Fianna Dickson

Bosch Lot Information & Public Comment

Fianna Dickson, City of Spokane Parks & Recreation, Communication Manager, 509.625.6297

Friday, August 11, 2017 at 2:22 p.m.

Bosch Lot Information & Public Comment

Updated September 6, 2017. Below is the public comment information that was open August 11 and closed early on September 6. Parks & Recreation ended the RCO public comment period early to have deeper analysis and ask bigger questions of the lot's future Additional community outreach and public commenting will be open in the future. We look forward to involving the community in a broader discussion about the Bosch lot. Please read the latest information.

Updated August 18, 2017. NOTE: This blog has been updated in response to user feedback. You can view the original content below.

Background

You may know the Bosch Lot as the dirt parking lot across from Anthony’s restaurant, or more recently, a large hole in the ground where a CSO tank is being constructed as part of the Cleaner River Faster program. The site was purchased using funds from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) in 1975, and has been used as a parking lot since. The construction of the CSO tank provides an opportunity to re-evaluate how the space is used.

Limitations

RCO restrictions prohibit the construction of indoor recreation facilities and public/private partnerships that would allow a private owner to operate a recreation facility.

Exceptions

RCO restrictions may be moved to other properties of equal recreational and dollar value to allow for the construction of indoor recreation facilities and public/private partnerships.

Proposed action

Transfer the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) restrictions from the Bosch Lot to one, two or three potential City-owned properties.  There would be no change of ownership, only transfer of restrictions, and the property will remain under Parks and Recreation control.

Increased flexible use of the Bosch Lot could allow for:

  1. A public trail-head for the Centennial Trail and new 3.5 mile Gorge Loop Trail (a recommendation of the Olmsted Brothers report in 1913)
  2. A new northwest entry to Riverfront Park
  3. A phenomenal overlook for the Falls and integration with Veteran’s Park
  4. A new public/private partnership - a climbing gym is one potential proposal being considered. A variety of projects would be considered through an open proposal process administered by the City of Spokane.
  5. Additional parking to support items 1-4

How it would be achieved

  • The RCO restrictions on the Bosch Lot (1.13 ac) would be transferred to one, two or three potential sites:
    • Future South Plaza –  home of a new CSO tank across from the Downtown Library (1.15 ac)
    • Peaceful Valley – land near the river currently undeveloped, near Glover Field (1.63 ac)
    • High Bridge – several parcels near High Bridge and Coeur d’Alene park (4.22 ac)
Potential Transfer Sites

Public Comment

Please share your thoughts on the proposed action to transfer RCO restrictions from the Bosch Lot to three total potential City-owned properties. The survey closes after 30 days on September 17, 2017.

Additional documents

Original Blog

Background

The Bosch Lot has operated as a parking lot since its acquisition in 1975. It is located along Bridge Avenue between Monroe and Lincoln, across from Kendall Yards. A Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) tank is schedule to open on the site fall 2017.

Proposed action

  • Transfer the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) restrictions from the Bosch Lot to three potential City-owned properties.
  • There would be no change of ownership, only transfer of restrictions, and the property will remain under Parks and Recreation control.

Why it’s important

  • RCO restrictions limit indoor facilities and public/private partnerships, and the restrictions would be better aligned with more passive properties nearby.
  • Increased flexible use of the Bosch Lot could allow for:
    1. A public trail-head for the Centennial Trail and new 3.5 mile Gorge Loop Trail (a recommendation of the Olmsted Brothers report in 1913)
    2. A new northwest entry to Riverfront Park
    3. A phenomenal overlook for the Falls and integration with Veteran’s Park
    4. A new public/private partnership as envisioned by the Riverfront Master Plan
    5. Additional parking to support items 1-4

How it would be achieved

  • The RCO restrictions on the Bosch Lot (1.13 ac) would be transferred to three potential sites:
    • Future South Plaza - home of a new CSO tank across from the Downtown Library (1.15 ac)
    • Peaceful Valley - land near the river currently undeveloped, near Glover Field (1.63 ac)
    • High Bridge - several parcels near High Bridge and Coeur d’Alene park (4.22 ac)
Potential Transfer Sites

Public Comment

Please share your thoughts on the proposed action to transfer RCO restrictions from the Bosch Lot to three total potential City-owned properties. The survey closes after 30 days on September 10, 2017.

Additional documents

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