needs. Look what other cities have done with the old and new. An events center is not going to bring the character back to Everett.

San Diego has a sports arena. The teams, basketball and hockey, didn’t last long. Now it’s a swap meet on weekends. Most of the good shops have closed, but there is a Home Depot. And all the good restaurants have moved to old downtown. There’s not much there now, a few sports bars and hookers.

Keep up the fight. Old is worth it.

Camano Island

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