I do not care where the branch campus is, just as long as it’s not at the Everett Station. The first problem is traffic and parking. U.S 2 and I-5 will be a nightmare, above and beyond what it is now. Everett Community College has a parking problem, that’s why more is being built. Most of the students will drive, for various reasons. I went to college two miles from my house and I still drove because I also had to have a job. I believe the added traffic will chase away commuters from the buses and trains. Even with enough parking it will be too congested with all the students.

Second, the city gets new maintenance and motor pool facilities, on the state’s dollar. Most of the land offered up in this deal is used by the city of Everett for just that. I wonder if someone at NBBJ or a relative has property for them, at the state’s expense, for new facilities. How much will that cost us?

Third, what a nasty part of town for a college. Unless you clear out all the businesses east of the tracks and south of Pacific Avenue it will be a mess. Imagine main arterial and railroad tracks cutting through red square at the UW. Not to mention all the prostitutes and drug dealers the city admits to having problems with down there.

Finally, we were told there would be cleanup at the Marysville site.

I’m sure that those buildings won’t demolish themselves, then they will still have to do some environmental cleanup.

Dave Fish

Lake Stevens