Grandview/Thorpe Neighborhood plan spelled out, endorsed

Residents living in the Grandview/Thorpe Neighborhood are calling for preservation of open spaces and the natural character of the neighborhood, located south of Interstate 90 and west of Latah Valley.

A new neighborhood plan endorsed unanimously last week by the Spokane Plan Commission emphasizes neighborhood preservation as part of a 20-year vision for the area.

The plan is expected to go to the City Council for approval later this year.

Jo Anne Wright, Spokane city planner, said the document lays “a foundation for the city to know what the neighborhood wants to do.”

The plan is among a series of neighborhood plans being written across the city.

Residents, property owners and planners developed the plan by reaching out to people in the neighborhood to identify specific strategies and projects. Public meetings were used in part to develop a list of priorities and goals.

The plan was developed with a $21,000 grant from the city.

The top priority calls for protecting wildlife and the natural rural character from impacts of new development. The plan identifies locations where preservation should occur, including a piece of land owned by the state Department of Natural Resources.

The second priority is developing good pedestrian, bicycle and transit access with an emphasis on strengthening the existing trail system.

An old interurban trolley line has become a valuable asset even though it crosses private property in many sections. A purchase by Spokane County Conservation Futures is being sought.

The plan calls for a Thorpe Road trail connection to the Fish Lake trail on the neighborhood’s eastern boundary.

Other priorities involve improved communication within the neighborhood and creating gathering spots, including small retail businesses, like a store or coffee shop. A public plaza is recommended. Zone changes would be needed to accommodate neighborhood retail development.

The plan outlines a series of road and sidewalk improvements, including enhancements on D Street from 19th to 21st avenues, and street connection from Scenic Boulevard to Assembly Road via existing public rights-of-way.

Traffic calming measures are sought for Lindeke Street. Icy hills also need attention, the plan says, and stormwater facilities are needed along 16th Avenue.

Wright said having a plan in place can be used to support grant applications for project funding through the city.

The neighborhood is calling for installation of entry signs to help define the neighborhood.

Also, the plan calls for public safety improvements through good design, landscaping and increased lighting.

Two additional neighborhoods are expected to undergo planning later this year, Wright said. They are the Chief Garry Park and West Hills neighborhoods.

“The plans are visionary and conceptual in nature,” Wright said.