Browne’s Addition could get parks expansion

Park expansion in the Browne’s Addition neighborhood could start later this year under a pair of community development block grants available through the federal government.

Plans call for development of an overlook park along the west side of Coeur d’Alene Street from Riverside Avenue to Sunset Boulevard. The project would define and stabilize pathways along the steep embankment, which are having problems with erosion.

The neighborhood’s steering committee has proposed spending $20,000 with an equal amount being matched by the city’s Community Development Board.

The project is just one of dozens of proposals under consideration at both the neighborhood level and at City Hall for spending approximately $1 million in federal community block grant funds.

Across the city, the grants are used to support lower-income neighborhoods and the social service agencies that work with low-income residents.

Kevin Brownlee, of the city’s community development department, said the neighborhood committees that recommend the grants have done well at matching their needs with federal rules for spending the money. “We have a very savvy crowd out there,” he said of the steering committees’ work.

Browne’s Addition is also proposing to spend $3,000 for new street trees. The amount would be matched with $3,000 from the city’s Community Development Board.

Proposed projects in other neighborhoods include:

“The Downtown Neighborhood steering committee has proposed spending $18,000 to install a new roof and repair leaks at the Mid-City Senior Center, 1222 W. Second Ave.

“The East Central Neighborhood has proposed spending $12,000 for sidewalk construction at a new senior housing project near the East Central Community Center and $20,000 for fire protection systems at the community center.

“Cannon’s Addition wants to spend $28,400 for sidewalk repair with an additional $28,400 being provided by the CD board to match the neighborhood allocation.

“Latah Creek has proposed spending $11,250 on access improvements and cleanup of High Bridge Park with the amount being matched by the CD board for a total of $22,500.

“Peaceful Valley residents are proposing installation of new play equipment at Peaceful Valley Park for $16,250 with an equal match from the CD board for a total of $32,500.