I have been following the plans for the redevelopment of the North Marina and I feel it would help Everett become more beneficial toward tourism and give more work to our people.
However, I have just recently learned that the original plan has been expanded to include the property on which the Collins Milling Work sits. To me it would be a travesty not to incorporate this building in the master plan. To demolish it would be unthinkable. To save it would eliminate pollution impacts caused by demolition, waste materials and disposal of the materials that make up this edifice.
To me this old building symbolizes Everett!
I was born and raised in Everett and grew up with all the mills working at full speed. When the strikes and shut downs occurred, many people were out of work and some went on welfare. These were difficult years but people held together and kept the town going.
To me the building represents all that has gone before us and how well we have managed after the majority of the mills were gone. There is little left to remind us of our past.
This is a historic building with many memories embedded within its wooden walls and I feel it could be put to good use as part of the new Marina development. Small cottage industries would be most happy to have a space in this a building. Yes, it does cost to save the building but I feel it would eventually pay for itself in tourism businesses on the inside. It could even support a small museum based on photos of what the area was like when the mills were in full swing.
I hope the port commissioners will take this plea to heart when making their decision.
Everett
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