[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6164558,"mediaKeyId","5428276-cdb17622545a00a9c62be808b9d998ef","parentId",5428276,"title","BAB recommends denial of two right-of-way vacation requests, citing pedestrian and bicycle access concerns","audioSeconds",895,"startMs",4587000,"endMs",5482000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5428276-cdb17622545a00a9c62be808b9d998ef&start=4587&end=5482","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5428276-cdb17622545a00a9c62be808b9d998ef/thumbnail_4587000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6164558/Spokane/Spokane-County/Washington/BAB-recommends-denial-of-two-right-of-way-vacation-requests-citing-pedestrian-and-bicycle-access-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164558-7c090964f1449bfcd54e67d459e65b4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775400483&Signature=mKNUYYX1-Ym25LQFLOsQhxAY~8Z-ftrfZ4OES8kCEEPnMi6CmoBE6-5WbBzahK-te7WYZ-i~2qM02Vt6f8wq8FQwPsbEoz4eyu611gYRm2YZ~bi2HhUTGPV0UxUC8UPzdzZh4F083I~i3UjE1C~pw34Sb0RgtQt6pskjexXcde3oHg3G9pnI2BGUPMhox6vvF~-hKUfo1zEpwq0~kEUtqCLirsBfqMoXCbz0SP4sd5952bMNXYFG-7fERkbQGb4UDPehWmaKSbJMyhaQJYrReclM3H47QkTIVcW7DljOmUL7LdjfZEicszfj4Li95egFjLgdPwipYJiXZcY36ERRkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Spokane City, WA","date","2025-07-19T01:01:55.203Z","article","The Spokane Bicycle Advisory Board voted to recommend denial of two city right-of-way vacation applications after discussion about the effect each would have on neighborhood pedestrian and bicycle access.

At issue were (1) a request by Trinity School (Carlisle & Cedar) to vacate a short block of public right-of-way for an expanded playground and parking; and (2) a request from Gonzaga Preparatory to vacate an alley behind its campus. Board members said both vacations would remove mid-block connectivity used by pedestrians and bicyclists and could create longer, less direct routes.

Board members raised several concerns during discussion: the Trinity School parcel sits in a place where Cedar provides a parallel neighborhood connection and closing that piece would create a three-block gap in local connectivity with limited alternate routes; the school’s plan appeared to fence playground space and to concentrate parking on the remaining parcel, limiting public access. Several members noted the application packet contained only a site sketch and little supporting documentation about access or proposed mitigation.

Charlie, a public speaker, told the board he has ridden Cedar as a through-route and said losing that connection would “create quite a bit of another impediment to traveling that way.” Board members also cited pedestrian safety and the project’s potential to interrupt neighborhood greenway continuity.

After discussion the board took two separate motions (one for each vacation request) to recommend the city deny the vacations. For both items the board recorded a motion and second and then voted; the chair called the vote and announced the motions carried.

Why this matters: vacation of public right-of-way is permanent—once vacated and sold the city would no longer hold the right-of-way for future public use without reacquisition. Board members urged caution where short-block connectivity supports pedestrian and bicycle circulation and suggested staff require clearer mitigation plans or retention of public easements if vacations proceed.

The board asked staff to include stronger documentation and clear access plans in any future resubmissions, and to notify the BAB if applicants return with amended proposals. The final decision rests with city council.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 15th, 2025 Bicycle Advisory Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Spokane Bicycle Advisory Board voted to recommend denial of two right-of-way vacation requests — one at Carlisle & Cedar from Trinity School and another for an alley near Gonzaga Preparatory — citing worries about lost pedestrian and bicycle connectivity.","taxTitle","Spokane, Spokane County, Washington","taxId",2644,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6164564,"City completes 30% design for Pacific Avenue Greenway; staff weighs bridge over Sprague Way versus at-grade route",505,2915000,3420000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5428276-cdb17622545a00a9c62be808b9d998ef&start=2915&end=3420","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5428276-cdb17622545a00a9c62be808b9d998ef/thumbnail_2915000.jpg","/articles/6164564/Spokane/Spokane-County/Washington/City-completes-30-design-for-Pacific-Avenue-Greenway-staff-weighs-bridge-over-Sprague-Way-versus-at-grade-route","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164564-499faf0d3f9a583fae3f586fb8b5d24a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775400483&Signature=JYAjpTWc5jPOw0ENrjUAeLuWJ569ue32kzNNrMqIRpa-qXqHZoN0c7MgLITCt-IehvbWxFYCe204vI5PDxYR~kbgqMLbniC-A9KfLGPy6Vv0ZSO8aYu-TX3uwCUKbdpA~asAFRcrsI2vL8y-ucYxsQnfYxcXCPTz-qfy5MH04drKPrlX9G-IJDRvLF1lNmcbU2nY~WfTnDlXlwFN8xrI-P4YdNAFf3JdCGhrd-QdTApuyXvbsoOTKoXHMZ-bn9mIvazgLWSn9PC-pz3hSPC6KqniTKHb1KXk46i2DOCyyen1yNN732zGipvgAUE1OwvuWgPit-xBZ8NMYIVo1flY6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented the 30% design for the Pacific Avenue Greenway to the Bicycle Advisory Board and sought final comments before advancing to full design and funding. The project aims to connect the University District Gateway Bridge through East Sprague to the Ben Burr Trail with a mix of neckdowns, shared-use path and crossing improvements.

