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Residents press Spokane council on Sunset Bridge repairs, Latah area fire access and funding options
Summary
West Hills and Grandview‑Thorpe residents urged the council to prioritize repairs to the Sunset Bridge and coordinated infrastructure for the Latah/Grandview area; council members cited a $63 million repair estimate, WSDOT oversight, and charter limits on bonding while discussing tax increment financing and county coordination.
Residents from West Hills, Grandview‑Thorpe and other neighborhoods told the town hall they remain concerned about access, fire safety and infrastructure as new housing developments proceed near Latah and Sunset areas.
Robert Thompson, who spoke for West Hills Neighborhood Council, said the Sunset Bridge is "in major disrepair" and an "eyesore" and urged continued advocacy for repairs. A council member said the most recent figure they are citing for the repair need is $63,000,000 and that Spokane Regional Transportation Council and Facilities are monitoring the bridge; the speaker also said the bridge had an inspection last year and is currently safe to cross.
Residents and council members pressed for better intergovernmental coordination. Council members noted WSDOT and the Spokane Regional Transportation Council are involved and that some access questions intersect with county roads. Speakers said the Latah sub‑area plan (funded with ARPA dollars) and the planned Leitah (Latah) sub‑area engagement are intended to address growth, but they also said concurrency with fire and joint planning with the county must be strengthened.
One council member emphasized financing constraints and options. He referenced "section 85 of our charter" as restricting certain bonding authority and described tax increment financing (TIF) and other measures as potential mechanisms to capture development‑driven revenue for infrastructure. "Based on state laws, based on property laws, you know, property rights, the development out there is gonna happen," he said, adding the city has the option of using bonds or charter amendments to fund capital projects but that action requires council and public choices.
Council members said city staff will complete a TIF study and that the Latah sub‑area plan and other traffic‑calming projects are being advanced; they urged residents to continue reporting safety issues and to attend upcoming public meetings on planning and concurrency. No final financing decision was made at the town hall.
