Demolition of burned home proposed

A burned-out residential hulk left over from a Jan. 11 fire at Knox Avenue and Post Street apparently is going to be torn down by the city.

The Spokane City Council is being asked to approve a demolition contract to tear down the remains of the fire at 803 W. Knox Ave. The contract comes up for a vote on Monday. Larson’s Demolition is slated for the job at a cost of $9,650.

Property owner Helen Wong had told city officials she wanted to repair the damaged building but was never able to accomplish the repair, city officials said. Since the fire, she has moved to California.

The city will place a tax lien on the property to eventually recover the cost of demolition.

On the South Side, the council on Monday approved a supplemental agreement with a consultant for additional technical studies on developing a 20-acre site for storm water handling as well as open space for wildlife and recreation.

The Hazel’s Creek Regional Drainage Facility is to be located between Freya and Regal streets south of Ferris High School. It will collect and hold runoff during periods of storms or snow melt, but also be available to public for recreation.

Tetra Tech/KCM Inc. of Spokane was approved for a contract increase of $24,000 to a total maximum of $61,000.

The council also approved a revised agreement providing a 10-year property tax exemption for a 96-unit multifamily development at 9501 N. Woodridge Drive.

Tombari-Delay Enterprises, the owner and developer, wants to put up 96 units on 6.8 acres rather than a previously approved exemption for 72 units on five acres.

The exemption was initially approved by the council in 2003. The exemption is available to steer multifamily development to emerging urban centers throughout the city.

Another 10-year property tax exemption for eight units at 1828 and 1834 W. Riverside Ave. was approved. The applicant and owner is James W. Elmer.