“Community input of course plays a role in decisions like this,” Tarver said, “but the designation of the buffer zones is based on the requirements included in the ordinance: six or more qualifying events in the past six months, taking into consideration impacts to public health and safety of residents, businesses, staff and individuals seeking services as well as the city resources utilized in the area.” Tarver said the talks with Fred Meyer helped form the outline of the south Everett buffer zone. The second buffer zone around Evergreen Way has a perimeter of nearly 4 miles. Due to the city’s definition of a block, one of the zones, with a 1½-mile perimeter, covers a large swath of north downtown. Less than three months later, Mayor Cassie Franklin established two new zones with her newfound power. In May, the Everett City Council approved an ordinance allowing the mayor to set zones in the city where people can’t sit or lie down as buffers to social service providers and other “high impact areas,” such as grocery stores. So far this year, police recorded 865 arrests within a 2,000 foot radius of the 8500 block of Evergreen Way, where Fred Meyer is located.

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