SPOKANE, Wash. — Residents in Spokane’s Five Mile area are voicing opposition to a proposed housing development, citing safety concerns over unpaved roads and lack of sidewalks to serve the new community.
The development includes 24 townhomes and more than 60 parking spots near Austin Road in Five Mile.
Community members attended a public meeting Wednesday to share their concerns with city officials about the project’s impact on the neighborhood’s infrastructure.
Aaron Reese, chair of the Five Mile Prairie Neighborhood Council, leads the opposition to the development. He argues that adding more traffic to Austin Road would create dangerous conditions for pedestrians.
“The shortest distance to the Five Mile Plaza park and ride is only partially paved. It’s a very narrow road and there are no sidewalks. Any pedestrians have to be very careful, especially on this dirt road,” Reese said.
The neighborhood council’s primary concern centers on emergency vehicle access. The area has only one way in and out using the unpaved road, which could hamper response times for fire and police services.
“Just having a plan of multiple access points for emergency vehicles to be able to respond in case there is a fire or some kind of emergency, that’s important,” Reese said.
Reese expressed frustration that the city has not directed the developer to pave roads or build sidewalks as part of the project requirements. He believes these infrastructure improvements should be mandatory before any new housing construction begins.
Public comments from the meeting are being forwarded to an assistant city planner for review as part of the development approval process. The city will consider community input alongside other factors when making a decision on the project.
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