City of Spokane asks for comments on proposed Bosch lot land restriction swap

The city of Spokane has opened a 30-day public comment period on a proposed land restriction swap.

The move is the first in a series of steps needed to open a city-owned lot north of Spokane Falls to development.

The swap would allow the city to move Washington state Recreation and Conservation Office restrictions from the 1.13-acre plot of land on the north shore of the Spokane River, known as the Bosch lot, to other city properties.

The proposed lots are the future South Plaza near the downtown Spokane Public Library, a plot in Peaceful Valley near Glover Field and several small parcels near High Bridge and Coeur d’Alene parks.

In April, the city announced plans to sell the Bosch lot to a Utah-based climbing gym developer. However, after questions about the legality of selling parkland without a public vote were raised, the city announced plans to lease the land and start a competitive bidding process.

The Bosch lot also could house a trailhead for a 3.5-mile trail system that would cross the river and run along the south shore through Peaceful Valley, cross the Sandifur Bridge and connect with the Centennial Trail on the north shore.

According to state law, Washington state Recreation and Conservation Office restrictions may not be removed, only transferred. The land to which the restrictions are transferred has to be of equal appraised value. If the restrictions remain in place the land can only be used for outdoor recreation and may not be developed.

In 1975, the Bosch lot was bought using some state and federal funds. The Recreation and Conservation Office provided more than $900,000 toward the purchase.

The city has started a process with the state by which those restrictions could be transferred to other city properties. The office is scheduled to rule on the swap in October.

The survey will close Sept. 10.