Final Environmental Findings for the Proposed Outdoor Multipurpose Facility
- Grassroots Everett
- Nov 7, 2024
- 2 min read
The final environmental impact statement for the proposed Outdoor Multipurpose Facility was just published on November 6, 2024. Link to full study document.
To review, three options are compared:
1) No action – lose the AquaSox in Everett
2) Refurbish the existing Funko Field site
3) Build a new facility downtown at the site pictured below:
Based on the study done by the City in conjunction with 3 consulting firms, building a new stadium downtown would require significant land acquisition, displacement of businesses, and the demolition of existing structures.
This alternative may impact nearby historic buildings and increase urban sprawl, causing more extensive ecological disruption than renovation. Renovating Funko Field, however, would involve working within the existing structure, minimizing land use changes and reducing potential impacts on nearby ecosystems.
A new stadium would increase traffic and congestion downtown, potentially elevating air pollution levels in an already busy area.
The downtown location might attract more visitors due to enhanced accessibility, but it would also demand additional traffic management and parking resources. Renovating Funko Field, located slightly south of the downtown core, is expected to have a more moderate impact on traffic and pollution due to existing infrastructure designed to support event-related traffic.
Constructing a new stadium downtown is estimated to take around two years and would require more construction materials, resulting in a larger carbon footprint. In contrast, Funko Field’s renovation would be less resource-intensive and could occur during the offseason, minimizing operational disruption and reducing total construction emissions.
These factors make the renovation more favorable in terms of environmental impact, though both options would need to implement mitigation measures to address specific concerns such as noise, traffic, and light pollution.
On Nov 12th at 6:30pm there will be a public information session at Everett Station. The public is encouraged to attend.
Further information provided by the City of Everett: