To the editor,

As many residents know, the City of Prescott is involved in a lawsuit concerning Leo's Landing. I won't speculate on the legal details because I don't know all the facts. My concern isn't about the lawsuit itself, it's about what may happen if the city gains control of the property for its proposed riverfront redevelopment.

The city owns the land in question and has indicated it wants it for redevelopment. Whether you support or oppose the lawsuit, every taxpayer should be asking an important question: Do we have confidence that this project will be planned and executed in the best interest of Prescott?

Recent city projects give me reason for concern.

Last weekend I witnessed significant congestion at the Prescott boat launch. By my count, there are now only about 18 parking spaces serving the launch—far fewer than before the city chose to build a park between the river and the railroad tracks. During peak boating season, that's simply not enough.

The city also relied on Cedar Corporation to design the improvements near the launch, including the sidewalk on the wrong side of the street behind the Broad Street businesses. In my opinion, placing the sidewalk behind the businesses while narrowing a roadway heavily used by vehicles towing boat trailers has created unnecessary challenges for both traffic flow and parking.

We saw similar decisions during the Elm Street reconstruction, where curb extensions ("bump-outs") reduced parking and, in my view, made snow removal, mail delivery and maneuvering larger vehicles more difficult.

These projects raise legitimate questions about how future riverfront redevelopment will be planned. Before moving forward with another major project, residents should carefully review the proposals, ask questions, and make their voices heard.

The Prescott riverfront is one of our community's greatest assets. We have one opportunity to get it right, and decisions made today will affect our city for generations.

I encourage residents to attend Prescott City Council meetings, review redevelopment plans, and participate in the discussion before irreversible decisions are made.

Caleb Justice

Prescott