Staff said phase 1 (Washington to Sherman) is funded and out to bid for construction next spring; signals at Browman and Division are included to add bike/pedestrian activation at what staff called some of the city’s highest-risk crossings near the House of Charity. The 30% design for phase 2 favors neck-down traffic calming on approaches and a shared-use path under the Hamilton Overpass to Sprague Way, with crossings and curb extensions at key intersections.

Project consultants (KPFF and TOUL design) returned with an alternate bridge option that would angle ramps beginning midway down Pacific Avenue to cross Sprague Way. Staff said the consultant estimated the prefabricated-bridge option could reduce costs compared with a conventional bridge; the consultant gave an illustrative estimate — “it would bring it down to, like, 8 to 10,000,000,” a staff speaker relayed — compared with a higher conventional estimate.

Why this matters: the alignment decision affects long-term usability for bicyclists and pedestrians and the project’s timeline and cost. Board members noted a prefabricated bridge could raise long-term usability even if it raises near-term costs and could delay delivery. Staff asked board members to review the memo in the meeting packet and submit final comments to the project liaison; staff said this 30% design is needed to secure final design and construction funding.

No formal board vote was taken; staff requested comments and said they will incorporate feedback before pursuing final design funding.","City staff presented the 30% design for the Pacific Avenue Greenway, which would connect the University District Gateway Bridge to East Sprague and the Ben Burr Trail using neck-downs, curb extensions and a shared-use path under the Hamilton Overpass.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6164569,"West Central neighborhood wins design funding; TIF, ARPA, quick-builds target traffic calming and greenways",239,1490000,1729000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5428276-cdb17622545a00a9c62be808b9d998ef&start=1490&end=1729","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5428276-cdb17622545a00a9c62be808b9d998ef/thumbnail_1490000.jpg","/articles/6164569/Spokane/Spokane-County/Washington/West-Central-neighborhood-wins-design-funding-TIF-ARPA-quick-builds-target-traffic-calming-and-greenways","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164569-6f029afccc20714388e4f8de750d1e93/orig.mp4?Expires=1775400483&Signature=n47KppCrdXJrQSsUm880s5-B67iiFCavLKa7SKZ3yaZYYlpUO3Lgu-uq~V-PknEjvsJMdJqcGU9L9wQzYgGwJISYXnkr5K2xZKIoNJ5oMtziYAKtd54Kpt10s0~HNW4MFRwKmWnRISETjNf0ChQtMq0JoxGJ5YDWtenQz36maxFlqhyGGiKKiL7ggSFTBSVFuLwyaTwGok405RryWYM4a8SbepTjru6VCKeVjZt4The9qfwJl8nw4vnUu-Dk4cdXUvnGq48Y2k7EPp~~PtV~CCBmjY8lZY0lTycl2gk-ZGm~Bf18F2CVAqhMS5Ud1Vdy2MsNk2wwOARgBJc0vrpJ4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Bicycle Advisory Board that the West Central neighborhood has secured design funding to move a set of neighborhood traffic-calming and bicycle projects toward construction-ready documents, using a mix of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars.

The initiative originated with neighborhood leaders who asked the city to review previously listed TIF projects that were never built and to reprioritize and update a fundable list. Colin, a project presenter, said the TIF district currently holds about “a million, million and a half right now in the bank” and that neighborhood representatives were embedded in the project management team during 2023–2024 outreach and concept development.

Major priorities on the winnowed list include protected bike lanes on Broadway, Elm and Chestnut greenways, traffic calming on Dean and Boone, sidewalk infill and crossing improvements at Maple and Ash and Maxwell. Kittelson and Associates served as the lead consultant; Cascadia Grama was retained as an economic subconsultant to model how a package of improvements could raise neighborhood development potential without displacing existing residents.

City staff said three to four projects will use ARPA funds to reach final design, and several top projects have been identified as candidates for paint-and-post quick builds paired with the city's 27-by-27 bicycle priority network. Staff noted one funding constraint: elements of the Safe Streets for All implementation grant that described bike infrastructure have been removed from that federal funding stream, prompting staff to design interim solutions such as wide shoulders that can later be converted to protected bike lanes.

