North Marina: A little higher, but a lot better

Few vistas rival the one from the bluff above the Port of Everett Marina. The bustling activity of a working waterfront and a Navy base, set against the backdrop of Port Gardner Bay and the Olympic Mountains, offer a spectacular view.

So it’s understandable that owners of homes that overlook the marina are concerned about the height of buildings on the waterfront. Several residents of the bluff above the marina have expressed worries about – and opposition to – a request by the port to raise the maximum height of some condominium buildings at its North Marina redevelopment from 55 to 70 feet. How much of their valuable view would be obscured by such a change, they wonder.

Thanks to computer technology, we have an answer: next to none.

Maritime Trust Co., the project developer, has put together a presentation to share with neighbors and city leaders that combines photos taken from various spots along the bluff with computer drawings that compare what the development would look like with height limits of 55 feet and 70 feet. You have to look closely to see any difference. The port commission has delayed a decision on the change so neighbors can see the presentation.

In return for this marginal change, bluff residents will look down on a much more visually pleasing neighborhood, because the change in heights will allow most parking to go underground. Rather than cars and blacktop, folks on the west side of Grand Avenue will look down on a waterfront neighborhood with walking and biking paths, grassy courtyards and well-planned view corridors.

Some neighbors argue that the proposed change breaks faith with a public process that produced the original 55-foot height limit. Since that accord between the port and the City of Everett was reached in 2003, however, it was discovered that the water table below the development is too high in places to allow much construction underground. To make room for below-surface parking, while ensuring enough condo space for a profitable development, some buildings need to go a bit higher.

Up to 660 upscale condo units, along with restaurants, shops, office space and a boat-repair yard, are planned. The 70-foot limit, which would apply to only a few buildings near the center of the project, would leave room for maximum public access. A wide promenade would encircle the development and a public amphitheater would sit at the open, waterfront end of 13th Street. Attractive plazas and courtyards between buildings are also part of the plan.

It’s a development that’s far more likely to raise the value of neighboring homes than undermine them. And it’ll be infinitely more attractive than the industrial sites it will replace.

The Port Commission and city Planning Commission must weigh in on the height change, with the City Council having the final say. All should approve it, making this the best development it can be for everyone – including its neighbors.

Talk to us

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, Oct. 3

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

3d rendering Stack of vote button badges.
Editorial: Bring Davis, Hoiby to Marysville School Board

Both women have deep ties to the community and demonstrate commitment to students and families.

FILE — In this Sept. 17, 2020 file photo, provided by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Chelbee Rosenkrance, of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, holds a male sockeye salmon at the Eagle Fish Hatchery in Eagle, Idaho. Wildlife officials said Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, that an emergency trap-and-truck operation of Idaho-bound endangered sockeye salmon, due to high water temperatures in the Snake and Salomon rivers, netted enough fish at the Granite Dam in eastern Washington, last month, to sustain an elaborate hatchery program. (Travis Brown/Idaho Department of Fish and Game via AP, File)
Editorial: Pledge to honor treaties can save Columbia’s salmon

The Biden administration commits to honoring tribal treaties and preserving the rivers’ benefits.

Patricia Gambis, right, talks with her 4-year-old twin children, Emma, left, and Etienne in their home, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, in Maplewood, N.J. Gambis' husband, an FBI agent, has been working without pay during the partial United States government shutdown, which has forced the couple to take financial decisions including laying off their babysitter. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Editorial: Shutdown hits kids, families at difficult moment

The shutdown risks food aid for low-income families as child poverty doubled last year and child care aid ends.

There’s no need to reduce carbon emissions; plants need CO2

National Geographic states that “Most life on Earth depends on photosynthesis.” Photosynthesis… Continue reading

There’s a lot we can do to fight the climate crisis

If you are concerned about the climate crisis and are not sure… Continue reading

Comment: Trump committed financial fraud; now comes price tag

All that’s left for a New York court to determine is how big a fine to levy against the deal artist.

Comment: Estate tax would be ample, fitting child care solution

Using it to support child care programs would recognize the literal debt owed by wealthy Americans.

Comment: U.S.’s greatest foreign policy success in jeopardy

PEPEFAR, which provides HIV/AIDS treatment and saved countless lives in Africa, may not be nenewed.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, Oct. 2

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: Online retailers should follow FTC’s lead in Amazon suit

The antitrust suit provides a rule book on how to incentivize rather than punish sellers and customers.

Comment: Starbucks’ reusuable cups aren’t so climate-friendly

Some reusable products generate more emissions than the disposable items they’re meant to replace.