March 10, 2010 in City

Spokane council members not keen on YMCA options

Officials will likely reject county money, development plans

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Spokane City Council members are poised to reject Spokane County’s offer to buy the vacant Riverfront Park YMCA, a decision that could force the city to sell parkland or raise taxes to help offset the cost of the building.

Officials also say that they likely will decline proposals they received to redevelop the site for private use because they pose too much financial risk to the city.

“The proposals do not guarantee, in any way, financial return to the city,” Spokane’s Chief Financial Officer Gavin Cooley told council members.

In an interview Monday, Mayor Mary Verner, who supported using county Conservation Futures funding, said she sought other options because of a lack of support on the City Council and concerns that the building may be declared historic – thus complicating the city’s ability to tear it down, a requirement if the county money is used.

“Whatever option is pursued, it must have a strong financial component, and that was the real appeal of the Conservation Futures,” Verner said. City Council members “already decided that they were going to put the city in this situation. Now I’m having my staff provide another option because this situation that we’re in now is untenable.”

The city forecasts a deficit as high as $10 million next year. The city’s first $350,000 payment on its YMCA debt is due this summer.

No formal vote has been taken on the matter, but in a City Council briefing Monday, only Councilman Bob Apple and Council President Joe Shogan indicated they supported the Conservation Futures option.

The Spokane Park Board voted to buy the YMCA for $5.3 million in 2006 to prevent developer Mark Pinch from buying the land to build a condominium tower. It put $1 million down on the property and, in 2008, won support from county park leaders to cover the remaining debt using Conservation Futures, a tax fund used to buy and protect natural areas. The Spokane City Council, however, has blocked use of Conservation Futures, arguing that development on the property is better for the park.

Last year, the council borrowed from a city utility fund to buy the building. Verner urged the council in November to accept Conservation Futures. They declined and, instead, asked developers to propose concepts to use the building. County commissioners have said the Conservation Futures option is off the table after March 31.

Cooley said if the county money is refused, other possible funding sources for the Y and other improvements include raising the city’s hotel tax, asking citizens for an increase in property taxes, selling park property north of Riverfront Park that the Park Board bought after a public vote, and entering into a public-private partnership.

He said the new revenue could spark a planning process to create a better Riverfront Park and also pay for other improvements, such as repairing bridges that are deteriorating and constructing a promenade where Howard Street used to be to enhance pedestrian use of the park.

He noted that the city comprehensive plan suggests that potential uses of the Y include a public market or a Native American history center.

Former Park Board member Steve McNutt, who led the board’s effort to win Conservation Futures funding, said the Park Board explored all those ideas. The cost of remodeling the building into a new use would take several million dollars, he said, and even if the money could be found, the projects likely would be unviable at the site. The Spokane Tribe of Indians rejected the building for its use, as did Mobius Spokane, which hopes to open a science museum.

“It was a dying rec center, and that’s why the YMCA left it,” McNutt said. He said the City Council is irresponsible for rejecting Conservation Futures money without a clear understanding of the building’s future or how to pay for it.

But Councilman Jon Snyder said finding a new funding source is the correct path, in part because it preserves the county money for more pristine land.

“What I like about this discussion right now is it’s going back to where it should have started at the very beginning, which is, what is our conception of Riverfront Park, and how should that function within the greater downtown environment and for the needs of the citizens as opposed to everything being driven by a deadline put upon us by (Spokane County),” he said.

McNutt cautioned that the City Council under the city’s charter does not have authority over parkland.

“The Park Board has a strong vision for what Riverfront Park ought to be, and the council is tinkering with it in a way that the charter says they should not,” McNutt said.

Three development proposals were submitted to the city late last month:

•Developer Ron Wells proposed turning the structure mostly into apartments;

•Pinch proposed buying parkland closer to Post Street and allowing the park department to keep the Y;

•Mead resident Jennifer Childress proposed turning it into a Native American museum. She said she didn’t have funding for the concept but hoped her submission would spark interest.

