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Students and downtown groups urge improved walkability, plaza smoke rules and transparency on LTAC spending
Summary
Public commenters at the Pullman City Council meeting described a student-built walkability tool, urged no-smoking rules on downtown plazas, asked for an update on Lodging Tax Advisory Committee spending, and summarized successful downtown events.
Several public commenters addressed the council Aug. 26 with items ranging from a student-built walkability data tool to concerns about smoking on downtown plazas and requests for lodging-tax transparency.
Gil Resin, a fourth-year Washington State University undergraduate and head of the Student Local Advocacy Pullman Organization, presented a data tool he developed that scores every city road for pedestrian potential based on road noise and topography. Resin said the tools spring validation matched in-person testing and that the data can help the city target investments "to produce a strong interconnected walking network." He offered to provide the data to the city clerk and council.
A representative identified as Jandy, speaking for Promote Pullman, requested that smoking be prohibited on the plazas after an incident where smoke affected nearby diners. Jandy also requested an update on a public records request about the Lodging Tax Advisory Committees revenues and expenses.
Bobby Ryder of the Downtown Pullman Association provided an update on summer events, including Coug orientation tabling and a Lentil Friday event that he said brought customers into downtown businesses. Ryder said some businesses reported stronger sales than last year and that event attendance and foot traffic metrics are being compiled.
Why it matters: The walkability tool could inform pedestrian and bike infrastructure investments; smoking rules and LTAC transparency affect downtown visitor experience and funding oversight.
Ending: The mayor and council encouraged the public to submit materials to the city clerk; council member Weller recommended connecting the student developer with local bike-ability nonprofit leadership for partnership opportunities.
