More citations for July 4 fireworks in Marysville

MARYSVILLE – Even though fireworks have been illegal in Marysville for a few years now, some people still insist on shooting them off on the Fourth of July.

Marysville Police Chief Rick Smith said at Monday night’s City Council meeting that his officers wrote 27 citations, which was even more than last year.

He also said that there were a total of 152 complaints, which was down 62 from the previous year.

Also at the meeting, the council approved new standards for Cottage Housing.

The council hadn’t looked at the issue for a decade.

But a developer is interested in building one in the Sunnyside area.

Senior planner Angela Gemmer said the updated ordinance is similar to one in Mukilteo, which has the Woodson Crest Cottages.

Such housing consists of small, single-family homes clustered around a common open space.

The units are from 800- to 1,200-square feet and 18- to 28-feet tall.

Cottages are grouped in clusters of four or 12 with pathways connecting the development.

Gemmer said the average cost of a house in Mukilteo is $620,000.

The cottages sell for about $400,000.

But they cost more per square foot.

The developer of the proposed housing in Marysville has said the cost would be much lower than that.

“Just because they’re small doesn’t mean they’re inexpensive,” Gemmer said, adding lot sizes are about half the size of normal lots.

During the public comment period, Robert Pearce said he supports the Powerline Trail, even though his single-family residence is right up against it. Marysville and Lake Stevens are working together on that project.

“A regional trail is more important than our backyard tranquility,” he said.