Further delay on a YMCA decision makes it more likely that the building won’t be demolished – a goal of Park Board members who argue that the building’s location on the shore of the Spokane Falls hurts public access and degrades what they say is Spokane’s greatest natural landmark. The building opened in 1967, and once the building turns 50, it will have an easier path to win a designation on a historic registry.

While buildings newer than 50 years old can be considered for the local and national registries if they have “exceptional significance,” guidelines from the National Register of Historic Places set the bar high.

“As a general rule, properties that have achieved significance within the past 50 years are not eligible for National Register listing because the National Register is intrinsically a compilation of the Nation’s historic resources that are worthy of preservation,” the guidelines say.

Linda Yeomans, of Historic Preservation Planning & Design, wrote Wells that the building is “particularly architecturally and historically significant in the contexts of Spokane architecture and social history.”

McNutt, an architect, disagreed. “That’s a piece of baloney,” he said, adding that Shadle Park High School and Avista’s headquarters are much more important structures in the same style as the YMCA.

“It is a B-minus mid-20th century architectural example.”

Interactive timeline of Riverfront Park YMCA

18 comments on this story so far. Add yours!

• 

  ChefGus on March 10 at 6:29 a.m.

  The use of the Conservation Preservation money is antithetical to the rules and regs around those funds.. how it EVER got to be part of the options for this seemingly large mistake is beyond most lay persons such as myself.

  I agree with Mr Snyder that the funds could well be used elsewhere with greater long term effect… the '”five to two” ratio hopefully will maintain through a formal vote. Spending that much money and city resource as well as County funds to make an already very very large open space, a bit larger does not make any sense in these trying tax times… It is all about priorities and Mr Snyder's seem to be more in line with the feelings of a lot of us. John

• 

  Ninch on March 10 at 6:43 a.m.

  Conservation funding made the most sense. The building would disappear and the site would be open for more compatible uses as already outlined in the Comprehensive Park Plan. Maybe ChefGus does not understand that the Y is within the Spokane River shoreline and is NOT just open space.

• 

  Stephen Eugster on March 10 at 7:06 a.m.

  It is clear that conservation futures tax revenues cannot be used for the purchase of the YMCA. For analysis and reasoning as to this position see http://www.steveeugster.com/conservat…

• 

  dreich on March 10 at 7:10 a.m.

  My $0.02:

  Historic? The land it sits on is historic. That building is not. Tear the ugly thing down…and paint that bridge another color, too. I never understood the baby blue nonsense on either of these structures. The old brick Washington Water Power building with the green lighting? Now that's a beautiful and historic building.

  Spokane needs a year-round farmers' market in an attractive and central downtown location. There are plenty of locally grown and produced goods to showcase all year long. Designate cultural areas in the market like a full-time mini World's Fair '74, i.e. Ukrainian section, Vietnamese section, Native American section, etc… The Spokane World's Fair was a success for a reason. Get back to what has proven to work and take advantage of native cultures and immigrant populations in the area. Immigrants love to showcase their contributions, socialize among themselves, and often find common ground with other immigrant populations. Urban dwellers love to experience new things and feel worldly when traveling to those locations is neither feasible nor contemplated. Bring them all together in one place.

  Spokane needs an Ivar's fish & chips bar abutting the park and river somewhere downtown. Close the impersonal mall locations…(which I refuse to patron). Anyone who's had Ivar's at the outdoor bars on the Pier or on Lake Union in Seattle knows it's about the environment and experience not found in a loud obnoxious food court.

  Also, the proposed science center is not a good idea. Ask Wichita, KS. Boring, over-priced, and short-term interest from the public.

  Instead, renovate the ice palace, IMAX, and surrounding structures. Incorporate more seasonal sporting events for kids that foster activity and training for team and individual sports in high school and beyond. Open a trendy cafe/coffee shop down there for the adults.

  Get 'er done!

• 

  johnclarke on March 10 at 7:18 a.m.

  Less talk, more action. How hard is this? MAKE A DECISION already.

• 

  soccermomsusie on March 10 at 7:30 a.m.

