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Short Land Use Study on North Monroe – Volunteers needed

Short Land Use Study on North Monroe – Volunteers needed

The City of Spokane is initiating a short land-use study process regarding the North Monroe Corridor and the residential uses around it which is being led by Kara Mowery and Kevin Freibott at the City Neighborhood and Planning Services Department.

At this point, the North Monroe Corridor has been designated and planned, and the City has updated its Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code policies accordingly.  However, when the City considers the transition between the Corridor and the surrounding Emerson-Garfield neighborhood, as well as the current extreme need for housing in the City and the opportunities presented by unique centers like North Monroe, the City Council and the planning staff feel it might be worthwhile to explore changing some of the land uses and zoning around the corridor.  That might mean more medium-density residential zones in the immediate vicinity of the Corridor or it might mean another more specialized solution.

The City of Spokane looking to convene a stakeholder committee, a small group (~10) of dedicated individuals willing to meet three or four times to discuss the issues and develop possible solutions.  The City of Spokane is in a bit of a bind because the timeline for this study is rather short. The City would like to have a proposal identified by the end of the year, so the meetings will be taking place between October 28 and November 15. Dates and times TBD. Interested parties may also attend these initial stakeholder meetings to observe the process; the City of Spokane will have a window at the end of each meeting to hear comments from any members of the public who would like to speak.  

The stakeholder group will be focused on developing a proposed plan of action that would achieve the following:

  • Consider land use changes by engaging neighborhood stakeholders and exploring alternatives.
  • Focus on providing a transition between CC and residential zoning in appropriate locations to reduce land use conflicts between neighbors.
  • Consider allowing mixed-use and multifamily uses where not currently allowed (rezone?).
  • Support recent investments in transit and infrastructure on North Monroe with additional nearby housing opportunities.
  • Support walkable and cohesive public realm on cross and parallel streets to Monroe.

This is a map the City of Spokane has made showing the zoning around the corridor as well as the bus stops, one of the many factors the City is look at when considering these kinds of projects. The City of Spokane working on some background research and information and will shortly have a webpage and informational materials for everyone to read and engage with. 

In the meantime, all are welcome to provide input in a variety of ways during this process, including by calling (509.625.6146), emailing (kmowery@spokanecity.org), filling out the online survey (to be posted shortly), or by attending a City of Spokane public workshop at the end of the year.

The City of Spokane will be posting all of this information to the webpage:  https://my.spokanecity.org/projects/transitional-residential-uses-on-north-monroe-corridor-project/. 

Interested parties may also attend these initial stakeholder meetings to observe the process; the City of Spokane will have a window at the end of each meeting to hear comments from any members of the public who would like to speak.  

snowy street
Snow Season 2019

Snow Season 2019

It is heading toward snow season again. The City of Spokane created a great resource page for residents that includes a real-time snow removal map, plowing procedures, parking and sidewalks information, and additional resources.

Don’t forget that snow season is November 15 – March 15. Citizens are asked to park on the odd side of the street in residential areas for the entire snow season.

The City is asking citizens to clear a 36-inch path to allow pedestrians to travel effectively, with a goal of completion by 9 a.m. after a snowfall. Citizens are asked to clear ADA ramps and to clear a pedestrian path even if no sidewalk exists. Seniors or disabled individuals who can’t maintain their own sidewalks can call 3-1-1 to get information on available volunteer services.

Also, view this presentation for more helpful information.

bicyclists riding on bike lanes
Volunteer Opportunity – Help Build Spokane’s Pop-Up Cycle Track!

Volunteer Opportunity – Help Build Spokane’s Pop-Up Cycle Track!

The City of Spokane will install a temporary two-way cycle track, or protected bike lane, on Spokane Falls Boulevard. This popup pilot will test a cycle track as a protected bikeway that supports people of all ages and abilities. It will be installed on Saturday, Sept 28th and removed on the following Saturday, Oct 5th.  They need your help if this is to be successful!

They are looking for people willing to help stripe and install the temporary barriers, direct cyclists, survey users, and take down the material at the end of the pilot. They are also looking for artists who are interested in creating stencils and/or other art to beautify the project.

They have 2 primary goals:

  1. Connect the North Landing of the Gateway Bridge to the Cincinnati Greenway
  2. Test a two-way cycle track in Spokane to see how it works for our cyclists and drivers.

If this project is successful, they hope to continue using popup infrastructure as a way to demonstrate new and innovative ways to strengthen our cycling network.

If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, please sign up here.  Sign your name in the time slot(s) of your choice on the first sheet AND add your contact information on the second sheet.

Additional Details

  • Is Family Friendly
  • Is Outdoors
  • Inclement Weather Plan: You will be notified if this event will be affected by inclement weather.
  • This event requires additional sign-up

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Free Trees Available from City of Spokane Urban Forestry

Free Trees Available from City of Spokane Urban Forestry

We’d like to share an opportunity for you to receive a FREE tree for your yard.

Through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation’s Community Canopy program, the City’s Neighborhood Tree Program is giving away 500 trees this fall to help Spokane residents lower their energy costs, filter air and water pollutants, reduce stormwater runoff, and green-up your neighborhood. This is an exclusive offer for residents of the City of Spokane.

Order your new tree while supplies last! Choose from a variety of species including Chinese fringetree, Japanese snowbell, paperbark maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, and American Hornbeam. Your 1- to 3-foot tree will be shipped directly to your house, ready for planting, all at no charge. Watch this short video about what to expect and how to plant your new tree.


You can reserve your free tree today at www.arborday.org/spokane. Trees will be shipped directly to you in October. If you have questions or need a little help, call 855-234-3801 or email info@arborday.org.

Use the online tool to determine the best planting location in your yard for maximum savings on your energy bill. This tool will also show other benefits and savings that will result from planting your new tree. Trees must be planted within private property boundaries, not on any City of Spokane public property, street right-of-way, planting or parking strip. In exchange for the free tree, you are expected to plant it in the location provided by the online tool and provide ongoing care and water.

Thank you for supporting a healthy community tree canopy and enhancing our urban forest.

Bike events coming up

Bike events coming up

Popup Pilot

Great news… the City’s Popup Pilot has been confirmed!  They will be demonstrating a separated, two-way cycle track on Spokane Falls Boulevard from the north landing of the Gateway Bridge to the Cincinnati Greenway.  The temporary installation will go up on Saturday, September 28th and be in place for a week.  See map for details. The idea is to demonstrate how a cycle track works and if cyclists feel safer using a separated bike lane. 

Help Needed! Volunteers are needed to help set up the temporary cycle track, monitor the installment throughout the week, survey users, experience the cycle track and provide feedback, and take down the installment on the last day.  They are also looking for artists and creative types to help make stencils for wayfinding and beautify the project.  Please sign up on this sheet if you are interested in helping.

Cargo Bike Documentary

Motherload: a crowdsourced documentary about how cargo bikes will save the world.

On October 4th, the City is sponsoring a free showing of this documentary on cargo bikes. Wheel Sport has generously offered to bring a selection of cargo bikes for us to test-ride immediately before the movie showing from 4:30-5:15. 

Location: EWU Spokane Center Auditorium (cargo bike demo on campus behind building) 668 N Riverpoint Blvd

Time: 4:30-7pm

Wheel Sport will be demonstrating several types of cargo bikes on the EWU campus directly before the movie showing.  This is your opportunity to actually get on a cargo bike and test it out! Movie starts at 5:30pm and runs for 90 minutes.

Please forward the attached MOTHERLOAD press release to your affiliated organizations and to anyone who might be interested in attending this free event. 

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Eventbrite Ticket/Registration