Union Gospel Mission land

UGM was ready to allow the city to put a stormwater swale on their portion in trade for two commercial lots on the other side of the mission building. Questions about the mission’s objections to homosexuality quashed the deal. Some have said the city should get outright ownership of the parcel for a waterfront park, but the UGM director says the space is part of the mission and a place where the homeless can relax and not be afraid of being chased away.

Section:Gallery

Tue., April 23, 2019

The green space across the road from Union Gospel Mission, known as Harry Altmeyer Park, is owned UGM and the city. The mission was ready to allow the city to put a stormwater swale on their portion in trade for two commercial lots on the other side of the mission building. but the Spokane City Council tabled the deal at a meeting on Monday, April 22, 2019.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review
Union Gospel Mission Executive Director Phil Altmeyer points Tuesday, April 23, 2019, to one of two commercial lots that UGM would receive in trade for allowing the city to put a stormwater swale in the green space on the other side of the mission. Questions about the mission’s objections to homosexuality quashed the deal. Some have said the city should get outright ownership of the parcel for a waterfront park, but the UGM director says the space is part of the mission and a place where the homeless can relax in peace and not be afraid of being chased away. Executive Director Phil Altmeyer says the mission needs to continue to own it so they can police any illegal or harmful activity rather than wait for the city to take care of it.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review
Executive Director Phil Altmeyer points to the parklike riverfront property across the street from the Union Gospel Mission Tuesday, April 23, 2019. It’s the property that the UGM was going to allow the city to put a stormwater swale on, in trade for two commercial lots on the other side of the building. Questions about the mission’s objections to homosexuality quashed the deal. Some have said the city should get outright ownership of the parcel for a waterfront park, but the UGM director says the space is part of the mission and a place where the homeless can relax and not be afraid of being chased away. Executive Director Phil Altmeyer says the mission needs to continue to own it so they can police any illegal or harmful activity rather than wait for the city to take care of it.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review
The green space across the road from Union Gospel Mission, known as Harry Altmeyer Park, is owned UGM and the city. UGM will allow the city to put a stormwater swale on their portion in trade for two commercial lots on the other side of the mission building.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review
Executive Director Phil Altmeyer sits in the green space across the road from Union Gospel Mission, known as Harry Altmeyer Park, which is owned UGM and the city. The Mission currently leases the city’s portion for $1 a year and keeps up the landscaping. UGM was ready to allow the city to put a stormwater swale on their portion in trade for two commercial lots on the other side of the mission building. Questions about the mission’s objections to homosexuality quashed the deal. Some have said the city should get outright ownership of the parcel for a waterfront park, but the UGM director says the space is part of the mission and a place where the homeless can relax and not be afraid of being chased away. Executive Director Phil Altmeyer says the mission needs to continue to own it so they can police any illegal or harmful activity rather than wait for the city to take care of it.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review