City Council and Plan Commission are undertaking an evaluation of the Multi-Family Tax Exemption. Public input is being sought and the first open house will be held February 3, 2017. Questions regarding the topic may be sent to Planner Teri Stripes tstripes@spokanecity.org.
The City of Spokane is seeking input from citizens on the elements of a project to improve North Monroe Street that’s planned for construction in 2018. The project runs from just north of Indiana to Kiernan near the top of the Garland hill.
A public open house is scheduled on the project on Thursday, January 26 from 4 to 7 pm at Knox Presbyterian Church (806 W Knox).
A citizens advisory board met for about six months in 2016 to refine the project, which is designed to create a more livable community that serves all users of the street—from business and property owners to pedestrians and neighborhood residents to motorists and transit users.
“This project is about balancing four considerations—safety, traffic needs, business health, and neighborhood health,” says Scott Simmons, the City’s Public Works & Utilities Division Director. “This corridor has long been identified for revitalization, and this project will serve multiple transportation needs while providing for economic health, neighborhood beautification, and safety.”
The project includes a reconfiguration of the street to two travel lanes with a center turn lane, down from four tight travel lanes and a narrow center lane today from about Shannon to Cora. The project also will include curb bumpouts at intersections that reduce pedestrian crossing distances, enhanced crossings at three locations with flashing yellow beacons, pedestrian lighting, and a climbing lane on the hill. The current tight on-street parking will be widened for easier use and spaces will be added. Sidewalks will be widened.
In addition to the open house, the City is developing an online feedback tool that describes the various elements of the project, and then provides a survey for citizens to fill out. The online tool is expected to be launched about a week prior to the public meeting. More information on the project is found on the City’s web site.
Spokane Arts just launched a brand new grants program called the Spokane Arts Grant Awards (SAGA).
Individuals, neighborhood groups, organizations, heritage groups or collectives—in all arts disciplines—are invited to apply for grants of up to $10,000 each. Multiple grants will be awarded.
Applications and additional information are available at this page. The application deadline is Wednesday, February 1. Awards will be announced on March 1 of this year.
Need help with the grant application forms? Sign up here on Brown Paper Tickets to attend the free grant-application workshop on Wednesday, January 18 (4 to 5:30pm) at the Downtown Spokane Public Library.
For answers to basic info about SAGA, check out these FAQs. Still got questions? Contact Grants Administrator Jennifer Knickerbocker at jennifer@spokanearts.org.
All are welcome to attend a Police & Community Forum on January 17, from 6-9 pm, at The Service Station, 9315 N Nevada St, Spokane, WA 99218. Its purpose is to create an opportunity for dialogue between law enforcement and the community and to build trust.
The forums have been very helpful in opening up dialogue, and will include a panel discussion, a question and answer time with the audience, and small-group facilitated discussion.
Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend. Please feel free to share this information with others.
All are welcome to attend a Police & Community Forum on November 17, at 6 pm, at East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone St. Its purpose is to create an opportunity for dialogue between law enforcement and the community and to build trust.
The evening begins with panel discussion. Panels are made up of community members and law enforcement (both Spokane Police and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office) employees. Later, everyone breaks into small groups to discuss. The small-group discussion allows for better dialogue and more personal interactions. Panel members stay afterward to talk to people who have more questions/concerns.
The forums have been very helpful in opening up dialogue. Participant comments were overwhelmingly positive for all the forums, especially since the addition of small-group discussion. At the most recent forum, 82% agreed that the event helped build their trust. 89% of participants agreed that the event gave the community a chance to be heard.
Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend. Please feel free to share this information with others.