Everett Council Community Health & Safety Committee: June 3, 2026

The City of Everett's Community Health and Safety Council Committee met on June 3, 2026, primarily to receive an update from the Everett Housing Authority (EHA) regarding the Baker Heights property. The discussion focused on the challenges of managing the vacant and deteriorating housing units built in the 1940s, which have significant health and safety hazards including asbestos and lead-based paint. The EHA detailed their priority to proceed with hazardous materials abatement and demolition, estimated to cost around $10 million. They have secured HUD approval and site control but face funding challenges, relying heavily on federal and state grants, including a pending $4 million brownfield cleanup grant application. The committee discussed ongoing efforts to secure funding, the potential for phased demolition, and the future development plans for the site, which include mixed-income and mixed-use housing. Security concerns at the site were also raised, with EHA noting the high cost of on-site security and current reliance on police patrols and lease enforcement. No formal votes or motions were recorded during the meeting, but the EHA committed to continuing funding pursuits and keeping the council informed of progress.