Downtown legacy at risk

What happened to last year’s proposal of moving county criminal courts in the future to a facility adjacent to a new jail outside the city, which would save millions a year in transportation and security costs? Is the city of Spokane beholden to the whims and convenience of county employees who already have an overcrowded county government campus in the middle of our city?

The most important consideration might be the north bank mixed-use development of retail, offices and residential that represents the greatest investment and future hope for urbanization of our inner city. How much will a huge jail and hundreds of more employees in the hood increase the prestige of that blossoming hope for downtown residential living surrounded by the beauty of our river, gorge and falls? Visitors to jails and courts do not represent the most desirable citizens visiting your neighborhood.

Should any site selection consider future needs, expansion or conversion of our justice system? A hundred years from now we will be judged by these decisions that could shape a beautiful city and cultural environment. Will a huge jail and government center be our legacy? City voters should have a voice in their city’s future.

Allan LeTourneau

Spokane