Community groups propose city grant projects

Improvements to parks, trails, COPS substations and neighborhood business areas are among projects being recommended for funding under this year’s federal community development block grant program.

Steering committees in each of 13 Spokane neighborhoods, designated as eligible for community development funds, have submitted recommendations on how to spend a $1 million share of block grant money. That money must be spent for facilities or programs serving the neighborhoods, comply with federal standards, and win approval of the City Council.

Council members are scheduled to consider the 2007 community development action plan on Monday. The program dates back to 1975.

Kevin Brownlee, of the city’s community development department, said the $1 million portion of the money is discretionary for the neighborhoods “to target the things that are really important to them.”

The neighborhood allocations are included in a citywide $4.3 million community development block grant, which provides money for community centers, housing rehabilitation, administration and other needs. All are designed to serve low-income neighborhoods and residents.

Hillyard and the Nevada-Lidgerwood neighborhoods get the largest shares of the discretionary money at $176,500 and $171,200 respectively.

Here are some of the highlights in this year’s proposed allocations by neighborhood steering committees:

“The Browne’s Addition Neighborhood wants $13,000 of its allocation for a water spray feature in Coeur d’Alene Park. That money would be matched with another $13,000 in citywide community development funds.

“The Downtown Neighborhood has recommended spending $16,945 to remodel the entryway of the COPS Downtown substation at 1201 W. First.

“East Central Neighborhood’s steering committee wants to spend $20,000 on a pair of projects to restore Olmsted Brothers historic features in old portions of Liberty Park and to improve access for Ben Burr Trail, which serves Liberty Park.

“The Hillyard Neighborhood is proposing $22,300 for a larger project to upgrade street and sidewalk amenities in the historic business area. Also, Hillyard residents are seeking $21,000 for improvements at Harmon Park.

“In the Latah Creek Neighborhood, improvements are proposed for access to High Bridge Park at a cost of $10,000.

“West Central Neighborhood is seeking $5,000 for improvements at its small at the top of T. J. Meenach Drive overlooking the Spokane River. The proposal calls for a matching $5,000 grant from the community development board. Also, $10,000 is being requested for a barbecue shelter and picnic tables at Cannon Park.