Downtown Boosters Launch Petition Drive

Supporters of a downtown renewal effort have launched a petition and letter-writing effort directed at two cornerstone tenants - The Bon Marche and Nordstrom.

Members of “I Love Downtown” hope to gather 20,000 signatures on the petitions, which will be circulated throughout the area, according to coordinating committee member Bridget Piper.

They are also asking residents to send letters to the managers of the two stores encouraging them to remain downtown.

The stores are considered critical to an $80 million public/private effort to renovate River Park Square and make other improvements. River Park Square is owned by Citizens Realty Co. and Lincoln Investment Co., which are affiliates of Cowles Publishing Co., the owner of The Spokesman-Review.

“We felt we needed to do something that showed the support of the people,” Piper said.

Although the signature goal was set arbitrarily, she said, “We need a lot.”

I Love Downtown wants the drive completed by September 25, when Piper said officials of Federated Department Stores, The Bon’s parent, will be making some key decisions about stores.

The Bon also has a store in the NorthTown Mall, and has said it will be a tenant in the proposed Spokane Valley Mall.

, DataTimes