City of Snohomish set to annex area north of 22nd Street

The Snohomish City Council approved the annexation of the North Lake area, located north of 22nd Street and east of state Route 9, following a 45-day boundary review. Residents will officially become city residents after the review, with no immediate requirement to connect to city utilities or incur significant tax changes, according to city planning director Brooke Eidem. The annexation aligns with public input during the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update, emphasizing the need for growth in northern areas. Concurrently, the county is planning a 12-mile extension of the Centennial Trail, which will connect Snohomish to King County and enhance recreational opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists. The project, which relies on significant funding, is expected to take over a decade, with an estimated cost of $120 million.

The existing Centennial Trail runs 30 miles from Snohomish to Skagit County. In 2016, the county secured the railroad right-of-way for this project, ensuring a pathway for future trail development. Emily Griffith from the county's parks department emphasized the project's potential to promote healthy lifestyles and environmentally friendly transportation.