EVERETT, Wash. (AP) - Some residents of a Washington community oppose the city’s plan to declare a wooded area as surplus with the intention of selling the property.
Everett officials have proposed the surplus designation for the Wood Creek watershed area, drawing opposition from residents in the adjacent Valley View neighborhood overlooking the Snohomish River Valley, The Daily Herald reported Monday.
The property is divided into two parcels. The smaller area is not within the city boundaries.
Snohomish County records show the property’s value as more than $14.6 million, but the city has appraised the land at $3 million because much of it would be unsuited for development.
Dozens of people called and emailed city officials to oppose the proposal, while an online petition had more than 450 backers as of Sunday.
Mayor Cassie Franklin and the Everett City Council postponed a vote until a scheduled meeting Wednesday so city staff members could review the concerns of residents, Everett spokesperson Kimberley Cline said in an email.
Several people told the city council last week they are concerned the sale and development of the land would result in environmental loss, unstable hilly terrain and traffic.
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