Mayor David Condon
SpokaneCity Hall
W. 808 Spokane Falls Blvd.
SpokaneWA99201
RE: Complete Streets for Cedar Road
Dear Mayor Condon;
As an Eagle Ridge resident I want to thank you for fulfilling your commitment to provide emergency services to this neighborhood by opening the new fire station at the intersection of Meadowland Road and Eagle Ridge Blvd. This fire station provides a heighten level of security for my family and neighbors. It is also a demonstration that we do live in the City of Spokane and should expect that the amenities associated with urban living are available to us as well.
One of the goals articulated in the City’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan is to provide and/or enhance walk-ability in the city. I strongly support that goal as evidenced by my family’s decision to buy a home in Eagle Ridge that has over 5 miles of walk able trails that are maintained by the residents through the HOA. Unfortunately the ability to walk to our destinations stops when you reach the edge of the neighborhood. This is particularly challenging if you are trying to walk to the local shopping center for food and other commodities. It is also problematic as we work to secure an elementary school on the plain of Cedar Road adjacent to the neighborhood.
The lack of a sidewalk as well as a shoulder on Cedar Roadand Cheney/Spokane Roadmakes the decision to walk to the shopping center and potential school life threatening. This condition should not exist for one of the largest and most desirable neighborhoods in the city.
The City has adopted the concept of “Complete Streets” that envisions a street system that encourages safe vehicular travel in conjunction with bicycling and pedestrian travel. This infrastructure development is what most residents associate with urban living.
I and my neighbors would like to work with you and your staff to pursue improvements to Cedar Road and Cheney/Spokane Road that would provide for safe travel for cars, bicycles and pedestrians. This would provide needed improvements for the Eagle Ridge, Qualchan and Sunny Creek neighborhoods. We know that this kind of project won’t happen overnight but it also won’t happen until we get started and my neighbors and I would like to start the dialogue and planning for these needed infrastructure elements.
Sincerely,
Cc:Council Member Mike Allen
Council Member John Snyder
Council Member Elect Lori Kinnear