GU gains street possession

Despite opposition from the Logan neighborhood, the Spokane City Council on Monday gave the go-ahead for Gonzaga University to take possession of four and a half blocks of city streets.

The action, approved unanimously, means the streets will be turned over to the university as long as several city conditions are met.

Kenneth Sammon, Gonzaga’s plant and construction services director, said the university needs the land for parking and to create a more unified and pedestrian-friendly environment.

Under the agreement, the university would obtain two blocks of Boone Avenue between Pearl and Astor, a block of Van Gorp Street between Boone and Desmet, a half block of Desmet Avenue between Pearl and Lidgerwood and a two-block alley between Van Gorp and Astor.

The university already has begun work on the $1 million project to change the feel of its western campus. City officials allowed Gonzaga to dig up portions of Boone even though the city hasn’t yet transferred the land. Eldon Brown, acting director of engineering services, said Gonzaga was allowed to start work to help the university meet its construction schedule. He said that Gonzaga officials agreed to return the street to the city as it was if the council declines to approve the vacation.

Gonzaga’s plans include construction of a reflecting pool and installation of a 9-foot bronze statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. The university also hopes to build a parking lot with 132 spaces.

Karen Byrd, president of Logan Neighborhood Council, told the council that neighbors are concerned about the continued loss of street parking and vehicular circulation.

Despite the council’s decision to move ahead, the neighborhood succeeded in persuading city officials to require Gonzaga to pay for changes on Sinto Avenue to slow traffic in exchange for vacating the streets. Possible design could include building traffic circles at intersections.