Why this matters: neighborhood-driven lists and TIF funding can fold local traffic-calming and biking projects into economic development strategies; the board was asked to review the designs as they reach 100% design and to support quick-build pilots that advance the Elm Street greenway this year.

No formal vote was taken; staff sought advice and questions from board members and said the next steps include final design bidding and coordination with grant-funded bus-stop improvements on Broadway.","City staff told the Bicycle Advisory Board that the West Central Tax Increment Financing district has funded concept and design work for traffic calming, greenways and protected bicycle facilities. Neighborhood advocacy drove the project list; ARPA funds are now supporting final design for several top priorities.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6164573,"Resident says 9 Mile water-line work left no safe bike or pedestrian detour; BAB asks staff to follow up",157,129000,286000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5428276-cdb17622545a00a9c62be808b9d998ef&start=129&end=286","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5428276-cdb17622545a00a9c62be808b9d998ef/thumbnail_129000.jpg","/articles/6164573/Spokane/Spokane-County/Washington/Resident-says-9-Mile-water-line-work-left-no-safe-bike-or-pedestrian-detour-BAB-asks-staff-to-follow-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164573-07fbae5b34c0cc238bc55cf1d41f7293/orig.mp4?Expires=1775400483&Signature=NQSsnc8T0zgeLTn0spuWvO3rsQQ46UH82~ocHL-rV5w7~PEjTF3adY~9HOVX1sDJg2mIn9Ml8N9-Kdl7UwMZH1SGpTWRPPlotf5Sg~ADuscYnGGkYi9BHcVjwvbyHnQHfKdLRL-MxumN4Cxqy0-o1AofdyGASEjfp~l5KTHNkPkECOe4fgFf9coHSb-Asfk2NUKDYe-gINKyHYh5~cTbx184fBZaBbV7W52uYJF-PgxckxM~cbXQB8euilwfgkP0YGU8eKcAI8lDK9gKY8mLQXXU7mBZl-zmtkAHwC6hy-ApyXLNtHqlozCcq2IueYe1j0Gs~5hfwhN5vv7q4MMjCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Spokane resident raised safety concerns to the Bicycle Advisory Board on a city water-line project at 9 Mile, Francis and Assembly, saying construction crews left both the roadway and sidewalk torn up without an adequate bicycle or pedestrian detour. The commenter said the work has been in place for about a week and is expected to run at least until Aug. 15.

The issue matters, the commenter said, because the construction removes the normal bicycling route uphill and leaves no safe alternative: “there had been no combination made for cycling and in detours,” the commenter told the board during public comment. He said he had to ride in the traffic lane around construction equipment and a front loader while building crews used part of the roadway as a service area.

Board chair Lauren Penborn and staff liaison Tyler Cabral acknowledged the report from the public. Cabral confirmed there is a city bikeway design manual and directed the board to staff resources for reporting and follow-up. Colin, a staff member who later addressed the meeting, said the subject had been included previously in design standards: “it did make it into the design standards… on page 38,” he said, and agreed the on-site detour did not meet the standard described there.

Why this matters: detours for bicyclists and pedestrians are intended to be comparable to the facility being interrupted and to be in place before construction begins; board members said failing to do so exposes people to avoidable conflict with motor traffic. The board asked staff to identify how the detour requirement was not implemented and to follow up with the project team and city engineers.

City staff recommended two immediate options for residents: file a 311 report for hazards and send photographic documentation to the city planner liaison; the board also discussed the possibility of amending the city's design standards to include clearer, illustrated detour drawings along the lines of recently updated Portland guidance.

The board did not take a formal motion on the public comment; staff said they would investigate and report back. For residents, the next steps are to use the city's reporting channels and to send photos and locations to the city planner liaison so staff can escalate the issue to construction inspectors and the project manager.

Board members noted the issue arose during a period of multiple construction projects citywide and urged the city to ensure detour plans are in place before work starts.","A public commenter told the Spokane Bicycle Advisory Board that recent water-line work on 9 Mile at Francis and Assembly tore up sidewalks and left bicyclists and pedestrians without clearly planned detours. City staff acknowledged the design standard requires comparable detours and said they will investigate where the breakdown occurred.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

BAB recommends denial of two right-of-way vacation requests, citing pedestrian and bicycle access concerns

City completes 30% design for Pacific Avenue Greenway; staff weighs bridge over Sprague Way versus at-grade route

West Central neighborhood wins design funding; TIF, ARPA, quick-builds target traffic calming and greenways

Resident says 9 Mile water-line work left no safe bike or pedestrian detour; BAB asks staff to follow up