Task force to evaluate West Central housing

A new mayoral task force has been established to evaluate the housing, economic and social service needs of the West Central Neighborhood.

The seven-member task force was formed last week by Mayor Dennis Hession at the urging of neighborhood residents.

The task force is being asked to promote development of low- to moderate-income housing in the neighborhood and to make recommendations to the city and other organizations on social service needs and economic improvements.

A special emphasis will be placed on developing housing for workers in the neighborhood, which is expected to see substantial economic growth with development of Kendall Yards, a large commercial and housing project planned for the north bank of the Spokane River.

A goal has been set of adding 25 affordable housing units in the neighborhood each year beyond what normal ongoing development would bring through 2017.

In a prepared statement, Hession said, “As we seek and promote new development, it is important for us to consider how that development might impact existing residents and businesses.”

Kyle Usrey, dean of Whitworth College’s school of global commerce and management, has been named chairman of the task force.

Members are Mary Jo Harvey, resource director for Habitat for Humanity Spokane; George Craig, neighborhood resident who has been active in development issues; Dan Simpson of Simpson Realty, 1423 N. Monroe St.; Andy Rathbun, chairman of the West Central Neighborhood Council; Chris Batten of RenCorp., a real estate and historic preservation company; and Sister Ann Pizelo, neighborhood resident.