I am a fourth-generation resident of Everett and my children represent the fifth generation. I share ownership in several businesses in Everett that employ approximately 200 people.
The homeporting and deployment of the SBX radar system in Port Gardner Bay is of great concern to both myself and my employees. We have chosen to live and work in Everett because of the opportunities the future of this city represents.
Much has been done and much is in process to ensure a bright and prosperous future. From the revitalization of the downtown corridor, Evergreen Way and the new transportation center, to the new event center and the county administration building currently under construction, the North Marina extension and waterfront developments planned for the near future, Everett’s view is changing.
Recently the City of Everett adopted a new slogan. One designed to enhance its image in attracting clean businesses and families to settle and prosper in Everett; “Everett – A Thinking Community with a View.” What will happen to that view if the SBX overwhelms the waterfront? Let’s not block that view.
The SBX brings the threat of long-term exposure to low-level electromagnetic radiation “scatter” on the health and safety of the citizens of Everett. It brings the potential degradations of noise and air pollution, and decreased access to our shorelines and waterways. It brings a negative impact on property values and the unarguable blight on the views and vistas of our city and waterfront. I ask you, who will come? I would then ask you, who will stay?
As a business owner I would look very seriously at relocating my businesses out of the sphere of influence of the SBX. I would take those 200 jobs with me.
Each generation of “Everett-ites” is given custody of the legacy of those generations who have come before us. It is our duty to grow and enhance that legacy before passing it on to the next generation. Let’s not let the SBX be the legacy of this generation.
Everett
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