Environmental advocates are speaking out against the proposed River Trail Apartments. The 143-unit complex is slated to be built on what is currently the north end of Riverfront Park.
Area resident Jo Lakota visits the site on a regular basis. She says preserving the parklands is essential for the community’s health.
“And to the health of the river," Lakota said. "You’re going to put down cement and cut down all these trees and have more flooding, which we spent what a half a million three quarters of a million dollars downtown. I mean, come on we’re not all fools.”
Those supporting the project say it would attract young people to move downtown. City officials say other green space would be used to compensate potential development.
The local Sierra Club is urging city officials to consider another site for the River Trail project. Group president Joyce Blumenshine suggested the Warehouse District or the North side for the "high-end" housing complex.
“We contend this project should be stopped or moved, and there are plenty of other places that could benefit from apartment development other than this city park,” Blumenshine said.
The City Zoning committee is scheduled to discuss plans for the River Trail development during its meeting on Aug. 6. It moves on to the City Council if approved.