For approximately two years, the City of Spokane has been working on updating its Shoreline Master Program, a critical document for our river and shoreline areas. Friends of the Falls has been involved from day one.
But a State deadline approaches, and it’s time for another City-sponsored open house to allow for community feedback on progress. It’s set for Wednesday, May 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in Mason Auditorium at the West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt. (GMap)
The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) was first drafted 30 years ago and addresses such issues as environmental protection and restoration of shoreline areas, economic development, shorelines uses and access to waterways. For more on the document, see the City’s project-specific website, accessible here.
Board Vice-Chair Travis Nichols reports there are some compelling issues being discussed and in need community input, including the current debate on high-rise towers versus medium-height, mixed-use development along shorelines, designations for key sites in the Gorge, and more.
Want to provide input on how the City should manage development along the shorelines of the Spokane River and Hangman (Latah) Creek? Want to review existing or proposed environmental designations for shorelines, or help shape the goals, policies, and regulations that’ll go along with those designations? Show up and voice your thoughts!
Even if you can’t make Wednesday’s meeting, be sure to check out the City’s progress at spokaneplanning.org, then email your comments to shorelines@spokanecity.org - or give project manager Jo Anne Wright a call, at 509-625-6017.
