Protect urban trail

How can the city justify spending $1.7 million to connect the Ben Burr Trail, which is nine-tenths of a mile long, to the Centennial Trail?

I have listened to the city’s planning department present its plans for the Ben Burr Trail at three meetings. It was clear that: People who know the trail object to turning this lovely nature trail into a paved bike path; and people object to the fact that the city’s plans have already been approved and are locked into an all-or-nothing federal grant. Therefore, we either accept it as designed or reject the project.

Does every trail need to be widened, fenced, railed and paved to be enjoyed? Isn’t there a special place in the urban footprint for a nature trail? Can’t the city work with the neighborhoods to design an affordable compromise?

The Ben Burr Trail runs between Underhill and Liberty parks. It embraces walkers and slow bikers with its natural beauty like few places do. Come enjoy a stroll to experience “Near Nature, Near Perfect” before you consider supporting the city’s plan.

Then, please contact the city at jhappy@spokanecity.org. Let the city know they should stop this overdevelopment

Carolyn Jacobs

Spokane