The Downtown Debate Supporters At Public Hearing Tell Council River Park Square Development Is Essential For The Future; Foes Argue That The Plan Is Flawed

The River Park Square redevelopment project is a community cornerstone, a no-brainer, a piece of the vision for downtown, supporters told the Spokane City Council on Thursday night.

“This is a fork-in-the-road vote,” former Mayor Dave Rodgers said. “A no vote will stagnate the central business district and leave an ugly void in the city’s heart.”

Opponents countered that the process is flawed, the details are lacking, and there’s not enough public in this public-private partnership.

“Why rush?” asked lifelong resident Frank Yuse during the special council meeting. The public should vote on the project, the future of the Post Street Bridge and the possible construction of a Lincoln Street bridge, he said.

The meeting was the first of two before the council votes Monday on whether to accept a federal loan that is being processed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The second meeting starts at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Council Chambers.

The council will vote Monday on the $22.65 million loan even if it doesn’t have HUD’s final approval. The agency has, however, given its preliminary approval.

Supporters offered an organized defense of the $110 million project. They outnumbered opponents 26-to-4 during 3-minute speeches at the council microphone, and by a similar ratio in the audience.

“I’m surprised we had any against,” said Mayor John Talbott after the two-hour session. “The issue has been discussed for a long time. Let’s get on with it and vote.”

Speakers - many of them sporting buttons with an “I,” a red heart and “Downtown”- included downtown business owners, workers, neighborhood leaders and union officials. Several made a point of saying that while they’re against the proposed Lincoln Street bridge project, they’re for the redevelopment.

They agreed that the project had been studied long enough, the risks were reasonable and the impact crucial.

“I don’t think that everything is perfect about this project,” said Sheila Collins, a member of the Cannon Neighborhood council. “But I do know this must be considered the cornerstone of revitalization.”

The project includes a new Nordstrom, a 20-screen cinema, expanded parking and numerous shops and restaurants. It is being built by Citizens Realty Co. and Lincoln Investments Co., the owners of River Park Square. Those companies are affiliates of Cowles Publishing Co., which also owns The Spokesman-Review.

Betsy Cowles, president of Citizens Realty and Lincoln Investments, told the council that developers have “done their homework” in studying the project. The companies are risking $83 million, she said.

“We would lose first if anything went awry,” she said. “Bring this to closure. Let’s just get it built.”

While supporters talked project, opponents talked process. They complained the public doesn’t know the proprietary details of the lease that will be used to help repay the loan.

The council has been given that information, but cannot release it.

“I’m not anti-downtown,” said Maurice Vial. “Secrecy breeds only distrust.”

The project may be good, but that can’t be determined without more details, said Julian Powers. Agreeing to accept the loan without revealing the details is like signing a blank check, he said.

“I don’t have as much confidence as I would like to have in the operation of the city government,” Powers said.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: HEARING The second meeting starts at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Council Chambers.