Week in Review
Though Realtors say they’re as busy as ever, some signs indicate the residential real estate market may be leveling off in Spokane and Kootenai counties. In Spokane, July sales dipped below those for June and for last July, while in Kootenai County, an infusion of new listings on the market contributed to what one Realtor called an “adjustment period.” Still, average sales prices continued to rise, with an average price in July of $177,781 in Spokane County and $202,602 in Kootenai County.
Tuesday
Rates will go up less than originally anticipated for Washington customers of Avista Utilities if a settlement agreement is approved. Avista filed in March a proposal to raise electric rates by almost $8 a month for the average residential customer; the new agreement would trim that increase to about $5.22 a month.
“ U.S. natural gas prices are up more than 30 percent in the past three weeks and economists said all consumers of natural gas will be feeling a pinch in coming months. Rates for those who heat with natural gas should go up this winter, and higher rates paid by businesses will trickle down to consumers, economists predicted.
Wednesday
Spokane County’s jobless rate fell to 5.5 percent from June’s 5.6 percent as private employers continued to add jobs.
“ Canada suspended talks with the United States on the ongoing lumber dispute to protest Washington’s refusal to heed a NAFTA panel ruling.
Thursday
A new Web site gives some details of a proposed 77-acre, mixed-use project across the Spokane River from downtown Spokane, called Kendall Yards. The Web site shows locations of the proposed 1,000 residential housing units and up to 1.5 million square feet of commercial space.
Friday
YWCA members shot down the idea of selling their building and moving. Although a majority at a special membership meeting supported the plan to join the YMCA at a joint campus somewhere in downtown Spokane, the organization’s bylaws require a two-thirds majority. The plan will be resubmitted to members, with more information on its impacts, for another vote in the future, the YWCA’s director said.