Four the future - December 15

In this edition: Spokane County emergency calls, downtown Spokane parking, Turnbull expansion, and West Plains annexation.

• County testing 'reverse 911'
  Source: Spokesman, 091215
  Summary: Spokane County has a new system which allows them to make automated phone calls to an area in the event of an emergency.
  Opinion: This would have been more useful in the past, when cell phones were a minor part of the communications infrastructure. Younger residents, who tend not to have landlines, will be excluded from this entirely unless they sign up. But, of course, if you needed to sign up, you wouldn't need this system. Since you can't make it useful by reaching everyone, perhaps it could achieve greater market penetration by being for more than just public safety: when there's a public hearing on planning issues in your neighborhood, for instance. Then, it can be more useful, and reach those who otherwise wouldn't be protected. Anyway, I don't think this system will be long for this world simply because the world will move on.


• Tuesday Morning Quarterback
  Source: Spokane Councilmember Jon Snyder, 091215
  Summary: The new plan for downtown Spokane ("Fast Forward Spokane") proposed a ban on stand alone surface parking lots. It was the most controversial issue of the evening but passes 4-3. French, McLaughlin, and Apple voted to remove the ban. Snyder, Corker, Rush and Shogan voted to sustain it.
  Opinion: This ban was a long time in coming. One of the more tragic things that has happened across America was the "suburbanization of downtown." Other cities have moved to reverse it and have been handsomely rewarded. This was an excellent move toward strengthening downtown Spokane. Just a few days ago, this might not have happened. This is the new coalition coming into its own. With the addition of Waldref to replace French, Spokane might actually have a council that cares about the neighborhoods and downtown all at the same time. How refreshing!


• Federal budget allots $1.5 million to expand Turnbull refuge
  Source: Spokesman, 091217
  Summary: The federal government has allocated $1.5 million for property acquisitions near Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. It is intended to purchase about 500 acres of the 12,000 acres identified as priorities. Turnbull's wetlands is threatened by nearby residential wells which lower the water table and phosphorus from septic systems which cause algae blooms. There has been increasing public awareness of Turnbull's ecological importance. The history is described.
  Opinion: First, wetlands can't be moved, and certainly not ones of this magnitude. There are geological reasons why one place is a wetland and another is not. Second, the Federal government should have a partner in Spokane County, but without cash consequences associated with the expansion of the urban growth boundary, critical lands will continue to be lost. Third, good on the feds to recognize Turnbull's importance. I've been working on a project in Cheney which might help increase public awareness even more in a way that will improve Cheney's economy as well. It's no coincidence that green is the color of nature and money.


• Annex This!
  Source: Inlander, 091217
  Summary: The article itself is a summary of the maze of deals between Spokane County, the City of Spokane, the City of Airway Heights, and Fire District 10 for the annexation of the West Plains. However, the map and article don't seem to be on the web site.
  Opinion: Spokane County better get its house in order. Its long term failure to correct the balance between its revenues and expenses bit them before. It got its first warning in 2001 with the incorporation of Liberty Lake, then a stern rebuke with the incorporation of Spokane Valley in 2003. In two years it will get worse with the loss of the airport and its environs. Next up: the North Spokane Urban Growth Area.