News that the Kalakala ferry might be leaving Seattle’s Lake Union to make a temporary home in Everett for a major renovation was met last week with reservations by many and outright hostility by others. While there is the possibility of the smelly, rusty guest arriving in Everett only to make itself unwelcome for years to come, we’re not necessarily hoping it sinks on the way here, as one city official suggested.
In fact, the short-term visit of the 1935 ferry might not be such a bad idea as long as officials make certain this art deco "treasure" enters Everett with an exit plan.
Everett is in the midst of a renovation and revival of its own and it is understandable many would think the last thing the city needs is a 276-foot eyesore along its waterfront. The ferry’s new owner, Steve Rodrigues, tried to moor the ship on port property but was told no. Now he is working with Weyerhaeuser Co. to secure five acres of Snohomish River tidelands. The concern is that once the ship is here, it won’t leave. That would hurt the city’s plans for a new waterfront as well as its image, Everett’s Executive Director Lanie McMullin said.
No matter how much Everett updates and revitalizes itself, its history will always be blue collar and that’s something to be proud of. The Kalakala would bring work to our shipyards — possibly 100 to 150 jobs — and boost our local economy a little, even if it is only temporary. A diverse economy is something our economic leaders have been encouraging for a long time. There’s room enough for various types of development in our economy as long as they are carried out with a solid plan. With city officials such as McMullin representing us, those kinds of options can be pursued.
The responsibility for the success of this project doesn’t belong to the city alone. The Kalakala won’t be welcome by anyone if Rodrigues doesn’t come up with the means to pay for his estimated $15 million project. And so far he only has $2,200. Not very impressive. Rodrigues must first show the city he has a plan to pay for this and work with leaders on a plan B to tow the ferry out of here if he fails.
Given the potential for the creation of more jobs in our area, the temporary visitor is worth exploring. It seems a risky venture, but that is often the nature of business.
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