Short-term plan of homeless homes on Phil Johnson Ballfields land to proceed

A settlement between Everett city officials and Friends of Phil Johnson Ballpark clears the path for a Pallet shelter initiative aimed at assisting homeless women and children. The 20 shelters, to be operated by Volunteers of America Western Washington, will provide temporary housing for two years. Local opposition began in June 2022, with residents contending that the site should be reserved for park expansion. Following a series of legal challenges, including a denial by a hearing examiner, the settlement was reached. City spokeswoman Simone Tarver confirmed that the terms allow for the shelters' construction.

An attorney for the opposition group did not respond to inquiries, and a VOAWW spokesperson declined to comment. Once operational, the shelters will address homelessness, a pressing issue in the region. The city has not announced a start date for construction, underlining ongoing tensions around homelessness solutions.