Lincoln Heights plan would emphasize pedestrian connections and a people-friendly environment

A new Lincoln Heights master plan is headed to the Spokane Plan Commission next week.

A public hearing is set for Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the lower level of Spokane City Hall.

The proposed master plan should go to the City Council for approval next month.

The plan took more than a year of work to develop and would emphasize pedestrian connections in a more people-friendly environment in the area around 29th Avenue and Regal Street.

The plan makes no changes in zoning or development regulations, but it sets up a framework for collaborative changes involving residents, businesses, property owners and city government.

The Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council endorsed the plan in November.

The planning work has been endorsed by the South Hill Coalition of neighborhoods.

Early ideas emerged from a group of planning experts from the Seattle-based Urban Land Institute Northwest, which visited Lincoln Heights in 2015.

They recommended encouraging more multifamily housing. They also said the district would become more vibrant if it gave residents reasons to leave their homes and go to parks, cafes, shops and walkways where they could enjoy a sense of community and connection.

The plan calls for improved pedestrian crossings on 29th Avenue that should have flashing beacons.

A multifamily property tax exemption could be extended as an incentive for residential investment.

Enhancing transit and bicycle travel are part of the plan. Greenway improvements are recommended for 27th Avenue from Southeast Boulevard to Ray Street as well as other locations.

The plan calls for creation of a merchants’ association to help guide future land uses.

A design study is recommended to focus on 27th Avenue and its interrelation with Thornton Murphy Park and the north side of the Lincoln Heights center.

A parking study is also suggested.

Lincoln Heights was annexed to Spokane in 1907 with platting occurring in 1909. However, larger-scale development did not occur until later.

Earlier plans in 1990 and 1994 dealt with the need for crosswalks and enhancements to Thornton Murphy Park at the same time recognizing the area as a community business center.

A South Hill coalition of neighborhood groups in 2014 recommended improvements in streets, parkways, public safety, identity, education and connectivity across the south side of the city.