BAB recommends denial of two right-of-way vacation requests, citing pedestrian and bicycle access concerns

The Spokane Bicycle Advisory Board voted to recommend denial of two city right-of-way vacation applications after discussion about the effect each would have on neighborhood pedestrian and bicycle access.

At issue were (1) a request by Trinity School (Carlisle & Cedar) to vacate a short block of public right-of-way for an expanded playground and parking; and (2) a request from Gonzaga Preparatory to vacate an alley behind its campus. Board members said both vacations would remove mid-block connectivity used by pedestrians and bicyclists and could create longer, less direct routes.

Board members raised several concerns during discussion: the Trinity School parcel sits in a place where Cedar provides a parallel neighborhood connection and closing that piece would create a three-block gap in local connectivity with limited alternate routes; the school’s plan appeared to fence playground space and to concentrate parking on the remaining parcel, limiting public access. Several members noted the application packet contained only a site sketch and little supporting documentation about access or proposed mitigation.

Charlie, a public speaker, told the board he has ridden Cedar as a through-route and said losing that connection would “create quite a bit of another impediment to traveling that way.” Board members also cited pedestrian safety and the project’s potential to interrupt neighborhood greenway continuity.

After discussion the board took two separate motions (one for each vacation request) to recommend the city deny the vacations. For both items the board recorded a motion and second and then voted; the chair called the vote and announced the motions carried.

Why this matters: vacation of public right-of-way is permanent—once vacated and sold the city would no longer hold the right-of-way for future public use without reacquisition. Board members urged caution where short-block connectivity supports pedestrian and bicycle circulation and suggested staff require clearer mitigation plans or retention of public easements if vacations proceed.

The board asked staff to include stronger documentation and clear access plans in any future resubmissions, and to notify the BAB if applicants return with amended proposals. The final decision rests with city council.