  I think this is an attack on Christianity. In case you forgot, that's what the “C” in YMCA stands for. Probably an attack on the Y and M part too.

  How about a large statue of General George Wright and a 10 Commandments Center? Each Commandment could be on a pillar. They could form a stonehengey looking thing. Put General Wright in the middle of it. It would draw tourists, like Stonehenge, but without having the all the nasty satanic side effects.

  Stand Tall Spokane! Tea Party in 2012!

• 

  John Little on March 10 at 7:42 a.m.

  I agree that conservation funds should be used to aquire and conserve larger more pristine tracts of land. But the city should consider the option of selling some of the peripheral park property west of Monroe to pay for this, and return the centrally located Y property, with respect to the park core, back to a more natural state. The Monroe property is more suited for private development. I would think that the Y location is too isolated from other commerical or private properties to be sucessfully developed into anything other than residential property. Museums are too risky; they are a one-time visit for most people. If the Y is developed, I would hope they tear it down and build something that is setback from the river and looks more appealing. Historic significance aside, as it currently stands its an eyesore.

• 

  Oce on March 10 at 7:54 a.m.

  I like the idea of an aquarium.

  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/p…

• 

  WillyPeter on March 10 at 8:31 a.m.

  Having lived in several “big cities” in America, I know that nothing in those communities is more valued than parks and open spaces. As the residential density in down-town Spokane grows, the importance of enhancing these places and correspondingly related thinking should grow. Think of the quality of life for Spokane's future generations. We shouldn't get rid of any park land in the city of Spokane…period. And we should agree that those responsible for this vision should work to acquire and enhance more non-built-on-land. After all, that's the reason why Spokanites enthusiastically and routinely approve of Conservation Fund taxes.

• 

  dreich on March 10 at 8:42 a.m.

  soccermomsusie: “Attack on Christianity?” Who? What? Huh?

  If the “C” in YWCA stands for “Crazy,” then you should be an honorary member.

• 

  Mr. Natural on March 10 at 9:43 a.m.

  Raze the Y building, allow the sun to shine on the falls, and see the rainbow. Design a public place for a spiritual and awe inspiring experience, and enhance the quality of life for everyone. Near Nature Near Perfect Damn it!

  This developmental greed is beginning to look like the worst aspects of human nature; like fighting over some fetid carcass to see who gets the fullest belly.

  Eugster you’re such a pain in the rear. I bet when you were in school you reminded the teacher she forgot the weekend homework assignment.
  
  The Falls needs to be preserved for all to experience and enjoy. This is a rare and wonderful opportunity to reclaim Spokane's most beautiful natural attraction. I’ve gathered by reading the Spokesman that some influential citizens want this site strictly to turn a profit and that money and privatized greed is at the forefront. I would go as far as saying that the Spokesman is influencing council members by some covert pressure. I despise this when the Spokesman has an agenda contrary to the will of the citizens of Spokane. Open Spokane Falls for its natural beauty let the sun shine across the spray for a rainbow of awesome splendor and we can attest to being near nature near perfect.
  

• 

  Verbal on March 10 at 10:19 a.m.

  soccermomsusie - that was an absolute perfect satire of the teabaggers. The only thing you left out was the offer of free blankets for Native Americans every Columbus Day.

  …at least I hope that was satire.

  If the city wasn't so starved for money the council and mayor would have jumped all over the Conservation Futures money by now. Unfortunately, the city is strapped, so my guess is that the mayor is in talks with one or more area tribes about having them buy the property.
  

• 

  soccermomsusie on March 10 at 10:58 a.m.

  D. Reich, We could sell clam chowder at the shrine too. New England and Manhattan style (both homes of liberal elitists BTW). I don't see why both of our ideas can't work together.

  The only thing I don't like about your idea, is the Ivar's name. Isn't that Russian? I suppose you could get free flu shots there when socialism/communism/facism/zoroastrianism completely engulfs and ruins our country too, thanks to Barrack WhoseSane Obama.

