Council passes Metro Everett Plan with less parking

Changes are coming to Everett as leaders plan for the city’s growth.

The Everett City Council passed its Metro Everett Plan at its Wednesday meeting, with six council members voting.

The most drastic change that may be noticed right away is that parking may not be as plentiful. The plan calls for encouraging more public transit and building higher.

RELATED: Bellevue council member objects to less parking

The city says it held more than two dozen public and private events for the plan that seeks to absorb the 60,000 people expected to move to Everett over the next 20 years.

Some other parts allow 25-story tall buildings to be built, protecting a historical zone around Rucker and Pacific, as well as the parking reduction, hopefully aided by light rail in 2036.

“It’s all part of the city trying to encourage more growth and development in a vibrant atmosphere,” said Long Range Planning Manager David Stalheim.

One part of the plan that has been controversial was settled with Wednesday’s vote.

Clinics and social services will be banned on the first floor of buildings in pedestrian and transit focused areas.

Parts of the plan such as taller buildings will happen as development occurs.