Veterans Center: We could close because of a bike path

by Reed Andrews, KATU News

VANCOUVER, Wash. –

A veterans service center in Vancouver is planning to close or relocate due to a proposed protected bike path, which would eliminate street parking access.

"It will virtually bankrupt us," said Judy Russel, president of the Clark County Veterans Aid Center. "A lot of (our veterans) come here – they have canes or crutches – if they can not park in front of them, they will have no way to get here."

Westside's mobility strategy in Vancouver aims to increase traffic safety by improving pedestrian infrastructure and adding bike lanes.

As part of this plan, a three-kilometer stretch of Columbia Street from Esther Short Park at 45th Street West would include a protected bike path.

"It connects so many key destinations that people would like to visit," said Jennifer Campos, Vancouver's principal transportation coordinator.

Russel says the city has suggested leaving veterans who she serves in adjacent streets, but a walk at half-height could discourage some disabled veterans from asking for help.

"If veterans can not come in here, they can not get help," Russel said. "They can not take all our parking to create a safe route for cyclists and give us nothing – it's not just for veterans."

Vancouver Mayor Bart Hansen says he understands the concerns of the Veterans Center and that the city's outreach efforts will aim to find a compromise that will work in the months ahead.

Hansen grew up near Columbia Street, in the Carter Park neighborhood. He says the city must find the difficult balance between meeting the people's existing needs and planning for the sustainable future of future generations.

"What we are trying to achieve are safe modes of transport for all modes of transport," Hansen said. "The decisive test is, would I put my daughter on a sharrow (unprotected bike lane) on a major or minor artery? The answer is no."