Monroe lawsuit unfounded

The announcement that business owners along North Monroe intend to sue the city of Spokane to stop improvements to the street is a waste of our tax dollars. My family lived off of North Monroe for decades. I’ve seen the best and the worst of North Monroe.

Monroe in its current condition is unsafe for motorists and pedestrians and dangerous to those who try to park to access businesses. I had the distinct pleasure to assist the neighborhood in the preparation of the Emerson-Garfield Neighborhood Action Plan. The plan included significant neighborhood outreach, including businesses along Monroe, specifically requested by Councilwoman Candace Mumm. Thank you, Councilwoman Mumm.

City leadership has proposed special project construction scheduling to insure minimal disturbance to business access and operations. Monroe is in desperate need of repaving, utility work, safe sidewalks and improved parking. I’m simply not aware of any other arterial street in Spokane that wouldn’t require some period closure in order to accomplish repaving.

Concerns of these absentee business owners are unfounded and unreasonable. I suggest these few business owners save our tax dollars and withdraw their intended lawsuit.

Len Zickler

Spokane