This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.
Let Spokane be more
I couldn’t help but laugh when I read Ken Dix’s Jan. 29 letter deriding moves to make Spokane’s streets more pedestrian- and bicyclist-friendly as essentially Spokane “becoming like Portland.”
God forbid we plan walkable, exciting, mixed-use neighborhoods (like Kendall Yards, or South Perry, or Portland’s Pearl District) where millennials and baby boomers alike want to live.
God forbid we embrace the outdoors, improving recreational access, public health and quality of life. God forbid we develop a high-capacity transit network, including a streetcar and, yes, eventually light rail, to make it easier to live without a car and reduce traffic for those who choose to retain them. God forbid we work to attract the innovative, world-class jobs that drive economic growth for years and years to come.
If that’s what Dix is afraid of, I say let Spokane become Portland.
Road diets aren’t going to turn Spokane into a mini version of our Oregonian neighbor. But I’d be willing to bet that most people would be willing to add 60 seconds to their commute as a first step in planning for great neighborhoods, amazing outdoors access, fast and frequent transit, and sustained long-term economic growth.
Anthony Gill
Spokane