City Council debates future of vital open space

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the designation of open space in relation to a development application by the property owner, Excelsior. The applicant is seeking to classify a portion of the site as conservation open space, a designation intended for areas that are publicly owned and protected from development. However, it was noted that the site may be more appropriately classified as potential open space, which indicates areas identified for future protection but not yet acquired by a public entity.

The distinction between conservation and potential open space is significant, as conservation areas are actively protected, while potential areas highlight locations that require future consideration for preservation. The Spokane tribe, which has an existing agreement with Excelsior to protect the area, expressed no concerns regarding the application, although they requested an inadvertent discovery plan for any cultural resources that may be uncovered during development.

Public comments revealed a mix of support and concern from local residents. Some expressed worries about the loss of natural habitat and increased traffic due to the proposed development, while others raised issues related to trespassing and encroachment from individuals accessing the site. Residents of Hillside Park, located adjacent to the proposed development, voiced specific concerns about potential impacts on their open space area, fearing that increased activity could lead to trespassing.

City officials clarified that designating the area as open space does not imply any intent to seize private land, emphasizing that the proposal is merely a planning tool to highlight areas for future consideration. They also noted that the Hillside Park area is already subject to multiple layers of protection, including conditions set by the hearing examiner and homeowners association covenants, which mandate that the land remains open space.

In conclusion, while the proposal for open space designation is under review, city staff recommended excluding a specific portion of Hillside Park from the application, citing existing protections that adequately safeguard the area. The ongoing discussions reflect the community's desire to balance development with the preservation of natural and cultural resources.