City file Z25-631PPLT · Updated Oct. 14, 2026
A proposal would divide about six acres along Thorpe Road into 26 residential lots. Neighbors have questions about traffic, road access and emergency evacuation.
What’s happening?
The proposal would create 26 single-family lots, reached by a new road connecting to W. Thorpe Road. A public hearing was scheduled for October 8, 2026. The hearing outcome and written decision have not been confirmed.
Pins show the two Thorpe Road parcels, placed by address, so treat them as accurate to about a block. 2710 W Thorpe Rd plots just west of the boundary line. Dashed line is approximate.
Why it matters
More households would use the Thorpe Road corridor. Neighbors have raised concerns about access to US 195, traffic and evacuation routes.
Neighbor concern (Concern Report, Sept. 28): the Thorpe Road connection to US 195 should be resolved before any zoning is mapped. This is a neighbor’s concern, not a Council position.
Open question: would a possible future change to the Thorpe Road/US 195 connection affect this project? One council volunteer reported that the application acknowledges the US 195 entrance may someday close. We have not confirmed this in the application.
Where things stand
- Oct. 14 — City project page checked: no decision is posted yet. Hearing outcome not verified.
- Oct. 8 — Public hearing before the Hearing Examiner (scheduled date has passed).
- Oct. 7 — Comment period for the hearing record closed.
- Sept. 9 — Comment period for the staff report and environmental review closed.
- Aug. 25 — Notice of application issued.
Written decision: not yet confirmed. The Council is tracking the decision and any conditions on road access, traffic and stormwater.
How you can help
There are two ways to help. You don’t need to be a Council officer for either one.
Start here (a few minutes)
- Read the City project page.
- Tell us what you’ve seen. Share your own experience with traffic, road access or evacuation in the comment form below.
Take on a piece of this (leadership opportunities)
These are the jobs that will move this issue forward. Each one is a few hours over the coming weeks, and the Council will help you get started.
- Track the decision. Get the Hearing Examiner’s written decision from the City and post a plain-language summary here.
- Get an answer on road access. Ask City Transportation whether Thorpe Road will connect to US 195, and report what they say.
- Gather neighbor input. Collect and organize neighbors’ longer-term concerns about access and evacuation.
To take one on: choose “Yes” on the form below and tell us which one in the comment box. You can volunteer without leaving a comment, and we’ll follow up. If you can’t use the form, call or text the neighborhood info line at (509) 724-0331.
City contact for this application: planner Steven Bafus, sbafus@spokanecity.org, 509-625-6312.
Sources & documents
- City project page, Thorpe Road Preliminary Long Plat
- City public notice (request for comments). The notice lists a Jan. 5, 2026 comment date; the City project page lists Oct. 7, 2026. These have not been reconciled.
- Concern Report: Neighbor Concerns and Questions, Vinegar Flats Planning Committee, Sept. 28, 2026 (PDF)
Community discussion
Have a question, an update or firsthand experience to share? Add to the conversation so neighbors and Council volunteers can work toward solutions together. Comments are reviewed by the council before they appear. Comments are community comments, not verified facts or official Council positions.