A big, dumb sidewalk

A terrible plan is about to be unleashed on the West Central neighborhood in the form of the “big dumb sidewalk” which is masquerading as the solution to the gap in the Centennial Trail between West Boone and Pettit Drive.

FACTS: Many neighbors are OPPOSED to the plan. City officials have misled the public about having worked closely with property owners along the route who stand to lose up to 5 feet of yard to a wide, paved band-aid to the gap in the Centennial Trail. Cyclists, commuters will be expected to share this pathway, crossing about a dozen driveways and navigating a 60-degree turn in the road onto West Point Rd. Mission, Summit roads will be revised and narrowed. Parking will be removed from one side. No bike lanes will be created on the narrower roads, yet many cyclists will still choose the road over the sidewalk.

Somehow, the city claims the revisions are more safe. Why is this happening? Because some federal grant money was found to do something, NOT because it was the best thing for Spokane. Leaving the route alone, dilapidated as it is, would be better! We don’t need this big, dumb sidewalk!

Patrick O’Neil

Spokane