Sam Mace, Letter to Editor

Kendall Yards concerns legit

Sam Mace (letter, Spokesman-Review)

Sharon Kophs' dismissive response to concerns raised over Kendall Yards is a disservice to West Central citizens affected by the dramatic changes proposed for their neighborhood ("Little reason for Kendall Yards worry," April 13).

Many residents recognize the benefits of cleaning up a brownfield and creating a well-planned development at Kendall Yards. But development must not move forward without up-to-date information and thorough analysis of the impacts on the neighborhood and river corridor.

Citizens have reason to be concerned with glaring information gaps, the fact that the Gallatin Group has been hired to push this development through (the public relations firm that brought us the railroad refueling depot) and that city leaders are more interested in accommodating the developer than addressing neighborhood concerns.

Transportation impacts are barely considered. Will people really walk to work during winter? In addition, the environmental impact statement is woefully out of date. And taxpayers haven't been told how much they will pay toward the project.

Every care should be taken to protect the river corridor, to fully study and address transportation impacts, and to ensure the view shed is not compromised by misplaced 12-story condo towers. Spokane, West Central and Kendall Yards will all benefit in the long run.