Berms will be back; city to plow downtown

Spokane street officials have decided to plow downtown, city spokeswoman Marlene Feist said in a news release. Downtown clearing will occur overnight. Parked cars must be removed from downtown between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., Feist said. Snow will be moved to the center of streets to maintain street parking. The city works to avoid plowing downtown because center-of-the-street berms have been unpopular with businesses and drivers. Feist said the city decided to plow the central business district because frigid temperatures will prevent de-icer from taking care of the snow in a timely manner. Meanwhile, city officials are asking residents to clear areas around fire hydrants, storm drains and mailboxes.