For nearly 50 years, I have lived at the bottom of the Five Mile bluff. I live on the east side of Country Homes Boulevard about one block from where the proposed change in the causeway will begin.

Yes, the current ditch is unsightly, the water isn’t being properly handled, and something needs to be done. Is the renovation that will take place next year the answer? Not all the changes to Country Homes Boulevard have been properly researched.

One obvious issue is the wildlife. The Spokane County officials that “aren’t concerned about the wildlife crossing the street to get to the swale“ are wrong. The wildlife aren’t going to stay on the bluff. They don’t now. Our neighborhood sees deer, coyote, raccoon, skunk and other small animals, even mother ducks with their babies cross Country Homes to feed in our yards. Not occasionally, but often.

Wildlife is a concern. If the officials aren’t aware of this, they should be. Otherwise, there will be dead animals. I don’t know how they’ll solve this problem. They certainly need to go back to the drawing board and reconsider the wildlife issue.

Nancy Butler

Spokane