The landowner of a 3.77-acre parcel, just west of Shelley Lake and north of Central Valley High School at 15818 E. Fourth Ave., is proposing to build 41 townhomes. SR photo/J. Bart Rayniak

First of all, let me apologize for being MIA from the blog a lot this week. I was moving my base of operations and have spent a lot of time packing and unpacking files. But I'm all settled in now, so it's back to normal. Today's Valley Voice is full of news stories, including one from reporter Lisa Leinberger on the fun High 5 program at Evergreen Middle School. Nearly all the students have signed a pledge to stay drug free and participate in High 5 events.

Valleyfest organizers are worried about the future of the annual festival in the aftermath of the decision by the Spokane Valley City Council not to grant lodging tax funding. There will be a second round of applications accepted, but organizers worry it may be too late. This week the council also had a lengthy discussion on the city's street maintenance contract and whether the term is too long and if the contract should be re-bid.

A hearing was held last week on a proposed 41 townhome development just west of Shelley Lake on Fourth Ave. Neighbors spoke against the project because they believe it violates a developer's agreement negotiated between Spokane Valley and the property owner. A decision on whether to approve the plan for the development should come within two weeks.

Lisa also has a report on the Liberty Lake City Council budget discussions this week. The council decided to have a special meeting next week to discuss it further.

---

---