Walkability inspires South Hill Coalition to connect business centers | Business

Four neighborhood councils on Spokane’s South Hill are working together to improve the business centers shared by thousands of residents, but lacking simple connecting pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists. By pooling together about $80,000, the newly-founded South Hill Coalition hopes to connect neighborhoods so more residents can stay local to do their shopping.

They’re getting a little help from the city. Scott Chesney, planning director, stopped by the Manito/Cannon neighborhood council last week to help them put together a wish list for the planning consulting community.

“It’s entirely their creation. It’s their attempt to leverage the funds allocated to each neighborhood into a bigger pool for planning that would benefit them all,” Chesney said.

About $20,000 in planning funds are allocated to each council by the city annually. The participating councils include: Manito/Cannon, Cliff/Cannon Hill, Comstock and Lincoln Heights. With their funds combined, they can pour more into making the neighborhoods more connected and walkable.

“All four of those neighborhoods are closely aligned and sometimes the neighborhoods are separated by corridors. That separated Manito and Comstock, but historically we’re the same neighborhood,” Ann Bergeman, vice-chair of Manito/Cannon said. She continued, “We want the neighborhoods to have good conductivity so if you choose to shop at a neighborhood shopping center, you can bike or walk without fear of being run over.”

This year the City is focusing more on making the planning process rewarding for neighborhoods.

“The city council has put in place a new resolution that allows them a chance to better memorialize their plan, giving them a better security that planning will be made in the neighborhood’s wishes,” Chesney added.

The South Hill Coalition is still in the planning stages, but they’re hoping to gain local support and even help from those interested in pursuing the same goals.

Bergeman says they’re having a leadership meeting in February, but a date has yet to be established. Interested parties should attend the Manito/Cannon meeting on January 24th to learn more about the agenda and how to help.

If you’re not sure what neighborhood you’re located in, check online at the City of Spokane’s GIS map. Select boundaries and then select neighborhoods. All the participating neighborhoods are located in District 2 on the South Hill.

Next Meeting: You can learn more about the South Hill Coalition at the Manito/Cannon neighborhood meeting on January 24th at 7 p.m. They meet at Wilson Elementary in the library. Updates are also available on their Facebook page.