Four the future - December 12

Today: transit expansion in Idaho, densification near Liberty Lake, traffic in Millwood, and making a future for Rockford.

• In brief: Free bus system gets boost
  Source: Spokesman, 091212
  Summary: Citylink received $1.7 million to build a new transit center in Worley, near the casino, and purchase 4 buses. $1.5 million was from the federal stimulus package. The tribe will also be providing $225,000 in operating expenses for the system.
  Opinion: Rural transit systems are heavily dependent on federal funding, and Idaho compounds that unfortunate situation by being hostile to local transit funding. So, since we're all paying for it in addition to our local transit taxes, would it be too much to ask to put the transit center near the rail line so that it can do double duty if the Plummer line starts running passenger service from Spokane?
• In brief: County’s zoning vote Tuesday
  Source: Spokesman, 091212
  Summary: Spokane County commissioners will be considering a proposal to increase residential density next to Liberty Lake. The proposal faces almost unanimous opposition from the neighbors, in part due to fears of lake contamination by the increased density.
  Opinion: The lake won't be harmed by the increase in density itself--the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District does a handsome job of protecting that critical watershed. My only concern about it is the chance that increased traffic along those county roads may increase oil spills to an area which may not have adequate catchment. (Which the county could fix, but these roads aren't race tracks, so....) Having said that, the density increase would be out of character in that neighborhood, and it would violate the comprehensive plan. Not that that has stopped Richard and Mielke before.
• Council delays traffic alterations until spring
  Source: Spokesman, 091212
  Summary: The City of Millwood conducted a traffic study and found that in 11 of 12 locations, the standard measurement for traffic speeds exceeded the posted speed limit. They will be looking into ways to slow down traffic. The City will conduct public hearings when the weather gets warmer. Additionally, the council passed their required critical areas ordinance to protect the aquifer, fish and wildlife.
  Opinion: Millwood is rightfully proud of its history and character. It is a beautiful community. High speed traffic is a detriment to the image they wish to maintain. However, Millwood will be in for a shock as the County proceeds with the Bigelow Gulch project and makes their main street a part of the de facto North Spokane Corridor. If they think they have traffic concerns now, just wait.
• Building a city’s identity
  Source: Spokesman, 091212
  Summary: the Town of Rockford had received an award for their community economic development activities and grant monies to improve Rock Creek, which flows through town. It has issues with both flooding and erosion. Mayor-elect Micki Harnois wants to crate a small-town community that people want to stop in.
  Opinion: My personal opinion is that Rockford is a good little town, and I know my little towns. I am told that there are several challenges in Rockford, not the least of which is that the fire station is on a flood plain. As, indeed, is much of the town. However, their determination is welcome, and the fact that they've invited engineers and planners into the conversation shows they're serious about their community's future.