SPOKANE, Wash. – After Zona Blanca Ceviche Bar announced they would be closing due to crime-related issues downtown, City Councilman Jonathan Bingle and other business owners have spoken out about their concerns.
Councilman Bingle hosted a press conference at Zona Blanca Monday. Bingle and Zona Blanca’s owner, Chef Chad White, voiced frustration with the City for not prioritizing the safety and security of businesses.
NonStop Local contacted Mayor Lisa Brown and requested an interview to address claims made by those attending Monday’s press conference that the City is not doing enough.
Mayor Brown was unavailable for an interview, but did provide a statement:
“Public safety is a top priority for my administration. We’ve heard the community’s call for further investments, which is why we’ve worked hard to maintain and expand essential services despite a budget crisis.
While crime, homelessness, and substance abuse are separate challenges, they often intersect. My administration has been taking concrete steps to address these issues, including an overhaul of our shelter system, expanding our code enforcement team for litter and graffiti abatement, declaring an opioid emergency, and creating a new Special US Attorney role for narcotics prosecutions, among many others. We are also proposing a Community Safety Sales Tax to boost support and resources for first responders, courts, and case managers.
Addressing downtown challenges requires a holistic approach – law enforcement, connecting people to resources, building housing, and fostering economic growth. My administration is actively doing this in partnership with businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations, and I am confident we can achieve our shared goals.”
Her spokesperson told NonStop Local over the phone that the City is working with limited resources. Brown’s office said this is due to the budget they inherited from former mayor Nadine Woodward.
