The third time will either be a charm, a curse or a yawn, depending on which Esperance resident is looking at possible annexation to the city of Edmonds.
Residents of the one-square-mile island of unincorporated Snohomish County surrounded by the southeastern part of Edmonds will vote Nov. 8 on whether to join the city. Previous annexation proposals were voted down in 1989 and 1997.
The island in Edmonds is bordered by 220th Street SW. to the north; 92nd Avenue W. and Edmonds Way to the west; by 236th, 234th and 233rd streets SW. to the south; and Highway 99 and 76th Avenue W. to the east. The area’s population is estimated at 3,500.
Most comments the city has received favor it, City Council President Richard Marin said, adding that is one reason why city officials pushed for annexation.
Another is that “most of us view Esperance as another one of the neighborhoods of Edmonds,” Marin said. “We see them as our neighbors and members of our community in every way.”
A third reason is that part of Esperance borders Highway 99, where city officials hope to attract more businesses and tax revenue to the city.
According to city figures, property taxes would decrease, while utility taxes would increase if the annexation is approved, resulting in an average annual reduction of $223 for the owner of a $310,000 home.
Detailed annexation information is available at www.ci. edmonds.wa.us. Click on “News-Events-Calendar” and “Esperance Annexation.”
Bill Sheets and Krista J. Kapralos are reporters with The Herald in Everett.
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