Emerson Garfield

April Neighborhood Council Meeting Recap

April 30, 2014 Emerson Garfield

This is a quick recap of the Emerson-Garfield Neighborhood Council meeting that took place on April 9, 2014. For the full minutes (PDF), please click here.

Deacon Dan of Knox Presbyterian Church (site of the Emerson-Garfield Farmers’ Market) gave a short talk about Knox Pres. He said that Knox is a small church with dwindling numbers and they want to make everyone aware of the church and the facilities they offer. Anyone in the neighborhood is welcome to take a tour. You can contact him at (509) 869-0339.

The next presentation was from Don Walker of the Spokane Firefighters Union. He talked about the history of the Union, which started in 1918, and more urgent issues such as low funding, lack of staff and outdated equipment. The purpose of the presentation was to begin a conversation about what the citizens want in their fire department.

Alicia Powell from the city’s Office of Neighborhood Services was the next speaker. She talked about stormwater mitigation and planting 10,000 trees in the next two years. In addition to the street-tree planting event scheduled for April 19, she has plans for more tree planting, such as on vacant public lands as well as residential tree planting.

The election of new officers resulted in Bryce Morrison becoming the new secretary, replacing the inimitable Stan Burke.

The EGNC voted to support the North Hill developers’ agreement to address the city-owned property on Cora.

City Councilwoman Candace Mumm discussed the Market Garden Ordinance and its potential effects as well as urban growth and a new crosswalk ordinance. A brief question and answer period followed.

Corbin Senior Center reported that it has two new heaters thanks in part to the support from the EGNC. Corbin has also ordered a new van after years of fundraising but no delivery date is available. The Pancake ‘n’ More event is was April 19, and the Corbin Golf Scramble is on June 6 at Indian Canyon. Also, volunteer drivers are needed.

Garbage Czar Karl Boldt gave the report for the upcoming Spring Cleanup on Saturday, May 10. More volunteers are needed. That event will take place before the next neighborhood meeting so it is hoped everyone who can help out will be there. To volunteer or request more info, call Karl at (509) 325-3031.

Neighborhood Planning announced a Business Outreach Event on April 17 at CSL Plasma to solicit feedback from neighborhood business owners.

Jay Cousins reported on the Community Assembly. They are concerned with how the CDBG funds are being distributed. All neighborhoods are now eligible for the funds, which increases the competition. Furthermore, neighborhoods are now re-evaluated every year for eligibility. A pot of $700,000 is left in the CDBG funding this year but it is for “shovel-ready” projects and the 30-day clock to apply is ticking.

Lois Musser reported on the Emerson Community Garden. Anyone who would like to join is welcome and everyone who joins equally reaps the benefits of the harvest.

Before the meeting closed, Rusty Vlahovich presented a sympathy card for everyone to sign for Ed Reid in memory of his wife Sally, who passed away last month. Sally was the EGNC’s Community Development Coordinator and served on the council for many years. Sally is a light that was extinguished too soon and she will be missed and fondly remembered.

Futurewise Land Use Workshop (May 1)

April 28, 2014 Emerson Garfield

Do you know what to do to protect your quality of life when the “Proposed Land Use Action” sign goes up in your neighborhood?

Hint: The answer is not to write "Are you kidding?" on the sign. — Hint: The answer is not to write “Are you kidding?” on the sign.

Futurewise is hosting a free workshop on Thursday, May 1 to answer that very question. It’s called “Navigating Permitting Processes in Your Neighborhood” and will take place at the Downtown Spokane Library (906 W Main Ave) at 2:30pm.

Tim Trohimovich, Futurewise’s Director of Planning & Law, will discuss how to navigate SEPA and permitting processes. Tim grew up in Aberdeen and has more than 25 years of growth management experience. Before working for Futurewise he was Comprehensive Planning Division Manager at the City of Redmond, where he participated in GMA appeals and worked extensively with citizens, elected officials and planners.

To confirm your attendance or ask questions about the event, contact Kitty Klitzke, the Eastern Washington Program Director at Futurewise.

Mayor Recognizes E-G, Announces Tree Initiative

April 26, 2014 Emerson Garfield

Yesterday Spokane Mayor David Condon launched a new initiative to beautify neighborhoods with the addition of trees and green infrastructure.

That initiative, called Forest Spokane, is an effort to plant, protect and appreciate the trees that paint a canopy of vibrant colors in our city. The goal is to plant 10,000 new trees over the next two years as part of a broader integrated stormwater management effort.

Spokane was also honored today as a Tree City USA community by the national Arbor Day Foundation. It is one of 3,400 cities so recognized for the time, focus and commitment to establishing, maintaining and growing its urban forest.

As a jumpstart to Forest Spokane, the City will hand out 300 seedlings to City Hall visitors next week. The mayor also announced the reinvigoration of the Tree of Life program as another way to add new trees to our neighborhoods across the City.

The Tree of Life program traces its roots back nearly 20 years as a community effort to replace aging and damaged trees and add to Spokane’s colorful canopy. Over the years, school students, community organizations and corporations have rallied efforts to plant trees.

Names of contributors are commemorated on a carved wood and bronze Tree of Life sculpture at the top of the stairs to the City Council Chambers in recognition of their efforts. The mayor added a golden leaf to the Tree of Life to recognize the work of a dozen Emerson-Garfield neighborhood volunteers who planted trees on North Maple Street last Saturday as part of Spokane Gives.

Information about how to get involved in the tree planting effort is available at SpokaneUrbanForestry.org.

Garden Plant Sale (May 3 & 4)

April 23, 2014 Emerson Garfield

The Father’s Table (1718 N Lincoln) — a philanthropic garden here in Emerson-Garfield; you might recognize them as a summer vendor at the Emerson-Garfield Farmers’ Market — will be holding a Garden Plant Sale on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4 between 9am and 5pm on both days.

Here are some of the starts on offer:

Tomatoes: Beefsteak, Early Girl, Roma and cherry, Ukrainian
Peppers: Anaheim, jalapeño, sweet (various colors)
Herbs: Basil
Marigolds and zinnias
Plus homemade soaps and lip balms

The Father’s Table always has prices that are more than reasonable. There will also be some visiting vendors with various wares at this event.

For more info, visit the link above or call Anne on (509) 368-0752.

Groupon at Petunia’s Marketplace

April 22, 2014 Emerson Garfield

In case you’ve missed it, for a little while longer Petunia’s Marketplace here in Emerson-Garfield is offering a Groupon deal for Italian cured meats paired with handmade artisan chocolates and red and white wines.

In fact, there are three deals available:

$8 for a charcuterie plate with handmade artisan chocolates & one red and white wine sample for one person (up to a $16 value)
$16 for a charcuterie plate with handmade artisan chocolates & one red and white wine sample for two people (up to a $32 value)
$32 for a charcuterie plate with handmade artisan chocolates & one red and white wine sample for four people (up to a $64 value)

If you haven’t been to Petunia’s yet, or if you’re looking for another reason to return, this Groupon is a pretty tempting offer. The shop’s Easter flower and chocolate festival last weekend drew plenty of customers in search of quality handmade chocolate bunnies.

Oh, and is your neighborhood business offering a Groupon or similar deal? Be sure to let us know so we can mention it.