I was somewhat amazed by the concerns of a small group of citizens about the environmental impact of the future Kendall Yards project in Spokane (“Kendall Yards concerns,” April 6). If John Osborn and Jerry White (subjects of the article) had involved themselves in the West Central community meetings concerning the project on the north bank of the Spokane River, they would know that many of their concerns are unfounded.

As an environmentalist, Mr. Osborn should be celebrating that fact that Kendall Yards just completed one of the largest urban environmental cleanups in the nation. Stormwater runoff from the abandoned railroad site will no longer carry contaminants into the Spokane River.

In addition, the fragile riparian area of concern to Mr. Osborn will be better protected. Instead of kids riding dirt bikes and people walking up and down the contaminated site, Kendall Yards will extend the Centennial Trail along the south rim of the property, well above the river, for all to enjoy. The developer has gone the extra mile to ensure the river and sensitive riparian areas will be protected.

Kendall Yards brings many other environmental benefits as well. National statistics show that for one acre of brownfields property reused, 4.5 acres of green space is saved from destruction. In addition, green space development in suburban areas is a significant drain on city budgets, as the public works department must drive past the inner city “idled property” to plow streets, install or repair water and sewer lines, and extend the infrastructure that already exists back downtown.

Communities across the country are realizing and encouraging reuse of inner-city properties. These types of developments reduce air pollution by reducing the number of single- passenger cars commuting into Spokane. Wouldn’t you much rather walk along the new trail system than have to drive your car into downtown Spokane each day? Car traffic should be reduced by this project, not increased.

To encourage urban development and build a stronger local tax base, most states have some form of tax incentive available for large projects. The taxing strategies (also used by other communities in Washington) are a short-term investment for a very long-term gain.

Using a portion of the taxes generated by the project to retire the debt on bonds (for infrastructure and public access) advances the money for the project and the project itself pays off the debt. Thus, there is little or no impact to an already strapped city budget. Tacoma used the same kind of tax incentive for revitalization of the Thea Fall Landing, now a prospering part of the city, which one couldn’t walk through 10 years ago.

Another fact, based on the commercial build-out, is the project is expected to bring in over $32 million in sales and use revenue during construction alone. Once the businesses are operating, the revenues should return well over a billion dollars a year in sales and use taxes.

In addition, property taxes on 2,600 residential units will return about $12 million a year, or $347 million, over 30 years. These revenues generated from property, sales and use taxes help fund Spokane schools, fire and security, public works and other amenities the community enjoys. Again, this revenue far exceeds the short-term investment of infrastructure dollars or tax incentive financing, which are also available to the city through the state Public Works Trust Fund.

Finally, there is the social economic impact of idled properties. Another national statistic shows there is a 10 to 1 ratio of police calls to brownfields properties compared with one for developed areas. Each public safety call is another significant drain on city budgets.

It is easy to see how revenue to the community far outweighs any public funds or tax incentives expended for infrastructure. Further, may I mention the millions of dollars in revenue “lost” because 78 acres of prime real estate sat idled for 30 years.

As coordinator of the brownfields cleanup, I witnessed firsthand the developer’s commitment to environmental cleanup and protection. Kendall Yards represents the best of urban redevelopment that all Spokane citizens will enjoy and benefit from for years to come; and, the environmental and economic win-win that the redevelopment offers to the community.