Architect Forrest Fulton is wondering about the potential of suburban farming:

My proposal...reverses the function of a big box grocery store, from retailer of food – food detached from processes from which it came to be – to producer and preparer of food. The parking lot becomes a park-farm. The inside of the big box becomes a greenhouse and restaurant. Asphalt farming techniques allow for layering of soil and compost in containers on top of asphalt. The big box store’s roof is partially replaced with a greenhouse roof. Other details, such as the reversal of parking lot light poles into solar trees that hold photovoltaics can be implemented.

Maybe Spokane Valley ought to think about making a working farm the center of community life with a thriving farmers market, instead of all the bricks and mortar and asphalt and lawn they've been planning for. It would certainly be true to the history of the Valley. Apparently they want feedback on their plans.

Comments will be accepted through Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. They may be sent to Kathy McClung, Director of the Department of Community Development, City of Spokane Valley, 11707 E. Sprague Ave., Suite 106, Spokane Valley, WA 99206 or e-mailed to kmcclung@spokanevalley.org.