EVERETT, Wash. – In a decisive 5-1 vote, the Everett City Council approved rezoning the former Wates Motel property, which has long been associated with criminal and drug activity.
The rezoning clears the way for the city to sell the property, allowing for the development of 14 to 16 three-story townhomes.
City leaders told FOX 13 Seattle in an email: “The city expects this change to move the area toward a more stable residential area while meeting the area’s mid-rise housing needs.” spoke.
For Michael Johnson, a local resident and former homeless person, the redevelopment feels bittersweet. Johnson is happy to see improvements in the neighborhood, but questions the city’s priorities.
“Maybe we should focus more on the homeless and give them a chance, give them a start, even if it’s a small shelter,” Johnson said. “If you can afford $150,000 to $250,000, no, let’s get these guys together.”
Kelly Rourke, community support coordinator for Everett’s Community Development Department, reflected on the challenges and successes of relocating former residents of the Wates Motel.
“We had a moment of celebration when someone found new stability and regained hope for the future,” Roark said. “We have also experienced sad times when someone lost the battle to addiction.”
related
Drugs, crime, and controversy swirl around the Everett Motel.
The final chapter of Waits Motel may be written on Tuesday night. City council meeting to denounce Wates Motel. The move paves the way for the city to purchase the property, with the ultimate goal of developing it and converting it into housing.
Roark said most of the former residents received new housing with support services, but some chose financial solutions to help them decide their next steps.
Local residents have had mixed reactions to the redevelopment, with some saying they want a quiet living space rather than high-rise apartments.
“How nice it would be to have owner-occupied townhouses with design standards that fit our historic district,” said Bob, a longtime resident who spoke during public comment.
Another neighbor, Nancy, said she expected the development to attract retirees and first-time homeowners, calling it “fantastic.”
City officials are scheduled to vote Wednesday on a motion to officially put the property up for sale, the next step in a long process.
The city allocated $1.85 million for the site to add affordable, simple townhomes for moderate-income residents.
Although the construction schedule remains uncertain, officials hope the new zoning will help create a balanced transition between the neighborhood’s single-family homes and the mixed-use zone along Broadway Street.
More news from Fox Seattle
Seattle street occupation near Space Needle leads to fireworks attack on police
Nooksack Tribe criticized over eviction of unregistered Washington family
Amazon finances nuclear reactor, sparks controversy, brings Washington state closer to energy crisis
Seattle police arrest fugitive on suspicion of threats at LGBTQ nightclub
Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz is on leave
WA ACLU sues Seattle City Attorney for ‘abuse of prosecutorial power’
Detectives seek public help in solving 2022 Olympia, Washington murders
Sign up for the daily Fox Seattle newsletter to get the latest Seattle local news, weather and sports for free.
Download the free FOX Seattle FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather and other local and national coverage, plus 24/7 coverage from around the country. You can watch streaming coverage of.
