Newport Draws a Fire Line—and a Street Fight Over Spokane Avenue
A petition to grade Spokane Avenue stalls over a steep cut above First Street, while the town moves to require fireproof buildings in the business district.
A special meeting of the council was held Wednesday evening. All members present.
The petition for the grading of Spokane Avenue was introduced, bearing the signatures of the required number of property owners. Several residents were present opposing the consideration of the petition in its present form on account of the heavy cut above First Street. It was suggested that the district be divided and that one district be established from Fifth to First and another from First to Walnut. At the suggestion of City Attorney Sherlock action on the petition was deferred until the next meeting. In the meantime a petition is being circulated covering the distance from Walnut to the city limits, to be included with the first petition.
The question of the Scott Avenue grade was brought up and discussed. The matter has been before the council since last September, but will now likely be brought to the point of action.
The ordinance establishing fire limits in the heart of the business district was introduced and given first and second readings. The limits as proposed by this ordinance cover Washington Avenue from Fourth to First Street, to and including the center line of the alley between Washington and Spokane and Washington and Union. It makes it unlawful to erect any except fireproof structures within this limit, and requires the procuring of a building permit from the town council before the erection of a building can be started. It also provides penalties for the maintaining of rubbish heaps of inflammable matter within the limits.
“Several residents were present opposing the consideration of the petition in its present form on account of the heavy cut above First Street.”
Newport’s council was fighting over how steep a street cut should be and where fireproof construction ought to begin—the same tension between public improvements and neighborhood disruption that still shapes small-town infrastructure fights. The fire-limits ordinance also marks an early attempt to manage downtown risk by code rather than by waiting for the next blaze.
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