Monroe project can succeed

Thanks for the article on the pending safety improvements to North Monroe. However, it is discouraging to see some businesses opposed.

In talking with Monroe businesses, I hear the most concern about lengthy street closure. Let’s face it, Spokane projects often drag on too long.

However, I’ve seen similar road diet projects succeed well in other cities: Stone Way, Dexter and others in Seattle; Glisan, East 7th and more in Portland. They typically cut car crashes and pedestrian injuries by huge amounts, 37 percent, according to a Portland Bureau of Transportation study, while reducing car travel by only 7 percent. They also improve neighborhoods and bolster business growth, especially when combined with sidewalk improvements, street trees, lighting and parking as planned for North Monroe.

So a gentle suggestion to city leaders: Invest a bit more to get this done at a Seattle pace rather than a Spokane pace. Put a large crew on the job. Work six days a week. Stage construction to preserve access throughout the process. Assure business owners that construction will be brief.

It would be tragic to see Spokane lose this opportunity for a revitalized neighborhood and a far safer street.

David Camp

Spokane