Erin Hut, Director of Communications, No Phone Number Available
Monday, December 2, 2024 at 11:18 a.m.
In the fall of 2023, City of Spokane Parks & Recreation partnered with neighborhood advocates to apply for the Thorpe Road property under the Department of Natural Resources’ “Trust Land Transfer” (TLT) program. The application requested to transfer this land from DNR ownership to City of Spokane Parks ownership for preservation, in alignment with the Parks & Natural Lands Master Plan.
The TLT project application ranked 18th out of 30, which means it did not rank highly enough for DNR to submit it to the legislature for funding to transfer the land to the City. The final decision on the land’s future will be made by DNR, but the City is currently working with stakeholders to engage in conversations about a path forward that will benefit everyone.
The Spokane City Council is considering a resolution requesting the DNR extend the public comment period for this sale of the property, in an effort to slow that process for a time. The resolution was discussed at a City Council committee meeting Nov. 18, 2024, sponsored by Council Member Dillon on behalf of the neighborhood and stakeholders. Anyone interested in learning more about the City Council’s consideration can contact their office.
The Mayor’s Office remains supportive of the Parks department’s application for the Thorpe land conservation, and of the City Council’s request to the DNR to provide more time for public input. The administration would like the opportunity to bring together local and state governments, as well as tribal and neighborhood stakeholders, to find the best path forward for this important property. The Brown Administration has secured initial resources for planning in the Latah Valley, as well as for fire safety, and is committed to working with the City Council, neighborhoods, and other governments to ensure that the past practice of allowing development without appropriate infrastructure and public facilities does not continue.
