Six-Month Development Moratorium Around Major Institutions Proposed

Thu., Aug. 31, 1995

Bruce Krasnow Staff writer

Planners for the city of Spokane are proposing a six-month moratorium on new development projects around major institutions such as Gonzaga University and Holy Family Hospital.

If approved by the City Council, the moratorium period would affect all institutions with campuses of 10 acres or more. Included, along with Gonzaga and Holy Family, would be Spokane Community College, the county courthouse and city shop areas in northeast Spokane.

Neither Gonzaga nor Holy Family have pending building plans that would be affected by the moratorium, officials there said.

The action would force institutions to prepare a comprehensive plan and zoning map that would have to go before the city council for approval. The plan would give more predictability to development in adjacent neighborhoods.

Last week, the city plan commission approved the process by which the institutions would go about their planning. The most contentious element of that process, designating spheres of influence or future planning areas, was deleted for fear it would dampen real estate prices for private homeowners.

The commission also clarified the relationship of the institutions to neighborhood steering committees and when variances can be granted for such issues as parking spaces.

The recommendations now go to the city council.

Joan Moran, a Logan resident concerned about Gonzaga’s growth, said the city listened to her concerns and made worthwhile changes in the ordinance. She was still concerned, however, about those who may not be aware of the proposed ordinance.

Once approved, the institutional master plans become binding and can be implemented without public hearings on each project.

“A great many people have no idea this is taking place - they don’t know the process is going forward,” said Moran.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: ZONING INFORMATION For more information on the city’s proposed zoning overlay for major institutions contact Spokane planner Andrew Worlock, 625-6144.

This sidebar appeared with the story: ZONING INFORMATION For more information on the city’s proposed zoning overlay for major institutions contact Spokane planner Andrew Worlock, 625-6144.