Published April 2001

Everett to form district
in charge of events center

By Kate Reardon
Herald Writer

EVERETT — Minor-league ice hockey and musical concerts played in a special-events center here may be closer to reality than you realize.

The Everett City Council took a step forward when it voted March 15 to form a public facilities district, or PFD.

The district is an official board whose members would have the authority to work on the design, construction, operation, promotion and financing of a regional center.

The mayor will nominate members, and the City Council will appoint the five members. Under state law, the district is eligible to receive and manage a state sales-tax rebate to help pay for a center that could cost as much as $50 million.

The city estimates the district would get as much as $25 million from the rebate. “As soon as the Legislature made it an option, we thought it important to look at it seriously,” city spokeswoman Dale Preboski said.

The center would allow Snohomish County residents to enjoy entertainment locally instead of driving to Seattle, she said, adding that the center also could boost the local economy.

For months, city leaders have been talking about building an events center to attract concerts, sports games and trade shows. The center would hold about 8,000 people for hockey and about 10,000 for concerts.

Not only would the center have ice for minor league hockey, but a second ice sheet for the community might be added, officials said.

The city has been working with the Western Hockey League, which is made up of minor-league teams including the Seattle Thunderbirds, for a possible franchise here.

A parking and traffic study is under way. And the city is contracting with Certified Land Services to help relocate displaced owners and occupants of property after the city has approved a final site for the center from among five possible locations.

The city also hired Shockey/Brent Inc. to assist in site selection and obtain construction permits.

The preferred site is bounded by Broadway to the east, Oakes Avenue to the west, Hewitt Avenue to the north and Wall Street to the south. The city has made land purchase offers, but officials won’t disclose how close they may be to a deal.

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