SNOHOMISH — The first meeting for the Midtown Planning District task force is postponed in response to closures and cancellations spurred by a worldwide coronavirus pandemic, but the confirmation of its committee members was scheduled for the Tuesday, March 17 City Council meeting as of press time.
The process to select task force members drew 39 applicants. Most applicants submitted online and one delivered in-person. Mayor John Kartak chose the nominees for City Council review.
The Council planned to have representation from city commissions and did receive some of the representation they sought. Three members of the Planning Commission and three members of the Economic Development Committee submitted applications, the city agenda says. One of the applicants, Gordon Cole, is a member of both boards.
The other applicants chosen by Kartak are Mitch Cornelison, Van Tormohlen, Raymond Cook, Paula Denney, Thomas Kreinbring, Katherine Thompson, Jeanette Pop, and Alice Armstrong. One youth representative chosen in the process was Ethan Martez, the Snohomish High School student who recently led a community movement to get therapy dogs back in school.
The former mayor, Karen Guzak, applied but was passed over for a position.
Due to social distancing recommendations from all levels of government, members of the public were discouraged from attending but were invited to send in commentary in writing. Social distancing is intended to reduce COVID-19’s spread.
The Task Force is intended to guide development of the Midtown Planning District in Snohomish, with a timeline that spanned 2020.
The area to be studied includes a portion of Avenue D from Sixth Street north to state Route 9, with a 9-acre “keystone” property once home to the County’s Public Works operations. When that sells, the city anticipates development will begin.
Ideas were floated regarding how interviews would be done. Kartak selected the applicants. “The Mayor will select who he wants, then the option is whether to confirm them or not,” said Glen Pickus, city planning director.
The purpose of the Midtown plan will be to generate economic development and increasing housing options, including affordable housing.
