SPOKANE, Wash. — In tonight's legislative meeting, the Spokane City Council voted in favor of a proposal to bring a Pride crosswalk to the city.
The motion passed by a vote of 5-2. Council members Michael Cathcart and Jonathan Bingle were the two who voted against the proposal, citing concerns over the project's cost.
According to city council, $300,000 will be used for the implementation of a three-year “Community Crosswalks” pilot program. A total of six decorative crosswalks will be administered in accordance with the Spokane Streets Department. City council says the program aims to increase pedestrian safety while adding character and inclusivity to Spokane's diverse communities.
"To me, the program seems like a really cool, neat idea," Cathcart said. "But... a million dollars for a cool, neat idea is a lot of money to spend, particularly at a time when material costs are skyrocketing, inflation is skyrocketing [and] fuel prices are skyrocketing."
Cathcart added that the money should go into traffic calming projects in neighborhoods "that people are asking for."
Bingle added that many people in the district have requested traffic calming measures centered around stop signs and hawk lights.
"I would like to see those prioritized above this," Bingle said.
Spokane Pride partnered with local nonprofits to make the city's first pride crosswalk. They asked the public to help select the location.
People can vote on one of four of the following proposed intersections; Monroe Street, downtown Spokane, South Perry Street and the Garland District. Some in the community hope that the crosswalk will spur more change in the city. Council member Zack Zappone says they have received 1,400 responses to the survey.