Rainier Avenue: ‘Lack of investment’

Re: “Shuttered stores. New housing. What’s happening on Rainier Ave?” [Oct. 5, Local News]:

The article leaves out the shortage of funding that might have helped older companies thrive.

Earlier than latest development on Rainier Avenue, we’ve got seen speedy will increase in inhabitants from townhome development since we moved right here 13 years in the past. However the metropolis has accomplished little to enhance Rainier Avenue for individuals who stay right here. It’s a freeway feeder with rampant rushing, frequent crashes, lengthy crossing instances and inaccessible sidewalks, making it arduous for residents to stroll to companies.

The piece additionally implies crime and homelessness are a major explanation for enterprise closures quite than the numerous different causes. Columbia Metropolis was revitalized by having Rainier Avenue improved to prioritize individuals over vehicles. North of Martin Luther King Jr. Method South, Rainier Avenue continues to be an area for individuals to drive by means of, which discourages “eyes on the road” or group and enterprise areas that assist preserve social cohesion and cut back dysfunction.

There’s little metropolis funding in new or current enterprise and group areas. Is it shocking that older companies discovered it arduous to outlive a worldwide pandemic that disrupted every part? The place was Mayor Bruce Harrell when he was on the Metropolis Council for 12 years?

Rachael Ludwick, Seattle