Millwood Business District: March 2015

Business owners and property owners met with city representatives on February 17, 2015 at the Millwood Community Center. The following is a list of comments made during the meeting. A follow-up meeting to pursue these issues further is being scheduled for mid-April.

Key Concerns raised:

· Infrastructure-related concerns included how to moderate traffic on Argonne Rd, enabling traffic to turn off, the amount of parking near the historic area and making it safe to cross Argonne at various turning points.

· The nature and issues concerning the large number of small businesses included their lack of time and resources, that these businesses were located in Millwood because of low rents and that owners had little time and resources to stimulate regional advertising to encourage business to Millwood.

· Safety relating to drug abuse and vandalism were mentioned.

· Lack of Millwood identity – the City is largely not known outside its own boundaries or by people that don’t have a direct connection to the City. The City has several landmarks such as West Valley High School, and the Inland Empire Paper Company. The City is “hidden” apart from the major traffic routes of Argonne and Trent. There are no landmark signs indicating Millwood boundaries.

Attractions (Millwood identity):

· The region between Trent and the Spokane River is perceived as being Millwood even though the area west of Vista Road is in Spokane Valley.

· The City holds many events to showcase the City including events such as Farmers Market Days, Park, Millwood Daze, the City’s historical landmarks and listed buildings, car shows and other similar events.

· There is a strong faith-based community and outreach programs with the Presbyterian Church, and the Millwood Community Center at its hub.

· Education is a hallmark of the City through the West Valley School District. The school is well recognized regionally for its academic and non-academic performance. While not technically within the City boundaries it is a regional center which is a landmark of the region.

· Felts Field is a regional airport, and it offers its own events and river access.

· Nature is a key attribute of the City, which has the Spokane River as its northern boundary; Centennial Trail passing north of the City. Beautiful historical buildings, tree lined streets which display each season vividly.

· There is a strong sense of community which integrates the river, major arterial roads, desirable residential spaces with larger building lots, some high density buildings, a significant business composition of 10%, a dominant industry (IEPC) and the industrial feel of railways to the southern boundary at Trent and passing through the heart of the City.

Opportunities:

· Millwood sits at the center of a very large residential and commercial area which is outside its boundaries but which has a common feel.

· The City is highly accessible, to the I-90 freeway, northern Spokane and Spokane Valley.

· There is significant residential and commercial traffic passing along Argonne to the Green Bluff and along the east-west Trent route which could be encouraged to Millwood.

· Millwood is a blended, integrated and harmonious residential and commercial area.

· Millwood has a long and proud history, a strong sense of community and these features can be used as foundations for future development.

· Millwood could promote itself better to utilize the passing traffic to stimulate the local economy.

· Millwood could promote itself better through a unified brand, attract businesses and people that like the image.

Focus actions:

· Develop signage

· Build an identity for the City

· Continue the infrastructure, events and community consultation

Millwood Business District

Monday, March 16, 2015

Next Meeting on Millwood Business Consultation Set for April 21

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Feedback from the Community Consultation Meeting