Port Commissioners deal what could be fatal blow in fight over Collins Building

August 12, 9:02 PMSnohomish County Progressive ExaminerChad Shue

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Commissioners for the Port of Everett voted yesterday to have a $15 Million levy placed on the November ballot in Everett and parts of Mukilteo to be used for the "rehabilitation and renovation" of the 75 year old Collins Building that has been at the heart of a battle between the Port and local "preservationists". The activists say that this could be the ultimate blow to their efforts to keep that historic structure from the wrecker's ball.

Everett Port Commissioners plan levy to determine building's fate

This latest move by the commissioners comes on the heels of an injunction won by the activists placing a temporary hold on the "deconstruction" of the building. The levy scheme was the result of unanimous vote of the commissioners (which now includes newly appointed commissioner, Duane Pearson - appointed after the resignation of Connie Niva). It will cost the Port $5,000 to have the levy placed on the November ballot. According to Commissioner, Phil Bannon (who is retiring at the end of his current term at the end of the year),

"It's always been about the money. This offers the public the opportunity to put its money into the building."

If approved, the one year one-time cost to the property owners within the port district would be $1.06 per $1,000 of value ($106 for a home valued at $100,000); a price that port critics say would mean certain defeat in these economic times. While still challenging the renovation costs suggested by the commissioners, they also ask, 'why the short time frame for the levy?'. Citing the lack of a new plan for moving forward with renovations on the rest of new marina project that was placed on hold when the original contractor filed for bankruptcy, they say that the renovation of the Collins Building could take place over a longer period of time than the one year time line imposed by the levy.

If the levy is rejected by the voters in November, the commissioners will be able to say that they gave the voters the final say and will then be free to move on the the final plan to deconstruct to iconic structure. For their part, supporters of saving the Collins Building will need to lobby hard to convince voters before the November election that preserving this piece of Everett's history is worth the financial burden in these tough economic times.

Peace,
Chad Shue