Spokane’s police and fire chiefs said they are united in their support of a street renovation project on North Monroe Street, and do not share Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich’s concern that its design would hinder a downtown evacuation in case of emergency.
“One hundred percent correct,” said Police Chief Craig Meidl, when asked if Monroe would suffice as an emergency evacuation route after it is reduced to three lanes from five.
Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer agreed.
“It just seems so common sense to me,” Schaeffer said. “I don’t even get the evacuation argument.”
The $7.1 million, eight-month project will reduce the number of lanes, construct more visible crosswalks with pedestrian-activated signals and make the business center’s sidewalks wider with more trees and benches.