EDMONDS – Residents here want to find a balance between commercial growth and their penchant for a small-town atmosphere.
At the Edmonds City Council Community Outreach Meeting Tuesday night, Aug. 31, about 10 community members responded to economic development director Jennifer Gerend’s request for input on what kind of businesses they would like to see added to the city.
Suggestions from residents included Costco, Home Depot and Ace Hardware, as well as an urban nursery, sewing shop and more multi-generational services.
“I would love to see a pharmacy near downtown,” resident Don Kreiman said, adding that the proximity to the South County Senior Center would make it convenient for the older population.
Another resident added that she feels Westgate is ready for condominiums, and a hotel near the Mountlake Terrace casinos on Highway 99 would be a good idea.
Still, most residents who spoke at the meeting urged city staff to keep the “Edmonds feel” alive.
“Edmonds is a storefront community – the size of our buildings is humane and comfortable for people. I hope we can keep the (downtown) corridor that way.”
Others suggested the city keep a balance between retail shops and restaurants, and require new buildings to be designed creatively to “fit with the city’s charm.”
According to Gerend, Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace residents together spend approximately $550 million each year on retail products and dining out in areas other than their home cities. Bringing that business to Edmonds in places such as the downtown/waterfront area, Westgate, Perrinville, 5 Corners and Highway 99, could help boost the city’s economy by increasing sales tax revenue, property taxes and adding jobs, she said.
The meeting was the first of two events Gerend has planned to spur economic development in Edmonds. The second event is an open house set for 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9 at Arista Wine Cellers in downtown Edmonds. The idea, Gerend said, is to allow business owners and entrepreneurs to take self-guided tours of about 20 vacant storefronts and office spaces available in Edmonds.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
