Avista seeks zone change to expand parking

Avista Corp. wants to rezone 10 acres near its corporate office at 1411 E. Mission Ave. to expand parking for employees and utility trucks.

The company has requested an amendment to the city of Spokane’s comprehensive plan. The amendment, if granted, would allow Avista to rezone the property from office and residential to light industrial.

The Spokane River and the Centennial Trail run adjacent to a portion of the land targeted for rezoning. Adding the parking would provide a well-lit area for the public to park during the evenings and weekends, Avista officials wrote in the application. The company also plans to install benches along the Centennial Trail.

The 10 acres is bordered by Granite, Hamlin and Center streets and Upriver Drive. It includes an Avista substation and vacant parcels owned by the utility, as well as property held by other landowners.

Written comments on the proposal will be accepted through March 16. Visit www.spokaneplanning.org/comp_plan_amendments.html for more information.