EVERETT, Wash. – On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, the Everett City Council adopted an ordinance to approve the acquisition of the Waits Motel property, located at 1301 Lombard Avenue, using eminent domain. This comes after the adoption of a resolution in mid-July declaring the property as a blight on the community making the acquisition of the property a necessity to address these ongoing issues.
At the previous meetings, there have been questions about displacement of long-term residents, which were addressed by City Attorney David Hall. He stated that there is an established process and legal requirements that outline the support that will be available, which will likely result in an improvement of living conditions for these individuals. The City intends to contract with a relocation agent who can work in tandem with Community Development staff to help displaced residents locate replacement housing, coordinate moving and learn about available social services.
“The City Council has been assured that there will be relocation support available for the long-term residents that will be displaced and that we will be able to help these individuals move to a safe and decent place to live,” said Council President Brenda Stonecipher. “We are committed to ensuring the site is safe in the interim and look forward to remaining engaged as this process moves forward.”
No final decisions have been made as to the use of this property by the City of Everett.
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