Map of the boundaries of the new buffer zone for 3301 Lombard Ave. The lined area on the map is an overlapping no-sit/no-lie zone around the Everett Gospel Mission.
City of Everett graphic
EVERETT — Last year, the city established two new “no-sit/no-lie” buffer zones, one in north Everett and one around Casino Road and Evergreen Way.
Another buffer zone was recently set April 1. Its boundaries are from Pacific Avenue, to 36th Street and Smith Avenue to Rockefeller Avenue.
The buffer zones are special areas where people cannot sit or lie down on city property.
The new zone is centered on 3301 Lombard Ave., which is Andy’s Place, a permanent supportive housing facility operated by Compass Health.
“The last two years we’ve (had) several calls, concerns, complaints from the residents in that area, and then that was substantiated by the data that we did have,” Julie Willie, the city’s community development director said at a Safe Community Council Subcommittee meeting in March.
Over six qualifying events occurred based on an ordinance that passed in May 2023. Six is the minimum to qualify for a buffer zone. Police and public works parking enforcement calls were higher than normal.
Residents advocated for buffer zones. Their advocacy resulted in 40 signatures from neighbors in support of a buffer zone.
Willie mentioned that the city learned about nuisance houses and criminal activity. The police addressed these issues. Willie said that this was a chance to inform people they aren’t allowed to loiter on the sidewalks and in people’s backyards.
The city is working with Andy’s Place and Compass Health to communicate with service organizations and the community to find solutions to address resident’s concerns. Moreover, they want to speak to agencies about making changes to reduce impact.
Willie said the buffer zone is not an “end all be all.”
“This is a tool in the toolbox to help try and address the challenges that we’re facing,” Willie added.
City Council member Judy Tuohy asked about permanent housing at Andy’s Place. The residents there have tenant privileges that need to be changed. Andy’s Place is in phases two and three of remodeling.
As a result, their outpatient treatments and distribution services increase foot traffic. In the next two years, this will decrease.
City Council member Mary Fosse wanted to know more about the boundary. Every six months they are examined and could end in December 2025 unless it’s not extended.
Organizations seeking to offer services within a buffer zone must apply for a right-of-way permit to ensure everything operates smoothly and does not negatively impact the community.
“I am adamantly against the one on Casino Road, but the ones” in north Everett “and Compass make sense because there are support and services there,” Lindsey Arrington, founder and president of Hope Soldiers, said.
Presently, no additional buffer zones are being installed.
