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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

‘Now is not the time for opposition’

By Dick Behm

The public has had unprecedented opportunity to participate in the planning of the Sprague/Appleway Revitalization Plan.

There have been more than 136 news media items on this project since the project began. That includes stories, mentions, calendar items and much more.

The media outlets covering it include the Valley News Herald, The Spokesman-Review, Journal of Business, Building Magazine and various radio and television stations. In addition, there has been a link for information on the front page of the city Web site.

Surveys were conducted by mail and telephone asking citizens what their vision was for the new city of Spokane Valley. Their answers were seriously considered, and many of the ideas were incorporated into the plan by the consultants

As of Aug. 19, there have been 24 public meetings/presentations to the City Council. That doesn’t include all the Planning Commission meetings during the deliberations and doesn’t include all the public workshops held by the consultants, which hundreds of citizens attended, and presentations made to organizations such as the Kiwanis, Rotary, Chamber and the Spokane Valley Business Association.

All of these meeting have been well-attended and the majority of those attending have approved of the plan. It is to be expected that not everyone is in favor of all aspects of the plan, but the majority are in favor of moving the city forward.

Now is not the time for opposition; everyone has had more than enough time to participate in the planning and to voice their concerns, and many of those concerns have been addressed. As the plan is implemented, we are sure there will be problems, and there will be flexibility to address those at the time.

Those who have legitimate concerns, had the opportunity and were invited to participate in the planning and did not, should not now complain but work with the city to resolve their problems.

As Larry the “Cable Guy” says, “Get ’er done!”

Dick Behm is treasurer of the Spokane Valley Business Association.