SPOKANE, Wash. – Hundreds of new homes could soon be on the way in the Latah Valley, as the hearing examiner cleared the way for a new development west of Eagle Ridge.
Developers first proposed the Marshall Creek Estates in 2019.
The development calls for 425 single family lots on a parcel that sits between Cedar Road on the east and Cheney-Spokane Road and the Spokane Memorial Gardens on the west.
People living in Latah Valley have expressed concern in recent years about growth in the area, concerned that infrastructure has not kept up with the increase in population.
In its examination of the project, the hearing examiner noted that “the site is within the urban growth area” and is “designated precisely or this type of development.”
The hearing examiner’s decision notes the neighborhood concerns about safe access to the SR 195, inadequate local road systems, evacuation routes during a wildfire and existing water infrastructure.
The city’s traffic engineer testified before the hearing examiner, saying the local transportation had sufficient capacity to support the development.
Concerns remained, though, about SR 195.
The hearing examiner noted that traffic from this project would add 72 trips each morning and 33 each evening to the on-ramp where 195 meets I-90.
The developer is required to pay for improvements for that area, including 195 and Hatch Road and payment will have to be arranged before any construction can begin.
The hearing examiner requires the developer to build sidewalks, a roundabout and other traffic improvements in the area.
There are also requirements for sewer and water infrastructure in the area.
In May, the City of Spokane passed a one-year moratorium on any new projects in Latah Valley. Exceptions were made, however, for applications that were already in progress.
You can read the hearing examiner’s full decision below.
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