On March 17, the Spokesman-Review published an article regarding a tower project being proposed by developer Mick McDowell that incorrectly linked a pledge Mr. McDowell had made for the proposed whitewater park to negotiations between he and the City over the permitting of the tower.

The Spokesman-Review reported a donation of $7,500 to the Whitewater Park as a condition the City placed in a development agreement for Mick McDowell’s proposed project above Peaceful Valley. (March 17)
We did not—and would not—request that a donation to the Whitewater Park be included in any development agreement, for this or any other project.
Our board considered the McDowell project over a year ago. We take no position on it because we do not see a sufficient relationship between the McDowell project and the Whitewater Park or other aspects of the Great Gorge Master Plan. Likewise, we do not see the Whitewater Park as mitigating neighborhood concerns about the McDowell project.
In our fundraising efforts, we necessarily solicit businesses, including developers. Our fundraising efforts span the community--including neighborhoods, individuals, Avista, Mountain Gear, and others.
These organizations support us without strings attached to their generosity because the whole community benefits when we collectively focus our attention on our beautiful river and its central role in our community’s history, culture, health, recreation, economy, and quality of life.
With the community’s support, we will succeed in activating the river corridor to enhance its benefits for all of us.
Barb Chamberlain
President, Friends of the Falls Board of Directors