SPOKANE, Wash. — A massive residential development that will bring more than 1,400 homes to north Spokane has residents divided over whether the growth will enhance or overwhelm their quiet neighborhood.
The Mead Works development is being constructed just east of Newport Highway near the north Spokane Costco. Once completed, the project will include parks, walking trails, office and retail spaces, with some homes specifically designated for residents 55 years and older.
Long-time residents say they chose the area for its quiet streets and quality schools, but the rapid growth is changing the character of their community.
“You can definitely tell that in the neighborhood there are a lot more people walking around than there used to be,” said Emily Batchelder, who lives in north Spokane.
Some residents welcome the prospect of new amenities that could come with increased population density.
“It’s always fun to maybe get more people and maybe more local restaurants or places up on the north side, since we really don’t have that much stuff on the north side to do,” Batchelder said.
However, others worry that the infrastructure cannot keep pace with the rapid development. Traffic congestion has become a particular concern for residents like Boon Lye.
“Traveling for us is becoming a little dangerous, especially on Farewell. A lot of traffic, a lot of congestion,” Lye said.
School overcrowding presents another challenge as the area’s population grows. Batchelder pointed to Mead High School as an example of facilities already stretched beyond capacity.
“We definitely need at least another high school over here,” she said. “My youngest brother is still at Mead, and it’s already so incredibly busy and packed. And it’s like the building itself doesn’t even have the space and hallways to have the number of students it does.”
The Mead Works development is not the only construction project transforming the area. Several new homes and apartment complexes are also under development, adding to residents’ concerns about the pace of growth.
“They are developing even more apartments. So when is it enough? You know, when is enough enough?” Lye said.
Community members say they have witnessed dramatic changes in their neighborhood over the past few years and fear that continued rapid development will outpace infrastructure improvements.
The developer of the Mead Works project has not yet responded to requests for comment about how they plan to address residents’ concerns regarding traffic, school capacity and other infrastructure needs.
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