SPOKANE, Wash. — Many in Spokane are disappointed with the city’s decision to give the green light on a development project that would bring more than 400 homes in the Latah Valley.
Those who live in the area say they feel Latah Valley lacks the infrastructure to support these new homes and the people living in them.
Barbara Neal has lived in the area for over 30 years. She was one of many who were disappointed to hear the Marshall Estates Development got the green light from the city.
“The city is going to do what the city is going to do,” Neal said.
The city approved the new development under certain conditions. These include a requirement for the developer to pay for improvements in the area before construction can begin.
Some who live in the area say this doesn’t adds to the existing infrastructure issue the area is already facing.
“Our concerns as residents are how we’re going to be impacted by even more stress on the deficient infrastructure will only be exacerbated,” said Claudia Lobb, a member of the Citizens Action for Latah Valley. “So many levels of safety, fire safety, traffic safety. Will our children be safe going to school? Will they have to be bused long distances because there is not a school here?”
In a statement to 4 News Now, the city said it plans to remain committed to maintaining an open communication throughout the process.
For those like Neal, this new development has brought a sense of hopelessness.
“We have seen people come and people go, and that’s really sad but I know there’s nothing I can do,” Neal said.
The reason this development is not impacted by the moratorium passed in May is because the application for it was submitted in October of 2020.
The city said it will likely take multiple years before any construction takes place.
You can read the full statement from the city below:
“The Marshall Creek Estates development is not impacted by the moratorium passed in May 2024 because the application was submitted and received by the City in October 2020. While the language of the moratorium restricts new applications, this project has been in process for some time.The City of Spokane’s planning team has made several efforts to keep the community informed through a variety of notices. A public comment period was offered in August, which required the applicant to post large signs on site and in several public buildings, notices were mailed to nearby residents, and project information was provided to the area’s neighborhood council. All notices were provided to inform the public of the comment period as well as the public hearing where residents could attend and voice comments or concerns.As always, the City of Spokane remains committed to maintaining open communication throughout the process.”
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