SPOKANE, Wash. – In a resolution passed Monday, Spokane City Council members are urging the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to delay the transfer of 160 acres of woodlands off Thorpe Road to a developer.
This move could lead to the construction of 1,000 new homes, sparking concerns among residents about increased traffic and inadequate fire prevention infrastructure.
City Council Member Paul Dillon told NonStop Local he shares concerns of many residents who want to preserve the natural area and voted in favor of the resolution.
“But with this land, especially, there is an ecological value to it. I think it means a lot to conservationists especially the Spokane Tribe [of Indians]. They’ve been very vocal in their feedback, they felt they were left out of this process,” Dillon said.
The proposed development has also raised issues about fire safety precautions in the Westwood Natural Area and limited traffic flow.
However, Council Members Jonathan Bingle and Michael Cathcart voted against the resolution.
“I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize our ability to provide housing to lessen the strain on our system. And [I want to] make housing more affordable,” Bingle said.
Bingle believes there are strategies to manage infrastructure effectively.
“The way we correct, in my mind, is not through our current budget process, because there is not a single amount of money that we could afford to that,” Binle said.
Bingle suggests implementing a “tax increment financing district” or “TIF” district.
“If there’s an increase in tax-base… all of that is re-invested in that area,” Bingle said.
This approach would allow Spokane to use revenue bonds to secure $50-$100 million upfront for infrastructure investment, enabling concurrent housing development.
However, Bingle emphasized that without the land, the TIF would not be feasible.
“I think that there’s a way we can assuage neighbors’ legitimate safety concerns while allowing development out there. It’s good for the city. But I’m worried we’re gonna blow it,” Bingle said.
“I think it’s really unfortunate that they’re trying to kind of insert themselves in this decision when really, for the folks that live there, and who have these concerns, or the impacted residents, their voices are the ones that need to be centered,” Bingle said.
The DNR will hold a meeting on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Downtown Spokane Library to discuss the land transfer and future plans.
Blue Fern LLC, the developer involved, told NonStop Local they will provide more information and comments on Wednesday.
