River Park Square Issue On Council Agenda Tonight

The Spokane City Council is expected to vote today on an ordinance that could pave the way for the $100 million redevelopment of River Park Square in downtown Spokane.

The ordinance would allow city parking meter money to be used to help pay land rent and maintenance and operations costs for the shopping center’s parking garage if money generated by the garage itself doesn’t cover those expenses.

Two weeks ago, the council voted unanimously to allow a non-profit corporation created by River Park Square’s owners to issue revenue bonds to buy the shopping center’s expanded garage. The garage will be leased to and operated by a public development authority created by the city.

Revenue from the garage will be used to pay back the bonds over 21 years.

Also tonight, the council will hold its fourth televised town hall meeting.

Council members will hear from residents about what’s going on in four neighborhoods - Latah Creek, Browne’s Addition, Peaceful Valley and downtown.

An extended public forum in which residents will be able to talk about their concerns is scheduled at the end of the meeting.

A briefing for council members will take place at 3:30 p.m. in the lower-level conference room of City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

The meeting will start at 6 p.m. in the council chambers.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: MEETING The City Council will meet today at 6 p.m. in City Hall.