  The Ten Commandments, clam chowder (both kinds), free flu shots, A Christian Stone Henge and General George Wright. I think Spokane should build some new hotels and another airport!

  HEAR OUR VOICE!

• 

  jake on March 10 at 11:05 a.m.

  Here we have four council members, three of whom were elected to defend ecologically sound decisions along with protecting citizens' future in Spokane. Now, when we have a test of character, these council members refuse to step up to the line and deliver.

  The Y is an old junk building, it needs to go. Whining about “tough economic times” is simply the easy way to put park land in the hands of some developer.

  Take the Conservation Futures money, wait a few years and float a small bond issue to pay the money back. Problem solved and part of the heart of Spokane is restored.

  Doing this would go some way to repairing the damage caused by retaining Anthony's and that north bank horror that Barbieri was allowed to build.

  It is actually easy to do the right thing when you wish to do so, especially in this case.

  The Park Board has it right this time, hopefully they will stick by their decision and derail the Council's plans to provide more land for private development.

• 

  Ron_the_Cop on March 10 at 11:15 a.m.

  Mr. Brunt,

  Good article PAGE ONE above the fold that actually covers most of the bases. I tend to side with the conservation fund money can be better spent elsewhere and shouldn't be use to bail out another boondoggle by our unelected Park Board. The City Council had to dip into the Bank of Hein ( Solid Waste Dept's reserve fund) for the bridge loan on this property (Hint when can we expect more coverage of the keeper of this fund Mr. Cooley). I'm told this fund has around $49M in it. This could be another story all by itself.

  My two cents is that the Northbank property purchased with bond money by the Park Board circa 2000 should be sold with the exception of a reasonable strip along the river bank. This money could be used to pay off the Y building without the strings attached by the conservation fund money and a robust public debate can then can take place what this property should be used for. The idea that the Y building is a historical building is beyond the pale. The land may be but the building has no socially redeeming value:-)

  Fortunately the very lucrative land lease the Park Board saddled us with is now dead with the MOBIUS Project backing out. They can locate elsewhere with their own money. I'll contribute to a science center but not secretly subsidized with public money at a great loss - RPS II. City Charter change anyone re the Park Board?

  Mr. Brunt when is the S-R going to report on KREM Randy Shaw's breaking story on Co. Assessor Ralph Shaw? Seems to me your readers would be very interested in this story.

• 

  dana635 on March 10 at 1:04 p.m.

  Imagine the spectacular views of the falls without the hulking shell of the YMCA's mediocre architecture blocking the way. This is a fantastic opportunity to increase every citizen's access to the beautiful Spokane River. Take the conservation futures. Tear down the YMCA. Make Spokane an even better city!

• 

  selkirk on March 13 at 10:43 p.m.

  Raze the building. Restore the land to parkland and integrate it into the rest of the park.

  One excellent idea would be to make it an event space. That way, it could host community events like Pig Out in the Park, Bloomsday, Hoopfest, etc., plus new events like a weekly Farmer's Market, concerts, etc. Pasadena, CA has an extremely well-implemented Farmer's Market in a similar urban parkland environment. It works well and has really united the community down there. And seriously, imagine an event like Festival at Sandpoint in front of the Spokane Falls. With options like that, why are any other options even being considered?

  ALTHOUGH… One improvement that didn't make it into the final Aquatics Bond that rebuilt all six of the City's pools was an indoor recreation facility that would be open year-round. Perhaps a smaller version on the site of the razed YMCA building would be in order?

  I still think the event space idea takes the prize.

• 

  nslopeofw on March 31 at 11:49 p.m.

  Why does everyone want the land wasted as a park? Where do you all think the money is going to come from? Yep, your taxes. Sell the POS, and get out of the debt. If you all want a pretty park, then get a “save the park” group together, buy the land, make it pristine, then donate it back to the city.

  It needs to be off the backs of the taxpayers of Spokane. Without selling it, or other land to pay for this piece, it's going to cost us a bunch. Think fiscally, not esthetically. Be responsible!