SPOKANE, Wash. — A coalition of residents from Chief Garry Park released a statement regarding the
On Thursday, the coalition, which includes residents, workers and business owners from the Chief Garry Park Neighborhood, expressed relief at the city’s decision not to move forward with the proposed property acquisition on East Springfield.
“The residents, workers, business and property owners of the Chief Garry Neighborhood are greatly relieved by this news. As we said from the beginning, we know that so many in our entire community are plagued with addiction and we greatly support individual’s efforts to get free from it. But those efforts must not be at the cost of the safety and well-being of the children and families in our neighborhood. The reality is – the Chief Garry Park Neighborhood is already home to six service providers, including the TRAC shelter. The City of Spokane’s own Comprehensive Plan calls for an equitable distribution of these services. The hardworking families in this neighbor simply could not absorb any more.”
The statement also expressed gratitude to Mayor Brown and the Spokane City Council for considering community feedback and revising their plans. The coalition endorsed Mayor Brown’s belief that “constructive dialogue is essential for progress” and looks forward to future discussions.
The coalition plans to hold an Emergency Community Meeting tomorrow at 5 p.m. at 2025 East Trent to thank community members and elected officials for their involvement and to continue addressing issues impacting the neighborhood.
