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Neighbors split as council continues hearing on vacating Cedar Street for Trinity campus expansion
Summary
The council continued the hearing on a petition to vacate a portion of Cedar Street to allow Trinity Catholic School to expand its campus, after more than a dozen residents and parents testified both for and against. Councilors scheduled a continuation and said they would hold a site meeting and community discussion before returning.
The Spokane City Council took public testimony and continued the hearing on a proposed street vacation that would vacate the portion of Cedar Street between Carlisle Avenue and Montgomery Avenue, a move Trinity Catholic School says it needs to expand on-campus childcare and unified campus facilities.
Eighteen people testified during the hearing. Parents, school staff and supporters said vacation would create a closed, safer campus, allow on-site parking and develop playground and therapy space. Derek Baziotis, speaking as a parent, said vacating the street would “enable Trinity to create a more secure and closed campus, reducing traffic exposure and potential risks during drop off, pick up, and daily activities.” Trinity’s principal, Stacy Holcomb, said closing the street is “about protecting children, strengthening families, and serving our neighborhood well.”
Neighbors and nearby homeowners testified strongly against the vacation. Multiple residents said the proposal was effectively a private institution’s land grab that would remove a neighborhood connection, reduce on-street parking, and create safety and emergency-response issues. Opponents noted 38 immediate neighbors and 26 additional residents signed a petition in opposition, and the Emerson Garfield Neighborhood Council voted to oppose the vacation. Several city departments — including transportation, fire, and planning divisions — were recorded in the packet as opposing the vacation because it would remove a connective link for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles.
Speakers also raised property-value concerns and shading from a proposed two-story building that could affect rooftop solar. Trinity representatives and project contractors said the vacation is needed so a new building can meet size and zoning requirements and to create an on-site drop-off, parking and play area.
Council members said they wanted more time to visit the site, talk with neighbors, and explore possible compromises. Council member Zippone moved to continue the hearing; the council voted to continue the hearing and schedule an evening community meeting on Oct. 22 and to return on Nov. 3 for further consideration. Council members indicated they would gather additional department feedback and community input before making a decision.
