Marlene Feist, 509.625.6505
Friday, October 11, 2019 at 3:16 p.m.
Storm cleanup continues around the City today, as City of Spokane crews work to remove tree limbs littering the public right of way. Additional sheltering services for those experiencing homelessness remain available until Saturday, when temperatures are expected to rise.
City officials today revised the total number of reported locations of tree debris in the street to 654. As of noon today, City crews had completed debris removal at nearly 400 locations. An updated map showing the reported locations and those that have been cleared is attached.
Crews from Streets, Water, Wastewater, and Code Enforcement—along with a work crew from Geiger—have been out in force since Wednesday, working long hours. Tree limbs that were obstructing vehicle traffic have either been moved or removed by now. As a result, the City will mostly suspend street tree debris cleanup activities for the weekend and finish the needed work next week. A few crews will be available for any emergency needs over the weekend. Citizens can call 3-1-1 and select the option to be connected to the Street Department for emergent needs.
Parks Operations crews also are addressing tree damage and debris in City parks. Until that work is complete, tree limbs that remain snagged in the treetops remain a potential hazard for park users. The City asks citizens to remain vigilant when visiting parks in the coming weeks.
Citizens, meanwhile, are proceeding with their own cleanup work in their yards and are bringing their tree limbs to the Waste to Energy Facility for free disposal. Through Thursday, 575 citizens brought in 151 tons of tree debris. An average of 58 customers an hour entered the facility on Thursday, with wait times of up to an hour. Lines remain long at the facility today.
Unseasonably cold weather also has impacted those experiencing homelessness. The House of Charity is providing 60 additional spaces for those needing shelter overnight until Saturday, when weather is expected to include more seasonable temperatures. A few regular shelter beds as well as about 24 of the additional spaces were available at House of Charity last night.
The community can refer to the Resource Pocket Guide for additional information on available facilities and services for those experiencing homelessness.
Some Parks & Recreation activities and facilities remain impacted by the storm.
The free disposal of trees and tree limbs is available at the Waste to Energy Facility, 2900 S. Geiger Blvd., through Saturday, Oct. 19. Free disposal is available for City residents only, not commercial landscaping and yard care businesses.
Tree debris also can be placed in green yard waste carts for pickup on customers’ normal collection days. Branches must be smaller than 3 inches in diameter and fit within the cart. Residents who need to clear tree debris from private property are encouraged to refer to the list of licensed arborists at spokanecity.org.
City crews working in parks and the right of way ask citizens to provide them with space to do their work safely. Please call 3-1-1 to report trees in roadways or other damage to public spaces.
